Historic Documents & Images
Brief History
In 1883 pioneers of German descent built St. Mary’s Catholic Church with a dream that it would flourish. Through the Great Depression it persevered. During WWII its parish grew to 80 families. In the 1970’s obstacles, which nearly closed its doors, were gracefully sidestepped.
Today, this little rural church nestled within the bountiful grain fields of the Midwest has grown to be St. Mary of the Fields. Hosting visitors from around the world, St. Mary of the Fields Shrine welcomes pilgrims to adore Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament, venerate of Mary and the Saints under various titles and images, to recite the outdoor “Rolle Bolle” Rosary, to pray at the Tomb of the Unborn, and lastly, to enjoy our newest addition, the grotto of Our Lady of Fatima.
Since 2000, the Shrine of St. Mary of the Fields has been recognized as a Diocesan Shrine of Mary in the Peoria Diocese, which covers 26 countries across central Illinois. Diocesan recognition allows St. Mary of the Fields to be an official place of pilgrimage for Catholic Christians and others who seek help with their troubles or to pray for others. The Eucharistic presence of Jesus is always available for worship and adoration.
The vision for a Holy Shrine developed from plans to memorialize the original church bell. The bronze bell now greets all visitors inside the main entrance. The Shrine was blessed March 15, 1990. An elegant, six foot statue of Mary offering her Child to the world is one of the focal points. Fourteen hand painted terra cotta “Stations of the Cross” portray the crucifixion of Jesus and a Gothic-style Altar displays the Infant Jesus of Prague, the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Our Lady of Fatima, St. Antony, and other statuary.
The Shrine is now recognized as a Shrine of Mary nationally by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. National recognition means that a larger number of faithful Catholics will hear about St. Mary of the Fields and make their way across the grain fields of northwestern Illinois in pilgrimage to pray to God the Father through Jesus, His Son, in the Holy Spirit, and to ask Our Lady and the Saints for help in this world.
May God bless the members of St. Mary’s parish that they may persevere in the zeal of their forefathers and follow their example.
Today, this little rural church nestled within the bountiful grain fields of the Midwest has grown to be St. Mary of the Fields. Hosting visitors from around the world, St. Mary of the Fields Shrine welcomes pilgrims to adore Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament, venerate of Mary and the Saints under various titles and images, to recite the outdoor “Rolle Bolle” Rosary, to pray at the Tomb of the Unborn, and lastly, to enjoy our newest addition, the grotto of Our Lady of Fatima.
Since 2000, the Shrine of St. Mary of the Fields has been recognized as a Diocesan Shrine of Mary in the Peoria Diocese, which covers 26 countries across central Illinois. Diocesan recognition allows St. Mary of the Fields to be an official place of pilgrimage for Catholic Christians and others who seek help with their troubles or to pray for others. The Eucharistic presence of Jesus is always available for worship and adoration.
The vision for a Holy Shrine developed from plans to memorialize the original church bell. The bronze bell now greets all visitors inside the main entrance. The Shrine was blessed March 15, 1990. An elegant, six foot statue of Mary offering her Child to the world is one of the focal points. Fourteen hand painted terra cotta “Stations of the Cross” portray the crucifixion of Jesus and a Gothic-style Altar displays the Infant Jesus of Prague, the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Our Lady of Fatima, St. Antony, and other statuary.
The Shrine is now recognized as a Shrine of Mary nationally by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. National recognition means that a larger number of faithful Catholics will hear about St. Mary of the Fields and make their way across the grain fields of northwestern Illinois in pilgrimage to pray to God the Father through Jesus, His Son, in the Holy Spirit, and to ask Our Lady and the Saints for help in this world.
May God bless the members of St. Mary’s parish that they may persevere in the zeal of their forefathers and follow their example.
Early History
More than one-hundred years ago the country surrounding St. Mary’s parish was a wilderness. A greater part of the land was covered with water, and the prairies abounded with deer, wolves, and other wild animals. Sand hills, sparsely covered with rough grass gave room for Indian camps. This was the way of things when the early settlers arrived, but by the late 1800’s the scene had completely changed. The shape of the sand hills could still be seen, but the bodies of water had been drained, and the prairies were turning into a beautiful and fertile soil which under careful cultivation was beginning to give ample support for a growing population. Newly cut roads were crossing the countryside, lined for miles on miles with fences.
The early settlers were concerned not only for their material welfare, but also for their spiritual well-being. It was the strength of their faith that kept their spirit alive, in what at times appeared to be a constant struggle for survival in this new country.
Since there was no church for miles around the people gladly offered their homes for the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. But at time it was a major struggle over difficult roads and high water to get the priest from a distant railroad station by ox cart to their homes. Some of these courageous early settlers were: John Sittler, John Grose, Michael Egert, John Clementz, Morris Fritsch, George Seyller, and George Clementz. We can readily understand that these early settlers would make every effort to contribute to a collection that was taken up for a church to be erected in Geneseo. But even then, they had to travel 14 to 17 miles in storm, hail, rain and heat – which they did for several years – to fulfill their Sunday obligation.
In 1870 a church was erected in Atkinson, and the people of the Hooppole community became parishioners of the St. Anthony’s parish in Atkinson. However in 1883 a church was erected for the Hoopoole community with the name of St. Mary’s, and this church now became a mission church at St. Anthony’s. The new St. Mary’s Church was erected three miles west of Hooppole in the township of Yorktown, adjoining the farms of Mr. John Buechel and William Countryman and under the direction of Rev. Father Tholen, pastor of St. Anthony’s, and trustees were Mr. John Fritsch and Mr. Joseph Leininger.
Although St. Mary’s Church is not unique in point of architecture, one might call it a historical monument, since it is so intimately associated with the development of the surrounding country. Every progress in the surroundings is marked at the same time by progress in this little parish. The total cost of the church, including the lot, was $1,069.20. Through a collection from parishioners $919.50 was realized; from those outside the parish $129.45 was collected; $150.00 was borrowed. This came to a total of $1,198.95 which was sufficient to pay for the church, besides leaving a balance of $129.75.
Some details of the dedication day for St. Mary’s are taken from the Geneseo Republic of November 2, 1883. On Wednesday, October 31, the new Catholic Church at Hooppole was dedicated by Right Rev. Bishop Spaulding of Peoria, assisted by Rev. Father Kuckenback of Hennepin and Rev. Father Tholen of Atkinson. The church is a wooden frame structure standing near the residence and on the farm of Mr.John Buechel, section #19, Yorktown, and was built by Mr. John Fitzkee of Atkinson. There is a seating capacity for one hundred and fifty persons which is ample for the thirty-two families belonging to the parish.
The church was handsomely decorated for the occasion with evergreens and flowers. At 10:00 a.m. between two and three hundred persons had assembled, even some from Prophetstown and other distant points. At 10:20 the Bishop and other clergy arrived escorted by a dozen young men on horseback and by the Atkinson Brass Band under the baton of Will Straley. The Atkinson Catholic Choir directed by Anthony Bouwhuis, with Christine Bouwhuis as organist arrived. After the ceremony of consecration in all its solemnity was completed, the people were admitted into the church, and solemn High Mass Began.
Rev. Father Tholen was celebrant, assisted by Rev. Father kuckenback, who also delivered an earnest and impressive sermon in the German language. Bishop Spaulding then addressed the assembly briefly in English, congratulating the people of the parish for the Christian zeal and enterprise that had enabled them to build, pay for, and consecrate to God so handsome an edifice. He reminded them that their circumstances would not admit of frequent services, probably not more than once a month, and that to preserve and keep alive their religion they should have family prayer, instruct the children in the Catechism and, above all, should live uprightly and at peace with all the world. His address closed the exercises of the day.
Mr. John Buechel then acted as host to the Bishop, the clergy, the band and the choir. The parish was to be served by Rev. Father Tholen of Atkinson.
The early settlers were concerned not only for their material welfare, but also for their spiritual well-being. It was the strength of their faith that kept their spirit alive, in what at times appeared to be a constant struggle for survival in this new country.
Since there was no church for miles around the people gladly offered their homes for the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. But at time it was a major struggle over difficult roads and high water to get the priest from a distant railroad station by ox cart to their homes. Some of these courageous early settlers were: John Sittler, John Grose, Michael Egert, John Clementz, Morris Fritsch, George Seyller, and George Clementz. We can readily understand that these early settlers would make every effort to contribute to a collection that was taken up for a church to be erected in Geneseo. But even then, they had to travel 14 to 17 miles in storm, hail, rain and heat – which they did for several years – to fulfill their Sunday obligation.
In 1870 a church was erected in Atkinson, and the people of the Hooppole community became parishioners of the St. Anthony’s parish in Atkinson. However in 1883 a church was erected for the Hoopoole community with the name of St. Mary’s, and this church now became a mission church at St. Anthony’s. The new St. Mary’s Church was erected three miles west of Hooppole in the township of Yorktown, adjoining the farms of Mr. John Buechel and William Countryman and under the direction of Rev. Father Tholen, pastor of St. Anthony’s, and trustees were Mr. John Fritsch and Mr. Joseph Leininger.
Although St. Mary’s Church is not unique in point of architecture, one might call it a historical monument, since it is so intimately associated with the development of the surrounding country. Every progress in the surroundings is marked at the same time by progress in this little parish. The total cost of the church, including the lot, was $1,069.20. Through a collection from parishioners $919.50 was realized; from those outside the parish $129.45 was collected; $150.00 was borrowed. This came to a total of $1,198.95 which was sufficient to pay for the church, besides leaving a balance of $129.75.
Some details of the dedication day for St. Mary’s are taken from the Geneseo Republic of November 2, 1883. On Wednesday, October 31, the new Catholic Church at Hooppole was dedicated by Right Rev. Bishop Spaulding of Peoria, assisted by Rev. Father Kuckenback of Hennepin and Rev. Father Tholen of Atkinson. The church is a wooden frame structure standing near the residence and on the farm of Mr.John Buechel, section #19, Yorktown, and was built by Mr. John Fitzkee of Atkinson. There is a seating capacity for one hundred and fifty persons which is ample for the thirty-two families belonging to the parish.
The church was handsomely decorated for the occasion with evergreens and flowers. At 10:00 a.m. between two and three hundred persons had assembled, even some from Prophetstown and other distant points. At 10:20 the Bishop and other clergy arrived escorted by a dozen young men on horseback and by the Atkinson Brass Band under the baton of Will Straley. The Atkinson Catholic Choir directed by Anthony Bouwhuis, with Christine Bouwhuis as organist arrived. After the ceremony of consecration in all its solemnity was completed, the people were admitted into the church, and solemn High Mass Began.
Rev. Father Tholen was celebrant, assisted by Rev. Father kuckenback, who also delivered an earnest and impressive sermon in the German language. Bishop Spaulding then addressed the assembly briefly in English, congratulating the people of the parish for the Christian zeal and enterprise that had enabled them to build, pay for, and consecrate to God so handsome an edifice. He reminded them that their circumstances would not admit of frequent services, probably not more than once a month, and that to preserve and keep alive their religion they should have family prayer, instruct the children in the Catechism and, above all, should live uprightly and at peace with all the world. His address closed the exercises of the day.
Mr. John Buechel then acted as host to the Bishop, the clergy, the band and the choir. The parish was to be served by Rev. Father Tholen of Atkinson.
Historical Events
Some historical events in the history of St. Mary’s are as follows: On February 7, 1897, a new altar was bought for $84.05. Several years later running water was installed. The coal furnace in the basement of the church was started each Sunday morning by Mike Zokel. Around 1950 the church was repainted by Mr. Ed Bradley. With the help of parishioners – and some fancy trapeze – and some fancy trapeze work – the tower was repainted and reconditioned. This was during the time that Rev. G. Verhoye was assistant at St. Anthony’s.
While Father E. Bawiec was assistant in 1954 a new organ was installed through donations of Mrs. Lucille Houch Bomleny and others.
During the assistantship of Father C. Hollerich the tower was shortened and shortened and a stainless steel cross erected. The work was done by Red Blackert. Also the new walnut altar was installed by parishioners.
While Father W. Breuning was assistant the interior of the church was remodeled with white panel walls, amber glass in the windows, new ceiling lights. Through a donation from his family, the chandelier in the entrance was purchased. At the same time a new room was added adjoining the kitchen, and oil furnace installed, and new vestments, sewn by Father’s family, were purchased. In March 1965 in honor of Donald Taets, killed in Korea, his family donated the American Flag. Father Breuning donated the church flag.
The first to be baptized in the new church was Frank P. Sarter.
The first marriage was Charles Grose and Rosa Egert on February 25, 1884.
At least one event in the history of St Mary’s parish, was important enough to find its way into the 1910 Geneseo Republic. That event was the occasion of a confirmation at St. Mary’s when the new Bishop of the Peoria Diocese, the Right Reverend Bishop E. M. Dunne, spoke to the people in German, and stated that on all his confirmation trips he had never received such a reception. What the Bishop was referring to was that as he was approaching St. Mary’s church, about one mile south of it, he was met by a detachment of cavalrymen. When they arrived at Schmidt’s corner a volley of shots greeted the Bishop and all along the road from Schmidt’s corner to the church the people had lined up on both sides of the road. As the Bishop passed they knelt to receive his blessing.
In the sanctuary for that confirmation were: Rev. Father Walters from Annawan, Father Kelly from Moline, Father Crowe from Kewanee, and the pastor. The following received the sacrament of confirmation: Clarence Egert, Harry Clementz, May Oberle, Frances kiene, Leona Egert, Andrew Reis, Hubert Egert, Gladys Clementz, Francis Specht, Elizabeth schell, Edna Cole, Joseph Reis, Perry Egert, Fred Croegaert, Aloys Croegaert, Edna Gasser, and Ella Egert.
The priest’s salary and running expenses of the church are not covered by receipts of pew rent. It is necessary to hold fairs and picnics. These festivities naturally attract a great number of outside people, many of whom spent their childhood days around this church, but moved away to the surrounding towns. They gladly use the opportunity to visit their old church once more and see familiar faces.
In these annals we have seen how St. Mary’s parish developed first into an independent mission and then into a parish of its own.
While Father E. Bawiec was assistant in 1954 a new organ was installed through donations of Mrs. Lucille Houch Bomleny and others.
During the assistantship of Father C. Hollerich the tower was shortened and shortened and a stainless steel cross erected. The work was done by Red Blackert. Also the new walnut altar was installed by parishioners.
While Father W. Breuning was assistant the interior of the church was remodeled with white panel walls, amber glass in the windows, new ceiling lights. Through a donation from his family, the chandelier in the entrance was purchased. At the same time a new room was added adjoining the kitchen, and oil furnace installed, and new vestments, sewn by Father’s family, were purchased. In March 1965 in honor of Donald Taets, killed in Korea, his family donated the American Flag. Father Breuning donated the church flag.
The first to be baptized in the new church was Frank P. Sarter.
The first marriage was Charles Grose and Rosa Egert on February 25, 1884.
At least one event in the history of St Mary’s parish, was important enough to find its way into the 1910 Geneseo Republic. That event was the occasion of a confirmation at St. Mary’s when the new Bishop of the Peoria Diocese, the Right Reverend Bishop E. M. Dunne, spoke to the people in German, and stated that on all his confirmation trips he had never received such a reception. What the Bishop was referring to was that as he was approaching St. Mary’s church, about one mile south of it, he was met by a detachment of cavalrymen. When they arrived at Schmidt’s corner a volley of shots greeted the Bishop and all along the road from Schmidt’s corner to the church the people had lined up on both sides of the road. As the Bishop passed they knelt to receive his blessing.
In the sanctuary for that confirmation were: Rev. Father Walters from Annawan, Father Kelly from Moline, Father Crowe from Kewanee, and the pastor. The following received the sacrament of confirmation: Clarence Egert, Harry Clementz, May Oberle, Frances kiene, Leona Egert, Andrew Reis, Hubert Egert, Gladys Clementz, Francis Specht, Elizabeth schell, Edna Cole, Joseph Reis, Perry Egert, Fred Croegaert, Aloys Croegaert, Edna Gasser, and Ella Egert.
The priest’s salary and running expenses of the church are not covered by receipts of pew rent. It is necessary to hold fairs and picnics. These festivities naturally attract a great number of outside people, many of whom spent their childhood days around this church, but moved away to the surrounding towns. They gladly use the opportunity to visit their old church once more and see familiar faces.
In these annals we have seen how St. Mary’s parish developed first into an independent mission and then into a parish of its own.
