Our Roots Run Deep
More than a wedding chapel. SSCM Faith Community Chapel has a rich history, with a real connection to faith.
1881 is where our story starts, a modest, wooden structure served as the first church named after Saints Cyril and Methodius. In 1884 SS Cyril and Methodius was incorporated as a parish. Though the Polish parishioners were prospering quietly they continued to live a ruggedly, rural life. They also sacrificed continuously to beautify their church and its grounds. In 1897 the parishioners decided to build a bigger and more permanent structure, made from brick. It was dedicated in 1898, but sadly, a short time later it burned to the ground.
Strong of might and even stronger in will, the Polish parishioners began the arduous task of rebuilding their church. Salvaging many bricks from the burned down church. The new church was completed and dedicated just 11 months after the tragic fire.
That third church and the parish prospered for the next 100 years. In 1999 tragedy struck again when the Green Bay Catholic Diocese informed the parishioners that their church was to be closed. The parishioners whose families had built the 100-year-old church where in dismay. They quickly came together to discuss ways to save their church and heritage. Meetings with the Diocese, numerous letters to the bishop, an offer to buy the church from the Diocese were all dismissed. Though the families of this church tried their best to negotiate with the Diocese, ultimately the Diocese had its way. In 2003 the 100-year-old structure was demolished.
This is when the story of SSCM Faith Community Chapel begins to bloom, literally like a phoenix from ashes. Standing in front of the piled-up rubble a core group of leaders that had formed, told former parish members that they would build again. Not under the umbrella of the Green Bay Catholic Diocese, but under their own as SS Cyril & Methodius Faith Community.
Strong of Might, Even Stronger of Will
What happened next is remarkable. Active and passive parishioners, people from the greater community, people from across the state came together to help build the chapel. The land was donated, companies donated services, money was given and further fundraising began. And just like their ancestors 100 years ago, they built, with their own hands, the SSCM Faith Community Chapel. Generations of families worked together, new friendships were formed and this faith community once again grew strong in their belief.
In 2006 the first service was held at the chapel. Since then numerous weddings, funerals and baptisms have occurred. Everyday people stop in the little chapel to pray, mediate or just find solace. The work continues as does the fundraising. The community is there too, with memories made and a bright future to look forward to.
