the rev. henry chajencki was then placed in charge of the parish in december 1898. under his leadership, church leaders paid $25,000 for the old fourth reformed presbyterian church building on the corner of silverwood and cotton, and also purchased "a double home on grape street that served as a rectory and later as a convent" as they worked to grow their number of parishioners. a 36-year-old in failing health, father chajencki died on christmas day in 1900, and was buried in st. john's cemetery. the rev. dr. thomas misicki served briefly as the parish's pastor until the rev. benedict tomiak could formally take charge of the post. all three men had been residents of mt. carmel, pennsylvania.