Records show that Rt. Rev. Bishop Damaien Junker, first Bishop of the Diocese of Alton, traveled to Murphysboro and offered the first Mass in the Meder home on Ascension Thursday, 1868. Impressed by the number of Catholics, the Bishop promised that Fr. Fockele, then pastor at Anna, would say Mass for them on a regular basis. Fr. Fockele built the first church on the site where our present church stands. This church served the people of St. Andrews' from 1869 to 1888 when it burned to the ground.
Rev. Theodore Wigman, who served as pastor until Apr. 1872, succeeded Fr. Fockele. Fr. Wigman was succeeded in Oct. 1872 by the Rev. Herman Jungmann, who was instrumental in organizing the first school, and who spent an active arduous pastorate until his transfer in 1877. Then St. Andrew's had three pastors in quick succession: Rev. L. Reisen, Rev. Teroerlo and Rev. Frederick Berman (Nov. 1877-1887).
The arrival of Rev. Kasper Schauerte on July 26, 1887 introduced an era of extensive growth for the struggling parish. During his 37 years as pastor, Fr. Schauerte built a new church,, then enlarged it; a parochial school and twice enlarged it; a parish rectory; a hospital, which twice had to be enlarged; and a convent. The church and the convent (now the Parish House) s till exist. Fr. Schauerte died in St. Andrew Hospital on Dec. 7 1924.
On Oct. 1, 1925, Rev. Joseph Taggart arrived in Murphysboro to begin a 40-year pastorate. Fr. Taggart's accomplishments were many, including an extensive remodeling program. On Oct. 2, 1965, Fr. Taggart retired from an active priestly life to Regina Cleri Home in St. Louis, MO, where he resided until his death Dec, 3 1968.Fr. Fred Renschen was appointed pastor on Oct. 8, 1965. The role of the laity became more important. Changes were made in the Sanctuary of the church to accommodate the revised format of the Mass. On Nov. 22, 1967, the first joint Bible Service was held at St. Andrew Church, bringing members of all creeds and colors to worship together. Fr. Renschen's greatest goal was accomplished in 1968 when the new school was completed (our present school). The school was dedicated on Ascension Thursday, May 23, 1968 by Bishop Zuroweste, thus concluding the Parish's centennial year celebrations exactly 100 years after the first Mass was said in Murphysboro.
Rev. Melvin Vandeloo was appointed pastor at St. Andrew in 1973. His ability to assess parish needs and involve the laity in all levels of parish life, led to a deeper awareness of the values re-established by Vatican Council II. In 1977-78, the old convent was renovated into the Parish House and the old Rectory was sold. Fr. Vandeloo served as pastor until 1983 when he was transferred to Mt. Vernon, IL. Also, during this period, Dr. James Jacobs and Mr. Thomas Wagnitz were ordained permanent Deacons (Oct. 1980).
For over 100 years, St. Andrew Parish has been privileged to have the capable assistance of the Franciscan and A.S.C. Sisters. As well, many young associates have been assigned to our parish over the years to assist in our growth.
On July 5, 1983, Fr. Ted Baumann became pastor of St. Andrew. With his three associates, Rev. Joseph Rasher, Rev. Frederico Higuera, Rev. Robert Gore and Deacons Tom Wagnitz and Mike Dougherty, he continued to unite our Parish Family on both a spiritual and a community level. On June 25, 1991 Fr. Baumann was transferred to Bartelso and Fr. James Buerster became our Pastor.
Fr. Buerster also contributed much to our Parish growth, both spiritually and out in the community. From Sept. 1992 through May 1993, St. Andrew's celebrated it's 125th birthday with many memorable events. Easter 1995, major renovation of the interior of our church was completed and this is our current church decor. These changes more closely reflect the mandates which Vatican II established for worship spaces.
In Apr. 1997, Joe Teaff completed his Deaconate journey and was ordained. Fr. Buerster was appointed Rector at St. Peter's Cathedral, Belleville, in Aug. 1997. Our current pastor, Fr. Gary Gummersheimer, was assigned to our parish at that time. With Fr. Gary, we have been celebrating faith, family, and friends at St. Andrew Catholic Church.
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