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About the middle of the eighteenth
century, Catholicism was first introduced into the region now
served by St. Francis Borgia Catholic Church of Blair, but
until the establishment of Blair there were no regular
religious services. With the town's incorporation in
1869, missionaries from Omaha started periodical visits here
and occasional masses were said in the old section house and
private homes. It seems
the parish was organized in 1871, as St. Joseph's Catholic
Church, but when it was incorporated in 1886 the official
title was St. Frances Catholic Church of Blair. It was
located at what is now 15th and Colfax. Irish and German
railroad workers and rugged settlers of the Catholic faith
contributed generously of their time and money to help build
the first church which cost $1,000.00.
In 1889, increases in
membership made construction of a larger church necessary and
it was built at the same location. Records show that
non-Catholic friends voluntarily contributed substantially in
the building. The rectory was built next door in 1900.
St. John the Baptist Catholic
Church in Fort Calhoun has been the mission church and is the
only other Catholic Church in Washington County.
The Blair parish flourished and
in 1958, with families numbering 130 unites, construction of a
large church which included a social hall and rectory was
begun. It is located at 20th and Davis on the south edge
of Blair. Since that time an education building has been
added where currently some 200 elementary age children receive
weekly religious instruction.
The parish has many active
organizations -- the local Council of Catholic Women; Men's
Holy Name Society; Confraternity of Catholic Doctrine for the
catechetical instruction of grand and high school students; an
Over 55 Club, and a parish council with several committees
serving the activities the activities and needs of the
congregation.
The parish now numbers over 300
families and Father Daniel Galas has been pastor since 1976.
Submitted by Mrs. Henry Bergschneider.
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