An Informal, Anecdotal History of Saint Francis' Parish
as Told by Past and Present Members
When the new Vestry convened in 1961, they faced the following dilemma: approximately $12,000 had been pledged toward estimated expenditures for the coming year of $15,000. During the following months, a decided change took place. Prior to this time the major activities in parish life revolved around money raising activities such as bazaars, selling Christmas trees, etc.. The parish was negligent in meeting diocesan assessments. Stewardship teaching by Fr. Rogers and lay readers took precedence and it became an established practice for the parish to live within its means, the income from pledges and gifts. We were taught to give to the Glory of God in thanksgiving. To give from the heart without the pressure of drives or canvasses or quotas, to give because we needed to give for our soul's sake. Fund raising activities were eliminated and expenditures were made on a priority basis, the necessities of worship and respect for our obligations in apostolic life taking precedence. The teaching of Christian Stewardship became established practice within the parish.
Prior to 1961, men's work in the parish had been two-fold. There was the heroic effort in work parties to build the church and to maintain the property. Mr. Bill Bard was an outstanding example and leader in these efforts. This example has continued through the years and is a foundation stone in stewardship practice in the parish.
A handful of men of the parish organized a retreat held at the Bishop Mason Center in 1961. Then it was just one small building that included a chapel, kitchen, dormitory, and sitting room. In 1968-69, a Brotherhood of St. Andrew Chapter was organized. One activity was to sponsor a men's retreat. This was so spiritually enriching that the men wanted to share the experience with their wives and the whole parish. Thereafter, these became Parish Retreats that have continued with only occasional interruptions throughout the years. Besides Bishop Mason Center, facilities such as Mount St. Michael, Mt. Carmel, Sisters of Notre Dame Convent, and Camp Crucis have been used.
Another Brotherhood of St. Andrew activity was sponsoring parish youth in the Diocesan Track Meet. For several years, St. Francis men sponsored this event. Men and boys campouts and communion breakfasts were also sponsored. -- Ralph Crocker