Since the first reading of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s great poem “Evangeline” it has been generally felt that the church and its religion is the greatest binding force in a thriving community. Longfellow, with his mastery of words, painted a beautiful word picture of the deeply religious Acadians, who lived in true sedate neighborliness.
South Norwood churches play a leading part in creating true neighborliness and serve as a binding force in which its people take comfort. Various church associations form the bulwark of South Norwood’s social activities.
St. George’s Lithuanian Church sponsors a well-systematized athletic club, which has produced many teams and athletes who have won renown. It has its men’s and women’s benefit associations, Ladies’ Sodality, girls’ choir, dramatic club and various other social organizations. The Rev. Stephen Kneizis, pastor of St. George’s, feels that the Lithuanian people are becoming more cultured and progressive as the years go by.
The Young Men’s Syrian Association of St. George’s Syrian Orthodox church is prominent among South Norwood’s church organizations. It was formed over ten years ago by a group of young men, and James Elias, treasurer of the South Norwood Business Association, was one of its organizers and first president. It sponsors many athletic teams, dances, and other socials. The Y. M S. A. is at present under the presidency of Charles Elias, who says that the association is expected to have a fine social year.
My family is of Lithuanian descent. This was our church.
We’re Irish and were members at St. Catherines. But growing up we had plenty of Masses at St. George’s and St. Peters that we could walk to. We didn’t understand Polish or Lithuanian, but a little Latin.