WHEREAS, At the beginning of the 20th century, Port Richmond became a melting pot for many different European immigrants, including the Irish, German, Polish, Lithuanian and Italians; and
WHEREAS, Because of this influx, and in order to serve the growing number of Lithuanians living in Port Richmond, Saint George’s Parish was formally founded under the guidance of Reverend Joseph J. Kaulakis on February 15, 1902; and
WHEREAS, The new Saint George’s Church was proudly dedicated in a ceremony with then Auxiliary Bishop Edmund Prendergast less than 9 months later on October 26, 1902; and
WHEREAS, Recognizing the need for a quality education and religious formation, the Parish established an educational program in 1910; and
WHEREAS, Over the next 20 years plans were made and executed to construct a new church and formal school building, with the present edifice being dedicated in 1920. The Lithuanian Sisters of Saint Francis of the Providence of God began teaching the children in 1923, where they taught for over 50 years until their departure in 1988; and
WHEREAS, Over the years a number of pastors have guided Saint George, including the Founder, Father Joseph Kaulakis and his successor, Reverend Ignatius Zimblys who lead the parishioners until 1941. Msgr. Vito Martusevich, known throughout Port Richmond as “Monsignor Marty” followed the Reverend. He served 40 years until 1982, performing as pastor emeritus until his death in 1997; and
WHEREAS, Since 1982, Monsignor Joseph Anderlonis has administered to a number of exciting changes in the parish; and
WHEREAS, Presently Saint George School is operated by a devoted lay faculty serving the needs of over 200 students. The school has built on its’ enormous success and now serves a kindergarten, a pre-K program and computer classes; now therefore
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we hereby honor and commend Saint George Parish on the occasion of their 100th Anniversary.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Reverend Monsignor Joseph J. Anderlonis, further evidencing the sincere respect and admiration of this legislative body.
End