The Early Years

  
In the thirties and forties the parish grew in numbers and enthusiasm. Miraculous medal novenas, tridiums, retreats and missions were an integral part of the life at Pascal's. The Church was filled to capacity at the three services each day. Religious articles were sold in the basement. On Sunday at 5 P.M., there was the recitation of the rosary followed by benediction.

The Confraternity of Christian Doctrine began a program for public high school students. There was one hour of instruction followed by an hour of dancing.

Basketball games on Friday and Sunday nights were big events for teenagers. They were held in the school basement. Dancing followed the games. They danced to the juke box at five cents a record.

Bingo was on Monday nights at 8 P.M. in the school auditorium. Admission was thirty-five cents. At Thanksgiving, there were special door prizes. Eleanor Hessle remembers walking through the streets at midnight pulling a wagon filled with all the ingredients for a Thanksgiving dinner.

World War II put an end to most of the social events. So many of the young men were off to the war and people were working longer hours for the war effort. A huge flag was hung from the church rafters. Right in the middle of the flag was a large star. When a parishioner was killed, another star was added. The first casualty was Lt. John Meehan. A list of all the servicemen was on an honor roll in the back of the Church.

In the later forties, the Men's Smokers, sponsored by the Holy Name Society, were big events. The crowds were overflowing. Celebrities were the drawing cards. Into the fifties, Mel Allen, the sports announcer, hosted several of the Smokers. He brought famous ball players with him.

The holy hour on New Year's Eve from 8 to 9 P.M. was always well attended. It was a prayerful hour with a short sermon and ending with Benediction. It was inspiring to see so many, dressed in evening gowns and tuxedos, starting the evening with prayers to the Lord.

Next - A School is Born
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