Parish History
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Our Lady Queen of Heaven Parish
Our Story
Our Story
In 1947 Harry S Truman was the president of the United States. World War II ended and most young men had returned and were beginning their families. This time was the beginning of the baby boom generation. In Wisconsin Rapids, life was no different. At that time there was only one Catholic Church in Wisconsin Rapids, and that was Saints Peter and Paul Church. Under the direction of Bishop John Patrick Treacy and Father Joseph Tetzlaff, the first pastor, Our Lady Queen of Heaven (OLQH) Parish was started. This new parish was sometimes called St. Mary’s. The school was built first, and though not entirely completed, on September 19, 1949, about 155 pupils entered the new school. It looked much the same as it does to this day.
Early in the parish history, several important committees were formed. The OLQH Women’s Club started in1947 and the first president was Mrs. Phillip Eron. The name selected for the new club was “St. Mary’s Woman’s Club”. The Usher’s Club was also organized in 1947, with John Schenk as the first president. Also, the Parent to School Association was organized under the name “Mother’s Club” with Mrs. Harry Walker as its first president. There were three men’s groups organized during the early years, of which Men’s Group 2 survives to this day. It was organized under the direction of Clarence Mras who also was its first president. Like the Woman’s Club, these groups must be recognized for their diligent and continuous support, both financially and physically, doing whatever needed to be done to keep the parish going.
1950-1959
During these early years, the OLQH masses were held at the Wisconsin Theatre on Grand Avenue. The Church was completed in May 1951. The original church was built to accommodate 500 people. There was a spacious basement with a large kitchen for a parish dining room known as Notre Dame Hall. Carl Billmeyer was the architect and Frank Henry was general contractor.
In September 1951, Assumption High School was started using the second floor classrooms at OLQH. High School Students remained at OLQH for three years. The entering class of September, 1954 moved to the current Assumption High School on Chestnut Street with Father James O’Connell as the first principal.
On June 4th 1958, Father Stanley Andrzejewski Came to OLQH as the second pastor, and Father Leon Tice became the assistant pastor.
1960-1969
Father Andrzejewski in 1963 introduced to the parish, the parental instructions for the preparation for first Holy Communion with review by pastor or assistant. This involved the parents in the child’s preparation for this sacrament. Fr. Andrzejewski was pastor at St. Mary’s for nine years, from 1958-1967 when he was reassigned to St. Peter’s Church in Stevens Point. Fr. Andrzejewski died in 1980 and was 71 years old at the time of his death.
Father Tice was at St. Mary’s until June 1964 when Father Eugene Berthiaume was assigned to our parish as assistant pastor replacing Father Tice.
In March 1965, under the guidance of Father Andrzejewski and under the direction of Father Berthiaume the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD) program was organized. Under Father Berthiaume’s astute direction, the CCD program was developed to such a degree that it was recognized as the best. The most Reverend F. W. Freking Bishop of La Crosse awarded a plaque of recognition on April 30, 1967 for this achievement.
On July 26, 1967, Reverend Jerome Kamla became the third pastor of our parish. In August of 1967, Father Dennis Stanchik was appointed assistant replacing Father Berthiaume.
In October 1967, the Parish Council Board at St. Mary’s was announced including Bishop Freking, Father Jerome Kamla, Father Dennis Stanchik, Frank Walsh, Greg Thibodeau, Tony Schultz, Henry Molepske, John Wyman, Donald Hamm, Emmett Mathews, Herb Kleifgen, Merlin McHugh, Richard Latourelle, Mrs. Francis Plante, Robert Nash, William Nobles Walt Wallock, Ray Dufano, Mrs. James Schenk, John Ritchay, Mr. and Mrs. Tony Schultz.
1970-1979
In the autumn 1969 under the spiritual direction of Father Stanchik, adult education classes were conducted. Also, Father Stanchik introduced Class Masses which were held during religion class hour at St. Mary’s. These Class Masses were instructions on the real value, and appreciation of the mass liturgy.
On this day August 13, 1972, Our Lady Queen of Heaven celebrated its 25 year Jubilee.
In October 1977, Father Kamla left St Mary’s. He had been at this parish for slightly more than ten years. Father Mark Doyle came to OLQH as our 4th pastor, and his leadership guided this parish for more than 21 years from 1977-1998. Fr. Doyle died in Wisconsin Rapids on January 28, 2004.
1980-1999
The next twenty years was a time of real growth and change for our parish. The parishioners began receiving wine with communion. Father began entering the church for mass, and exiting after mass through the rear entrance of the church allowing him to greet parishioners each week. This was well liked by most parishioners. The parish developed lay communion providers. The Men’s Group # 2 was revised and became more active again.
In the Diocese of La Crosse, Bishop John Paul was the Bishop from 1983 – 1994, Bishop Raymond Burke was the Bishop from 1994- 2003. All during this time, the entire Catholic Church was led by Pope John Paul II who served as Pope from October 1978 through his death in April 2005.
December 1998 – Father Tony Wolf was the 5th pastor of OLQH but was only here for six months until June 1999.
In July 1999, Fr Dennis J. Lynch came to our parish as our 6th pastor, and remained our pastor until May 31, 2004.
During this time the parish again started large parish picnics, now in the autumn of the year, as a major fundraiser. The parish picnics were run by committee and recently led by Carol and Darrell Wessenberg. This major fundraiser needed the work of many parishioners to be successful.
Also during this time period, the Church committee structure was strengthened and revised again. Due to a shortage of priests, several of the rural parishes such as St. Joseph in Altdorf were closed during this time. Also, WRACS school consolidation occurred during this time frame. All of these changes resulted in changes to many families.
2000 – Present
In June 2004 Fr. Dennis Lynch was reassigned to pastoral ministry at St, Michael’s Hospital in Stevens Point. He left our parish May 31, 2004. He had a farewell gathering May 16th after the 11:00 AM Mass.
Bishop Raymond Burke was the Bishop for the Diocese of La Crosse from 2004-2010. Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger became Pope Benedict in April 2005.
Reverend Alan Wierzba became the 7th pastor of OLQH in June 2004. Father Al was the motivating force behind many improvements at OLQH. During his tenure church upgrades and renovations were completed. The expansion included the gathering areas with offices for the parish secretary, the pastor, the assistant pastor and the religious education director with handicapped accessible rest rooms near the church. Church entrances were made accessible without stairs as well as a covered car port to facilitate drop off of parishioners who were not able to walk long distances. The school cafeteria was built on the first floor to improve accessibility. Parishioners became more active in the church. Large numbers of people participated in fund raising and pledged whatever amount they could to make the improvements to OUR church. This renovation resulted in a real pride and ownership within the congregation.
During this time period Father Tim Welles started at OLQH as assistant, and subsequently moved to St Lawrence parish as their new pastor. Also Father James Altman started as assistant at OLQH and moved SS Peter and Paul parish as their pastor. Most recently Father Paul Hoffman has been assigned as Parochial Vicar to help guide the parishioners at OLQH.
There was also an additional capital campaign in 2009 that focused on renovations to the rectory, the heating, lighting in parking lot, additional garage for parish picnics etc.
In June 2010, Bishop William Patrick Callahan was named Bishop of the La Crosse Diocese. In May 2011, Father Al Wierzba announced he would be reassigned. We will miss Father Al and thank him for all of his leadership and guidance and wish him well in his next assignment.
The OLQH parish is currently blessed with Rev. Valentine Joseph who is a missionary priest from India serving in our Diocese.
Special thank you to Mrs. Peg Johnson who has been our parish historian
Early in the parish history, several important committees were formed. The OLQH Women’s Club started in1947 and the first president was Mrs. Phillip Eron. The name selected for the new club was “St. Mary’s Woman’s Club”. The Usher’s Club was also organized in 1947, with John Schenk as the first president. Also, the Parent to School Association was organized under the name “Mother’s Club” with Mrs. Harry Walker as its first president. There were three men’s groups organized during the early years, of which Men’s Group 2 survives to this day. It was organized under the direction of Clarence Mras who also was its first president. Like the Woman’s Club, these groups must be recognized for their diligent and continuous support, both financially and physically, doing whatever needed to be done to keep the parish going.
1950-1959
During these early years, the OLQH masses were held at the Wisconsin Theatre on Grand Avenue. The Church was completed in May 1951. The original church was built to accommodate 500 people. There was a spacious basement with a large kitchen for a parish dining room known as Notre Dame Hall. Carl Billmeyer was the architect and Frank Henry was general contractor.
In September 1951, Assumption High School was started using the second floor classrooms at OLQH. High School Students remained at OLQH for three years. The entering class of September, 1954 moved to the current Assumption High School on Chestnut Street with Father James O’Connell as the first principal.
On June 4th 1958, Father Stanley Andrzejewski Came to OLQH as the second pastor, and Father Leon Tice became the assistant pastor.
1960-1969
Father Andrzejewski in 1963 introduced to the parish, the parental instructions for the preparation for first Holy Communion with review by pastor or assistant. This involved the parents in the child’s preparation for this sacrament. Fr. Andrzejewski was pastor at St. Mary’s for nine years, from 1958-1967 when he was reassigned to St. Peter’s Church in Stevens Point. Fr. Andrzejewski died in 1980 and was 71 years old at the time of his death.
Father Tice was at St. Mary’s until June 1964 when Father Eugene Berthiaume was assigned to our parish as assistant pastor replacing Father Tice.
In March 1965, under the guidance of Father Andrzejewski and under the direction of Father Berthiaume the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD) program was organized. Under Father Berthiaume’s astute direction, the CCD program was developed to such a degree that it was recognized as the best. The most Reverend F. W. Freking Bishop of La Crosse awarded a plaque of recognition on April 30, 1967 for this achievement.
On July 26, 1967, Reverend Jerome Kamla became the third pastor of our parish. In August of 1967, Father Dennis Stanchik was appointed assistant replacing Father Berthiaume.
In October 1967, the Parish Council Board at St. Mary’s was announced including Bishop Freking, Father Jerome Kamla, Father Dennis Stanchik, Frank Walsh, Greg Thibodeau, Tony Schultz, Henry Molepske, John Wyman, Donald Hamm, Emmett Mathews, Herb Kleifgen, Merlin McHugh, Richard Latourelle, Mrs. Francis Plante, Robert Nash, William Nobles Walt Wallock, Ray Dufano, Mrs. James Schenk, John Ritchay, Mr. and Mrs. Tony Schultz.
1970-1979
In the autumn 1969 under the spiritual direction of Father Stanchik, adult education classes were conducted. Also, Father Stanchik introduced Class Masses which were held during religion class hour at St. Mary’s. These Class Masses were instructions on the real value, and appreciation of the mass liturgy.
On this day August 13, 1972, Our Lady Queen of Heaven celebrated its 25 year Jubilee.
In October 1977, Father Kamla left St Mary’s. He had been at this parish for slightly more than ten years. Father Mark Doyle came to OLQH as our 4th pastor, and his leadership guided this parish for more than 21 years from 1977-1998. Fr. Doyle died in Wisconsin Rapids on January 28, 2004.
1980-1999
The next twenty years was a time of real growth and change for our parish. The parishioners began receiving wine with communion. Father began entering the church for mass, and exiting after mass through the rear entrance of the church allowing him to greet parishioners each week. This was well liked by most parishioners. The parish developed lay communion providers. The Men’s Group # 2 was revised and became more active again.
In the Diocese of La Crosse, Bishop John Paul was the Bishop from 1983 – 1994, Bishop Raymond Burke was the Bishop from 1994- 2003. All during this time, the entire Catholic Church was led by Pope John Paul II who served as Pope from October 1978 through his death in April 2005.
December 1998 – Father Tony Wolf was the 5th pastor of OLQH but was only here for six months until June 1999.
In July 1999, Fr Dennis J. Lynch came to our parish as our 6th pastor, and remained our pastor until May 31, 2004.
During this time the parish again started large parish picnics, now in the autumn of the year, as a major fundraiser. The parish picnics were run by committee and recently led by Carol and Darrell Wessenberg. This major fundraiser needed the work of many parishioners to be successful.
Also during this time period, the Church committee structure was strengthened and revised again. Due to a shortage of priests, several of the rural parishes such as St. Joseph in Altdorf were closed during this time. Also, WRACS school consolidation occurred during this time frame. All of these changes resulted in changes to many families.
2000 – Present
In June 2004 Fr. Dennis Lynch was reassigned to pastoral ministry at St, Michael’s Hospital in Stevens Point. He left our parish May 31, 2004. He had a farewell gathering May 16th after the 11:00 AM Mass.
Bishop Raymond Burke was the Bishop for the Diocese of La Crosse from 2004-2010. Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger became Pope Benedict in April 2005.
Reverend Alan Wierzba became the 7th pastor of OLQH in June 2004. Father Al was the motivating force behind many improvements at OLQH. During his tenure church upgrades and renovations were completed. The expansion included the gathering areas with offices for the parish secretary, the pastor, the assistant pastor and the religious education director with handicapped accessible rest rooms near the church. Church entrances were made accessible without stairs as well as a covered car port to facilitate drop off of parishioners who were not able to walk long distances. The school cafeteria was built on the first floor to improve accessibility. Parishioners became more active in the church. Large numbers of people participated in fund raising and pledged whatever amount they could to make the improvements to OUR church. This renovation resulted in a real pride and ownership within the congregation.
During this time period Father Tim Welles started at OLQH as assistant, and subsequently moved to St Lawrence parish as their new pastor. Also Father James Altman started as assistant at OLQH and moved SS Peter and Paul parish as their pastor. Most recently Father Paul Hoffman has been assigned as Parochial Vicar to help guide the parishioners at OLQH.
There was also an additional capital campaign in 2009 that focused on renovations to the rectory, the heating, lighting in parking lot, additional garage for parish picnics etc.
In June 2010, Bishop William Patrick Callahan was named Bishop of the La Crosse Diocese. In May 2011, Father Al Wierzba announced he would be reassigned. We will miss Father Al and thank him for all of his leadership and guidance and wish him well in his next assignment.
The OLQH parish is currently blessed with Rev. Valentine Joseph who is a missionary priest from India serving in our Diocese.
Special thank you to Mrs. Peg Johnson who has been our parish historian