1886
The first Polish immigrants to come to Southampton were mostly farmers. The first settlers gravitated to the farm area of Southampton und used skills of farming to earn a livelihood. In 1886, a Polish immigrant named Francis Kruszewski settled in Riverhead, and finally settled in Southampton in 1890. In 1895 Kruszewski was joined by Joseph Butanowicz , Aleksander Krzyewski, Antoni Zieliski, Leon Kryziemian and Isidore Roszko. By 1901 six families were located in Southampton and by 1919, this grew to 29 families and some young adults.
The church was an integral part of the immigrant's life. Many of the traditions of Poland were practiced in the new homeland, the blessing of bread and colored eggs at Easter time, and the blessing of homes each year. Father Joseph Cizmowski replaced his brother as pastor in 1923 and stayed here until he passed away in 1934. In the early years, the priests taught religious instruction and prepared the children for First Communion.
1910
Southampton, at the turn of the turn of the century, was an area containing several score luxurious estates and much rich farm land. As the population grew, the industrious Polish immigrants were well equipped to work at the wealthy summer residences as gardeners and caretakers. This offered seasonal employment for many to supplement their farm income. A building boom in the early 1900's offered stil another source of income for the Polish settlement and many worked as foremen, mechanics, carpenters, masons, painters and small building contractors. It was about this time, 1910, that the St. Anthony Benevolent Society was formed. The first meeting was held on May 24th, 1910.
The goal of this organization was to assist those in the Polish-American Community in the time of crisis, illines, or death. In addition, it served to propagate the Catholic Faith and Polish culture. Dues were fifty cents for a month, and seven dollars was paid to a member during illness. In case of death, the organization contributed $100 plus $1 per member to the bereaved family. The first meetings were held in the home of Aleksander Krzyzewski.
1919
In 1919, spiritual societies were formed by the women of the parish. The Rosary Society and the Sacred Heart of Jesus Society. Paying homage to the Blessed Mother of God, the young girls of the parish belonged to the "Children of Mary" or the Blessed Virgin Sodality.
Numerous organizations were formed in the ensuing years.
Polish American Political - 1923
Club Incorporated - 1928
St. Wojciecha Z.P.R.K. - 1926
Marie Curie Sklodowski Soc. - 1934
Polish War Veterans
Auxiliary to the Polish War Veterans - 1935
Polish Falcons - 1934
United Societies - 1935
1939
Other pastors of the parish included Reverend Stephen Biedrzcki 1939-1943, Reverend Joseph Paprocki, 1943-1948; Monsignor Anthony Zasowki, 1948-1953; Reverend Theodore Wegrowski, 1953-1963; Monsignor John Cwalina, 1965-1967; Reverend Matthew Wisniewski, who celebrated the Golden Anniversary with our parishioners. Monsignor John Mirecki was pastor from 1978 to 1986 when Reverend Bruno Swiatocha becamethe pastor. Monsignor Edward A. Fus was the first assistant pastor in 1943, succeeded by several others.
All of our Pastors devoted a great part of their ministry to the interests of the children. For many years, the young girls of the Parish belonged to the "Children of Mary" Society and assembled monthly in Church with their Marian Banner for Mass. There were also two choirs at the same time - the children's choir of young girls and the adult women's choir.Changing times, however, brought about the dissolution of these groups. Today, we are proud of our Polish Choir which sings beautiful Polish hymns at the eight o'clock Mass each Sunday.
1990
Today, we can look upon our flourishing Regional School with gratitude and justifiable pride. We gratefully acknowledge the work of the Sisters and teachers who so diligently strived for the attainment of the highest levels of educational excellence, first, the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth and presently, the Sisters of St. Joseph. We acclaim with pride the progress and growth of the school where the curriculum has been expanded to include computer training, drama and the arts, pre-kindergarten and other numerous improvements in the school itself.
In 1990, the increased enrollment necessitated the addition of St. Joseph's Hall to meet growing accommodation and in 1992 the pre-kindergarten classes were moved to the newly built Parish Center at St. Rosalie's in Hampton Bays.
In 1999 The expansion of a second floor addition to the school was completed and dedicated to Bishop John McGann, former Ordinary of Rockville Center Diocese, and named McGann Hall.
1993
In 1993 Our Lady of Poland Parish celebrated its Diamond Jubilee seventy-five years. It was a time of great celebration; a year of thanksgiving to God who so bountifully blessed our parish through the manifestation of faith of our people.Various events marked the occasion, which came to fruition on September 12, 1993, with a Mass of Thanksgiving offered by Bishop Alfred Markiewicz, a procession of former pastors and priests and dignitaries. A formal dinner reception followed at Pulaski Hall. Also, a Journal was published, documenting parish history and updated activities and events.
2007
Our Lady of Poland started a $1 million fund-raising campaign in February 2007 for the renovations, which had become essential for the church to stay in service—the walls has warped and were being held up with timbers installed in the south face of the building.
Now, Our Lady of Poland appears to be a brand new building, but with all of the classic architecture expected of an early 20th century Catholic church.