History of the Church of St. John the Baptist

HISTORY of the CHURCH OF ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST
BUFFALO, WYOMING
1960-1970

[1] January 10, 1960

“A meeting of the Trustees of the Church of St. John the Baptist corporation was held at the rectory on January 10. Present were John Camino, secretary; Dr. W. J. Knebel, treasurer, William J. Kirven, attorney for the parish and Rev. James Power, manager. The purpose of the meeting was to examine the financial statement of the previous year, sign it and forward it to the Bishop. The statement was duly examined, verified and dispatched. Business of a pertinent nature to the parish centered around the sprinkler system at the Church. It was in a state of disrepair owing to the freezing of a pipe and its consequent bursting. The part of the system was temporarily out of use. The estimated cost of repair was $1200.00. It was decided to forego that expense until the parish debt was liquidated. The meeting was then adjourned.” Thus begins the history of the Church of St. John the Baptist, Buffalo, for the period of ten years from 1960 through 1970 . . . a decade in which the parish flourished extraordinarily, not only spiritually, but materially through the purchase of property and erection of new buildings.

The parish of the Church of St. John the Baptist, Buffalo, also includes, St. Mary’s Mission, Clearmont, St. Catherine’s Mission, Arvada and St. Hubert’s Mission, Sussex.

Rev. James Power was assigned the parish in 1954, and served until January 17, 1963. Rev. Thomas O’Flannigan served as assistant during part of this time. On January 17, 1963, Rev. James Ruddy, J.C.D., succeeded Rev. James Power and was pastor until August 31, 1970, at which time he was assigned to St. Matthew’s Church, Gillette. Rev. Louis McKean and Rev. J. W. Averill, S.J., served as assistants in 1968 and 1969 and 1969 and 1970 respectively. Rev. Cornelius 0’Connor was appointed pastor of the Church of St. John the Baptist and Missions on September 1, 1970.

Approximately thirty percent of the parishioners in the Buffalo area are of Basque ancestry. Included among these parishioners are a great number of young Basque sheep-herders who speak only their native tongue. In order that these young men might be helped with their spiritual needs or personal problems that arose from a language barrier, two Basque Priests, from the Diocese of Bayonne, France, assist in the parish during August of each year. Father Jean Luro served during the summers of 196l through 1963, followed by Father Jean Challet, who served 1964 through 1970.

[2] The untiring efforts, cooperation and interest of Dr. W. J. Knebel and John Camino Trustees, both of whom served over thirty years, were very important in the projects completed during these years. Dr. W. J, Knebel still serves as Trustee and is very interested in helping the parish progress. John Camino died in April, 1968, while still serving as Trustee. The following Resolution was made a permanent part of the minutes of the Trustees of St. John the Baptist Church of Buffalo, Wyoming, at a meeting held May 6, 1968:

“BE IT RESOLVED that before any other matters are discussed at this meeting, the Trustees wish to place of permanent record their sorrow at the recent death of trustee John Camino, who had served his church as trustee for almost thirty years. During this time John Camino gave generously and without reservation of his time and his energy in representing the people of this parish as a lay trustee. He was not only faithful in his duties but was a source of encouragement and aid to the other trustees and to the priests who served as pastors of St. John the Baptist Church. When help was needed on any project, John cheerfully did his share and more to see that what needed to be accomplished was done. He stood ready at all times to give advice to the pastor when asked, not only on major building projects but on the many day-to-day problems of the parish. John Camino had a fund of wisdom and he willingly placed this at the disposal of his church and his fellow parishioners.

“The splendid physical plant that this church now enjoys is a lasting tribute to the foresight of John Camino and the other lay trustees who have served with him, and his cheerful spirit and wise counsel will be deeply missed by the other trustees. He not only was a worthy trustee but was a man who showed to the entire community of Buffalo what a Catholic gentleman should be.

“BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Resolution be spread upon the minutes of the trustees as a permanent memorial to John Camino and that copies of this Resolution be sent to his family with the assurance that he will always be remembered in our prayers.”

Charles Marton was elected to complete the unexpired term of John Camino, and was subsequently elected to serve a full term as Trustee, the duties of which office he still fulfills.

[3] In 1961, property adjacent to the Parish Hall, was purchased from Mr. & Mrs. Lige Miller for $14,700,00. This property consisted of a two-story home and several lots. The home was later dismantled and the entire area was used as a trailer-house park.

Extension Lay Volunteers, Katherine Burke and Katherine Walsh helped in the parish from the Fall of 1962 through Spring of 1964, followed that Fall by Lucy Leick and Nelly Van Loon who served through Spring of 1965. Their first major project was to establish St. John’s Kindergarten, for Catholic and non-Catholic children, which proved to be a great asset, not only for the parish, but also for the entire community. For two years, after the departure of the Extension Lay Volunteers, the Kindergarten classes were taught by Miss Angela Welby, and since that time have been taught by Mrs. Martin Camino.

A home and lots adjacent to the Church were purchased from Mrs. Lillian Parsons in January, 1963 for approximately $17,500.00, and in March, 1963, the home of Mr. & Mrs. John Theilen was purchased for $16,000.00. The acquiring of these properties added inestimably to the welfare of the parish.

In order to pay for the improvements in St. John’s Parish and help liquidate the parish debt, a “Debt Liquidation Campaign” was launched in October of 1963 under the leadership of Rev. James Buddy, J.C.D. This campaign was highly successful, which was proved by the fact that by the end of 1965 the parish was completely debt-free.

In 1944, Count and Countess Frederick Thorne-Rider deeded to the parish, a beautiful brick home and lots located on South Main Street, located approximately a mile from the Church and parish proper. In ensuing years, this home was used as a parish hall, and in the late fifties became the Rectory. Quoting from the Code of Canon Law #465, Paragraph 1, “The Pastor has the obligation of residing close to his Church. However the local Ordinary, with a just cause, can permit him to live somewhere else provided his house is not too distant from the Church that this distance would hinder him in his Pastoral duties.” Although the Pastors performed their Pastoral duties despite the location of this Rectory, the fact remains that it presented many inconveniences and problems, not only for the Pastor, but also for the parishioners.

In May, 1965, Rev. James Ruddy, with the approval of His Excellency, Bishop Hubert M. Newell, negotiated an exchange of properties with Mr. & Mrs. Charles Marton, with Mr. & Mrs. Marton paying an additional $5,000.00, besides their home and lots. The Marton properties being located directly across the street from the Church made this an invaluable transaction.

[4] Estates of Emelia E. Fisher and Arnold Verstegen, valued at approximately $25,000.00, each were bequeathed to St. John the Baptist parish in 1964 and 1965, with the stipulation that these assets were to be used for educational purposes only. The thoughtfulness and generosity of these parishioners made it possible to formulate plans for building a new Catechetical Center.

Mr. Jan Wilking, representing Goodrich and Wilking, Architects, Casper, Wyoming, submitted plans for a new Catechetical Center in July, 1967 to St. John the Baptist parish for approval. These plans being approved, a contract was let in August, 1967 to Atlas Construction Company, Cheyenne, Wyoming, to erect a brick and stone building consisting of four spacious classrooms, an office, storage rooms and bathrooms.

The amount of the original contract was $69,771.00, with construction to begin in September and to be completed by the end of December. However with the letting of additional contracts, for sidewalks, curbs, painters, furnishings and architectural fees, the cost of the completed building was approximately $85,000.00.

In addition to Emelia E. Fisher and Arnold Verstegen, substantial donations were made by Mr. John Belus, the Belus Brothers, Mr. Louis Falxa, and from the estate of Mr. and Mrs. John Camino, and Mr. Jean Auzqui.

This beautiful building is used for all religious classes, kindergarten classes, and by the entire community for civic and social programs.

Mr. and Mrs. Simon U. Harriet, sold to the parish, in 1966, lots situated across the street from the parish hall for $2,500.00. A parking lot was constructed on this land in 1968 to replace the parking lot, built in 1964, the lots of the latter being needed for the construction of the new catechetical center.

The organizations of the parish include St. John’s Altar & Rosary Society, Knights of Columbus and C. Y. 0., all of which were active during this ten-year period in promoting projects for the welfare of the parish and community and following the edicts of the Second Vatican Council.

St. John’s Altar & Rosary Society has a membership of approximately fifty women, many of whom have served as officers, not only on a local, but Deanery and Diocesan levels. During the past ten years, two ladies, Mrs. Martin Camino and Mrs. Don Vogl have served as Presidents of the Sheridan Deanery, and from 1965 through 1967. Mrs. Camino also served as President of the Cheyenne Diocesan Council of Catholic Women.

[5] Father DeSmet Council of Knights of Columbus has an enrollment of approximately sixty members. Serving as District Deputies during the years 1960-1970, have been George W. Washut, Donald Kraen, and Rudy Frankovic. Mr. Frankovic was also elected to the office of State Advocate in 1970.

In July, 1967, Father DeSmet Council purchased four lots located across the street from the Catechetical Center for $4,800.00. Since that time many improvements have been made on these lots at an estimated cost of $3,000.00. The Knights of Columbus plan to build a hall on this site to accommodate their business and social affairs.

Approximately fifty young people are enrolled in the C. Y. 0. These boys and girls are active in many projects for the welfare of the Church and community. One of their outstanding local programs in recent years has been to entertain and help shut-ins and elderly people at the Amy Holt Nursing Home and at the Wyoming Soldiers and Sailors Home.

During this ten year period, 1960-1970, the Decrees of the Second Vatican Council were promulgated and especially those Decrees regarding the Liturgical Reform were introduced in the parish of St. John the Baptist (as of course, they were all over the universe). The changes, as all changes do, met with some opposition, but were eventually wholeheartedly and totally accepted.

Back to INDEX		HISTORY of the CHURCH OF ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST BUFFALO, WYOMING 1960-1970 [1] January 10, 1960 “A meeting of the Trustees of the Church of St. John the Baptist corporation was held at the rectory on January 10. Present were John Camino, secretary; Dr. W. J. Knebel, treasurer, William J. Kirven, attorney for the parish and Rev. James Power, manager. The purpose of the meeting was to examine the financial statement of the previous year, sign it and forward it to the Bishop. The statement was duly examined, verified and dispatched. Business of a pertinent nature to the parish centered around the sprinkler system at the Church. It was in a state of disrepair owing to the freezing of a pipe and its consequent bursting. The part of the system was temporarily out of use. The estimated cost of repair was $1200.00. It was decided to forego that expense until the parish debt was liquidated. The meeting was then adjourned.” Thus begins the history of the Church of St. John the Baptist, Buffalo, for the period of ten years from 1960 through 1970 . . . a decade in which the parish flourished extraordinarily, not only spiritually, but materially through the purchase of property and erection of new buildings. The parish of the Church of St. John the Baptist, Buffalo, also includes, St. Mary’s Mission, Clearmont, St. Catherine’s Mission, Arvada and St. Hubert’s Mission, Sussex. Rev. James Power was assigned the parish in 1954, and served until January 17, 1963. Rev. Thomas O’Flannigan served as assistant during part of this time. On January 17, 1963, Rev. James Ruddy, J.C.D., succeeded Rev. James Power and was pastor until August 31, 1970, at which time he was assigned to St. Matthew’s Church, Gillette. Rev. Louis McKean and Rev. J. W. Averill, S.J., served as assistants in 1968 and 1969 and 1969 and 1970 respectively. Rev. Cornelius 0’Connor was appointed pastor of the Church of St. John the Baptist and Missions on September 1, 1970. Approximately thirty percent of the parishioners in the Buffalo area are of Basque ancestry. Included among these parishioners are a great number of young Basque sheep-herders who speak only their native tongue. In order that these young men might be helped with their spiritual needs or personal problems that arose from a language barrier, two Basque Priests, from the Diocese of Bayonne, France, assist in the parish during August of each year. Father Jean Luro served during the summers of 196l through 1963, followed by Father Jean Challet, who served 1964 through 1970. [2] The untiring efforts, cooperation and interest of Dr. W. J. Knebel and John Camino Trustees, both of whom served over thirty years, were very important in the projects completed during these years. Dr. W. J, Knebel still serves as Trustee and is very interested in helping the parish progress. John Camino died in April, 1968, while still serving as Trustee. The following Resolution was made a permanent part of the minutes of the Trustees of St. John the Baptist Church of Buffalo, Wyoming, at a meeting held May 6, 1968: “BE IT RESOLVED that before any other matters are discussed at this meeting, the Trustees wish to place of permanent record their sorrow at the recent death of trustee John Camino, who had served his church as trustee for almost thirty years. During this time John Camino gave generously and without reservation of his time and his energy in representing the people of this parish as a lay trustee. He was not only faithful in his duties but was a source of encouragement and aid to the other trustees and to the priests who served as pastors of St. John the Baptist Church. When help was needed on any project, John cheerfully did his share and more to see that what needed to be accomplished was done. He stood ready at all times to give advice to the pastor when asked, not only on major building projects but on the many day-to-day problems of the parish. John Camino had a fund of wisdom and he willingly placed this at the disposal of his church and his fellow parishioners. “The splendid physical plant that this church now enjoys is a lasting tribute to the foresight of John Camino and the other lay trustees who have served with him, and his cheerful spirit and wise counsel will be deeply missed by the other trustees. He not only was a worthy trustee but was a man who showed to the entire community of Buffalo what a Catholic gentleman should be. “BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Resolution be spread upon the minutes of the trustees as a permanent memorial to John Camino and that copies of this Resolution be sent to his family with the assurance that he will always be remembered in our prayers.” Charles Marton was elected to complete the unexpired term of John Camino, and was subsequently elected to serve a full term as Trustee, the duties of which office he still fulfills. [3] In 1961, property adjacent to the Parish Hall, was purchased from Mr. & Mrs. Lige Miller for $14,700,00. This property consisted of a two-story home and several lots. The home was later dismantled and the entire area was used as a trailer-house park. Extension Lay Volunteers, Katherine Burke and Katherine Walsh helped in the parish from the Fall of 1962 through Spring of 1964, followed that Fall by Lucy Leick and Nelly Van Loon who served through Spring of 1965. Their first major project was to establish St. John’s Kindergarten, for Catholic and non-Catholic children, which proved to be a great asset, not only for the parish, but also for the entire community. For two years, after the departure of the Extension Lay Volunteers, the Kindergarten classes were taught by Miss Angela Welby, and since that time have been taught by Mrs. Martin Camino. A home and lots adjacent to the Church were purchased from Mrs. Lillian Parsons in January, 1963 for approximately $17,500.00, and in March, 1963, the home of Mr. & Mrs. John Theilen was purchased for $16,000.00. The acquiring of these properties added inestimably to the welfare of the parish. In order to pay for the improvements in St. John’s Parish and help liquidate the parish debt, a “Debt Liquidation Campaign” was launched in October of 1963 under the leadership of Rev. James Buddy, J.C.D. This campaign was highly successful, which was proved by the fact that by the end of 1965 the parish was completely debt-free. In 1944, Count and Countess Frederick Thorne-Rider deeded to the parish, a beautiful brick home and lots located on South Main Street, located approximately a mile from the Church and parish proper. In ensuing years, this home was used as a parish hall, and in the late fifties became the Rectory. Quoting from the Code of Canon Law #465, Paragraph 1, “The Pastor has the obligation of residing close to his Church. However the local Ordinary, with a just cause, can permit him to live somewhere else provided his house is not too distant from the Church that this distance would hinder him in his Pastoral duties.” Although the Pastors performed their Pastoral duties despite the location of this Rectory, the fact remains that it presented many inconveniences and problems, not only for the Pastor, but also for the parishioners. In May, 1965, Rev. James Ruddy, with the approval of His Excellency, Bishop Hubert M. Newell, negotiated an exchange of properties with Mr. & Mrs. Charles Marton, with Mr. & Mrs. Marton paying an additional $5,000.00, besides their home and lots. The Marton properties being located directly across the street from the Church made this an invaluable transaction. [4] Estates of Emelia E. Fisher and Arnold Verstegen, valued at approximately $25,000.00, each were bequeathed to St. John the Baptist parish in 1964 and 1965, with the stipulation that these assets were to be used for educational purposes only. The thoughtfulness and generosity of these parishioners made it possible to formulate plans for building a new Catechetical Center. Mr. Jan Wilking, representing Goodrich and Wilking, Architects, Casper, Wyoming, submitted plans for a new Catechetical Center in July, 1967 to St. John the Baptist parish for approval. These plans being approved, a contract was let in August, 1967 to Atlas Construction Company, Cheyenne, Wyoming, to erect a brick and stone building consisting of four spacious classrooms, an office, storage rooms and bathrooms. The amount of the original contract was $69,771.00, with construction to begin in September and to be completed by the end of December. However with the letting of additional contracts, for sidewalks, curbs, painters, furnishings and architectural fees, the cost of the completed building was approximately $85,000.00. In addition to Emelia E. Fisher and Arnold Verstegen, substantial donations were made by Mr. John Belus, the Belus Brothers, Mr. Louis Falxa, and from the estate of Mr. and Mrs. John Camino, and Mr. Jean Auzqui. This beautiful building is used for all religious classes, kindergarten classes, and by the entire community for civic and social programs. Mr. and Mrs. Simon U. Harriet, sold to the parish, in 1966, lots situated across the street from the parish hall for $2,500.00. A parking lot was constructed on this land in 1968 to replace the parking lot, built in 1964, the lots of the latter being needed for the construction of the new catechetical center. The organizations of the parish include St. John’s Altar & Rosary Society, Knights of Columbus and C. Y. 0., all of which were active during this ten-year period in promoting projects for the welfare of the parish and community and following the edicts of the Second Vatican Council. St. John’s Altar & Rosary Society has a membership of approximately fifty women, many of whom have served as officers, not only on a local, but Deanery and Diocesan levels. During the past ten years, two ladies, Mrs. Martin Camino and Mrs. Don Vogl have served as Presidents of the Sheridan Deanery, and from 1965 through 1967. Mrs. Camino also served as President of the Cheyenne Diocesan Council of Catholic Women. [5] Father DeSmet Council of Knights of Columbus has an enrollment of approximately sixty members. Serving as District Deputies during the years 1960-1970, have been George W. Washut, Donald Kraen, and Rudy Frankovic. Mr. Frankovic was also elected to the office of State Advocate in 1970. In July, 1967, Father DeSmet Council purchased four lots located across the street from the Catechetical Center for $4,800.00. Since that time many improvements have been made on these lots at an estimated cost of $3,000.00. The Knights of Columbus plan to build a hall on this site to accommodate their business and social affairs. Approximately fifty young people are enrolled in the C. Y. 0. These boys and girls are active in many projects for the welfare of the Church and community. One of their outstanding local programs in recent years has been to entertain and help shut-ins and elderly people at the Amy Holt Nursing Home and at the Wyoming Soldiers and Sailors Home. During this ten year period, 1960-1970, the Decrees of the Second Vatican Council were promulgated and especially those Decrees regarding the Liturgical Reform were introduced in the parish of St. John the Baptist (as of course, they were all over the universe). The changes, as all changes do, met with some opposition, but were eventually wholeheartedly and totally accepted. Back to Top