Centennial Reflections From Parishioners
When a statue standing on the front lawn of St Peter Claver's convent was covered in black paint one night, it appeared first to be an act of vandalism. Perhaps it was intended to be so. But this act, almost two decades ago, revealed an important truth. What many had mistakenly thought to be an image of St. Francis of Assisi, a fair-skinned Italian, was in fact a statue of St Martin de Porres, the first African-American saint. Whatever the intent of the anonymous painter, he or she had provided the occasion to remember a part of our history. The statue has since been repainted to reveal Martin's habit and African skin.
Martin de Porres and our parish are intimately linked. He was an approximate contemporary of our patron, St. Peter Claver, and they lived in neighboring South American regions. In the 1930's and beyond, parish members gathered for novenas of prayer in Blessed Martin's name. Their petition to God was that Martin and, through him, Black Catholics everywhere would be honored by his canonization as a saint. That happened in 1962, but within a decade his memory was already fading some.
Unless they are regularly renewed, the histories of our families, our communities, our parish all fade quickly with time. This information is intended to help keep the history of St. Peter Claver Parish alive and fresh. It does so in two ways.
The main part is an oral history of our community. A wide sample of parish members was surveyed in the spring and summer of 1992. They were asked to talk about several things: how they carne to be members of the parish, what were their favorite memories of St. Peter Claver, and who among the parish's members was most influential in their life of faith.
Interspersed throughout are more traditional historical summaries. These include some biographical sketches of key parish members and three outlines of important events in parish life.
As the title of our history suggests, not all of our focus is on the past. In fact, we hope that the stories told here will prompt not only a gratitude to God for our past but also a sense of hope and faith commitment as we move into a second century. During the preparation of oral history, each interviewee was asked: "What would you like to see different in the parish if you came back in 25 years?" We invite those readers who are members of the parish to ask themselves the same question.
Thanks go to several people intimately involved in the production of this history. Elaine Benner-Minus, Jacqueline Williams, and Sister Sharon Howell, C.S.J., performed most of the interviews. Dick Bernard added the responsibility of general editor to his interview work. Mrs. Margie White read the Diamond Jubilee history and critiqued it for accuracy. We drew on articles and research from Arthur McWatt and Sister Sharon Howell, members of our parish, in preparing parts of the book. We are grateful too for the help of the Minnesota Historical Society and for the important History of Black Catholics in the United States by the Rev. Cyprian Davis, O.S.B.
You will notice that the "Key Events" section for the period from 1965 through 1992 is significantly longer than that for two earlier periods. We chose to make it so since the Diamond Jubilee history ends at 1967 and we did not want the last quarter-century's milestones to be forgotten. Sister Sharon Howell edited the reflections of and present parish members to obtain that history, including Fathers John Brown and Stanley Sledz, Mrs. Ruth Benner, Annette Calloway, Geneva Cotton, Teresa Mardenborough, Nita Cunningham, Fenita Foley, Mamie Jones, Rita Commodore, and Sister Elaine Frederick, O.S.P.
A little paint on a statue reminded us of an important part of our story, too soon forgotten. Our hope is that the recollections and dreams collected here will reawaken the courageous spirit that filled the founders of our parish and lived in their children. May the Spirit of God lead us into a second century of faith.
Annette Calloway, Centennial Chair
Reverend Kevin McDonough, Pastor
Remembering the Little Giant
None of the living members of our parish in its centennial year can draw on extensive direct memories from before 1910. Father Stephen Theobald, known as "The Little Giant," dominates their recollections. He served as pastor from shortly after his ordination in 1910 until his untimely death in 1932.
The number in parentheses next to each interviewee's name reflects the year in which he or she first came to St. Peter Claver.
WILLIAM GARDNER (1906)
I was baptized as an infant at Claver. Father and mother were among early leaders in the parish. My sister was in the first First Communion class.
First memory was of Fr. Theobald who was a wonderful man. I was an acolyte and altar boy under Fr. Theobald. Father was very strict and suffered no foolishness.
There are many favorite memories. Fr. Theobald initiated novenas to the Little Flower. (The statue of the Little Flower in the vestibule of the present church is the statue that had been in the old St. Peter Claver sanctuary). He drew crowds and crowds of people to the church. Eventually the crowds grew so large they had to have two novenas each evening. Many people felt Fr. Theobald should have been canonized. They believed he had miraculous powers. Father was very dedicated to the Little Flower and prayed for various things. Crowds felt they received benefits from the sessions.
As altar boys are wont to do, sometimes we would mimic Fr. Theobald. When we boys acted up Father would make us kneel on the hot air register in front of the altar. Despite occasional problems we boys revered him.
I recall that when Fr. Theobald died I sat in the church with Father's body and another young man who lived across the alley from the church. It was late in the evening and while sitting there I recalled stories I had been told about how priests would return to say Mass after their death. All these stories came back to me when my companion left for a few minutes to get something to eat and I was left alone in church with Fr. Theobald.
My heroes were Fr. Theobald and a nun whose name I can't recall who was from either St. Agnes or St. Adalbert's. Also, mother and father were dedicated Catholics and had a great impact on me.
MRS. MARGIE WHITE (1913)
Fathers Casey and Quinn were among the names they talked about.
We lived out on Mississippi Street which was then the country. Father Theobald heard about a Catholic family "out there" and came out to get us. He convinced us to come regularly to St. Peter Claver.
Memories of Fr. Theobald's years: The Altar and Rosary Society would do chicken dinners frequently. They got chickens for 25 cents, and prepared them. They'd get donations of potatoes, green beans and ice cream (M. White "begged" them!) and rolls (Mr. McFarland "begged" from Zinsmaster). We also had fish fries and bazaars.
Fr. Theobald did all the grounds work himself: hedges, lawn, boiler work.
He found many people to help and no one ever knew about it. I understand he was adopted by a wealthy Caucasian lady who when she died had left him a considerable amount of money.
He had told me he was going to have a camp for the altar boys up in Hinckley, MN because all of the other churches had camps for the youth and this is what he was planning on, but never finished the planning before his death.
Fr. Theobald was very kind and also stern with the children. "Bring your baby ... I can out shout any child in church" he'd say. His novena to St. Theresa saw a man with crippled legs healed. I experienced myself the healing of an illness that threatened to kill me in 1929.
The St. Theresa novenas started by Theobald (there were 21) were so packed the streets around the church were filled with people trying to get in so they could be blessed by the true relic of St. Theresa. Miracles were performed. I know of two, one of a man, and one of myself. This is a fact.
Fr. Theobald had great plans for the church but never lived to complete them.
Fr. Theobald fought for years for civil rights. Fr. Lally and Fr. Harvey came after Fr. Theobald but were there only a short time.
Another priest came in and used up all the money. He was taken away soon.
Intermarriage was not considered a problem then. I was raised with the belief that everyone was equal.
CHARLES GRAHAM (1913)
We lived on St. Paul’s west side. We joined when our mother sent us for instructions. Mrs. White was in my communion class. Her sister, Mrs. Williams, was my godmother when I was baptized.
I especially remember the strictness of Fr. Theobald. If you didn't pay attention, you held your hands out and got a slap on them.
Fr. Theobald had the shrine of the Little Flower on Sundays.
When Fr. Theobald married us in 1924, I had a Model T Ford and Father told me "you’re a married man now and you have to get rid of that car." He believed a young married man had too many responsibilities to own a car.
MRS. DELGRACIA TURNER (1916)
My mother was a member. I was baptized at St. Peter Claver by Fr. Theobald.
It seems I was always there. I've always loved my church.
The parish has always been there for me. I especially remember the Holy Thursday service. The large choirs were beautiful. There was also a very active Men's Club.
My friends and I grew up together and they had special impact, but Fr. Theobald also had a strong impact.
ROSAMOND COLLIER JOHNSON (1916)
My religious roots are in St. Peter Claver. It was while growing up there some friendships were formed, as well as happy memories. I still miss the "little church" on the corner of Aurora and Farrington and regret not being able to work with the new parish before leaving for California. I did substitute for Peggy on one occasion and bowled a season in the basement of the new school.
I was baptized by Fr. Theobald in 1916. Ethel Gardner was my godmother. Fr. Theobald acted as godfather, which he also did for others who had no one available. My first and second Communions and Confirmation were made at St. Peter Claver as well as my becoming a member of the Young Ladies Sodality.
From fourth through eighth grades I attended St. Bernard's school (in which parish I lived), graduating in June, 1930. It was here that I took piano lessons from the Benedictine nuns, and played in my first recital. Mother and I continued to attend Sunday Mass at St. Peter Claver and were actively involved in the various activities there. Mother belonged to the Altar Society and spent much of her time (when not working) there.
MRS. MARY HAMILTON (1916)
I came from the old Cathedral Church in 1916 to St. Peter Claver at the invitation of Monsignor Cullinan, my godfather, who also baptized all five of my children.
Msgr. Cullinan introduced me to Fr. Theobald who invited me to attend St. Peter Claver Church. Father asked me to be a sponsor for the baptism of two children because I knew my catechism the best.
My uncle, William Francis Jackson, was the first altar boy at the St. Peter Claver Mission Church in Rice Park (Editor's note: From 1888 to 1892 there was a special Mission Church for black Catholics which met near Rice Park but was considered part of the Cathedral parish). He also was the first black man to attend Cretin High School (Cretin never knew he was black!).
I loved every priest that we've had at St. Peter Claver. I remember that St. Peter Claver had so few black parishioners, it was hard to think of it as a black church.
Fr. Theobald was a lively man - kind and goodhearted. He provided my five children with their first communion clothes.
I attended the first Altar Rosary meeting in 1919.
BOBBY ANDERSON (1920)
I was born in the parish and baptized by Fr. Theobald.
I have many memories of Fr. Theobald. He was a no nonsense kind of person. I served Mass for him and for other priests for 20 years. Especially memorable are the novenas to the Little Flower which were conducted by Fr. Theobald twice a week, on Tuesday and Thursday nights. I believe they were stopped by the Bishop and I think they were stopped because bias he had against blacks.
Fr. Theobald was a very intellectual man. He was a theologian and a scholar. I remember one time when the Pope addressed Catholics in Latin over the radio. Fr. Theobald was perhaps the only priest in the Twin Cities who could translate Latin to English immediately.
I heard that Fr. Theobald may have done all the janitor and yard and boiler work at St. Peter Claver and I don't agree with that. He may have done that in the earliest years he was in the parish, but I know that the church janitor lived in the church basement for many years.
My favorite memories of the church are of first communion and confirmation.
Claude Jackson was the one person I can think of who had a special impact on me. He was choir director at St. Peter Claver for many years, and was also choir director at St. Michael's in Stillwater.
Father Luger Had Great Plans
MRS. MARGIE WHITE (1913)
Fr. Jerome Luger was the priest who started several projects around the church. He was very interested in the young people having things to do. He started the idea of a horse riding club for the young and each week all who were interested went horseback riding. Of course they first had to learn to ride a horse! It was a big success.
Fr. Luger also started a bingo game, every Sunday evening from 7-11 p.m. The returns were very good, but somehow the money was never given to Father.
Fr. Luger had great plans for a school and new church and he made this dream come true.
We also had rollerskating. I thought we should keep the children from being on the street so much, so I brought the idea of an indoor skating party on Sunday afternoons from 2-5 and we would charge 10 cents to skate.
Father said we have no skates and no music and records and no money for this. I told him I would see what I could do: I was working at a private club at that time. I guess I am just a beggar in a nice way. I asked one of the members if he knew of any place I could get a juke box cheap, and he gave me an address on University Avenue and said the man sold them. I went our there and told him I was looking for an inexpensive juke box and he asked me what I wanted it for, so I told him the hard luck story of how we were trying to keep the children off the street by having an indoor rollerskating party every Sunday afternoon for children from 10-15. He said "I'll tell you what, I'll give you the box" and I asked him "could I purchase some records?" He said "I'll give them to you also." I could not believe my ears, a juke box and 200 records for free. God bless that man. We had the music and we went for the skates. We got them also. It went great. I became ill and it was taken over by another person.
It was a short time after that the plans were completed to move the church. The juke box, records and skates all disappeared and no one seems to know what became of them.
Fr. Jerome was a wonderful man, his brother Fr. Arnold was an outstanding priest who was so compassionate. He had a day of recollection which I will never forget.
The Altar and Rosary Society always did so many things for the church. Dinners, bake sales, festivals, those were really a great success. All were planned by them.
It is wonderful that people are giving. Every Monday night I go home and thank God for the Sunday collection.
I confronted a woman at work about racist remarks saying that God would punish her for her prejudice. A few days later the coworker's apartment burned down. Another time I responded to someone who asked if I knew a "colored" troublemaker by asking if she knew John Dillinger, a white.
"If the devil came up from hell and was white, and God came down and was black, many bigots would follow the devil back to hell."
I most admired Mrs. Mabel Milan. I would pick her up for Mass on Sunday morning and I cried when she died. She had a great sense of God's consolation.
John Whitaker had a very soft touch when playing the organ and he played the kind of music that made you want to be in church.
Jessica Oden had a beautiful voice. Tillie Becker was the organist whom I will always remember as the first organist, and Hattie Oliver as the first soprano choir member.
CHARLES GRAHAM (1913)
Fr. Keefe was the person who had a special impact on me. We remained friends all his life. He had a respect and love for Negro Catholics. His whole life was built around St. Peter Claver. He always wanted the people, especially the men, to be part of the organizations. Unfortunately those dropped off.
We had a Catholic softball league. Mr. Cannon and I were managers of the Claver team. We played every Thursday. Fr. Keefe was very much behind that and would come to the games.
Fr. Keefe came to our parish after Fr. Theobald died. There were a few priests here in between but they didn't last long. I learned more about the Catholic faith from him than from anyone else. We would sit and talk for hours until midnight or 1 a.m. Fred Schuck would also participate. Father was an activist for civil rights and got in some trouble for it. He got jobs for Negroes that we could not have before.
Leaders in the 1930's were Charles Graham, Fred Hugh Schuck Sr., Owen Howell (a businessman), Claude Jackson and Bill Gardner. I led a group called the Social 12 which sponsored dances. The church didn't support dances at the time, so we would run them and then put the profits in the collection plate. One time we had a dance at the WeeGa Country Club on Lake Phalen; the first time Negroes had gotten in there.
When my sons went to WWII the Methodist minister never came to visit or console us, but Fr. Luger came frequently. One morning my wife came to me and "I am going to become Catholic." She was a better Catholic than me.
We always had a nice mixed church. The whites never took much interest the organizations, but for coming to church and donating they were very good.
There was some uncertainty about moving to Midway. Fr. Luger always wanted to build a school, but the church was also getting old. Some of the people didn't think it was necessary to build a school, that it would be a Negro school. After it was built, all was fine.
ROSAMOND COLLIER JOHNSON (1916)
While attending Washington High School I sang in the St. Peter Claver Adult Choir under director Claude Jackson. Matilda Becker was the organist.
While Fr. Charles Keefe was pastor I played the organ for the Children's Choir, and later I played for the Adult Choir.
In 1942 I came to California for about a year and married my husband who was in the Army. I returned home when he was sent overseas. Mother and Aunt Frances were still active at church, so whenever possible I sang or played when needed and attended dinners, bingo games, church dinners, etc. I met Fr. Luger and remember the beginning of the Worn-A-Bit Shoppe.
We moved to California in late 1958. Mother remained in St. Paul until the early 1960's when she came to California. She passed away in California. The girls and I brought her home for burial, the funeral being held in the new St. Peter Claver church.
ROBERT GRAHAM (1925)
I was seven years old when Fr. Theobald passed away. I remember going to the old church to see his body. Also, our mother sent us to church school every Saturday and the nuns from St. Agnes came over to teach. We have lots of good memories.
Growing up, we went to St. Vincent's. I was received very well, played ball and so on. I still see my old friends from there occasionally.
I think Fr. Keefe had a strong desire and was very disciplined, while still a nice guy. He gave us a sense of respect. When I think of St. Peter Claver, I think of Fr. Keefe. On Sundays, we would be playing football and he'd come over and play with us.
The old church was a beautiful little church with beautiful stained glass windows.
We used to have our Fall Bazaar down on Harriet Island at the old wooden bandshell. It was an all-day picnic, with BBQ ribs, games and races, and the climax was a dance in the evening. Everyone came. St. Peter Claver was always famous for its barbecue ribs. People would come from all over.
WALTER McFARLAND, SR. (1933)
I was baptized into the parish two weeks after I was born. My parents were generally very active. We attended the old church. My first home was on the east side of 494 Whitehall. By the time the new church was built we were living in the Summit-University area.
We've had very good priests in our parish; we did not have the Sisters in my earlier years. It seemed that the priests were so caring and attentive to the people. I think that was unusual for the time. I was an altar boy "forever" - I was out of high school before I stopped. We were assigned partners. Some of us stayed friends for a long time.
I loved the special dinners and festivals. The Men's Club used to put on a Booya every year. It was very popular. Ribs and chicken dinners were fun. I did a lot of cooking especially at the chicken dinners.
Fr. Jerome had a strong impact, talking to us youngsters as he did, and knowing our parents as he did. He kept us out of a lot of trouble.
CHARLES SCHUCK (1936)
I was born into the parish. My parents, Beatrice Jackson from Stillwater and Hugh Schuck from Topeka, Kansas, were members.
My first memory at St. Peter Claver is of Fr. Keefe and 8:30 Mass. If you were late you'd sneak into the choir loft, but he'd call every kid down to sit in front. I was eight or nine years old then.
I remember especially the great Booya fest. Peggy Aparicio's mom would use a great big paddle to stir big pots. This memory goes back to the 1940's.
The person who had a special impact on me was a visiting priest named Fr. Marcoux. He gave servers a dollar for serving 7:00 AM daily Mass before school.
MRS. JAMES (PATRICIA DODD) SCHUCK ("All life")
I was baptized at St. Peter Claver and my first priest was Charles Keefe. A favorite memory of mine was working with nuns. My mother had a special influence on me.
LOUIS WHITE (1939)
My parents were not Catholics. St. Peter Claver was the neighborhood church and I became a convert mostly by association - most of my friends were Catholic.
My first memories are summer activities around the church as playing ball, etc. My fondest memories are about the school. It turned out fine young people, and provided an excellent opportunity to educate our children.
Fr. Wirth had a special impact on me. I knew him as a young man and played ball against him when I was growing up.
DONALD MONTGOMERY (1941)
I was born into St. Peter Claver, and baptized in the church. I was not baptized until I was five because the pastor was having a problem with who my mother married - a black man marrying a white woman. This all stopped when Fr. Luger came.
St. Peter Claver has always been a part of my life.
I really enjoyed the Oblate Sisters when they were here. Sr. Anthony was probably my earliest favorite.
Fr. Arnold Luger especially stands out.
LINDA STEWART (1942)
My first memory of St. Peter Claver was going to church at the old church, and my favorite memory is of first communion there.
My most influential person was William Brown who taught me religion at St. Claver during my high school years. Bill was always willing to find the answer to a question. "We just need to find the answer" is what he'd say. He was patient with the young adults.
SAMUEL DOBBINS (1951)
I moved here due to transfer by my company. Previously I lived in Memphis and St. Louis and earlier in Mississippi. I started in the church at a mission conducted by Fr. Bowman and then led by Fr. (later bishop) Perry (Editor's note: Bishop Perry was the first black bishop in modern times. He is recently deceased). Fr. Bowman was from Washington and we would talk. St. Peter Claver was in the old church then, and was attended mostly by black people.
Early memories are about the people who were my friends. You want to be part of something with those kind of people. Most important thing is to listen to others.
Our daughters attended St. Peter Claver school. Once my wife (a school teacher) was saying she thought they were too strict. I asked "how are the kids in your school?" She laughed and admitted they had lots of problems ... maybe the Sisters were right.
Fr. Luger was nice when I came. His brother who succeeded him was just like him.
When Rondo was ripped out (late 1950's) it was really something. St. Paul was a different city then. People who wanted to raise hell lived on the lower end of Rondo. Further up, starting at Kent, it became nicer. If you acted up you got thrown out. By the time you got to Dale, it was real nice. After the freeway it got all mixed up. The freeway destabilized the whole neighborhood.
When we built our house on Aurora in 1962 we couldn't get a loan, because the banks didn't care to lend to black people. We had saved up our money and had the builder frame the house in. Then my wife and daughters and I worked every night till we finished the house.
JEROME BENNER (1952)
I am a third generation member. Grandmother, mother and father preceded me at St. Peter Claver.
My first recollection is the school and the strict discipline of the nuns. My favorite memories are about the school, which I attended for eight years along with other family members. I have maintained my closest relationships with those who I met at St. Peter Claver. You knew when you left St. Peter Claver that you were educated and preparing for anything else was just a matter of fine tuning.
Mother Maurice, principal at St. Peter Claver during my eight years there, had an extra special impact on me. She was an excellent educator, strict, firm and kind.
MRS. BETTY BREWIN (1953)
We moved into neighborhood when we first moved to town. We heard about the school. Children were in second and third grades. We remember the nuns (Oblates).
Our first memory was that the parish was an integrated one. Chicago wasn't as integrated. We found the parish warm and friendly.
Our favorite memory is when the new church was built, cornerstone laid, dedication. We felt very much a part of the church activities.
Oblate nuns had great impact. Always seemed to have time. Sr. Alice became a very good friend not long after arriving in the Twin Cities. Sr. Alice became my support system.
MRS. LAURA BROWN (1956)
Our first experience was an Altar and Rosary Society function. The parish had a somewhat cold, intimidating and unfriendly feeling in the early years. Despite first impressions we continued to participate. We had been educated in Catholic schools first to twelfth grades.
The most pleasant memories revolved around participating in school activities with daughters, SPAC (St. Peter's Action Committee), PTA, fund raisers, festival, fashion show.
Some of the older members have had a special impact.
MRS. OLA PERRY (1957)
Thirty-five years ago my family became converts at St. Peter Claver. Fathers Wirth and Luger worked with us.
We were just in awe of the whole thing. We loved the teachings of Catholicism.
Our favorite memory is of our first communion as a family.
The Meyers family had a powerful impact in our lives.
FENITA FOLEY (1957)
We moved here from Chicago. My husband came here fishing and fell love with the Twin Cities. We were visited by the St. Luke's nuns, but were encouraged by members of St. Peter Claver to attend St. Pete's.
Initially I felt the people were distant and cold. No one was reaching out to meet new people except Dr. Williams. After the kids went to school, I joined the PTA and met people like Betty Brewin, Laura Brown, and Gloria Robinson (now deceased).
Fr. Flahavan was a favorite person, particularly the amount of support he gave the family when one of our sons was ill. Memories include parish picnics, fashion shows, festivals, barbeques, bingos, and other activities on the playground.
Bill Brown was our Jeffrey's godfather. Bill was a true friend, like a brother and very important in our family, as well as Laura, Jackie, and Marian.
MARIE McDEVITT (ca 1960)
We lived in the neighborhood and we felt very welcome. The people were all very friendly and welcomed us.
A favorite memory is the new church. I especially liked not having to climb steps.
The priests at St. Claver have all been great. Mrs. Benner and her sister Marguerite Wilson and Theresa Anderson are also especially warmly remembered.
LILLIAN HOLLEY (not formally a member)
I worked with Fr. Jerome Luger to find space for the Worn-A-Bit Shoppe and assisted building the church and school. Worked with Irene Mallavy, Helen Freining, Virginia Hickey. Women worked together and called themselves the "Saturday Shift." They focused their energies towards fund raising with Fr. Luger. Also did maintenance work at the Worn-A-Bit Shoppe at Seven Corners. The "Saturday Shift" stopped working after the Worn-A-Bit Shoppe moved to the Smith Avenue location.
LEO AND ODESSA BOND (1965)
Congenial, exceptional, encouraging, and spiritual are words the Bonds used throughout this interview to describe the spiritual leaders and parishioners whom they have met when they became members of St. Peter Claver Church. They have been members of St. Peter Claver for 27 years. They moved from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to St. Paul in 1965.
The family consists of Leo (father), Odessa (mother), and five children, Leo III, Marsha, Rodger, Kenneth and Marvin.
When asked in an interview why they moved to St. Paul, the Bonds gave the following reasons: They were in search of a community that reflected diversity, low crime rate, and an excellent public educational system. The Bonds went on to say they were attracted to St. Peter Claver parish while discussing their family's cultural needs with a neighbor. The neighbor directed them to St. Peter Claver.
Fr. Grezeskowiak and Fr. Flahavan were the priests at the time. The Bonds have fond memories of Fr. Flahavan, and described him as being exceptionally kind, and a great spiritual leader who exhibited a genuine interest in the family. The Bonds also have fond memories of the Sisters of St. Peter Claver, especially Mother Jonathan.
This congenial atmosphere prompted the Bonds to enroll their children in St. Peter Claver school, and to become active in parish activities.
Joseph and Mary Kahnke served as a source of inspiration. Mrs. Ruth Benner has also been a source of encouragement for the family.
Lay Leadership Flourishes
The middle part of the 1960's saw profound changes in the life of the Catholic Church everywhere. A full generation later the impact of those changes is still working itself out. St. Peter Claver parish has experienced those changes as profoundly as anywhere, and perhaps more so. The full blossoming of the civil rights movement, the changes in our neighborhood wrought by the construction of 1-94, and the growth of members of the African-American cultural empowerment and community organizing efforts all have given a unique intensity to the last third of our first century.
WALTER and CAROLE McFARLAND (1933)
I think we've come a long way from our small active parish. St. Peter Claver has always been a very successful parish. I appreciate the contributions of the churches in the Summit-University area and we've played a role in making the Summit-University area what it is - a good place to be.
Carole McFarland: I married into the family and St. Peter Claver. I was and still am a member of Pilgrim Baptist Church, however I had an experience in the late 70' s that was special to me. When Fr. Brown was pastor, he agreed to be my Clinical Pastoral Experience partner/supervisor when my pastor was not available. That experience brought me very close to the Catholic Church. I will never want to be far from it. It is part of me.
MAMIE JONES (ca 1934)
I saw a Notre Dame Sister and she invited me to take classes at Our Lady of Guadalupe. Then I was told to go over to St. Peter Claver. My sister and I were baptized at St. Peter Claver in the old church.
My favorite memory is when I first joined the Altar and Rosary Society and met Margaret Sullivan.
Ruth Benner and Margaret Sullivan and Fr. Stan Sledz all got me more involved in the church.
MARY KAHNKE (1967)
My mother had been a parishioner and member of the St. Peter Claver Altar and Rosary Society and we had participated with her in St. Claver events. We felt comfortable at St. Peter Claver and so became members. We have many friends in the parish.
BOB GREMER (1977)
I became a member of the parish because I was working at the Martin Luther King Center and a member of the parish invited me to attend. I came and I liked the people real well.
My first impression of the parish was that the people were friendly and made me feel welcome.
My favorite memories are all the nice people at our church and especially Fr. Sledz.
Carl Claiborne had a special impact on me. He had much to do with my becoming part of the parish and he helped me become an usher.
VALERIE JOHNSON-DEAN (1978)
I came to St. Peter Claver through my family. My parents married at St. Peter Claver, I was baptized here, and when we returned to St. Paul in 1978 we became members.
The first memory was that the parish was so close knit. The community atmosphere and the warmth. Where else do you have "signs of peace" that are like a coffee hour!
I especially remember my milestones at St. Peter Claver: eighth grade graduation, confirmation, lector for liturgy.
My parents have very significant in their modeling for me. Rita Commodore and Teresa Mardenborough are very strong women of color who have leadership in the church. They have always been there for me.
GENEVA COTTON (1979)
We moved to St. Paul from Detroit and initially we lived by St. Luke's. Racism was a problem in St. Paul. We expected to attend a black church. It was important to identify with black community.
Initially we felt the people of the parish were cold and distant. This began to change when Stan Sledz came. People seemed to begin to warm up.
Our favorite memory is the revival with Fr. Ron Rhoades, and Mass at Como with Fr. Stan. Fellowship was also important.
Fr. Stan and Fenita Foley were special people to us. Both showed their love. The Benner and Williams families made you feel comfortable.
ANNE AND RAY LESCHER (1980)
The Lescher's and their six children and several grandchildren and foster children joined St. Peter Claver in 1980 "as we sought a church with a diversity of peoples of color."
Parish involvement has included: Anne has been a member of both the Altar and Rosary Society (chairperson of the annual festival and bazaar) and the Ladies of Peter Claver; Anne started a before and after-school program at St. Peter Claver School; son Tim and grandchild Steven attended St. Peter Claver School; Ray was a member of the School Board for four years. Jessica, a grandchild, is a member of the children's choir.
PATRICE JONES (1981)
I initially came to know the parish in 1975 while studying. When we returned to the Twin Cities in 1981 we remembered the friendliness of the people and decided to worship at St. Peter Claver.
I felt especially warmly welcomed by the Websters.
My favorite memories are about how we worship at St. Peter Claver.
Teresa Mardenborough was always welcoming and always looking out for our family, encouraging us to be involved.
JANE MITCHELL (1984)
After deciding to leave our previous parish, we were looking for a spiritual home. Fr. Stan, my spiritual director, invited us to visit St. Peter Claver - we found our home. The first feeling was that of a genuine warmth. It was so different for us to join in with another culture.
The most prevalent memory is my husband's funeral at St. Peter Claver. My family felt much warmth and acceptance. I'd rather think of something else, but this is the memory that immediately comes to mind.
A powerful memory is Elaine Benner-Minus' entry the "Book of Prayer:" "For all those who allow the devil to steal their joy." This prayer has had a powerful impact on me.
As a single parent I do not feel like an outsider the parish. That is very meaningful to me. St. Peter Claver is a place that Jesus would be pleased with.
I have been so impressed by the complete faith and the joy of the black parishioners. I cannot imagine how many of our parishioners have seen and experienced what they have, for example, racism, and still they remain faithful and full of love for God and neighbor.
JOHN SPIEKER (1984)
A friend of mine suggested that I should check out St. Peter Claver. My first memory is coming to Mass and having coffee afterwards with Fr. Stan. My favorite memories at the church include my wedding, special events, being on the school board, and child care at St. Peter Claver during Mass.
Fr. Stan had a special impact on me, also Fenita Foley and just the presence of parish.