FRIDAY POTPOURRI: PARISH HISTORY (ADDENDUM) : BRIDGING THE FUNDING GAP

Fundraising has been part of the parish life from the very beginning.  The first fundraising activities were begun by the Sanctuary Society and consisted of a number of card parties.  Bridge was the game of the parish and Bridge Flights continue until this day.  The funds provided to the parish from the bridge flights in 2015 were used to commission an icon of St. Sebastian to be revealed at the 90th anniversary of the parish.  A new order of young Byzantine nuns located within the Diocese of Cleveland rely on these commissions if icons to help sustain themselves.

The first bridge party and dance was held on 16 October, 1928, in the Knights of Columbus Auditorium, the Knights of Columbus being another organization that had greatly helped in the founding of the parish.  The evening was a great success and was followed by a number of Bridge Parties in the homes of members of the Society.  

A couple of noteworthy parties include one thrown by Mrs. Guy Grimsby and Mrs. O. W. Burgess who were not members of the parish but desired to assist the fledgling new Catholic community.  The event was held at the Liedertafel Hall.  Another pays tribute to the idea that ecumenism is not a new idea with Vatican II.  On April 25th, a party sponsored by Mr. and Mrs. William E. Cunningham was had filling “every available inch” of the Knights of Columbus Hall.  It was said that it “drew friends from every part of the city, Catholic and non-Catholic” alike.

FRIDAY POTPOURRI: PARISH HISTORY: 1938 - 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY

This year would also mark the 25th anniversary of Father Zwisler’s ordination.  In May, hundreds would turn out to offer their congratulations to the dynamic and driven priest.  A scrapbook presented to Father, leather bound with beautifully illuminated pages, contained extensive newspaper clipping of the event, hundreds of signatures of congratulations and even some telegrams.  One Western Union telegram proclaimed:

CONGRATULATIONS AND BEST WISHES FOR MANY SUCCESSFUL YEARS TO COME. WILL SEE YOU SUNDAY IN CINCINNATI AT ANTHONYS= GEORGE A. PARKER.

After a listing of his many accomplishments and a description of the celebrations to come, one newspaper wrote, “St. Sebastian’s parish property . . . is a showplace among diocesan buildings.  Father Zwisler on June 6th will celebrate the 10th year of the launching of the parish.   Plans are now under way to erect a rectory on the parish grounds.  Priests of the parish now make their home at 100 Elmdale Avenue.”

A letter from the Knights of Columbus says in part:

“The Knights of Columbus joins with your many friends in congratulating you on the twenty-fifth anniversary of your ordination to the priesthood.  Your extensive education, both in this country and abroad, your fine character and your devotion to God, equipped you well to be selected as a leader in the Church.

“We were pleased when you consented to act as the Chaplain of our Council.  Your words of helpful advice to us have always been attentively received, and we appreciated the sacrifice of your time for our benefit.

“May your future years in the service of God and humanity be as fruitful as those for which we now celebrate your jubilee.  Sincerely yours, C. C. Lippa, Grand Knight.”

There was much to celebrate during what must have been an otherwise difficult year for Fr. Zwisler.  In a post script of a letter written to Auxiliary Bishop McFadden dated July 15th, 1938, Father wrote, “My aged mother is dying of cancer.  The doctors do not give her a month.  An occasional prayer for a speedy delivery from her suffering will be much appreciated.  H. A. Z.”