All Saints Est. 1920 MASS SCHEDULE Sunday 9:30 AM Weekdays Tuesday 8:30 AM ALL SAINTS 1386 Henry Ave. S.W. Canton, OH 44706 330-453-6429 330-453-2071 (fax) allsaintscanton.org allsaint@cannet.com PARISH STAFF   Rev. Thomas Bishop, Pastor     Mary Lou Vega Parish Director of Religious Education   Nancy King Secretary   BRIEF HISTORY In October 1919, a committee of Polish families in the Canton area approached Bishop Farrely, Bishop of Cleveland, with a petition for a priest and church for the Polish nationality in Canton. On October 25, 1919, Rev. Francis Duda came from Barberton to say the first Mass for the Polish people at St. Mary’s in Canton. From 1919 to 1921, Mass was held at St. Peter’s in Canton. In 1920, land was purchased on Henry Avenue S.W., Canton, and a temporary church was built and named Holy Cross. Rev. John Kubaci was assigned to the completed new church in August, 1921. In 1922, the church was renamed All Saints. The original church was a white frame and entirely built of wood including wooden pillars, beams, ceiling, as well as the three altars. Rev. Stanislaus Jastrzembski served as pastor from 1922-1923. During his pastorate, two adjoining lots and a home were purchased. The next pastors were: Rev. Paul Michalek, 1922-1925; Rev. Joseph Kuta, 1925-1927; Rev. Stanislaus Sobieniowski, 1927-1929; and Rev. Louis Kazmierski, 1929-1932. In 1925, the church was remodeled with a new entrance on the west side, three altars were moved, the ceiling of wooden beams was covered by sheet metal paneling, and the walls were plastered. A bell tower was added to the south side of the new entrance. Rev. Adolph Bernas was appointed pastor in April 1932, and a new building fund was established. Renovation and remodeling was done in 1943-1944 when the church received a new foundation (original church had no foundation), social hall, gas heating, new steel trusses, plastered walls, new electric lights, and a new floor which was covered by linoleum. All Saints celebrated its Silver Jubilee on September 23, 1945. Another remodeling project took place in 1955 which included a new exterior of brick. The bell tower was removed and replaced with a belfry built directly over the main entrance. The interior was updated with gothic style wooden beams, new pews, new confessionals, new council room, carpeting, and new lighting. The church hall was remodeled in 1968. Rev. Wallace Kosin served All Saints from 1968-1969; Rev. Robert Hill, 1969-1971; Rev. Edward Kowaleski, 1971-1975; and Rev. Bonaventure Babik, 1975-1986. Between 1972 and 1980, stained glass windows were installed, a new organ was donated, a reconciliation room was built, the church and social hall were air conditioned, new garage was built, sidewalks were laid, and the church sign facing Henry Avenue was added. In 1981, a steeple was donated. The alley along side of the church was named All Saints Place. Fr. Babik commissioned Mr. John Athey in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, to design a new altar front in 1984. This unique work of art, carved in wood, depicts the Tree of Life showing symbols for the sacraments. A colorful canvas mural showing twenty-nine saints encircled the walls directly behind the main altar and was completed in 1986. Also during Fr. Babik’s pastorate, property was purchased across the street on Henry Avenue and paved for additional parking. The church name was placed on the east side of the building in Polish and English, making it visible from I-77. Rev. Anthony Bachowski served All Saints from 1986-1987. During this time, the decision was made to raze the rectory, which was situated directly in front of the church. Rev. Carl Forgach began his pastorate in July, 1987, and accomplished many projects including electronic bells, lighting the steeple, additional lighting on the church grounds, electric stairglide in the church hall, carpeting of church hall stairs, acquiring additional parking area behind the church, paving the parking lot, acquiring the property next to the church, and landscaping the church grounds. In the fall of 1991, Rev. John C. Finnigan assumed the leadership of All Saints. This would be a part-time ministry added to his serving as full-time pastor of St. Peter Parish and administrator of Emmaus House for Retired Priests. In June of 1999, Father Thomas Bishop became the new administrator of All Saints. In addition to his role as pastor of St. Anthony’s and administrator, he also provides pastoral leadership to the growing Hispanic Community in Stark County. Since Father Tom came to All Saints, many improvements have been made to the parish. The lighting in the church has been updated, outdoor lighting has been replaced, electric and storage was added to the parish hall, and existing storage areas have been improved. Two lots were purchased on Margaret Avenue and the houses were razed to provide much needed parking. A fence was installed around the perimeter of these lots. Upon the death of Cecelia Marzec, her heirs donated her home to the parish. A decision was made to also raze her home to provide parking for the handicap and elderly parishioners. Also during Father Tom’s time here we have developed Bereavement, Pastoral Care, Polish Cultures and Parish Life ministries. In 2005 a census was taken indicating over 170 registered members, with this number growing! Back to Office of Catholic Schools