The beginning of St. John the Baptist Parish began on February
25, 1888, when seventy-five families broke away from St.
Mary's.
With much enthusiasm and joy, plans were made to build a two story
building to accommodate a place of worship, a school, and a
residence for the Sisters who staffed the school. The building was
dedicated on August 12, 1888. A few months later on December 29,
1888, the church bell was consecrated and rang out.
In the following years because of parish growth and natural events,
the following took place: 1890 new church 1888-1917 lightning
struck the church four times 1934 new school 1950 new rectory
1950's addition to convent and school.
One can see with the constant building since its early beginning
that the membership had a great love for their parish.
What joy must have been in their hearts as they celebrated its 75th
birthday on June 9, 1963. In celebration of the Diamond Jubilee of
St. John's Church, a special Mass of Thanksgiving was held at 10:30
a.m., Sunday, June 9, 1963, with the Most Reverend Stanislaus V.
Bona, Bishop of Green Bay Diocese, presiding.
With the Second Vatican Council in the early 1960's, many changes
came about which affected the Liturgy as well as Religious
Life.
Recently, the Sister's residence became a low cost housing facility
for elderly people. Minor changes within the parish church took
place in line with documents of the Second Vatican Council
also.
In 1988, the parish celebrated its 100th anniversary with many
events throughout the year. On August 12th, Bishop Adam Maida and
Bishop Aloysius Wycislo, along with many other priests, celebrated
mass. The day itself holds memories for many parishioners.
Church members were always dedicated to giving their children a
Catholic Education. However, due to finances and lack of students,
the school closed its doors in June of 2002. Today, the school is
used for office space, religious education classes, and parish
meetings, and is rented out to various groups.
There is a saying, "Through death comes new life." This saying
became real when a Stewardship Committee was formed.
"Stewardship is a way of life. For Christians who follow in the way
of the Lord Jesus, stewardship is an expression of discipleship.
When we recognize that God is the origin of all, the giver of
everything that we have and are, the source of our freedom and
giftedness, the healthy person responds by thanking God through
prayer, by serving God and God's people through ministry, by
sharing our financial resources with those in need. Stewardship is
a way of life based upon conversion of heart." Quote by Bishop R.
Morneau.
Presently the priest is the pastor of St. John the Baptist and St.
Mary's Parish.