Our Lady of Perpetual Help (St. Mary's) Catholic Church

Our Lady of Perpetual Help (St. Mary's) Catholic Church. . , Established in 1880 and Incorporated February 14th, 1891 as "Our Lady of Perpetual Help Roman Catholic Church" of Marion., First St. Mary's Catholic Church 1880-1912 , Reverend Father McCarthy organized the Catholic Church of Marion Junction in 1880. The church was a wooden structure, 30 ft x 60 ft. It's approximate location was 210 North Broadway and later was moved to the (north side) State Street., St. Mary's Catholic Boarding School 1902-1933 , Under the charge of Father Grabig the school opened January 6, 1902 and remained open for 31 years. In 1945 as a result of a gift by William P. Tieszen, the former school building was purchased from St. Mary's Catholic Church for use as a home for the aged. The building was remodeled and dedicated on April 20, 1947 as the Tieszen Home for the Aged., Brick Church 1912-1949 , The brick edifice was built on land donated by Nick Marso. Father Schneider was the pastor in charge. Contractor was William J. Schiltz, uncle to Father Wilfred Schiltz who served at St. Mary's Church for 17 years, from 1973-1990., Tragedy Strikes Palm Sunday April 10, 1949, Our Lady of Perpetual Help , Patron Saint of the Church , This framed piece from St. Mary's Church was taken to St. Christina's Church in Parker. It is displayed at the front of St. Christina's Church under the statue of Mary., Excerpts from the Special Disaster Edition of the Marion Record Thursday April 14th, 1949 and The Daily Argus Leader Wednesday April 13th, 1949, St. Mary's Catholic Church Tragic Loss to Community , Neighboring Towns Give Assistance, This generation in Marion will not forget Palm Sunday, 1949. For it was on Sunday April 10, when an explosion burst upon worshippers in St. Mary's Catholic Church, claiming six lives, injuring many more and leaving shock and heartbreak in it's wake. It was shortly before 9AM with the sun shining brightly on this peaceful Sunday that Catholic families from Marion and Monroe, were gathering at St. Mary's Catholic Church. Preparations were being made to observe Palm Sunday with palms. This was to have been the first time since before the war that palms were being used here. Some 75 worshippers had gathered in the church. Others were standing on the siidewalk in front, enjoying the morning sun while awaiting the bell to summon them inside. It was then that the explosion occurred. People seated in the rear of the church report that the floor and the pews in front, together with the people, seemed to have raised up in the air; the walls caved outward; and then the ceiling came down amidst a shower of plaster, bricks and dust., The blast killed six and injured nearly sixty. Those among the dead were as follows: Mr. and Mrs. John C. Marso - Mrs. George Bittner - Mrs. Caroline Reding - Mrs. Phil Luke - Charles McGinnis, A funeral service for the six victims was held April 13, at St. Christina's Catholic Church. Bishop William O. Brady of the Sioux Falls Catholic Diocese celebrated the Solemn Pontifical Requiem High Mass. Twelve priests assisted with eight others in attendance. Both Marion and Parker businesses were closed in the forenoon in honor to the departed. The Marion School was also closed for the day. Words expressed by the bishop explained that some good comes from everything, even in such a great tragedy as this. He spoke of the great charity that had been displayed by the surrounding communities that Sunday. "Our little spot" Bishop Brady said the thoughts of all the people were turned to religion as the entire nation focused it's attention on "this little spot on the map", The irony of Palm Sunday 2024 , ~ It marked the 75th anniversary of the church explosion in 1949 , ~The late St. Mary's Church was demolished just four days prior to Palm Sunday 2024 , ~ Palm Sunday 2024 brought an end to the presence of the Catholic Church in the city of Marion after a 144 year stay. Marion was laid out in August, 1879 and the Catholic Church was organized in 1880 by Father McCarthy of Mitchell., St. Mary's Church Rebuilt 1952 , The new church was built at the same site over the basement of the old structure. Bricks salvaged from the explosion were used in the construction. The corner stone recovered from the rubble and the bell from the bell tower that remained standing were incorporated into the new church. Contractors were Wm. Lambertz, Frank Cremer and the Luke brothers. Trustees in charge were Phillip Wachendorf and Pete Cremer. All men involved were members of St. Mary's Church. During construction, services were continued at the Catholic Church in Monroe. The church was dedicated November 4, 1952 and the completion year was added to the cornerstone., St. Mary's Church Remodeled 1996 , A new entrance was added to the church in 1996 making it handicapped accessible. It included a new street level entry, handicapped accessible bathroom and an elevator. The church interior was updated with new paint, carpet and the installation of new church pews. Contractor was Lawrence Wentzel and crew, along with several parish members assisting in the project. In 2017 St. Mary's Church was merged with St. Christin's Catholic Church in Parker. The church was closed with the last Mass said July 5, 2017. In 2023 the church and property were sold to the Tieszen Memorial Home. The church was taken down March 20, 2024 and the rectory was removed from the property., Preserving Our History , Above is a photo of the statue of Mary, the pro life stone, donated by the family of Rita Nowstrup, and the original corner stone from the 1912 church as they are presently displayed at St. Mary's Cemetery. Prior to this, these items were located at the front of St. Mary's Church., The Church and Rectory as it Stood Before Demolition on March 20, 2024 , The rectory was built in 1960 by Wm. Lambertz and Frank Cremer, St. Mary's parishioners. It was saved from demolition and was moved off the property. The house, completely remodeled now sits at 305 W 2nd Street.