Carmel, Immaculate Conception Parish

Although the Mission of the Immaculate Conception at that time consisted of only 22 families, the parishioners planned for the future. Under the direction of Fr. Matthew, a new structure measuring 75 ft x 35 ft was erected on section 4, township 37, range 24 (the present site). The contractor, Anton Stadelman, constructed a beautiful frame church covered with brick veneer, the only one of its kind in the colony.

Before the construction had begun, a considerable amount of money had been raised and with much of the labor provided by the parishioners, no debts were incurred a feat in itself! The new church was blessed by Prior Peter Windschiegl on July 25, 1926. The solemn High Mass that day was sung by Prior Peter with Frs. Matthew Michel and Francis Lohmer as deacon and subdeacon.

In 1927, a bell weighing 1,000 pounds was purchased for the church. On June 12 of the same year, it was blessed by Abbot Severin Gertken. On that occasion, the congregation was told what message the bell has for the people of a parish. After the church closed in January 1965, the decision was made to donate the bell to Mount Carmel subsequently, the bell was erected at the mount and on July 8, 1967, it was dedicated as the centennial contribution from Immaculate Conception Church.

The last mass at the Mission of Immaculate Conception was celebrated on Jan. 10, 1965. At this time the number of parish families had decreased to 22 families (105 people) from a high of 36 in 1951 the silver jubilee year. The year before the closure, 1964, there was one marriage that of Roman Michalycia and Saloma Witt on April 11. The bride was from the Conception Parish but they were married in Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church. The last confirmation took place on Oct. 1, 1961, with four boys and four girls receiving the sacrament. There was only one baptism and no funerals.

After the church was officially closed, the parishioners were concerned about vandalism. As previously mentioned, in 1967 the church bell was donated to Mount Carmel as well as the church benches which were remodelled into "portables" that are used at the mount to this day. Also, probably in the same year, the hardwood floor was lifted out and laid into the then Carmel parish hall. The previous year, 1966, the church in Carmel became the proud owner of the huge picture of the Blessed Lady which is displayed in the northeast corner of the church.

In 1972, "Conception Church" was sold to Mel Bolen for the sum of $500. He has since turned it into a successful pottery establishment called North Star Pottery. The people are very grateful to Mr. Bolen for preserving a part of our heritage.