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St John the Baptist
Armenian Apostolic Church
History
St. John the Baptist
Armenian Apostolic Church of West Allis began as a missionary
church on October 27, 1940. The original parish trustees was
formed and approved by the late Archbishop Karekin Hovsepian,
Primate.
On July 1, 1941, a one and
one-half city lot was purchased for the sum of $650.00 at 63rd
and Washington Streets in West Allis, Wisconsin.
The church was built and
consecrated on Sunday, May 10, 1942, by Archbishop Karekin
Hovsepian. Sahag Mouradian, the Godfather, desired to name the
church after his father Hovhannes and father’s brother
Mugerditch.
As time went by, a need for
a more modern facility and center for the community became
evident. A multi-purpose structure was designed by Harold
Baylerian, architect.
A 2.2-acre of real estate
was acquired for the sum of $7,000.00 at 7825 West Layton
Avenue, Greenfield, Wisconsin, on June 18, 1967. A cultural
center was then constructed as the first phase of the building
project and was dedicated on September 27, 1970. Services,
during that period were conducted in the cultural hall.
Groundbreaking activities
for the new church took place on June 15-16, 1985, presided over
by His Eminence, Archbishop Torkom Manoogian. Over 20 survivors
of the 1915 Armenian massacres participated in the ceremonies.
On Sunday, June 22, 1986,
Divine Liturgy and Cornerstone Laying Ceremonies were celebrated
and conducted by the Primate and assisted by Rev. Fr. Tateos
Abdalian, Pastor.
On the weekend of November
15-16, 1986, the parishioners of St. John the Baptist Armenian
Church celebrated the consecration of their new church. The new
edifice stands as a reminder of the inspiration and sacrifice of
immigrant Armenians, who came to this land with their trust in
God and dedication to the Mother Church of Etchmiadzin. |
