| Back to INDEX | HISTORY OF HOLY TRINITY CHURCH INDEX CONSTRUCTION OF HOLY TRINITY CHURCH The construction of Holy Trinity Church was completed in 1957. The first Mass was said on Easter Sunday, April 21, 1957. The architects were Kellogg and Kellogg and Weber Construction Company was in charge of completion of the church structure. DEDICATION OF THE CHURCH The new church was dedicated on Tuesday, May 14, 1957, by His Excellency, the Most Rev. Hubert M. Newell, Bishop of Cheyenne. Prior to the dedication ceremony, a dinner for Bishop Newell and the 37 priests who attended was given by the Altar and Rosary Society. Father John Meyer acted as toastmaster. REMODELING OF THE CHURCH In 1969 and 1970, the floor of the sanctuary and the main aisle of the church were covered with red carpeting. In 1969, the main altar was removed from the back wall of the sanctuary to the center. A red velvet backdrop was hung from the back wall of the sanctuary with the crucifix placed in the center. During this remodeling, the tabernacle was moved to the right side of the sanctuary. A red velvet canopy was attached to the pedestal of the statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Blessed Sacrament rests beneath this canopy. FIRST PASTOR The Reverend William E. Delaney was assigned by the Most Reverend Hubert M. Newell, Bishop of Cheyenne, to be the first pastor of Holy Trinity Church. Father Delaney has served continuously as Pastor and still retains this position. Father Delaney, whose home was Rock Springs, Wyoming, was ordained a priest in 1944 on June 3, by the Most Reverend Archbishop Urban J. Vehr of the Archdiocese of Denver. Father Delaney’s first assignment was that of Assistant Pastor to then Reverend James A. Hartmann, Pastor of St. Mary’s Cathedral. Father Delaney was next sent to Superior, Wyoming, where he remained for seven years. It was in Superior that he supervised the construction of St. Vivian’s Church, of which he was Pastor. Father Delaney’s next assignment was that of Chaplain of DePaul Hospital and the Veterans Administration Hospital in Cheyenne from 1953 until 1957, at which time he assumed the duties of Pastor of Holy Trinity Church. ASSISTANT PASTORS In 1967, the Reverend William McCormick assumed the duties of Priest in Residence to Father Delaney. He currently serves in this position. Father McCormick is also Vice-Chancellor for the Diocese of Cheyenne. In 1958, the Reverend Thomas Fahey assumed the duties of Chaplain at DePaul Hospital and the V.A. Hospital. He also served as an Assistant Pastor at Holy Trinity. In addition to his other duties, Father Fahey taught a morning class on the Old Testament for several years which was well attended by the ladies of Holy Trinity Parish. Father Fahey also planted and tended a flower garden during the years he was at DePaul and Holy Trinity. Father’s garden, with its spectacular color, added a great deal of beauty to the landscape of Holy Trinity Church and was always a conversation piece. In September of 1968, Father Fahey left his position at DePaul Hospital to assume a program of studies at Iona College, New Rochelle, New York. In the Spring of 1968, the Reverend Gerald Chleborad became Chaplain at DePaul Hospital and the V.A. Hospital. Father Chleborad also acted as an Assistant Pastor at Holy Trinity. In addition to his other duties, Father Chleborad also conducted a Bible study class for the ladies of Holy Trinity. In 1970, Father Chleborad left Cheyenne to assume a temporary assignment as Pastor of St. Matthew’s Church in Gillette. Father Chleborad’s current assignment is that of Pastor of St. Joseph’s church in Lovell. The Reverend Thomas Tracey, S.S.C., became Chaplain of DePaul Hospital and the Veterans Hospital in 1970. Father Tracey also acts as an Assistant Pastor at Holy Trinity. CELEBRATION OF TENTH ANNIVERSARY In 1967 a dinner and dance was held by the Altar and Rosary Society for all members of the parish to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the church. CONSTRUCTION OF THE CCD CENTER In 1969 a major addition to Holy Trinity Church, the Parish CCD Center, was completed. The center was formally dedicated by His Excellency, the Most Reverend Hubert M. Newell, on Sunday, March 30, 1969, at 4:00 p.m. The general contractor for the new Center was Miller Construction Company of Cheyenne. Read Ready-Mix Company provided the concrete. Simpson Electric Company, Powers’ Builders Supply, Cheyenne Sheet Metal, and Curtright Plumbing and Heating Company, were among the many firms who assisted in the completion of the new building. The architects were Kellogg and Kellogg. ANNUAL EVENTS The success of several events has led to their becoming annual affairs in Holy Trinity Parish. Beginning in September 1967, and every year thereafter, membership coffees for women newcomers to the Parish have been held. The first three newcomer coffees were held in Father Delaney’s home. The coffee of September 1970 was held in the apartment in the new Parish Center. These coffees have been sponsored by the Altar and Rosary Society. Annual Altar and Rosary membership dinners have also been held in September of every year since 1967. These have been most successful. The Altar and Rosary Society has also had a Memorial Mass for deceased members of the Parish for several years in November; a Christmas party every year; and a bake sale to raise funds for the Madonna Plan, usually held in March. In March 1971, an international dinner was held when the Madonna Plan Program on Oruro, Bolivia, was presented. A special Madonna Plan Bank was devised in which all those present placed contributions. Annual parish events of significance are the Bishop’s Clothing Drive at Thanksgiving; the Clergy Appreciation Dinner in February, sponsored by the Holy Trinity Council of the Knights of Columbus; the Men’s Corporate Communion and Breakfast held in March; the beautiful musical rendition on Good Friday of the “Seven Last Words” by Holy Trinity Choir; the administration of the Sacrament of Confirmation by His Excellency, Bishop Newell, in May and, the reception immediately following for Bishop Newell and the recipients of Confirmation, given by the Altar and Rosary Society. Other events worthy of attention are the many wedding receptions and dinners for bereaved families which are prepared by the ladies of Holy Trinity Altar and Rosary Society (now. Holy Trinity Council of Catholic Women). The Council has also assisted many needy families throughout the years. In addition, Father Delaney served on the Worship Planning Committee of the Sixth Annual Inter Faith Prayer Service for Peace and Unity. Various other parishioners from Holy Trinity participated in this event either as chairmen or workers. The Service was held at the First Christian Church on Palm Sunday, April 4, at 7:30 p.m. OUTSTANDING EVENTS The members of Holy Trinity Parish have participated in many outstanding events since the beginning of the Parish in 1957. Missions conducted at Holy Trinity must be included among these events. In 1958, a Dominican Mission was conducted by the Reverend David Balla. In 1965, a Redemptorist Mission was given by the Reverend John M. Hoffman. In October, 1968, the Reverend Richard J. Graham, S.V.D., of Denver, conducted a mission for parishioners. In 1970, the Reverend E.J. Prenovost, of the Paulist Fathers in Salt Lake City, conducted the “Christian Renewal Program” from September 12 until October 4. Three receptions given at Holy Trinity that were outstanding were the farewell reception for Father Fahey; the reception for Father Delaney celebrating his 25th anniversary of ordination to the priesthood; and the reception welcoming Sister Therese O’Grady and Sister Marian Bellotti of the Order of St. Benedict, Benet Hill Priory, Colorado Springs, Colorado, to the parish. The reception for Father Fahey was held September 1, 1968, from 2:00 until 4: 00 p.m. The reception for Father Delaney was held Sunday, June 1, 1969, from 2:00 until 4:00 p.m. The reception for Sister Therese and Sister Marian was held on Sunday, October 26, 1969, from 2:00 until 4:00 p.m. On October 17 and 18, 1970, a pantry shower was held for Sister Therese O’Grady and Sister Dolora Green, who replaced Sister Marian Bellotti. This occasion enabled all parishioners to see the home at 2530 East 18th Street which the Parish is renting for the use of the Sisters. Other outstanding events which have taken place are the Altar and Rosary Society members acting as hostesses to the Fall Meeting of the Cheyenne Deanery, Diocesan Council of Catholic Women, October 12, 1961; two bazaars, Saturday, October 19, 1963, and Saturday, October 3, 1964; Mass first said in English on first Sunday of Advent, 1964; second Sunday breakfasts held each month after the Sunday Masses during 1964 and 1965; the buffet dinner and musical, “The Best of Broadway” by the Small Group of the Cheyenne Symphony and Choral Society in 1965; the corporate Communion and breakfast held by the members of the Altar and Rosary Society in May 1965 and May 1966; Altar and Rosary members as hostesses to the Spring Meeting of the Cheyenne Deanery, Diocesan Council of Catholic Women, and the Inter Faith Prayer Service for Peace and Unity on March 25, 1966; tithing introduced in 1965; participation by church members in the Catholic Forum Lecture Series, 1967-1969, either as workers, patrons, or purchasers of tickets; members of the Holy Trinity Council of Catholic Women as co-Hostesses for the 1971 Diocesan Council of Catholic Women State Convention, to be held in Cheyenne at Little America on May 3 and 4. OUTSTANDING ALTAR AND ROSARY PROGRAMS Several outstanding programs of the Holy Trinity Altar and Rosary Society are worth mentioning. These are: a program on drug abuse and film, “LSD-25,” presented by Mr. Monte Jones, Inspector for the Wyoming State Department of Agriculture, on February 18, 1968; a talk on “Race and Acceptance” by Dr. C.A. Wise, at a membership dinner, September 15, 1969; a talk by Father Delaney, Father John J. Corrigan, and Father Theodore Haas of Denver on their trip to Europe in celebration of their 25th anniversaries of ordination to the priesthood, November 1969; a talk by the Reverend John Artemas, Pastor of the Greek Orthodox Church of Saints Helen and Constantine, January 20, 1969, on the similarities and differences between the Greek Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches; a program on India given by Mrs. William Boyle at her home on April 14, 1969; and, two dances, one to benefit the new CCD Center, held Saturday, February 1, 1969, and the other, a Valentine dance held on Saturday, February 14, 1970. Both dances were held at the Knights of Columbus Home in Cheyenne. In February 1970, the Rev. John Borkowski, Catholic Chaplain at Warren Air Force Base, presented a most entertaining talk, “Religion on Broadway.” PROGRAMS INVOLVING ALL THREE PARISHES IH CHEYENNE In February 1970, a CCD teacher training course was conducted at the new Parish Center at Holy Trinity. This course, which was open to all three parishes in Cheyenne, was conducted by Sister Therese O’Grady, Sister Marian Bellotti, Sister Beatrice Lorenz of St. Joseph’s Parish, Mr. And Mrs. J.Y. Velazquez of Holy Trinity, and Mrs. Bruno Flaim of St. Mary’s Cathedral Parish. In January, February, March, and May of 1971, Pre-Cana Conferences have been and will be held at Holy Trinity Parish Center under the direction of Mrs. James K. Barton of Holy Trinity. The Pre-Cana Conferences are open to young couples contemplating marriage who are of any denomination. ESTABLISHMENT OF THE ALTAR AND ROSARY SOCIETY The Holy Trinity Altar and Rosary Society was established in 1957.
The Presidents are listed consecutively as follows: ALTAR AND ROSARY NAME IS CHANGED At the March 1970 regular meeting of the Altar and Rosary Society, the members voted to change the name to Holy Trinity Council of Catholic Women. This name change was adopted thus enabling the Society to more clearly identify itself with the Diocesan Council of Catholic Women. Officers and Chairmen of the Diocesan Council of Catholic Women from
Holy Trinity Church who currently hold office are: Organization Services Commission Mrs. Peyton was a CCD teacher in Holy Trinity parish for many years. In addition to her duties as DCCW President, Mrs. Peyton is also a full-time case worker for Wyoming Catholic Charities. She was also the President of the Cheyenne Deanery, Diocesan Council of Catholic Women, from 1967 to 1969. Mrs. Agnes Wotowey, also a member of Holy Trinity Parish, works closely with Mrs. Peyton and she is housemother of St. Anne’s Home in Cheyenne. Other ladies of Holy Trinity who have held Diocesan Chairmanships in past years include: Mrs. Louis Stadnik, Diocesan Apostolic Commission Chairman, 1957-1958; and Mrs. J. Lee Sackett, Diocesan Spiritual Development Commission Chairman, 1964-1965. Various other ladies of Holy Trinity Parish deserve recognition for their faithful, continuing work for Holy Trinity Council of Catholic Women. These include: Mrs. M. J. Lamparter, Mrs. Joseph Bricker, Mrs. W.L. Littleton, Mrs. Walter Schoeneberg, Mrs. William Murray, Mrs. Robert Witgen, Mrs. M. G. Slemmons, Mrs. Henry Hill, Mrs. Lupe Castro, Mrs. Leo I. Herman, Mrs. Barney GrandPre, Mrs. Anthony Perella, Mrs. Fredrick Roybal, Mrs. Robert Crews, Mrs. Oriance DeNoncourt, Mrs. Richard Mowery, Mrs. Floyd Husmann, Mrs. Frank Escobedo, Mrs. Donald Pruter, Mrs. C.F. Spicka, Mrs. Larry Uphoff, Mrs. Russell Sabo, Mrs. Clinton Black, Mrs. Albert Coonrod, Mrs. Leonard Brevnoff, and Mrs. George Scherr. ESTABLISHMENT OF OTHER PARISH ORGANIZATIONS The Confraternity of Christian Doctrine Holy Trinity Parish has always had a very active CCD. Mrs. Eugene Hess, Mrs. Anthony Perella, Mrs. Walter Phelan (now a member of St. Mary’s parish), Mrs. Ronald Williamsen (who no longer resides in Cheyenne) have served as CCD Chairmen. In 1962, the first Extension Lay Volunteers came to Holy Trinity. They were Miss Barbara Wozniak and Miss Catherine Plantago. In October 1963, Lay Volunteers Miss Roselyn Moller and Miss Maureen McGannon came to Holy Trinity Parish to assist in the teaching of CCD classes. In 1964, Extension Volunteers Miss Mary Kay Clark and Miss Diana Langton came to the Parish. In 1965 Volunteers Miss Penny Oehman and Miss Priscilla Thayer arrived. In 1966 Miss Oehman remained and Miss Lucie Laflamme came to take the place of Miss Thayer. In April 1969, Mr. Joseph Y. Velazquez was hired as full-time CCD Coordinator for the three parishes in Cheyenne. Until the completion of the CCD Center in 1969, all catechism classes were held either in the basement of the church or the church proper. With the arrival of Sister Therese O’Grady and Sister Marian Bellotti in 1969, a heavy schedule of catechism classes was maintained and still is maintained at the Center by Sister Therese and Sister Dolora Green, who assumed the duties of Sister Marian in the school year 1970 to 1971. In addition to all of their teaching duties, Sister Therese and Sister Marian conducted a weekly adult study group on Tuesday mornings for anyone in the Parish who was interested in coining. Beginning in September 1970, Sister Therese and Sister Dolora continued the study group, moving it to Thursday mornings. The name of the group is “Coffee and Theology,” and has been very well attended in both years. The 1970-1971 list of Holy Trinity CCD teachers is as follows: Mrs. Barbara Poston, Mrs. Josephine Escobedo, Mrs. Susan Yeager, Mrs. Mary Roybal, Mrs. Pat Brevnoff, Mrs. Joan Brutsman, Mrs. Lois Culver, Mrs. Donna Newton, Vicki Anderson, Mrs. Louise Baker, Mrs. Connie Roybal, Mrs. Sue Schuetz, Mrs. Marilyn Gagen, Mrs. Peggy Crow, Mrs. Mary Ann Bair, Mrs. Barbara Mark, Mrs. Joanne Albro, Mrs. Alma Brandt, Mrs. Jane Soto, Mrs. Jeri Margettes, Mrs. Peggy Schumacher, Mrs. Theresa Rideout, Mrs. Adele Crews, Mr. Burt Hill, Sister Dolora, Sister Therese, Sister Francine, Mr. Joe Velazquez, and Mr. Chuck Cornell. The Cursillo Movement has been very active in Holy Trinity Parish. Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Velazquez, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Crews, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Foley, and Mr. and Mrs. Albert Cassidy have been involved in Cursillos for several years and have become leaders in the movement. The Catholic Youth Organization The Charter Members of the Knights of Columbus of Holy Trinity Council
are: Establishment of the Columbian Squires The Investiture of the first chapter of Columbian Squires, in any of the three parishes in Cheyenne, took place at Holy Trinity on January 27, 1970. The following boys are Charter Members of the Holy Trinity Columbian Squires: William E. Boyle, Martin H. Carroll, Joseph Devine, Patrick J. Devine, Michael A. Ditzler, David A. Estorga, David G. Hall, Dale W. Hansen, Michael Howard, Mark McAfee, Lawrence Molitor, Peter Molitor, Jr., Thomas Molitor, William Reynolds, William D. Rulon, and Douglas G. Vetter. Establishment of the Parish Council The first Parish Council of Holy Trinity Church was organized in 1968. Current Parish Council members include Mrs. Roy Reynolds, President of Holy Trinity Council of Catholic Women; Mrs. Robert Peyton, DCCW President; Mrs. Dale B. McAfee, Diocesan Organization Services Commission Chairman; and Mr. and Mrs. Ed Pivik. Mr. Ed Fessler was the first President o£ the Parish Council, Mr. Pivik was the second President, and Mr. Paul Walsh is the current President. Organists and Choir Director Mrs. Eugene Hess and Mrs. James Schumacher are the organists for Holy Trinity Church. Mrs. E.N. Morandin is the Director of Holy Trinity Choir. CHURCH SCHEDULE SUNDAY MASSES: Saturdays, 5:15 p.m., Sundays 8:30, 10:00, 11:30 |
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