CAMPBELL — St. Michael Byzantine Catholic Church, 463 Robinson Road, is marking its 100th anniversary.

The centennial celebration will take place July 31 with the Hierarchical Liturgy at 3 p.m., followed by a banquet.

The Rev. Kevin Marks, church pastor, said the members of the congregation are excited to mark the milestone and the church’s heritage, which also this year included renovations at the church with new icons. The first two phases of installation were completed this year.

Johnna Tabus, a member of the church, said the church has done a major roof restoration, painted the interior, installed new carpet and had the icons installed.

Church officials said the early history of St. Michael Byzantine Catholic Church mirrors the early migration of immigrants from Eastern Czechoslovakia. The men and women traveled to America, settling in Campbell, to build a new life. Many came seeking jobs in the steel mills of the Mahoning Valley where they built homes and raised families..

The Byzantines of Campbell longed for a church of their own. St Michael Byzantine Catholic Church was incorporated and chartered by the state on Aug. 21, 1922, and met at 110 Bright Ave.

In 1926, Father Nestor Rakovsky was appointed first resident pastor of the church. Under his leadership, the congregation slowly grew and added catechism classes.

In 1939, a rectory was purchased on Tenney Avenue close to the church location and welcomed Father Michael Warady and his family. At that time, the majority of Byzantine Catholic priests were married.

After exploring several options, 63 acres of property was acquired from the Silas Blackburn estate for $15,000. Plans were drawn for a new church by P. Arthur D’Orazio, and the general contract was awarded to Adolph Johnson and Sons Construction Co. to build the church on Robinson Road. At the same time, a house that was to function as a rectory was built at 469 Robinson Road.

The church was dedicated on Oct. 26, 1952, by Bishop Daniel Ivancho. Father Paul Vasko assumed the pastorate and the task of developing the church property that would include a rectory and social center.

Plans were made to provide a parochial education for the children of the parishes. The church purchased the Oles Estate on Youngstown-Poland Road, which served as a convent for the Sister Servants of Mary Immaculate, who were the first religious group to serve as instructors. The school was officially known as the Byzantine Catholic Central School of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. The new school was completed in 1955.

A new $75,000 rectory in the style of the church was added to the campus in 1961. In 1962, it was joined by a new $170,000 social hall. The outdoor shrine dedicated to Our Lady of Grace was added between the church and rectory.

The interior of the church was enhanced for the celebration of the 50th anniversary by the addition of the mosaic of the Last Supper in November 1972.

At the beginning of the new millennium, Byzantine Catholic Central fell victim to the declining enrollment that plagued many parochial schools. After struggling with combined classrooms and other attempts to attract new students, the school closed its doors

In recognition of his many accomplishments in the parish and BCC community, Rev. Victor Romza was elevated to the rank of monsignor in 1985 and was the parish’s longest serving pastor. He died in 2017.

Father Kevin Marks was appointed pastor on March 14, 2014. This marked a first, with Marks serving as pastor in two states simultaneously since he is also pastor of St. Michael Byzantine Catholic Church in Hermitage, Pa.