ST. MARY'S CATHOLIC CHURCH

by Kathie Hassett

Entry T35 from the History of Hooker County Nebraska
with permission of the Hooker County Historical Society

St. Mary's Catholic Church and Rectory - 1949

St. Mary's Catholic Church - 1964

Catholics were served as early as 1910 when
Father Peter Donnelly came from Alliance to
offer Mass. The first St. Mary's church was
built in 1914. It was located at the site of the
present day Standard Station. From 1914 to
1916 Fathers Donnelly and Timothy Molony
took care of the spiritual needs of the
Catholics in Mullen. In 1917 Father Albert
Albel, assistant in Hyannis, cared for Mullen,
and in 1918 Mullen became a mission of
Seneca. Father Albel served as pastor until
the fall of 1930. He was followed by the
following priests: Father Patrick Burke, fall
of 1930 to the fall of 1931 ; Father J. O'Farrell,
fall of 1931 to the fall of 1932; Father Joseph
Muldoon, fall of 1932 to the fall of 1935;
Father Robert F. Maron, fall of 1935 to the
summer of 1943; Father William E. Grace,
summer of 1943 to April 10, 1947; Father
Mitchell J. Koprowski, April 24, 1947 to June
30, 1987 and Father Bryan Ernest, July 1,
1987 to the present.

In October, 1949, Mullen replaced Seneca
as the parish church and the pastor took up
residence in Mullen. At that time the church
was moved to it's current location at South
2nd and Blaine Street. A house, moved in
from a ranch, was placed just south of the
church and served as the rectory.

In the early days, Mass was held about
twice every two weeks. An oil burning stove
was used to heat the church. Some of the early
altar boys serving Mass were Edgar Macke,
John Motl and Donald Macke. Several of
their sons continued the tradition of serving
Mass including Edgar Macke's son, Richard,
whose son Adam is currently serving Mass.

Music was provided in the early days by
organists Margaret Vinton and Cecile Macke
using a pump organ. Frances (Motl) Vinton
served as song leader. Through the years the
pump organ was replaced by a new electric
organ. Marylin Ericksen is the present organ-
ist and Kathie Hassett serves as song leader.
Cecile Macke continues to play the organ
occasionally for special services.

St. Mary's Altar Society was organized for
the purpose of caring for the altar and
cleaning of the church. Most of the women
are actively involved with the activities of the
church today.

Some of the "Firsts" recorded in the
church are as follows: First Baptism -
Gertrude Elaine Quinn in August, 1915; First
Funeral - Mr. Carr in January, 1932 with Fr.
J. O'Farrell officiating; First Marriage -
Willard Francis Vinton and Frances (Motl)
Vinton with Fr. Muldoon performing the
service; First and Only Vocation - Sister Jean
Macke, daughter of Bill and Betty Macke.

A new St. Mary's church was built and
dedicated in 1964 under the direction of
Father Mitchell Koprowski. Some parts of
the old church can still be found in the new
church. The original stations of the cross were
relocated in the new church and some of the
old pews can be found in the choir loft. While
the new church was being built, Mass contin-
ued to be offered in the small church which
had been moved one block south.

The Mullen Parish includes the missions
of Brownlee, Thedford and Hyannis. These
communities were served by Father Mitchell
Koprowski from 1947 to 1987. Upon Father
Mike's retirement in July of 1987, Father
Bryan Ernest was assigned as pastor. Father
Ernest, as did Father Koprowski, travels
many miles each week offering masses in each
community and taking care of the needs of
all the parishioners.

St. Mary's Parish is now comprised of
approximately 50 families. Many are ranch-
ers, some driving at least 45 miles through the
hills to attend Mass in Mullen.