(SNR) - The “Nebraska Church Guys” embarked on their third formal research trip Oct. 15-17.
“Church Guys” Chase Becker and Ron Sack – whose mission is to promote and preserve the history of all Catholic parishes throughout the state of Nebraska – visited and researched a total of 17 current and former parishes in Rock, Brown, Keya Paha, Cherry, and northern Sheridan counties in northern Nebraska.
While European pioneers existed in the northern Nebraska frontier from the late 19th Century, the 1904 Kinkaid Act opened this part of the state to more extensive settlement. Missionary priests traveled great distances to serve congregations – often small in number. While the railroad was of great assistance to travelling priests, some communities did not have depots. Still other communities were accessible only by horse or even by foot. Later, the Jesuits of the Holy Rosary and St. Francis Missions in South Dakota were influential in forming the area and served as pastors at many of these northern Nebraska parishes.
The first church buildings to be built in the area were humble wood frame structures, dating mostly from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. A few of the buildings still survive, but most have been replaced by more substantial mid-century structures.
“One outstanding example of mid-century architecture is St. Mary Church in Nenzel, constructed in 1963,” said Becker. “This nearly unaltered church features artwork from several European countries that is seamlessly integrated into a church building that is both daring and beautiful. This triumph of art and architecture is even more impressive, considering that it is located in a town of 20 people!”
The Church Guys’ next research trip will be to Fillmore County Nov. 13-15. They are seeking old photos, history, artifacts, and stories from St. Stephen Parish in Exeter; St. James, Fairmont; St. Joseph, Geneva; St. Helena, Grafton; St. Wenceslaus, Milligan; St. Mary, Turkey Creek and the parish’s subsequent location in Shickley.
Please feel free to reach out any time to the “The Nebraska Church Guys” on Facebook or directly contact Chase Becker at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 402-363-2982 or Ron Sack at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 402-440-0823.
