History of St. Joseph Parish of Cheyenne 1940-1950 Jerome H. Denk, Pastor

History of St. Joseph Parish of Cheyenne
1940-1950
Jerome H. Denk, Pastor

In the book History of the Diocese of Cheyenne this parish is mentioned as having been created in 1938, and there being an obligation of $3500.

During 1940, and for some time after, the parish was paying off the debt and making some improvements, mostly cement work and shrubbery around the church and house. At that time the parish report showed 80 families, 17 infant baptisms, and an income of $3600. Here are the 1950 figures: 225 families, 80 baptisms, and $27,000 income, but this latter figure includes monies for the new hall.

In January of 1944 the pastor was released to join the armed forces. Most of that time he was chaplain for the 11th Cavalry Group in Germany.

Sixty members of the parish served their country and the plaque in the vestibule of the church shows that four gave their lives; Edward Monjaras, Salvador Garcia, James Stack, Eugene Messersmith.

Father John Marley was appointed administrator during the absence of the pastor. He organized the Confraternity of Our Lady of Perpetual Help with novena services every Tuesday. In 1945 the parish acquired lots 1 to 4 in block 659 across from the rectory. This property and more will be needed for a school, which is contemplated for some time in the future. The cost was $1200.

In the Spring of 1946 Father Denk returned to the parish and Father Marley went to Our Lady of Sorrows, Rock Springs. Due to the good financial condition of the parish, it was decided that a parish hall could be planned. At first the cheaper types of construction were considered, but finally if was decided only brick veneer and tile would be proper construction to fit in with the rest of the plant. Kellogg and Kellogg the architects and T. Snedaker & Son the contractor. It is a $30,000 building. Ground was broken in October of 1949 and on April 15, 1950, coadjutor Bishop Hubert M. Newell dedicated it. In June and July the men of the parish conducted a drive to pay for it and raised money and pledges to the amount of $12000. This effort together with activities in the hall should retire the debt in 1951.

Just recently two Mexican Sodalities have been organized, The Holy Family and The Rosary. A men’s club has been functioning since the opening of the Hall, and Spanish movies are now being shown regularly. A history of this parish would not be complete without mentioning the devoted efforts of Mrs. Rudolph Rezac whose leadership and work in the Altar and Rosary Society has been tireless. The rummage sales held regularly by this organization has been a very substantial assistance in acquiring the improvements and developments of the past ten years.

Back to INDEX		History of St. Joseph Parish of Cheyenne 1940-1950 Jerome H. Denk, Pastor In the book History of the Diocese of Cheyenne this parish is mentioned as having been created in 1938, and there being an obligation of $3500. During 1940, and for some time after, the parish was paying off the debt and making some improvements, mostly cement work and shrubbery around the church and house. At that time the parish report showed 80 families, 17 infant baptisms, and an income of $3600. Here are the 1950 figures: 225 families, 80 baptisms, and $27,000 income, but this latter figure includes monies for the new hall. In January of 1944 the pastor was released to join the armed forces. Most of that time he was chaplain for the 11th Cavalry Group in Germany. Sixty members of the parish served their country and the plaque in the vestibule of the church shows that four gave their lives; Edward Monjaras, Salvador Garcia, James Stack, Eugene Messersmith. Father John Marley was appointed administrator during the absence of the pastor. He organized the Confraternity of Our Lady of Perpetual Help with novena services every Tuesday. In 1945 the parish acquired lots 1 to 4 in block 659 across from the rectory. This property and more will be needed for a school, which is contemplated for some time in the future. The cost was $1200. In the Spring of 1946 Father Denk returned to the parish and Father Marley went to Our Lady of Sorrows, Rock Springs. Due to the good financial condition of the parish, it was decided that a parish hall could be planned. At first the cheaper types of construction were considered, but finally if was decided only brick veneer and tile would be proper construction to fit in with the rest of the plant. Kellogg and Kellogg the architects and T. Snedaker & Son the contractor. It is a $30,000 building. Ground was broken in October of 1949 and on April 15, 1950, coadjutor Bishop Hubert M. Newell dedicated it. In June and July the men of the parish conducted a drive to pay for it and raised money and pledges to the amount of $12000. This effort together with activities in the hall should retire the debt in 1951. Just recently two Mexican Sodalities have been organized, The Holy Family and The Rosary. A men’s club has been functioning since the opening of the Hall, and Spanish movies are now being shown regularly. A history of this parish would not be complete without mentioning the devoted efforts of Mrs. Rudolph Rezac whose leadership and work in the Altar and Rosary Society has been tireless. The rummage sales held regularly by this organization has been a very substantial assistance in acquiring the improvements and developments of the past ten years. Back to Top