After a $3.6 million renovation and expansion, St. Kilian Roman Catholic Church of Farmingdale is expected to be rededicated tomorrow, July 4 - 100 years to the day that the original church was dedicated.

The completion of the project, which was begun about a year ago to accommodate a growing congregation, is a major milestone in the history of the parish of 6000.

"It's kind of a capper to when we completed our 100th anniversary," Deacon Herman Rodenburg, a 45-year member of the church said in a recent interview. "I can remember when the church was a little farm parish."

Approval of the new house of worship is widespread, according to Deacon Rodenburg, because parishioners are pleased that the architectural beauty of the historic church was not lost in the expansion. "None of us, including myself, expected it would be that beautiful. It's a very warm and caring place," he said, adding, "There are all kinds of things from the old church, that when you see them, it gives a familiar ring." In addition, the renovated structure, which will hold 850 people for Mass - three times its original capacity - will provide a central meeting place. Therefore, it is anticipated to help increase a feeling of unity. Previously, due to a growing parish population, parishioners had met in multiple locations for Mass, such as the crypt in the basement of the historic church, and the basement of the 1928 St. Kilian School.

According to Deacon Rodenburg, the success of the project is attributable to the generous financial support and volunteerism of parishioners, and the leadership of the church's pastor, Rev. Msgr. Charles Swiger. "My feeling is that our church is a very unique one in the diocese," the deacon said. "People in this parish are all Farmingdalites, and they all seem to support their parish." Their financial support, he noted, is generous for both local and worldwide causes. Of Msgr. Swiger, Deacon Rodenburg said, "He has tirelessly been working on this," adding that through a series of meetings and discussions, the pastor has kept the parishioners wishes at the heart of the effort. "He doesn't do this because it's his project. He does it because it's for the parish."

Parish committee work - consisting of the Building and Grounds Committee, chaired by Daniel Looney, and the Capital Campaign Committee, chaired by Steve Wilson - was also key to the project, the deacon noted. "There were a lot of other players in it - a lot of other people who worked very hard," he added.

A Mass of Dedication for the new St. Kilian Church is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. tomorrow, with Roman Catholic Bishop John McGann presiding. According to Deacon Rodenburg, the celebration marks a time of replenishment for the parish. "We have a brand new church opening up. Why should we go into that church without trying our best to renew ourselves?" he offered, adding, "We're going to try very hard to bring joy, and to help people celebrate."