| 1887-1984 |
| Microfilm |
| RESTRICTED: Post 1940 baptisms are restricted. Written permission from the church required for access. See Registrar for further information |
| Microfilm only |
| SCM 3607 - SCM 3618 |
| Holy Rosary Church, Archdiocese of Baltimore, Roman Catholic, Baltimore City, 408 S. Chester Street: parish register 1887-1892; baptisms 1887-1984; marriages 1888-1984; deaths 1888-1984; first communion 1950-1983; confirmation 1937-1983. |
| Established in 1887 under Cardinal Gibbons for the benefit of the Polish people of southeastern Baltimore, the Holy Rosary congregation remains the oldest and and one of the largest for this ethnic group. The congregation initially occupied the old East Baltimore Station Methodist Episcopal Church building at 1624 Eastern Avenue. The first pastor was Father Peter Chowaniec who began in 1887, serving a rapidly growing community of about 300 families. His successor in 1892, Polish born Father Barabasz, made many improvements to church property adding a rectory, a school served by the Felician Sisters, and a cemetery open to all Polish people within the city. In 1926 and 1927, forty-two lots on Bank and Chester Streets were acquired by Holy Rosary and a new church was soon dedicated there. |
