80th Anniversary of the Building of St. George

In September of 1997 the parish celebrated the 80th Anniversary of the building of the church on State Street. To commemorate the occasion His Excellency the Roman Archbishop of Milwaukee, Rembert Weakland was invited to a special vespers service celebrated by Father Littlefield and co-presided by Bishop John Elya, the Melkite Eparch of Newton.

During the vespers Archbishop Weakland spoke eloquently of the diversity of the Catholic Church and the beauty of the Eastern Tradition. The service marked the first time that the Archbishop of Milwaukee and the Melkite Eparch shared in the "evening prayers."

The vespers service was well attended by friends of St. George from throughout the Milwaukee area. A Milwaukee-style reception followed with brats and hamburgers, homemade salads, and sumptuous cakes. Bishop John shared his thoughts on the strength of the little Milwaukee community and praised the parish for its perseverance. Both bishops were presented with a commemorative image of the church which had been designed for the occasion.

On Sunday the festivities continued with Bishop John officiating at the Divine Liturgy and a parish luncheon of falafel. Many of the framed prints of the church were purchased as mementos of the occasion. Eighty numbered prints were signed by Bishop John and the valued numbers 1/80 and 80/080 were auctioned to the highest bidder. Parishioners showed their loyalty and love of St. George by a spirited bidding that brought the entire church hall to applause.

Excerpts from Bishop John Elya's Talk on September 27, 1997 on the Anniversary of the founding of St. George Melkite Greek Catholic Church in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

First of all, I feel proud and honored to welcome among us our big brother, Archbishop Rembert G. Weakland, Archbishop of Milwaukee. St. George Church was a part of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee for more than half of its existence, namely 49 years out of 80. St. George Church would not have been hear without the solicitude of our big Sister, THE Roman Catholic Church. 

 

How true are the words of Kahlil Gebran: "The humble reed lives peacefully besides the shadow of the mighty oak." We do not see that as a disadvantage, but as a privilege. As La Fontaine, the famous French poet had the reed say: "I bend, but do not break." This is its secret to face the big storms of life.

I am very happy to be with you, my people of Milwaukee, for the 80th Anniversary of St. George Melkite Church. I like your eager, responsible, joyful attitude toward your parish as a community of love. This seems to be a reflection of the devoted efforts of your spirited Pastor, Father Philaret, the Parish Advisory Council, the Finance Council and the many workers and helpers. As in my visits to other parishes, I am here to witness your progress, to support Father Philaret and your parish council and other parish activities in your effort to expand the word of God and to spread the good news that God is alive and well at St. George, the second oldest standing Melkite Church building in the United States. It is also, as far as I know, the only Melkite Church in the United States which is included

in the National Register of Historic Places. But, to paraphrase Our Lord's saying: "Do not rejoice in this; but rejoice that your names are written in heaven." You are small in number, but great in your spirit of dedication. You deserve the admiration of other parishes, because of all the hardships you passed through. In my last visit, I quoted to you one of my favorite verses:

"One thought to make you fight a little longer: What does not kill you outright makes you stronger."

You are today stronger than ever before.

 When I visited you for the first time, less than a month after my Installation as Eparch, you had no Pastor and you were anxious about the future of your little church. You continued your struggle patiently and resolutely, knowing that God helps those who help themselves ("Uum ya Yabdi ta uum mayaq - Rise up, O my servant, says the Lord, and I rise up with you") I was so much impressed of my visit that I offered you as a model parish, despite your precarious situation at that time.  "A Parish Truly Alive." Which was sent to all our clergy...."

St. George can be proud of being one of the smallest yet best kept communities in our Melkite Eparchy. Three years ago, I read in a small book of nursery rhymes printed in 1932 a cute poem which might fit the occasion:

"I met a little Elf-man once, Down where the lilies blow.

I asked him why he was so small, And why he didn't grow.

He slightly frowned and with his eye, He looked me through and through.

'I'm quite as big for me,' said he, 'As you are big for you.'"

(John Kendrick Bangs - In "Poems for the Very Little Child" compiled by Dolores Knippel. Whitman Publishing Co., Racine, Wisconsin. 1932. P.74)

I know, "small is beautiful" and "precious things come in small packages." This is all wise and true, as long as you assure your survival as a community. You certainly deserve Our Lord's reassuring words: "Do not be afraid any longer, little flock; for your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom." (Luke 12:32)

There are two kinds of Christians - Of course there are all kinds of Christians. "In my Father's house, there are many mansions." -- But, when it comes to small communities like yours, there are two kinds of people: those who look at themselves as being the remnant, the survivors, those who cling to their roots and face the storm with determination. They think that the world is fighting them; and they are willing to face the world to keep their ground. On the other hand, there are those who consider themselves as the yeast in the dough. They know that they are few; but they value their treasures of tradition and creativity. Like the yeast in the dough, they expand and look to the world with joy and enthusiasm. They do not keep the faith; they spread it. The Eastern Catholic faithful are few, certainly, but they count. You enter a nearby Roman Catholic church, our older and richer sister church, you are like one in a thousand. You enter your Eastern Catholic Church and you are one in a hundred. This is an instant ten times increase in your personal value.

To conclude, it gives me pleasure to salute the memory of the founders of St. George and to praise the Lord for all your devoted pastors who served this parish since its inception until your present devoted pastor, Fr. Philaret.

Father Timothy Jock, 1911-1914 - - Father Anthony Aneed, 1915-1921

Father Peter Nahas, 1921-1926 - - Father Joseph KAndalaft, 1926-1934

Father Raphael Gedah. 1934-1963 - - Father John K. Nasser, 1960-1967

Father John Orlowski, 1967-1968 - -Father Elias Njaim, 1968-1970

Father Ronald Golini, 1970-1977 - - Fr. Alexander Kelliher, 1977-1978

Fr. Ronald Golini, 1978-1979 - - Fr. Damon Geiger, 1979-1982

Fr. Frank Milienewicz, 1982-88 - - Fr. Paul Frechette, 1988-90

Fr. Cyril Crume, 1990-1992 - - And now Fr. Philaret Littlefield

Fr. Philaret has joined piety to intelligence to good management to compassion for the poor as Director of our Melkite Charities. And the best quality I heard is that he loves you and you love him. What you do without enthusiasm you quit without regret. There is an Arabic saying, which is as true in English: "One hand cannot applaud alone." Father Philaret's success is certainly due to your good cooperation. I hope and pray that this parish of St. George, in its 80th Anniversary and for many years to come will always stay "A Parish Truly Alive."

 

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