CENTENNIAL
100 Years in Mackay, Idaho: A History of
Saint Barbara’s Catholic Church
By Elizabeth
Martini, Ph.D.
September
2012
Saint
Barbara’s Catholic Church is one of the oldest mission churches in the Diocese of Idaho.
St. Barbara’s is part of the St. Charles
Parish, which includes Custer, Lemhi and Butte Counties. Together these counties total 11,742 square
miles – larger than eight of the states of the U.S. A priest serving this parish from Salmon has
a drive of 111 miles one way to Mackay – not to mention the four other churches
served in the parish: Challis, Arco, Leadore and Stanley.
In the early years, mining was a major industry, with the White Knob Mining Company the major mining enterprise. Ranching and farming were also part of the long-time economy of the area. The Oregon Short Line railroad built a branch from Blackfoot to Mackay. This being the northern terminal, Mackay became the center of the valley’s agricultural industry and beneficial for the mining business as well. Mackay’s city population in 1901 was 638. By 1918 it had nearly doubled. Over the years the population waxed and waned from as high as 1,300 to today’s population of 569.
Priests on Horseback
Long before there was a place
of worship for Catholics, missionary priests traveled over 100 miles by horse
and buggy or on horseback from Blackfoot or Pocatello to the mining communities
of Custer County. Since late in the
1870’s black-robed missionaries had visited the area caring for the religious
needs of the Catholic people, staying in their homes for a few days and then
moving on.
One of the early missionaries
to come through the area was Father Louis Verhaag in 1880. He was traveling to the Custer Mines and
followed the Big Lost River to Willow Creek Summit and over into the Salmon
River drainage. In October 1882,
Archbishop Seghers of the Diocese of Oregon City (now Portland) followed the
same route to the Custer Mines. From
1885 to 1888, Father Nattini and Bishop Alphonse Glorieux followed this route.
Before Mackay became an
established community, priests came to Houston, a nearby town. From 1888 to 1900, Father Cyril Van Der
Donckt covered the entire eastern third of the state. He was assigned by the
Pocatello Catholic Church “to hold services on a more regular basis at
Houston.” Masses were held every few months in either Gus Hein’s hotel or at city
hall.
Gradually people moved
closer to the mining operations. With the exodus from Houston, a new community
was formed and activities centered on the new city of Mackay. In 1900, regular services began in Mackay
twice a year. From 1902 to 1907, Father
Emil Vergrugge from Shoshone served the new town. His territory included all of Custer County.
As the Catholic community
grew, the desire for a permanent place to worship increased. The Ladies Altar Society was organized in
1908 before the mission church was built. The ladies were instrumental in
bringing a dream to reality. Many fund
raising activities took place toward that goal. Concerts, luncheons, dances,
card parties and special dinners were held to obtain the needed funds to build
a church. The St. Patrick’s Day dance
was a major community event. Members of
the original group included Mrs. Marie Anthony, President, Mmes Annie Atha,
Mary Atha, Phoebe Deardon, Julia Donahue, Marie Donahue, Annie Gilboy, Marie
Gilboy, Ann Gilboy, Bridget Hatford, Sarah Hein, Freda Hein, Jennie Kelleher,
Annie McKelvey, Kathleen McKelvey, Minnie Nowaki, Catherine Owens and Mary
Sweeney. There are several descendants of these ladies who live in the
community today.
In 1901 Bishop Glorieux recorded
the deed for lots 4, 5, & 6, which were donated by Mr. Wayne Darlington and
his wife. He was the chief engineer for
the White Knob Mining Company. In 1911
Bishop Glorieux received $500 from the Catholic Church Extension Society
towards building a church. Finally an
“all cedar” church kit was ordered from a company in Oregon. Father Eugene Boogaers directed the work, and
in 1912 the church was dedicated in honor of Saint Barbara, the patron saint of
miners.
 |
| St. Barbara Patron Saint of Miners |
The care of St. Barbara’
church and its spiritual needs changed several times: from Blackfoot to
Pocatello, St. Anthony’s Hospital, Idaho Falls, Arco and finally Salmon. It has
been under the care of the pastors at St. Charles in Salmon for over 35 years.
In 1923, Bishop Gorman sent
Reverend Bernard Denvir to live in Mackay. This was the first and only time that St.
Barbara’s had a resident pastor. Many
priests have served St. Barbara’s since then, each contributing the uniqueness
of themselves to the spiritual growth and continuous physical changes of the
Saint Barbara’s mission church.
Catechism classes were held
in different homes even before the building of the church. Ladies of the church provided the classes to
the youth. After the church was built
they still went to classes in the homes, usually one day after school for
instruction. After the church hall was
built, Sisters from Idaho Falls would hold a 2-week summer school, staying with
the Nuns at the Lost Rivers Hospital. Katy
(Pence) Denney recalls “memorizing the St. Joseph Catechism booklet because the
Sisters expected rote answers to the questions. “We had two 15-minute recesses during the
school day, at which time we would all go out and play baseball. I remember the
Sisters would roll up the sleeves of their habits and play right along with us
kids. There was just a dirt field, no
lawn or fence.”
A
Work in Progress
One could say that Saint
Barbara’s church dwelling is a work in progress, as it has had many inside and
outside “face-lifts” since it was built. The original church included the Sanctuary,
Vestibule and Sacristy. It had no indoor
plumbing. A “two seated” privy was built
to accommodate the needs of the parishioners. When the ladies cleaned the church, they had
to bring water with them. Mrs. Fallini
was often seen carrying buckets of water to the church to clean. Heat came from a coal stove near the front
left corner of the sanctuary. Early
records listed the periodic purchases of coal for heat. The cement foundation for the heater is still
visible today. Electric heat was finally
installed in the early 1960’s, eliminating the need for the coal stove.
In 1916, money was raised
to purchase a pump organ, which was placed in the rear of the sanctuary. This organ still works today and is owned by
Cindy (Sayer) Christenson. In 1972 it
was replaced with a small Hammond Organ with only three “voice” options and
placed near the altar. When this one
ceased to work in 2000, a new one was ordered. Within five weeks, parishioners donated all
the money needed for the organ.
A
small, white, wooden stand with a gold cross painted on the front panel was
used for the original altar. This altar
is currently placed in the sacristy. The unique stone altar that occupies the church today was constructed by
Fritz Friedel. Imbedded in the base of
the altar is a cross of rocks from the mines where many of the parishioners
worked.
The altar area was
remodeled in 2006. When the dark
paneling was removed, remnants of a painted quotation were found on the
deteriorating plaster. It read: “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will
draw all things to myself.” (John
12:32.) Unfortunately it could not be
saved and new sheet rock was put up.
In 1963 the main entrance
was enlarged and changed from a center entryway to a side entry with double
doors. The front of the vestibule was
changed to a colored glass design. Father
Ken Arnzen had a stained glass window installed in the vestibule. Another stained glass window, dedicated in memory
of Dennis and Ella Donahue, was added in 1987.
Additions to the main
structure were made beginning in 1981, including the church hall, kitchen and
bath. The church hall was constructed by parishioner Louie Rukavina and his
sons. One of those sons, Steve Rukavina,
went on to be ordained in 1987. Today
Fr. Steve is pastor at St. Mark’s, Boise.
 |
| Inside wall where the Church Hall addition joined the original structure on the east side |
The
Church Yard
In
the early 1960s, Fr. Arnzen personally removed all the sagebrush around the
church and put in the lawn. Since then
many church activities have been enjoyed outdoors. One major event that became an annual
highlight was “Austrian Days,” which began in 1985 with Barbara Chaffin as
chairman. It began as an international food festival with many different dishes
representing the various countries of the Mackay people’s origin. In addition there were all kinds of
entertainment for young and old. Over
the years, word spread about St. Barbara’s Austrian Days and people came from
all over the valley and beyond.
A
memorial garden was also added to the corner of the church’s yard in 2001. The focal point of the garden is a statue of
St. Francis of Assisi. It stands in
front of a lattice-topped wooden fence and is surrounded by flowering and
evergreen shrubs. Stone settees provide
a quiet place to sit in the garden and meditate.
Our
Centennial is a time to remember the many efforts that have been made to build
up our little mission church, and be thankful to those who carried them out.
Thanks!
Over the years many people have donated items
or funds for alterations, often in memory of loved ones:
Chalices have been donated in memory of:
Veronica Winiecki
Geldo Carron
Simon Family
Catherine and Gustavo
Gabriel
Ciborium donated in memory of:
Florence Woods Nelson
The original Song board and the Racks to hold
the Hymnals and Missals were donated by Bolen Uresti in 1985.
The door to the church hall was given in memory
of Walter P. and Evelyn Kahler
The Baptismal Font was donated by Ann T.
Thomas in 1988
Larry Piatt designed, constructed and erected
the new St. Barbara’s sign.
The kneeling and votive candle station was
added in memory of Mattie Whitney. The kneeling bench was designed and made my
Toni Alosi, then parish council president.
The walnut cross with a white dove, on the
wall above the votive candles, was designed and made by the Confirmation class
of 2002 under the direction of Mary Kate Claycomb.
Laura Pence donated the funds for new siding
for the church. Claudia (Pence) Dains
donated a trophy saddle for auction to support the siding.
Barbara Chaffin had the sprinkler system
installed for the whole church yard.
Ralph and Betty Martini donated a new
Processional Cross.
The Memorial Garden came to be through
special donations from many. A plaque with the memorial names is on display in
the church classroom. The benches in the garden were donated by Carol and
Lowell Frauenholz.
A small white alabaster statue of Mary was
given to the church in memory of Delores Simmons. Ralph Martini made and
mounted a corner shelf in the church hall to display the statue.
Bequeathed monies from Clint Whitney have
provided the funds for a newly installed Sacramental Lamp and alteration of the
Tabernacle niche.
A manger for Christmas was built and donated
by Nolan Sauerbreit. Artist Ruth
Sauerbreit donated a drawing of the church in 1912 for the Centennial.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
v Interviews/Discussions/Emails
with Margaret Brachelusch, Barbara Chaffin, Kate (Pence) Denney, Dennis
Donahue, Mary Hanni*, Earl Lockie, Howard Rosenkrance, Frances Sayer*, Mattie* and Clint* Whitney, Henry
Williams, Ronald Williams.
( * have since deceased
v Charlotte McKelvey provided
materials from the Mackay Miner
v Tom Donahue’s letter to his
mother Donna Donahue, May 26, 1976.
Author’s comments
The
100 years of St. Barbara’s spiritual service to the community encompassed a
multitude of activities and dedications to its vitality and spirit. Obtaining
records for writing this history was an education in itself and a wonderment of
all the people who made St. Barbara’s what it is today. Writing this has given
me a greater appreciation of what 100 years entailed in the life of our church,
St. Barbara’s. Regrettably, I’m certain there are situations and especially
people that were missed in this writing. It was not my intent to leave anything
out. I extend my sincere apologies for
any omissions that may have occurred.
E. Martini
Appendix A
Priests who
served St. Barbara’s community
1887 Fr. Cyril Van der Donckt
1903-1907 Fr. Emil Verbrugge from Shoshone
1907-1912 Fr. Boogaers from Shoshone
1911 Fr. Hander Donket
1912-1914 Fr.
Nicholas Wertzberger
1913 Fr. Doran gave a week long mission
1914 Visit from Cardinal St. Peter
1914-1923 Fr.
Gresl from Blackfoot
1916-1917 Fr.
Joseph Verhoeven Missionary Assistant from Blackfoot
1921-1922 Fr.
M. J. McGowan
1922 Fr.
Leo Ziebarth S.M
1922 Fr. J. C. Dolan
1922-1923 Fr. P.L.Taufin
1923-1928 Fr.
Bernard Denvir
1924 Fr. Henry Schubert CSSP
1928 Fr. Jenney
CHSF
1928-1939 Fr.
Ronayne who resided at St. Anthony’s Hospital
1932 Fr. R. Pecoul of Blackfoot
1934 Fr. C. H. King
1936,’37,’52 Fr. M. Dougherty
1938 Fr. H. L. Herman
1939 Fr. Bauman
1940-1946 Fr.
P. J.Ahern
Fr. E. Russell Jackson CSP
1941-1943 Fr.
Shimmick Jones
(1939-1948 Care of St. Barbara’s was transferred from
St. Anthony’ in Pocatello to Salmon)
1943-1946 Fr.
W. F. Ordway
1946-1956 Fr.
Thomas J. Kelly
1948, 1952 Fr.
James Grady
1949 Fr. William F. McQuaid
1950-1951 Fr.
Denons Falk
1952 Fr. Martin Hughes
1959-1962 Fr.
John Rafferty
1957-1964 Fr. Kenneth Arnzen
(?) Fr. Michael Scarcello
1965 Fr. Patrick OSB
1966 Fr. Cameron
1951-1968 Fr.
Phillip Canavan
1968-1969 Fr. Kevin McArdle
1970 Fr.
Wallace
1969-1973 Fr.
Michael Spegle
1973 Fr.
John Hebert
1974 Fr.
Eugene Esch
1974, ’75, ‘76 Fr. Lawrence Bunzel
1976-1978 Fr. John
O’Sullivan
1978 Fr.
Frank Costello
1979- 1980 Fr. Everest
Furnard
1980-1984 Fr.
Gomez
1984-1985 Fr.
Henry Wolozen Resident Pastor in Arco
Fr. Bjorn
1985 Fr.
Phillip Mark Finley
1986 Fr.
William Gould
1986 Fr. Timothy Ritchey
1986-1987 Fr.
William C. Crowley
Fr. Kuiper
1981, ’88, ’92 + Fr. Steve Rukavina
1988-1989 Fr.
Jose Maniyangat (see appendix B)
1989 Fr.
Francis Harlow (Pastor from Salmon)
1990- Fr.
Meinsad Schallberges
1989-1991 Bishop
Trienan
(1991-1992 Sister
Bernice Wessels O.S.B.
Fr. Richard Haldane (Pastor from Salmon)
1991-1992 Fr.
Tom Keller
1992-1994 Fr. Antony Aelevanthane
1994-1998 Fr.
Anthony Diloreto
1998-2010 Fr. Gordon Taylor
2001-2003 Fr. Alan Cox (Pastor from Salmon)
2004-2011 Fr. Paul Wander (Pastor from Salmon)
2011-2012 Fr.
Evarist Shiyo
2012–present Fr. Chase Hasenoehrl (Pastor from Salmon)
Idaho Diocese Bishops
1868 – 1885 Rt.R ev. Louis Aloysius Lootens
1885 – 1917 Rt.R ev. Alphonse J. Glorieux
1918 – 1927 Rt.R ev. Daniel M. Gorman
1927 -- 1956 Rt.R ev. Edward J. Kelly
1956 – 1962
Rt.R ev. ames J. Byrne
1962 – 1988 Rt.R ev. Sylvester W. Treinen
1988 – 1998 Rt.R ev. Todd D. Brown
1998 – present Rt.R ev. Michael P.
Driscoll
No comments:
Post a Comment