Second Century Of Faith

YEAR

EVENT

1888

Archbishop John Ireland adopts St. Peter Claver as patron for a special "congregation of converts."  Ireland is an active promoter of equal rights.

1889

Founding member Colonel Samuel Hardy helps organize and is elected vice-president of first Negro Catholic Conference.

1891

Founding member Frederick L. McGhee joins the Catholic Church.

1892

St. Peter Claver Church built at Aurora Farrington;  Father Edward Casey from Diocese of Springfield, MA, volunteers to be first full-time pastor; tradition of bazaars and picnics begins.

1895

Fr. John Gleason of St. Joseph's church, St. Paul, becomes pastor.  "Toussaint L'Ouverture Society," a literary study group, is established.  

Ca 1896

Fr. John Andrzejewski ("Fr. Andrews") becomes pastor.  Parish choir is organized under director Claude Jackson organist. 

1897

Fr. Thomas Printon, newly ordained, becomes pastor.  During his years the State Capitol and Cathedral are constructed nearby and parish is integrated.  

1902-10

First rectory is built and new pipe organ installed.  Various organizations begin such as Sodality becoming a men's club; the court of Catholic Foresters; St. Monica's Guild organized as an altar society. 

1910

Fr. Stephen Theobald replaces Fr. Printon, and is pastor for the next 22 years.  Numerous clubs and societies are begun and improvements to St. Peter Claver are completed in his pastorate.  He is a determined promoter of civil rights.  Conducts immensely popular novenas to St. Therese, the Little Flower (Statue from the old church is in vestibule). 

1925

St. Therese is canonized as a saint of the Catholic Church. 

1932

Fr. Theobald passes away at age 58.  Fr. Joseph Lord and John Sullivan serve short terms.