St. Michael's Parish: History

The History of St. Michael Church About Us Home Page Our foundation for the Church of Saint Michael actually had its beginnings in the 1860s when a group of Polish immigrants settled on the east side of Wausau. As the Polish population grew so did the call for their own parish. On September 4, 1887, Bishop Katzer granted permission to organize a Polish parish in Wausau. The majority of the congregation were farmers at that time and despite hardships and traveling long distances the parish community continued to grow. In 1912 Fr. Wojak became pastor and was determined to build a school despite lack of support from the parishioners to understand that the finances of a parish in free America rested on the parishoners themselves. A four room school was built and a year later the Felician Sisters assumed the responsibilities of the school with 150 students. It wasn't until 1950 that lay teachers started at St. Michael school. From 1947 to 1951, the church was redecorated, the convent remodeled, a new rectory built and the school was enlarged by four additional classrooms.

First Church Built In 1887 View Image	Second Church Built In 1895 View Image
Under Fr. John Krasowski's pastorate, the current church was built and consecrated on November 26, 1972. It was also through Fr. Krasowski's efforts that a parish hall was to be built. Unfortunately Fr. John was not able to see the completion due to his untimely death in February of 1974. The parish hall was then dedicated as Krasowski Hall. Fr. Joseph Rafacz returned to his home parish in 1974 and remained pastor here for 17 years. He quickly established a Parish Senate and encouraged the religious education and lay ministry as well as parishioner involvement. Fr. Joe was also an intregal part of the building of the gymnasium and school addition which was blessed in November 1981.

Second Church and Construction of Third View Image	Current Church Built In 1972 View Image
Since August of 1991 St. Michael Parish has been led by Fr. William Grevatch. Fr. Bill also encourages collaboration in ministry which is especially important with the shortage of priests and the merging of parishes within our diocese. Shortly after Fr. Bill arrived, the rectory was remodeled and more recently work was done in the church. The renovation of the church included new flooring, sound system, an organ, a baptistry and expanded seating and storage in the balcony. Most recently the convent was remodeled into a Pastoral Center for the Parish offices and to provide additional meeting space. View A List of Pastors From 1887 - Present