History

The early settlers were Catholic, Low-Germans who immigrated from the state of Wesphalia, Germany. On August 25, 1838, Father Caspar H. Ostlangenberg celebrated the first mass in the home of William Harwerth. The first permanent church was a log church blessed by Father Ostlangenberg on May 5, 1839. Between 1842-1845 Bernard and Catherine Dingwerth donated fifteen acres that comprise the present church grounds. The second church was a brick structure consecrated by James Van De Velde, Bishop of Chicago, on May 5, 1850.

The process of building the third and present church was undertaken in September, 1880, during the pastorate of Father Anton Brefeld. One hundred families donated more than $30,000 for the construction of the church. These gifts were contributed within eight days. N.H. Merker of Saint Louis prepared the plans, which were approved by Bishop Baltes of Alton. Parishoners Henry Rutter and his son, Bernard, made the brick in their kiln, located in St. Libory. J. Henry Scheiper was the contractor. Volunteer parishoners donated their labor on the building project in many ways. Among them was hauling of construction materials by horse and wagon over dirt roads from the railroad station eleven miles away, for the honor and glory of God.

On October 22, 1882, the cornerstone of the church was laid by the Most Reverend Peter Joseph Baltes, Bishop of Alton. Almost one year later, on October 24, 1883, the church, since it was free of debt, was consecrated by Bishop Baltes. Excluding the donated labor, the entire cost was $37,257.49.