The sun., 1901-07-08
TROUBLE IN
POLISH CHURCH
Former Member Accuses Priest
Of Slander.
FRICTION AGAIN ARISES
Exchange of Hot Words Among
Members of Woman's Society
and General Uproar for
Time Reported.

After quiet for several months, fric-
ton which may result in serious trouble,
has again broken out among some mem
bers of the congregation of st. Hedwig's
Polish Roman Catholic Church. 1t will
be remembered by persons who can re-
call the red-pepper throwing episode i'll
which some members of the congresa-
ton figured about year ago that these
people adopt more vigorous means of
combat than most church going people.
1t is claimed by Theodore Sikorshi, Il
former member of the congregation, thar
the pastor, Father John S. Gulcz sand
cred him in his sermon yesterday morn
ing and herein lies the greater part Of the
trouble, for Mr.. Sikorski resents the al
legged imprecations of the priest.
But it is said there are other troubles.
The talk ameng the Polish people is that
harmony does not exist among the mem-
bers of society of women of the church.
and the mutterings of weeks past culmin-
ated in an exchange of hot words at Il
meeting yesterday.
Theodore SikorSki who claims he was
Slandered is the proprietor of the Cen
eral Pulaski House. No. 61S West Front
street. He declared last night that he
would engage lawyer today and would
endcayor TO make Father GulcZ take
back certain remarks made at 10 o'clock
mass in st. Hedwig's Church yesterday.
1t appears that on last Wednesday
afternoon Michael Masoik who boarded
with Sikorski. was suddenly taken i'll
while lying on lounge in the dining
room. He was carried into the ward SO
that he could get air. He expired be-
fore physician could be summoned.
Masoilk had been Il member of st.
IIedwig's Church but since the trouble
there had been going to the Sacred Heart
Church and priest from that church,
who had been summoned, arrived after
the man was dead.
The funeral took place Saturday from
the Sacred Heart Church.
Father Gnlcz at 10 o'clock mass yes
terday referred to the death of MasoilIl
and it is claimed hy Sikorski that he
declared Masoilk died III that Slop house
On Front street and that they, the people
there. We're laughing while he was dying.
Mr.. Sikorski since the trouble at Isl.
Hedwig's Church has left the church and
now attends the Sacred Heart Church
but his wife and children still go to
st. Hedwig's. His son. John Sikorsl>i,
and his hired girl. Annie Bokoski, were
| ~ HlHSS anu HtHTu IIt TPIllHFKS lllilIt IN
the priest and We're greatly shocked
thereby.
Mr.. Sikorski said last night that Mas
milk had been employed by Pennock 4,
Co. andl had boarded with him for three
years. He died suddenly of heart dis
ease. Sikorski says he paid due respects
to the deceased and had his place closed
for three days. He saw that he had II
decent burial Masoilk was 80 years of
age and unmarried.
| 1t is said that a meeting of the society
Of women spoken of was held yesterday
afternoon for reorganization. Father
tiulcz was present. Some thought the
present secretary and treasurer had held
the position long enough nnd opposed
their recollection. Others favored their
continuance in office and the trouble
| began.
| Words flew thick and fast. SO the re-
mort goes. and there was general uproar
for time. There were rumors that rcd
nrpprr mixed mp in the air with the
words hut this was denied by people
who were asked about the matter last
night.