Turning the pages back... September 8, 2002 (09/04/05)

Turning the pages back...

September 8, 2002

Three years ago, on September 8, 2002, The Ukrainian Weekly published a lengthy article noting the migration of Ukrainian American families to the suburbs and exurbs of western New Jersey and the resultant increase in community activity there. This migration, wrote Victor Hatala, "has presented a rare and wonderful opportunity for the Ukrainian Catholic parish here to build a new church, and to establish a significant Ukrainian cultural and community center that will be easily accessible to residents of New Jersey, southern New York, eastern Pennsylvania and even southwestern Connecticut."

"This is the vision of our parishioners," said the Rev. Roman Mirchuk, who several months earlier had been named pastor at St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church in Whippany, N.J. Orest Kucyna, parish trustee and chairman of the Building Committee, said: "Our future lies in attracting young families and our youth by providing adequate facilities for worship, religion classes, a Ukrainian heritage school, cultural groups, scouting organizations and sports clubs. We must also reach out to provide support for senior citizens by establishing Ukrainian-sponsored social services."

In 2002 we reported that the land for the cultural center and church had already been purchased; its location was optimal: close to Routes 287 and 10. Ukrainian American architect Taras Dobusz had already prepared renderings of a church, a rectory, a bell tower and a Ukrainian cultural-community center.

Now, three years later, construction of the 24,000-square-foot cultural center has begun on the 7.5-acre tract of land. And the Ukrainian American Cultural Center of New Jersey is yet another step closer to reality.

Source: "Jersey parish has ambitious vision for new church and community center," by Victor M. Hatala, The Ukrainian Weekly, September 8, 2002, Vol. LXX, No. 36.

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