ST. FRANCIS PARISH

Sacramento County

Biographies

ST. FRANCIS PARISH

ST. FRANCIS PARISH.--Distinguished among the devoted clergy of the Roman Catholic Church who have done much to advance the cause of sound learning and popular education in California, may well be mentioned the Franciscan Fathers of St. Francis Church, Sacramento, with its live center of activities at Twenty-sixth and K Streets, the magnificent fruits of a movement, "for the glory of God and our Country," begun at the Provincial Chapter held at St. Louis, on August 22, 1894, when it was decided to found a parish and Franciscan residence in the city of Sacramento. The Rev. Fr. Augustine McClory, O. F. M., was the chosen first pastor, and arrived in Sacramento on October 16, 1894. He was warmly received and kindly assisted by Rt. Rev. Bishop Monogue and began his work as assistant at the Cathedral, taking part in all parochial duties. During Fr. Augustine's stay at the Cathedral, he spent much time in organizing the new parish; taking the census, soliciting subscriptions, and selecting the site for the new church. Finally, it was agreed to purchase the site on K Street, between Twenty-fifth and Twenty-sixth, and after all details had been attended to, Fr. Augustine finally took possession of the deeds to the property on the 31st of December, 1894. Ground was broken for a new church on February 7, 1895. On the 19th of the preceding month, Rev. Fr. Pius Nierman, O. F. M., had arrived from Chicago as assistant. Holy Mass was said for the time being at Union Hall on Twentieth and O Streets, the first Holy Mass being said there on Sunday, January 20, 1895. The first Holy Mass was said in the new church on Palm Sunday, April 7, 1895, in a frame building that served its purpose for that time.

At the present day, St. Francis Parish is in a flourishing condition, being fully equipped with all that is called for in a modern parish. The beautiful new church which supplants the old wooden structure was built under the direction of Rev. Godfrey Hoelters, O. F. M., and dedicated October 23, 1910, by the Rt. Rev. Thomas Grace, D. D., who has since passed away. It is situated in the very heart of the residence district, opposite Sutter's Fort. The present clergy are: Rev. Ildephouse Moser, O. F. M., pastor; Revs. Edward Lunney, Ferdinand Kenny, Anselm Bochmer, O. F. M., assistants. Then there is the Parochial School, which is in charge of the Franciscan Sisters, who have their residence on the block next to the church. There is also the Parish Auditorium, which is used for entertainments and whist parties. Finally, there is also the gymnasium for the young men of the parish, and this is constantly being made more attractive. The various societies and sodalities of the parish are all in a flourishing condition, and this is because their members are continually active for the religious and social welfare of the parish. The Parish School, which offers excellent grade courses, is conducted by Franciscan Sisters, certificated teachers of the state of New York.

Transcribed by: Jeanne Sturgis Taylor.

Source: Reed, G. Walter, History of Sacramento County, California With Biographical Sketches, Page 858. Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, CA. 1923.