St. Anthony of padua
Parish History In the summer of 1859, a meeting took place at St. Boniface, the only Catholic Church in Quincy at the time. Fr. Herman Joseph Schaefermeyer announced a plan to build a new church, school and rectory at Melrose Township, southeast of Quincy. The pastor told the people at the meeting, “Begin very small at the start and end up with grandeur. If you cannot build a frame church, then make one out of logs.” The first St. Anthony’s was 36 feet long, 24 feet wide with a square sanctuary, 12 feet by 12 feet. The first Mass was held on a bitter cold Dec. 6, 1859. Hardly had the parishioners become attached to their new church, when it proved too small. The year 1867 saw St. Anthony’s first church drive. The parish pledged $4500.00. The Franciscan Brother Adrian Wewer, O.F.M., drew the plans for the simply lined, pure gothic brick structure. In the summer of 1868, the parish broke ground. On June 13, 1870, the feast of St. Anthony, Reverend Bishop of Alton, Peter Joseph Baltes, consecrated the church. May 22, 1983, the Feast of Pentecost, was the last Mass celebrated in the church which had served the parish for 113 years. On June 12, 1983, ground was broken for the new church. One year later, on June 19, 1984, Fr. Edwin Albers celebrated the Eucharist with the parish family for the first time in our new church. As of 2007, St. Anthony of Padua Parish and St. Dominic Parish have merged as St. Anthony of Padua Parish. Our parish school is St. Dominic School, located at 4100 Columbus Road, Quincy. Email: Father Tom Donovan: pastor@stanthonypadua.org Deacon Harry Cramer: deacon@stanthonypadua.org Stewardship Committee: stewardship@stanthonypadua.org Secretaries: secretary@stanthonypadua.org Website: www.stanthonypadua.org 6
INFORMATION ABOUT OUR PARISH Parish Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. Parish Staff: Rev. Thomas Donovan, Pastor Deacon Harry Cramer
Fr. Tom Donovan
Deacon Harry Cramer
Parish Office: Mrs. Pat Holbrook, Mrs. Tawny Benz, Mrs. Janet Bick
Pat Holbrook
Tawny Benz
Janet Bick
The secretaries are here to provide support for the parish and the needs of the parishioners. Office hours are 8 a.m. - 3 p.m., Monday - Friday Summer office hours are 8 a.m. - noon, Monday - Friday, Jun. 1 - Aug. 13 Office phone: 217-222-5996 Office email: secretary@stanthonypadua.org Bulletin information deadline is Monday by noon and should be submitted by email: bulletin@stanthonypadua.org
