ST. SARKIS ARMENIAN APOSTOLIC CHURCH
|
ST. SARKIS ARMENIAN APOSTOLIC CHURCH
|
|
Last Update
------------- You're Visitor Number
Contact the Webmaster at Webmaster@SaintSarkis.org
Copyright © |
THE HISTORY OF OUR CHURCHAccording to historical records and old-timers, the history of Armenians in Detroit is between 100 and 105 years old. They attest to the fact that the first Armenian to establish residence in the city was a Marzvantsi girl named Esther Nvart, who came here with a missionary to study medicine. Upon receiving an M.D. degree, she began the practice of medicine, married a local resident, and settled in Detroit. This is the scanty information gathered about the first Armenian in Detroit. The older generations attest that about 1906 the Armenians in Detroit numbered approximately 45, only two of whom were married. One was a Marzvantsi named Krikor Chemberian. Among these first-comers was Der Garabedian, a pharmacist, Krikor Goshgagarian, who was able to speak English, and Mesrob Kurkjian, a real estate agent. Witnesses also mention a priest, name unknown, who came from Providence, Rhode Island. He lived here for a while and talked about acquiring a church for the Armenians. He gathered everybody in the home of Khoungianos Keteyian and convinced them that the Armenians could not survive without an Armenian Church. He even appointed a Board of Trustees -- Khoungianos Keteyian, Toros Tavitian, Kaloust Sogoian, Khachig Der Manuelian, and others. They were unable to fulfill their mission, so the priest returned to Providence. By 1915, the ranks of the Armenian Community had swelled to 3000 members. Detroit was a thriving industrial city, and when Henry Ford announced his $5.00-a-day wage policy, there was an influx of Armenians from all parts of the United States. They came with the sole intention of making money quickly and returning to their native land. Within a short time, Detroit became one of the largest Armenian Communities with an enthusiastic and dynamic Armenian life. The Armenian Community in Detroit was a model community. It comprised of Armenians from Turkey, Iran, the Caucasus, and Russia. The Turkish Armenians outnumbered the others. There were Yozghatzis, Gessaratzis, Everegtzis, Fenecetzis, Gurentzis, Sepasdatzis, Shabin Karah- isartzis, Kharpertzis, Kghetzis, Yerzenghatzis, Darontzis, Vasbouragantzis, and Govgastzis, etc. Although Armenians migrated to the United States with the sole purpose of making money and returning to their homeland, destiny decreed otherwise. The repeated Turkish massacres, especially that of April 24, 1915, destroyed all hopes of returning to their homeland and they were forced to remain in the United States. Consequently, the Armenians began establishing a permanent community in a new land. Up to the end of World War II, the Armenians of Detroit were congregated in the areas of Delray, Highland Park, Clark Park, and Allen Park. Shortly thereafter, they began to disperse to the suburbs. As a result, the Armenian Community of Detroit was no longer considered close-knit. The community, numbering approximately 25,000, conquered the problems and difficulties that usually confront all immigrants. It progressively improved and prospered growing into a forward-looking and aggressive community, economically stable. Almost all the Armenian families are homeowners. Many of them also own private enterprises. Furthermore, many Armenians have reached high positions in all fields of endeavor. The community has many doctors, lawyers, architects, scientists, pharmacists, professors, school principals, and teachers. There are also industrialists and lawmakers. In conjunction with economic stability and progress, the Armenian community's national life prospered and moved forward. The Community established two Apostolic Churches, St. Sarkis and St. John, which adequately served congregations almost equal in number. The Armenian Catholics and Protestants also established churches in Detroit. In the early sixties, the community supporting the St. Sarkis Church had three Armenian schools -- Aghpalian School at the Armenian Community Center, Levon Shant School at the Armenian Civic Center, and the Oshagan School in the Allen Park region. These schools were administered and maintained by the Mid-Council of the Armenian Relief Society of Detroit. A total of 150 children attend those schools, and were taught ably by Mrs. Shooshanig Papakhian and Miss Marv Manoogian. Wayne State University of Detroit had established courses in Armenian language. These courses were started in 1950 by the initiative of Professor Kevork Nakhnikian, who was supported, morally and financially, by the Mid-Council of the Armenian Relief Society, A.G.B.U., the Armenian Student Society, and St. John Cultural Association. The countless problems, the deprivations, and the time and effort expended in the organization of this community with its many facets are incalculable. In time of need, be it local or national, be it moral or financial, the Armenian Community of Detroit was and is second to none. The Detroit Community also built the Michigan Home for the Armenian Aged and the St. Sarkis Towers.
RELIGIOUS AND SCHOOL LIFEBecause the Church and the school are the major pillars of the life of a community, it is important that their history be recorded. Prior to 1913, no activities of any importance have been recorded. The community was in its beginning stages and did not have significant numerical value. It is reported that during this period priests occasionally visited the community. On Sunday afternoons they offered religious services and Holy Mass in non-Armenian churches in order to give spiritual consolation to the Armenians of this city. During the period between 1913 and 1933, the Armenian Community swelled in number. Many immigrants, especially those who had volunteered in the Armenian Legion in 1916, returned after the conclusion of World War I, married, and settled down. This tide of marriages and subsequent baptisms spurred the community to seek a spiritual shepherd on a permanent basis. At this time, there were occasional misunderstandings between different political movements, but there was no separation in the religious and national life of the community. The unity of the community was not imperiled, and the Armenians sat around the table, thought, worked, and solved together their daily educational and religious problems. There were two Boards of Trustees in Detroit, one in Highland Park and the other in the Delray region. This dual situation was due to the distance separating the two neighborhoods. The following people served on the Board of Trustees of the Highland Park section: Karekin Magarian Hovanes Douroujalian, Garabed Kutukian, Hadji Mouseghian, Vahan Kuyumjian, Siroun Debelian, Hmayag Fesdjian, Garabed Mardirosian, Mihran Elvan, Smpad Zadigian, Garabed Ajemian, and others. The Delray Board of Trustees was comprised of: Arakel Saroian, Bedros Derderian, Pilos Poladian, Misak Amroian, Toros Khederian, Dikran Baghdoian, Ohannes Vosgerchian, Mateos Der Vartanian, Krikor Antranigian (Keri) and others. Records covering this early period of development are lacking. Names and facts are based solely on the faded memories of a few survivors. The first task of the Boards of Trustees was to invite and eventually appoint Der Sahag Vartabed Nazaretian of Fresno, as their first spiritual leader. He was a native of Constantinople, a well-educated and conscientious man, with a knowledge of several languages. He was able to organize to some degree the religious life of the community. He recruited members for the Church, and offered religious services at Episcopal Churches on Sunday afternoons in the Delray and Highland Park sections. His knowledge of the English language was instrumental in securing jobs for newcomers, and at times was helpful in connection with immigration and governmental matters. He also organized religious and national celebrations that were attended by a large number of enthusiastic Armenians. Der Sahag Vartabed served from 1913 until his death on April 23, 1922. He is buried in Evergreen Cemetery. Upon his demise, the following priests served as spiritual leaders, sometimes jointly:
Desiring to have a church of their own, a number of Delray Armenians --Mr. & Mrs. Aslanian, A. Hoogasian, Dr. & Mrs. G. Attarian, Hrant Cherkoian, and Mrs. Sarkissian -- attempted to purchase a Lutheran Church on Post Street. They were unsuccessful. In 1928, a church building committee was organized in Highland Park. Members of the committee were Dr. Mihran Dehermenjian, Yessyia Gononian, Garabed Mardirosian, Giragos Apozian, Kevork Soghigian, Dr. Garabed Attarian, Garabed Ajemian, Bedros ManougialL, Armenag Soliltanian, Soghomon Roussian, Siroun Dabelian, Vahram Ekmekjian, and Dr. H. K. Yessayan. Overcoming many difficulties, the committee succeeded in building the St. John Church in 1931 with the full support of all Armenians in Detroit. On August 2, 1931, the foundation of the Church was laid. On November 22 of the same year, in the presence of an unprecedented crowd, amidst tumultuous joy and cheers, Ghevont Archbishop Tourian, new Prelate of Armenians in the United States, consecrated the St. John Church of Detroit. A year earlier, in 1930, the Zavarian Club had been built in the Delray region. It provided an endless source of enthusiastic activity. Due to distance and transportation difficulties, Delray Armenians were unable to attend regular services at St. John Church. In 1932 Archbishop Tourian revisited Detroit, and at a ceremony in the Zavarian Club, consecrated an altar stone. Thus, he officially sanctioned the use of Zavarian Club for church services. The founders of the Ladies Auxiliary Committee of the Church in the Zavarian Club, were Yuhaper Derderian, Azniv Aslanian, Mariam Surmanian, Surnla Khogoian, Dicronouhi Possigian, Markarid Baghdoian, Yeghisabert Vartabedian, and Z. Tavtigian, among others. Each Sunday the Ladies and members of the Trustees helped Der Bedros conduct services. Thus, the Zavarian Club, from the day of its completion until 1956, when it was sold, had served the religious, national, educational, and cultural needs of the Detroit Armenians. The Zavarian Club is still remembered with warm feelings and nostalgia. Armenian schools were established in both old and new clubs of the A.R.F. Struggling against every hardship and handicap, two devoted teachers --Aram Yeretzian and Ardashes Hoogasian, did their utmost to teach Armenian children their mother tongue. They had more than 250 pupils. Working against tremendous odds, the teachers taught Armenian three days a week from 4 to 6 p.m. to tired children who had already put in a full day at American schools. The efforts and devotion of Mr. Yeretzian and Mr. Hoogasian must be commended. Today, former pupils, with fond memories of Armenian School days, lead their children by the hand to present-day Armenian Schools. Devoted and conscientious individuals have continuously conducted Armenian schools through the years up to the present time. In 1933 a catastrophic and disastrous national incident took place in Chicago which led to a fatal event, dividing the Armenian Community. It was a black page in Armenian history. The division, although sad and destructive, did not lessen the enthusiasm of the People in their religious activities. Der Bedros Kahana Mempreian remained as religious head of the Church in the Zavarian Club. The club became even more a center of activity. In 1942 the Armenian Community Center (Hye Getron) was purchased. With its vast halls and numerous rooms, it truly became the nucleus of Armenian life. It met most adequately all national, social, and cultural requirements of the community, especially when the second floor was transformed into a church. The Church was ready --the altar, the table, the baptismal basin, the Tomb of Christ, and even the Archbishop's chair carved by the skillful hands of Ohannes Ajemian. The famous musician H. Mehrab had accepted the invitation to train and conduct the Holy Mass of Consecration. The Prelate of the United States and delegate of the Catholicos, Karekin Archbishop Hovsepiantz (later Catholicos of Cilicia), and Dirair Archbishop Hovanessian were invited to render the consecration. However, because of the sad division of the Armenian Community, both declined the invitation. As a result, four priests performed the rites. On May 24, 1942, before a multitudinous following, amidst rejoicing and tears, Father Neshan Papazian, Father Yeghishe Kasparian, Father Movses Der Stepanian and our own Father Bedros Mampreian performed the Consecration of the St. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church of Detroit. The Church was named for "General St. Sarkis," and the Godfather was Dertad Poladian. St. Sarkis became one of the outstanding Armenian Churches in America. Under its roof flourished communal life. The congregation denied nothing to the advancement and brightness of our church, which was unfortunately marred by the sad loss of our beloved Bedros Kahana Mamprenian. In a national funeral, Father Neshan Papazian, Father Mateos Mannigian, Stepan Nigsarian, Kopernig Tandourjian, and Dr. Sarkis Keshishian eulogized Der Bedros. St. Sarkis Church was without a pastor. By arrangement of the National Council, various priests --Reverend Housig Nakhnikian, Der Khevont Vartabed Martougesian, Reverend Movses Der Stepanian, Reverend Neshan Papazian, Reverend Mateos Mamligian --visited Detroit and held religious services. But the need for a permanent pastor was of major concern. On December 30, 1946, accepting the invitation of the Board of Trustees, Reverend Souren Papakhain arived from Beirut and performed his ecclesiastical duties. Reverend Papakhian brought a new era of enthusiasm, and the religious life continued to prosper. He served not only the vast community of Detroit but also the communities of Windsor, Pontiac, Cleveland, Niagara Falls, Chicago, Racine, Waukegan, and St. Louis. Aiding him in his untiring and devoted efforts was yeretzgin. Shooshanig Papakhian, his wife. She also served the community as a teacher in the Armenian School. Their three children Salpi, Aspet and Raffi were active in the Church and youth organizations of the community. On August 4, 1949 with the assistance of Hagop Seferian, Haay Kalajian, Paul Maraian, Missak Bakaian, Bob Aghaganian and Arshag Sarjanian, the St. Sarkis Church bought a parish house. The young People's Church Guild came into existence in March 1952, with the aid of the Ladies Auxiliary Committee and especially Mrs. Arousiag Der Vartanian and Yeretzgin. Shooshanig Papakhian. Throughout the years, the community had cherished the hope of someday building a church of their own. A permanent Building Committee was finally elected on April 21, 1956. On November 2, 1957, the North American Prelacy was advised by a "Gontag" (supreme declaration) from his Holiness, Catholicos Zareh I, and delivered by Archbishop Khoren Paroyan, Acting Prelate of the North American Prelacy, that the St. Sarkis Church was now under the spiritual and administrative authority of the HoIy See of Cilicia. With this inspirational announcement, the Building Committee initiated plans to raise funds for a new church. On November 10, 1957, at the annual church banquet, a capacity crowd witnessed the kick-off of the fund-raising campaign. Archbishop Paroyan was Honorary Chairman of the day. Mr. Kopernig Tandourjian, a prominent leader in the Detroit Armenian Community, delivered what proved to be a most inspirational appeal, resulting in a spontaneous response of $170,000, which had been unequaled in Armenian-American history. This pledge assured the success of the vast undertaking. Mr. Yervant Kamar reported in the Hairenik Daily, "Detroit's elders, who witnessed the enthusiasm created by the historic Declaration of Independence which founded the Free Republic of Armenians on May 18, 1918, attested that since that great day in 1918 the Detroit Armenian Community had never experienced such elation and unparalleled exhilaration." The ground breaking ceremonies of the new St. Sarkis Church took place on July 23, 1961. Bishop Hrant Khatchadourian, Locum Tenens, with the aid of Reverend Father Souren Papakhian, Reverend Moushegh DerKalousdian, of Racine, Wisconsin, Deacons Serab Der Garabedian, Dicran Torossian and Haroutun Mampreian officiated. Mr. Paul Maraian, Honorary Chairman of the Building Committee, turned the first shovel of earth. Our task is accomplished. We built the school and church side by side, heeding the fatherly and saintly request of the Holy Illuminator Gregory, which comes to us from centuries past, saying, "You came and built the Holy Altar of Light." We erected this Church with the deep conviction that we are pleasing God and are providing a bastion for the survival of our nation.
|
|
|
|
