Douglas, St. James Bishop McGovern 1941

Douglas, St. James
Bishop McGovern

[69] For many years before it became a parish the Douglas district was visited by missionaries.

The first priest known to have come to Douglas was the Rev. Patrick Brophy, then pastor of Chadron, Nebraska. He gives us this information of the early days: “I visited Douglas in 1887; at that time it was the end of the railroad. Mass was celebrated for the first time on Sunday, June 5th, in a public hall in the western part of town. I also said Mass at old Fort Fetterman, a little west of Douglas, on this occasion. The fort was then being dismantled.

“There was a fair number of Catholics at Douglas, mostly transients, who later moved west or east again as excitement subsided.

“When I was preaching the first Sunday a short-handled, heavy axe came flying through the door. The congregation became excited and was going to administer treatment. The poor fellow was on his way home to his dugout in a sandhill further west. This was a form of salutation in those ‘wet early days’.

“I visited Douglas again in August, 1887, and said Mass in the same hall. At this time Wyoming became a diocese. During the first interregnum (1893-1897), I made another trip along the line and said Mass in [70] Lusk, Douglas, Glendo, Glenrock and Casper. My last trip was in 1896, a little while before the arrival of Bishop Lenihan, and just before I was transferred from northwest to northeast Nebraska. On this last trip to Douglas, I found no Catholics there and the town looked like Goldsmith’s Deserted Village.”

Another priest from Chadron, Nebraska, Rev. James Aherne, visited Douglas and vicinity following the transfer of Fr. Brophy. Fr. Aherne said Mass at Douglas, Lusk, Glenrock, Glendo and Casper in the period between November, 1896, and July, 1897. Other priests who visited Douglas were Rev. Francis J. Nugent and Rev. Frs. Quinn and Fitzgerald. These fathers made the trip to Douglas from Cheyenne about once a year.

In June, 1898, Most Rev. Thomas M. Lenihan, D.D., confirmed the four O’Brian girls, Margaret Ferguson and William Henry in the old town hall, then located at Third and Center streets.

In the early fall of 1898, Rev. James Keating, of Casper, entered into the life of Douglas, and erected a comfortable little church on Fifth and Cedar streets. The total cost of the church was $875.45 of which amount the last payment was made in 1901.

During Fr. Keating’s period of visits, Fr. Ignatius Lissner, a white priest from Africa, arrived in Douglas for a sojourn with relatives. During his visit Fr. Lissner attended to the spiritual needs of the [71] flock. Upon his return to the missionary field he presented the church with a beautiful gold chalice.

In November, 1902, Rev. George Bryant, of Casper, began to hold regular services at Douglas, as Fr. Keating had done. By the spring of 1905, Fr. Bryant had a class ready for confirmation, which was duly administered by the Most Rev. James J. Keane, D.D.

The increasing need of the people of Douglas for a resident pastor was brought to the attention of Bishop Keane. As a consequence he appointed Rev. Neil Brennan, former chaplain at Fort Douglas, as the first resident pastor of Douglas.

The next event of importance in the Douglas parish was the advent of Rev. Ignatius Berna, O.M.C., late in the year 1909. Fr. Berna, who had been sent to erect a new church and rectory, commenced his work in earnest. He selected a site, the two southeast lots on Fifth and Elm streets, for the church and rectory. This property, in addition to a seven room house, was bought from Harry LeBar for $4,000.00, in October, 1910. Soon after, the old church was sold, and Mass was said in one of the rooms of the house. On Sundays an early Mass was said in the house and a later Mass was said in the lodge of the Unity Temple.

The spiritual care of Douglas was confided to the Order of Minor Conventuals by Bishop Keane Dec. 15, [72] 1910, and the Sacred Congregation of Religious confirmed his action Dec. 1, 1911.

With a permanent pastor in charge, the urge for a new church became acute and at a regular meeting July 1, 1912, the board of directors, composed of Fr. Berna, Michael Henry and Joseph Dunn, passed a resolution that the corporation authorize a note of $5,000.00 to be issued for the purpose of erecting a church building.

Though earnestly planning for the new Douglas church, energetic Fr. Berna was not too busy to have more than one iron in the fire, and under his guidance a frame church building was erected at Lusk, Wyoming. Fr. Berna named the church St. Leo’s, in honor of the Very Rev. Leo Greulich, provincial of the Minor Conventuals. The contract price was $l,535.00. The windows cost $165.00.

The corner stone of the new church at Douglas was laid Sunday afternoon at 2:30, October 14, 1912. Most Rev. P. A. McGovern was ill and unable to attend, but he delegated Fr. Berna to perform the ceremony. A concert of sacred music was given by the Third Regimental band, N.G., of Wyoming. A representative gathering attended the ceremony. Revs. George Bryant, James, O.M.C., and Dominic, O.M.C., were present.

The cost of the building during 1912 was $6618.19; while the total amount of liabilities Jan. 1, 1913, was [73] $9,263.64. Hence, in May, 1913, the board of directors again passed a resolution to borrow money, this time from the diocese of Cheyenne, to the amount of $2,000.00, at an annual interest rate of six per cent. The purpose of this loan was to pay outstanding bills against the new church. In 1914 a steam heating-plant for both the church and house was installed at a cost of $940.00, plus the freight. Since that year the congregation has paid off a minimum of $1,000.00 annually.

St. Leo’s church, at Lusk, was dedicated May 30, 1913, by the Most Rev. P. A. McGovern, D.D. The sacrament of confirmation was administered the same day.

Two days later the church of St. James, at Douglas, was dedicated by Bishop McGovern. A solemn high Mass was sung. Fr. James was celebrant, Fr. Ignatius, sub-deacon, and Fr. Dominic, deacon. His excellency, Bishop McGovern preached the sermon.

Leaving behind him a work well done, Fr. Ignatius was called to Utica, N. Y., September 23, 1913, by the provincial. On the day of Fr. Ignatius’ departure Fr. Dominic was taken ill, and died October 6th. A solemn high Mass was sung for the repose of his soul. Fr. Dominic was ordained in Cheyenne by the Most Rev. James J. Keane, D.D., February 10, 1911. The eastern climate was not conducive to the recovery of Fr. Ignatius, who, suffering from tuberculosis, had [74] barely been able to speak above a whisper when he left Douglas. He died in Syracuse, N. Y., February 9, 1914, less than a year after he left Wyoming.

The latter part of 1913 found the Rev. James Hermes in charge of the missions entrusted to the care of the Franciscan fathers in Wyoming. He was assisted by the Revs. Isidore and Matthias. Fr. Hermes made many improvements and notable progress during his administration. His efficient service and civic interests made his departure in October, 1916, regrettable to the entire community, Catholics and Protestants alike. Fr. Matthias accompanied Fr. Hermes to his new pastorate at Broken Bow, Nebraska, as his assistant.

Fr. Isidore assumed charge and was given as his assistants, Revs. Cornelius and Benedict. In January of the following year Fr. Cornelius and Fr. Matthias exchanged places.

Notable achievements during Fr. Isidore’s tenure were the building of a new church at Van Tassel and the introduction of the Forty Hours which has since been held every year in Douglas and at the principal missions, Lusk, Wheatland and Glenrock.

The church at Van Tassel, a simple frame structure, was built in June, 1917, at a cost of approximately $2,500.00. The money was donated by the Catholic Church Extension Society. In 1918, improvements were made on the building at a cost of one hundred dollars. [75] In the intervening years the congregation has diminished from twenty-five to nine families.

Fr. Isidore was called away by his provincial, March, 1918, to accept a chaplaincy in the army. Fr. Matthias succeeded him until November, 1918, when he was replaced by Fr. Adolph. Fr. Adolph had as his assistants, Frs. Benedict and Matthias.

Most of the missions gave evidence of increasing prosperity at this time and it seemed a propitious moment to consider the construction of several new churches. Keeline and Glenrock were discussed as favorable locations. However, due to the exorbitant wartime prices of building material, construction was delayed until the summer of 1920. It had been decided in the meantime that Manville was the more suitable location instead of Keeline. In August, a $3,500.00 church, St. Mary’s, was dedicated. Before its erection divine services were held in the motion picture hall.

Manville did not retain its suggestion of prosperity for long. It gradually declined in population, the congregation vanished, and the bishop gave his consent for the moving of the church building to Lance Creek, eighteen miles north.

Another change was made in the personnel of St. James convent in August, 1919. Fr. Matthias was again called to Broken Bow, Nebraska, and Fr. Benedict was called to Terre Haute, Ind. They were [76] succeeded as assistants by Frs. Anaclete and Herman. Fr. Herman’s stay was brief and he left in December for St. Francis College, at Floyd Knobs, Ind., and was replaced by Fr. George. On September 16th, Fr. Philip was sent to Douglas. There were now four fathers to care for the missions.

In the fall of 1921, construction of the new church at Glenrock began. It was completed by the end of January, 1922. Built of pressed brick the $10,000.00 church was a handsome structure with a dignified exterior.

Changes were again made in the household of St. James convent in September, 1922. Frs. Philip and George were transferred to Chicago Heights and Washington, respectively, and Frs. Herman and Fidelis succeeded them. Two years later Fr. Anaclete was transferred to Terre Haute, Ind. Fr. Adolph was also transferred at this time to Seaside Park, N. J.

During the almost eight years of Fr. Adolph’s regime much had been accomplished and new fields of missionary activity developed. It was during his administration that a resident priest was placed at Torrington in order to care for the newly-established orphanage, and the Franciscan fathers were relieved of that mission. Shortly after this change the bishop requested the fathers to take charge of Salt Creek mission, later called Midwest, a busy, thriving town in the heart [77] of the Salt Creek oil field, some fifty miles north of Casper.

Services were held in a large community recreation hall which was but poorly adapted for the purpose. Through the insistence of several prominent Catholic employees of the Midwest Oil Co., the officials of the company undertook to renovate the building. An alcove was built in the rear of the hall in addition to an annex which was to serve the purpose of a sacristy and sleeping room. The new addition was isolated from the rest of the hall by folding doors.

Here and in the neighboring Lavoye, Mass was said twice a month. The number of Catholics in attendance at these missions in the oil fields was as high as eighty families. After these missions had been attended by the fathers for a period of about two years it became necessary to add a third priest to the parish of Casper because of the increased Catholic population. This made it possible for the more advantageous arrangement of having the missions in the oil fields attended from Casper rather than from Douglas.

Fr. Adolph’s successor, Fr. Theodore, was in Douglas for two years. In that time he lifted the debt on the St. James church, and procured a place of worship at Chugwater. The building, formerly a school house, was purchased for $125.00 and converted into a church, which was dedicated in honor of the Little Flower.

[78] Fr. Theodore was transferred to Louisville, Ky., in September, 1928. Fr. Herman was appointed to succeed him in office. In 1928, the three fathers in charge of the missionary work were Frs. Herman, Fidelis and Ambrose. The total number of missions with churches was seven and of stations, three.

The history of the Wheatland mission begins in 1885, with the celebration of Mass by Rev. Francis Nugent at the home of Patrick Mullin (Laramie River). The first church was built by Rev. James Keating in 1898, and was later attended by Bishop Lenihan, Rev. James Duffy and various priests from Cheyenne and Casper. August 12, 1905, the church was incorporated, with Casper Rowse and John Mullin as lay trustees.

Rev. Patrick Long was resident pastor from February, 1907, to July, 1910. He also took charge of the missions: Guernsey, Sunrise, Hartville, Torrington and Glendo. The Franciscans represented by Fr. Ignatius Berna took Wheatland as a mission in 1910.

Glendo’s mission history begins about 1889, when Rev. Francis Nugent visited Belwood (three miles from Glendo). Revs. James Keating and George Bryant followed. In 1900, the first church was built at a cost of $800.00, which sum was paid at the time of building. Rev. George Bryant, of Cheyenne, was in charge. Rev. P. Long attended Glendo from Wheatland from 1907 to 1910. The congregation consisted of six families. [79] The Laughlin children were the first to be baptized in the new church and Mrs. Hoffman was the first convert. Prominent members were: Tom Freeney, Pat Freeney, James Moran, Pat Hall and Mrs. B. McDermot.

The first priest known to have visited Sunrise was Fr. Keating of Casper, who came about 1901. He was followed by Fr. Bryant, also of Casper. Rev. P. Long made regular visits from Wheatland until Fr. Ignatius Berna took over the missions.

Glenrock was first attended by Rev. Patrick Brophy on one of his visits through Wyoming. From 1912 it was regularly attended by the Franciscan fathers from Douglas.

Fr. Ignatius visited Flattop at the same time that he visited Manville. Mass was said monthly in the home of Kenneth Hughes. Names remembered among the early members are Frank Fahy, John Fahy, Patrick Fay and Jos. Foy.

Returning to affairs at Douglas, in August, 1929, Fr. Ambrose was transferred to Broken Bow, Nebr., and Fr. Bruno, newly ordained, came to fill his place. In Feb., 1931, Fr. Herman was moved to another field of labor, and was succeeded by Rev. Ignatius Hanley. During the latter’s regime (1931-1939) vacation schools were held in various missions. Bishop McGovern donated a new automobile to the parish, in order to provide better service for the places attended from Douglas [80] (1935). He also secured a donation of $300.00 for Glenrock, which, with an additional sum of $300.00 raised by the people reduced the debt on their church to $2,000.00 (1937). The following year the congregation was able to pay $500.00 more on the debt.

In the year 1935, by reason of a change in the state highway, it was necessary to move the church at Glendo to a new location. Since Sept., 1938, Mass is celebrated there twice a month.

Due to the development of the Lance Creek oil fields, it was found necessary to have two Masses every Sunday in Lusk (1938).

Prior to 1937, the Catholics of Hartville and Sunrise, mostly of Italian extraction, had Mass in the latter town in a hall above the offices of the mining company. As the company needed the hall for more office room, the congregation secured the use of the Dante Alighieri meeting place in Hartville, but later were able to use the community church in Sunrise. In the beginning of 1937 Sunday services were increased from once to twice a month.

The Wheatland church property has been much improved in the last few years: curbing has been laid, a lawn planted, as well as trees and shrubs, the exterior of the church stuccoed, and a neat vestibule added to the front entrance. Spiritual progress has kept apace with the material; for now Mass is celebrated there [81] every Sunday, instead of twice a month, and the number approaching the sacraments has increased pari passu. The people of this mission are of various nationalities, with quite a percentage of Spanish-Americans, particularly during the sugar-beet season.

In July of 1939 Rev. Ignatius Hanley, O.M.C., was promoted to the responsible position of master of novices, and Rev. Lawrence Martin, O.M.C., was named pastor of Douglas and missions in his place, with the following staff of assistants, all Minor Conventuals: Revs. Othmar Miller, Martin Collet, and Bernard Miller. In 1940 the two latter were replaced by Revs. Andrew Maas and Gerald Biwer.

Confirmation was administered by Bishop McGovern in Douglas and missions in 1928 to 108 persons; and in 1934 to 161.

Statistics of baptisms and marriages are presented for 1939:

Baptisms
Douglas ............................20
Wheatland ...................….31
Lusk ..................................21
Sunrise ..........................…. 5
Glenrock ........................….3
Glendo ……………………2
Total ……………………..82

Marriages
Douglas ..........................…10
Wheatland ....................…… 4
Lusk ................................…. 3
Sunrise ............................…. 3
Flattop ………………………1
Total ……………………….21

Back to INDEX		Douglas, St. James Bishop McGovern [69] For many years before it became a parish the Douglas district was visited by missionaries. The first priest known to have come to Douglas was the Rev. Patrick Brophy, then pastor of Chadron, Nebraska. He gives us this information of the early days: “I visited Douglas in 1887; at that time it was the end of the railroad. Mass was celebrated for the first time on Sunday, June 5th, in a public hall in the western part of town. I also said Mass at old Fort Fetterman, a little west of Douglas, on this occasion. The fort was then being dismantled. “There was a fair number of Catholics at Douglas, mostly transients, who later moved west or east again as excitement subsided. “When I was preaching the first Sunday a short-handled, heavy axe came flying through the door. The congregation became excited and was going to administer treatment. The poor fellow was on his way home to his dugout in a sandhill further west. This was a form of salutation in those ‘wet early days’. “I visited Douglas again in August, 1887, and said Mass in the same hall. At this time Wyoming became a diocese. During the first interregnum (1893-1897), I made another trip along the line and said Mass in [70] Lusk, Douglas, Glendo, Glenrock and Casper. My last trip was in 1896, a little while before the arrival of Bishop Lenihan, and just before I was transferred from northwest to northeast Nebraska. On this last trip to Douglas, I found no Catholics there and the town looked like Goldsmith’s Deserted Village.” Another priest from Chadron, Nebraska, Rev. James Aherne, visited Douglas and vicinity following the transfer of Fr. Brophy. Fr. Aherne said Mass at Douglas, Lusk, Glenrock, Glendo and Casper in the period between November, 1896, and July, 1897. Other priests who visited Douglas were Rev. Francis J. Nugent and Rev. Frs. Quinn and Fitzgerald. These fathers made the trip to Douglas from Cheyenne about once a year. In June, 1898, Most Rev. Thomas M. Lenihan, D.D., confirmed the four O’Brian girls, Margaret Ferguson and William Henry in the old town hall, then located at Third and Center streets. In the early fall of 1898, Rev. James Keating, of Casper, entered into the life of Douglas, and erected a comfortable little church on Fifth and Cedar streets. The total cost of the church was $875.45 of which amount the last payment was made in 1901. During Fr. Keating’s period of visits, Fr. Ignatius Lissner, a white priest from Africa, arrived in Douglas for a sojourn with relatives. During his visit Fr. Lissner attended to the spiritual needs of the [71] flock. Upon his return to the missionary field he presented the church with a beautiful gold chalice. In November, 1902, Rev. George Bryant, of Casper, began to hold regular services at Douglas, as Fr. Keating had done. By the spring of 1905, Fr. Bryant had a class ready for confirmation, which was duly administered by the Most Rev. James J. Keane, D.D. The increasing need of the people of Douglas for a resident pastor was brought to the attention of Bishop Keane. As a consequence he appointed Rev. Neil Brennan, former chaplain at Fort Douglas, as the first resident pastor of Douglas. The next event of importance in the Douglas parish was the advent of Rev. Ignatius Berna, O.M.C., late in the year 1909. Fr. Berna, who had been sent to erect a new church and rectory, commenced his work in earnest. He selected a site, the two southeast lots on Fifth and Elm streets, for the church and rectory. This property, in addition to a seven room house, was bought from Harry LeBar for $4,000.00, in October, 1910. Soon after, the old church was sold, and Mass was said in one of the rooms of the house. On Sundays an early Mass was said in the house and a later Mass was said in the lodge of the Unity Temple. The spiritual care of Douglas was confided to the Order of Minor Conventuals by Bishop Keane Dec. 15, [72] 1910, and the Sacred Congregation of Religious confirmed his action Dec. 1, 1911. With a permanent pastor in charge, the urge for a new church became acute and at a regular meeting July 1, 1912, the board of directors, composed of Fr. Berna, Michael Henry and Joseph Dunn, passed a resolution that the corporation authorize a note of $5,000.00 to be issued for the purpose of erecting a church building. Though earnestly planning for the new Douglas church, energetic Fr. Berna was not too busy to have more than one iron in the fire, and under his guidance a frame church building was erected at Lusk, Wyoming. Fr. Berna named the church St. Leo’s, in honor of the Very Rev. Leo Greulich, provincial of the Minor Conventuals. The contract price was $l,535.00. The windows cost $165.00. The corner stone of the new church at Douglas was laid Sunday afternoon at 2:30, October 14, 1912. Most Rev. P. A. McGovern was ill and unable to attend, but he delegated Fr. Berna to perform the ceremony. A concert of sacred music was given by the Third Regimental band, N.G., of Wyoming. A representative gathering attended the ceremony. Revs. George Bryant, James, O.M.C., and Dominic, O.M.C., were present. The cost of the building during 1912 was $6618.19; while the total amount of liabilities Jan. 1, 1913, was [73] $9,263.64. Hence, in May, 1913, the board of directors again passed a resolution to borrow money, this time from the diocese of Cheyenne, to the amount of $2,000.00, at an annual interest rate of six per cent. The purpose of this loan was to pay outstanding bills against the new church. In 1914 a steam heating-plant for both the church and house was installed at a cost of $940.00, plus the freight. Since that year the congregation has paid off a minimum of $1,000.00 annually. St. Leo’s church, at Lusk, was dedicated May 30, 1913, by the Most Rev. P. A. McGovern, D.D. The sacrament of confirmation was administered the same day. Two days later the church of St. James, at Douglas, was dedicated by Bishop McGovern. A solemn high Mass was sung. Fr. James was celebrant, Fr. Ignatius, sub-deacon, and Fr. Dominic, deacon. His excellency, Bishop McGovern preached the sermon. Leaving behind him a work well done, Fr. Ignatius was called to Utica, N. Y., September 23, 1913, by the provincial. On the day of Fr. Ignatius’ departure Fr. Dominic was taken ill, and died October 6th. A solemn high Mass was sung for the repose of his soul. Fr. Dominic was ordained in Cheyenne by the Most Rev. James J. Keane, D.D., February 10, 1911. The eastern climate was not conducive to the recovery of Fr. Ignatius, who, suffering from tuberculosis, had [74] barely been able to speak above a whisper when he left Douglas. He died in Syracuse, N. Y., February 9, 1914, less than a year after he left Wyoming. The latter part of 1913 found the Rev. James Hermes in charge of the missions entrusted to the care of the Franciscan fathers in Wyoming. He was assisted by the Revs. Isidore and Matthias. Fr. Hermes made many improvements and notable progress during his administration. His efficient service and civic interests made his departure in October, 1916, regrettable to the entire community, Catholics and Protestants alike. Fr. Matthias accompanied Fr. Hermes to his new pastorate at Broken Bow, Nebraska, as his assistant. Fr. Isidore assumed charge and was given as his assistants, Revs. Cornelius and Benedict. In January of the following year Fr. Cornelius and Fr. Matthias exchanged places. Notable achievements during Fr. Isidore’s tenure were the building of a new church at Van Tassel and the introduction of the Forty Hours which has since been held every year in Douglas and at the principal missions, Lusk, Wheatland and Glenrock. The church at Van Tassel, a simple frame structure, was built in June, 1917, at a cost of approximately $2,500.00. The money was donated by the Catholic Church Extension Society. In 1918, improvements were made on the building at a cost of one hundred dollars. [75] In the intervening years the congregation has diminished from twenty-five to nine families. Fr. Isidore was called away by his provincial, March, 1918, to accept a chaplaincy in the army. Fr. Matthias succeeded him until November, 1918, when he was replaced by Fr. Adolph. Fr. Adolph had as his assistants, Frs. Benedict and Matthias. Most of the missions gave evidence of increasing prosperity at this time and it seemed a propitious moment to consider the construction of several new churches. Keeline and Glenrock were discussed as favorable locations. However, due to the exorbitant wartime prices of building material, construction was delayed until the summer of 1920. It had been decided in the meantime that Manville was the more suitable location instead of Keeline. In August, a $3,500.00 church, St. Mary’s, was dedicated. Before its erection divine services were held in the motion picture hall. Manville did not retain its suggestion of prosperity for long. It gradually declined in population, the congregation vanished, and the bishop gave his consent for the moving of the church building to Lance Creek, eighteen miles north. Another change was made in the personnel of St. James convent in August, 1919. Fr. Matthias was again called to Broken Bow, Nebraska, and Fr. Benedict was called to Terre Haute, Ind. They were [76] succeeded as assistants by Frs. Anaclete and Herman. Fr. Herman’s stay was brief and he left in December for St. Francis College, at Floyd Knobs, Ind., and was replaced by Fr. George. On September 16th, Fr. Philip was sent to Douglas. There were now four fathers to care for the missions. In the fall of 1921, construction of the new church at Glenrock began. It was completed by the end of January, 1922. Built of pressed brick the $10,000.00 church was a handsome structure with a dignified exterior. Changes were again made in the household of St. James convent in September, 1922. Frs. Philip and George were transferred to Chicago Heights and Washington, respectively, and Frs. Herman and Fidelis succeeded them. Two years later Fr. Anaclete was transferred to Terre Haute, Ind. Fr. Adolph was also transferred at this time to Seaside Park, N. J. During the almost eight years of Fr. Adolph’s regime much had been accomplished and new fields of missionary activity developed. It was during his administration that a resident priest was placed at Torrington in order to care for the newly-established orphanage, and the Franciscan fathers were relieved of that mission. Shortly after this change the bishop requested the fathers to take charge of Salt Creek mission, later called Midwest, a busy, thriving town in the heart [77] of the Salt Creek oil field, some fifty miles north of Casper. Services were held in a large community recreation hall which was but poorly adapted for the purpose. Through the insistence of several prominent Catholic employees of the Midwest Oil Co., the officials of the company undertook to renovate the building. An alcove was built in the rear of the hall in addition to an annex which was to serve the purpose of a sacristy and sleeping room. The new addition was isolated from the rest of the hall by folding doors. Here and in the neighboring Lavoye, Mass was said twice a month. The number of Catholics in attendance at these missions in the oil fields was as high as eighty families. After these missions had been attended by the fathers for a period of about two years it became necessary to add a third priest to the parish of Casper because of the increased Catholic population. This made it possible for the more advantageous arrangement of having the missions in the oil fields attended from Casper rather than from Douglas. Fr. Adolph’s successor, Fr. Theodore, was in Douglas for two years. In that time he lifted the debt on the St. James church, and procured a place of worship at Chugwater. The building, formerly a school house, was purchased for $125.00 and converted into a church, which was dedicated in honor of the Little Flower. [78] Fr. Theodore was transferred to Louisville, Ky., in September, 1928. Fr. Herman was appointed to succeed him in office. In 1928, the three fathers in charge of the missionary work were Frs. Herman, Fidelis and Ambrose. The total number of missions with churches was seven and of stations, three. The history of the Wheatland mission begins in 1885, with the celebration of Mass by Rev. Francis Nugent at the home of Patrick Mullin (Laramie River). The first church was built by Rev. James Keating in 1898, and was later attended by Bishop Lenihan, Rev. James Duffy and various priests from Cheyenne and Casper. August 12, 1905, the church was incorporated, with Casper Rowse and John Mullin as lay trustees. Rev. Patrick Long was resident pastor from February, 1907, to July, 1910. He also took charge of the missions: Guernsey, Sunrise, Hartville, Torrington and Glendo. The Franciscans represented by Fr. Ignatius Berna took Wheatland as a mission in 1910. Glendo’s mission history begins about 1889, when Rev. Francis Nugent visited Belwood (three miles from Glendo). Revs. James Keating and George Bryant followed. In 1900, the first church was built at a cost of $800.00, which sum was paid at the time of building. Rev. George Bryant, of Cheyenne, was in charge. Rev. P. Long attended Glendo from Wheatland from 1907 to 1910. The congregation consisted of six families. [79] The Laughlin children were the first to be baptized in the new church and Mrs. Hoffman was the first convert. Prominent members were: Tom Freeney, Pat Freeney, James Moran, Pat Hall and Mrs. B. McDermot. The first priest known to have visited Sunrise was Fr. Keating of Casper, who came about 1901. He was followed by Fr. Bryant, also of Casper. Rev. P. Long made regular visits from Wheatland until Fr. Ignatius Berna took over the missions. Glenrock was first attended by Rev. Patrick Brophy on one of his visits through Wyoming. From 1912 it was regularly attended by the Franciscan fathers from Douglas. Fr. Ignatius visited Flattop at the same time that he visited Manville. Mass was said monthly in the home of Kenneth Hughes. Names remembered among the early members are Frank Fahy, John Fahy, Patrick Fay and Jos. Foy. Returning to affairs at Douglas, in August, 1929, Fr. Ambrose was transferred to Broken Bow, Nebr., and Fr. Bruno, newly ordained, came to fill his place. In Feb., 1931, Fr. Herman was moved to another field of labor, and was succeeded by Rev. Ignatius Hanley. During the latter’s regime (1931-1939) vacation schools were held in various missions. Bishop McGovern donated a new automobile to the parish, in order to provide better service for the places attended from Douglas [80] (1935). He also secured a donation of $300.00 for Glenrock, which, with an additional sum of $300.00 raised by the people reduced the debt on their church to $2,000.00 (1937). The following year the congregation was able to pay $500.00 more on the debt. In the year 1935, by reason of a change in the state highway, it was necessary to move the church at Glendo to a new location. Since Sept., 1938, Mass is celebrated there twice a month. Due to the development of the Lance Creek oil fields, it was found necessary to have two Masses every Sunday in Lusk (1938). Prior to 1937, the Catholics of Hartville and Sunrise, mostly of Italian extraction, had Mass in the latter town in a hall above the offices of the mining company. As the company needed the hall for more office room, the congregation secured the use of the Dante Alighieri meeting place in Hartville, but later were able to use the community church in Sunrise. In the beginning of 1937 Sunday services were increased from once to twice a month. The Wheatland church property has been much improved in the last few years: curbing has been laid, a lawn planted, as well as trees and shrubs, the exterior of the church stuccoed, and a neat vestibule added to the front entrance. Spiritual progress has kept apace with the material; for now Mass is celebrated there [81] every Sunday, instead of twice a month, and the number approaching the sacraments has increased pari passu. The people of this mission are of various nationalities, with quite a percentage of Spanish-Americans, particularly during the sugar-beet season. In July of 1939 Rev. Ignatius Hanley, O.M.C., was promoted to the responsible position of master of novices, and Rev. Lawrence Martin, O.M.C., was named pastor of Douglas and missions in his place, with the following staff of assistants, all Minor Conventuals: Revs. Othmar Miller, Martin Collet, and Bernard Miller. In 1940 the two latter were replaced by Revs. Andrew Maas and Gerald Biwer. Confirmation was administered by Bishop McGovern in Douglas and missions in 1928 to 108 persons; and in 1934 to 161. Statistics of baptisms and marriages are presented for 1939: Baptisms Douglas ............................20 Wheatland ...................….31 Lusk ..................................21 Sunrise ..........................…. 5 Glenrock ........................….3 Glendo ……………………2 Total ……………………..82 Marriages Douglas ..........................…10 Wheatland ....................…… 4 Lusk ................................…. 3 Sunrise ............................…. 3 Flattop ………………………1 Total ……………………….21 Back to Top