History of Farnam
  The first mass was celebrated by Rev. Father Burke of Lexington, Nebr., June 20, 1887 in the home of Anthony Garven, now owned and occupied by A. B. Thrasher.
Those present were P. Wrin and family, including Agnes Agnew, niece, and Fred Waltberg, his clerk, Mrs. E. Murphy and family, Mrs. P. Moran, Norman McDonald and A. Garven and family. The only ones here today of this group are W. G. and J. J. Wrin and J. W. and J. B. Murphy.
The second mass was celebrated by the same pastor in September, 1887, our spiritual wants were attended thereafter by priests from the Lincoln Diocese generally from Minden, Campbell and Hastings. They would generally start from Holdrege and go through to Grant stopping at each town where at least, a few Catholics would be in attendance.
Services were generally held in the homes of Mrs. P. Wrin, Mrs. E. Murphy and the town hall. Bishop Bonacum of
|
Lincoln made one tour of the Highline in 1890 and administered Confirmation to the class in Farnam.
The Pastor, Rev. Joseph Blaca considered us deserving of a house of worship. Through his persistent efforts, and financial help from Catholics and non-Catholics of Farnam our present church was built and in 1917 was dedicated to St. Joseph by Rt. Rev. Bishop Tihen of Lincoln, Nebr.
Much could be said and written of the early day Catholic spirit. Our congregation assembled from all directions to a distance of 12 miles. Wind weather and a jolting lumber wagon held no fears for them. They came to worship, as taught in their infant days. In almost 50 years of the Catholic Churchs' existence in Farnam many changes in pastors and members have come and gone, but "The faith goes on forever." Our present pastor, Rev. U. Landoll has three missions to attend: Curtis, Farnam and Wellfleet. He is kept busy attending our spiritual wants, yet is sufficiently qualified to meet the joys and disappointments of life with a smile.
Next year will be the 50th Anniversary, and I am sure someone will give a more thorough write up of St. Joseph's Church in Farnam.
|
ST. JOSEPH'S CATHOLIC CHURCH
1886
1936
|
Web Publisher: Weldon Hoppe