The Cornerstone at St. Mary’s Slovak School

Members and friends of St. Mary's Slovak Church assembled at Cherry and Webster Streets on September 19, 1937, for the laying of their new school's cornerstone. Bishop George L. Leech of the Harrisburg diocese officiated, assisted by clergy from Shamokin and surrounding communities.

After the cornerstone ceremony, the gathering continued in St. Mary's Church. The Rev. Eugene Kozar of Springfield, Massachusetts, delivered a sermon in Slovak. Leech also addressed the congregation, congratulating the Rev. George J. Hric and parish members on their undertaking.

The plans described a school with classrooms, a library, a dispensary, and an auditorium. An architect's drawing accompanied the advance announcement. The cornerstone ceremony celebrated a building still being prepared for its pupils; it was not the school's opening day.