The Catholic—St. Mary's—Church

The Church was organized at the hou»e of Matthew Joyce, then occupying the site of the present church-building, in the early part of 1S54. About thirty-five heads of families were ad­ mitted to membership at this time. Some of the more prominent ones were Lawrence Hunt, Patrick Cavanaugh, Matthew Joyce, James Hunt (now deceased). James Gallagher. Thomas Caton, and Edward Hunt (now deceased). The following year a church, eighteen by twenty-four feet in dimensions, was erected. It has since been remodeled and enlarged. The pastors of this church have been as follows : Fathers Lynch. O'Gara, Powers. Dulhuntv. Dugcan. Hannigan. Ivilkernnv. J. M. Rvan, and the present priest, Rev. John Ryan.

The membership is now nearly eight hundred, but the reader will bear in mind that all members of a family in this church are counted as members of the church from their earliest infancy.

 

History of Henry County

Submitted by The Webmaster

Picture submitted by Robin Pardus

 

©Wini Caudell and Contributors

All Rights Reserved

Illinois Ancestors