The old proverb, "Large oaks from little acorns grow," may well be applied to the birth and growth of St. Nicholas Church. Approximately 100 years ago, small Italian and Polish groups settled atop a hill in Palisades Park. Their zeal and determination provided them with a spiritual and physical strength which resulted In the first sign and site of St. Nicholas Church. On March 12, 1923, the parish was canonically established and became part of the Archdiocese of Newark as, "St. Nicholas Italian Roman Catholic Church." On May 12, 1927, the Oblates of Mary Immaculate (Italian Province) assumed the duties of the small parish. To give service unreservedly, willingly, and faithfully is true dedication. These qualities describe the following Oblates who served our parish from 1927 through 1983: Fr. F. Anzalone, Pastor, Fr. J. Ferrecchia, Pastor, Fr. A. DeLuca, Fr. U. Carta, Br. F. Girard, Fr. M. Gigante, Fr. A. Ponsiglione, Fr. M. Papa, Fr. V. Manente, Fr. R. Paradis, Fr. J. Parasiliti, Fr. A. Mitri, Fr. A. DiTaddeo, Fr. J. Miller, Fr. J. Pucci, Pastor, Fr. G. Cosentino, Fr. A. Joppolo, Pastor, Fr. D. DiTrant, Fr. P. Pesenti, Fr. E. Cortinovis, Fr. P. Abramo, and Fr. P. Archiati.

The Filippini Sisters arrived in 1958 and with total commitment and loving care provided an education for all students entering St. Nicholas School until 1982.

In July 1983, the Vocationist Fathers were assigned by the Archbishop of Newark to continue shepherding St. Nicholas Parish. Fr. Ernest DePolvere, S.D.V., Pastor, assisted by Fr. Edgar da Cunha, S.D.V., and Fr. Antonio L. da Silva, S.D.V., continued working vigorously and untiringly on all church projects and fund raisers. On July 20, 1986, Fr. Ernest succumbed at the age of 51. A dedicated, devoted, energetic, and generous priest was taken from us. The future and plans were stilled in one Instant. Six months later on February 1, 1987, Fr. Edgar da Cunha, S.D.V. was appointed Pastor of St. Nicholas Church. It was certainly a challenge at the age of 33. The parishioners had confidence, faith, and trust that Fr. Edgar had the qualities of an administrator and spiritual leader. In September 1, 1995 Fr. Antonio L. da Silva, S.D.V. was appointed pastor to continue caring on the mission and ministries of the parish.

So it is today, more than ever, people are consciously aware of dedicated people who show themselves committed to the service of God and their fellowman. The following Vocationists have contributed to the growth of St. Nicholas Church: Fr. René Lima, Fr. Anthony Ferreira, Br. Harold Hernandez, Fr. Severino Martini, and Fr. Robert Vass. Fr. Anthony Basso, Fr. Vernon Kohlmann, Fr. Armando Palmieri.

Looking back over the experience of the past few years, quickly comes to mind the provocative, constructive, meaningful, and enjoyable ones which have been planned, organized, and followed through, the creation of the Dinner-Show, Evangelization with small Christian Communities, the formation of Bible Study Groups, Italian Rosary Group, the Jr. and Sr. Legion of Mary, the institution of a Mass in Portuguese, and First Friday Adoration. On Nov. 20, 1992, the first group of women from St. Nicholas Parish took their religious vows of Poverty, Chastity, and Obedience, thus establishing the first American Group of the Secular Institute, "The Apostles of Universal Sanctification."

We acknowledge with appreciation the fruitful labors of all those who have served our parish. They are the nourishment needed for the continual growth of the "St. Nicholas Oak Tree."