St. John's Ukrainian Catholic School in Newark: 65 years of illustrious history (05/23/04)

St. John's Ukrainian Catholic School in Newark: 65 years of illustrious history

by Ksenia Hapij

NEWARK, N.J. - The primary needs of the Ukrainian people who emigrated to the United States at the beginning of the 20th century were to have a place of worship and to establish their own school to preserve their Ukrainian language and heritage.

In 1906 the members of the Ukrainian community in Newark, N.J., established the parish of St. John the Baptist. In 1910 they began evening classes every second weekday from 5 to 7 p.m. At first only 12 children attended, but by 1914 the enrollment reached 100 pupils. Because the population was so scattered throughout the area, these evening classes were held both in the church hall and at a storefront.

In 1918, with the continuing growth of Ukrainian Catholic immigrants, a new building was purchased. By 1927 the number of students grew to 300, and yet another building was purchased on Morton Street. All evening classes were then consolidated in one location. During the next 10 years, because of the shift of population from Newark to the neighboring municipalities, a slow but steady decline in enrollment was noted.

In 1939 the evening school was closed down and the Basilian Sisters were asked to organize a parochial day school. St. John's Ukrainian Catholic School of Newark, N.J., began humbly with an enrollment of 20 students. By 1944 the enrollment grew to 45 students and by the end of World War II the enrollment reached 85 students.

In 1946 the Redemptorist Fathers assumed responsibility for the parish and the school. Under this new leadership an effort to expand the school was initiated, and by 1947 the enrollment increased to 100 students. Again, with the influx of new immigrants during the post-war years, growth was inevitable and a campaign to build a new school in a new location was initiated. In 1953 the school was moved to a yet undeveloped section of Newark, called Vailsburg, and the school immediately experienced a surge of vitality. As the decade closed, a record 486 Ukrainian students were enrolled in the flourishing new St. John's School.

Over the course of the 1950s and 1960s the renewed life of the school reached a steady tempo. This turned St. John's Ukrainian Catholic School in Newark into a hallmark of educational excellence.

The purpose of St. John's School was three-fold: first, the all-encompassing education of pupils in academic fields of study; second, the instructing of pupils in the Ukrainian Catholic way of life; and third, the development of love and knowledge of the pupils' own Ukrainian language, rite and culture. Cultural and religious events were a regular part of the school program, and the Newark community greatly prided itself on the accomplishments of its multi-talented children.

As time journeyed on, the demographics of the area again changed and enrollment began to drastically diminish. A shift in the school's complexion occurred in the late 1960s when school enrollment dropped to 340 students.

Many parents with school-age children resettled in suburban areas and in 1980, even though St. John's was awarded special recognition as one of the 10 best grade schools in the Newark Archdiocese, there were only 140 students enrolled in the kindergaren and all eight grades.

When Ukraine won its independence in the early 1990s, the United States once again saw an influx of new immigrants who enrolled their children in St. John's. The dedicated Basilian Sisters who faithfully taught in St. John's for over 60 years could no longer continue because of their diminishing numbers, so in the year 2000 the Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate responded to St. John's invitation and continued the fine educational tradition of our school.

Unfortunately, because of the changing demographics of the area and the unavailability of school-age children, the enrollment continued to decline. In 2004 the enrollment dwindled to less than 70 students. This placed an impossible financial burden on St. John's Ukrainian Catholic Parish, which sadly acknowledged this reality and made the painful decision to close St. John's school at the end of this academic year - the 65th year of its educational history.

As we reflect upon the past, we gratefully realize what a beautiful gift St. John's School was to the New Jersey Ukrainian community. Thousands of Ukrainian children had the blessing of fostering their Ukrainian Catholic identity in a sound academic atmosphere. The foundation that these children received is immeasurable and priceless. Without any doubt, St. John's Ukrainian Catholic School contributed enormously to the preservation of the Ukrainian language, heritage and tradition. Numerous graduates of St. John's today are active members of Ukrainian communities throughout the United States and the world.

Through the years there have been numerous reunions of graduates and alumni. These many events allowed former students to gather with their classmates and teachers. Now, one more such event is being planned.

On June 6, St. John's Parish in Newark plans to honor all the teachers and benefactors who throughout the years have made this journey of an Ukrainian Catholic education possible. A heartfelt invitation is extended to all teachers, former students, parents, friends and benefactors.

St. John's Parish will celebrate a solemn divine liturgy of Thanksgiving at 10 a.m. St. John's School then will be open for everyone to come and reminisce, to renew old friendships and to celebrate a wonderful 65-year-old history. This will be a celebration of appreciation and gratitude, giving everyone an opportunity to come and partake in St. John's illustrious history.

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