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Lodi Church Society Going Strong 100 Years Later

LODI, N.J. — St. Joseph Society remained a constant in Lodi over the past century while the rest of the world changed around it.

Lodi's St. Joseph Society turned 100 in December.

Lodi's St. Joseph Society turned 100 in December.

Photo Credit: Facebook

The Spring Street church society turned 100 in December.

It first started as a group of Italian immigrants in the early 20th century who wanted a place to worship St. Joseph. They built the church itself in 1917 with their own hands, and financed it as well.

While the church and the society remain, that does not mean nothing has changed in that time for St. Joseph's.

"We have a very diverse group of people," church office administrator Maria Diamond told Daily Voice. "It started out as Italian and now it's Italian-American and Filipino. Everyone's all working together."

A group of about 30 people still make up the society today. They meet the first Monday of every month at the church, speaking in Italian and English.

The society is integral in the annual St. Joseph Feast in Lodi. The feast takes place every Labor Day weekend with plenty of games, rides and food.

The 2016 feast will be held Sept. 2 to 5.

Anthony Pollaro has served as the president for about eight years. Pollaro previously held the position of recording secretary.

The president said it's an honor to act as leader, and they hope to keep their tradition alive.

"We continue to grow every year," he said, "and especially with younger members so we can continue this society into the future for many years to come."

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