Early memories of Corpus Christi Catholic Church

Hannah Gross 
NLJ Correspondent 
With Leonard Cash
Historian Leonard Cash finished off last week’s installment of his series on Corpus Christi Catholic Church with the ministry of the Rev. Patrick Lynch from 1902 to 1910, but he backtracked a little to an article from June 14, 1907, that reported the burial of a priest in Greenwood Cemetery – one of only two Catholic priests buried in Newcastle. 
The article said that Hugh J. McConnell from Walkerville, Montana, passed away from heart failure on a train while heading to St. Joe, Missouri. His body was brought to Newcastle, and Father Lynch was in charge of the burial service. 
The priests following Lynch came and went, and some of the records are a little unclear, seeming to contradict, but Cash interpreted them to the best of his ability. 
According to a newspaper article from Jan. 14, 1910, the Rev. Alphonsus B. Parker of Brooklyn succeeded Lynch, but other records, including those of the Diocese of Cheyenne, say that Parker arrived in Newcastle in January 1902, a few months before Lynch, and left around April 1910, a few months after Lynch departed. 
Cash said Parker and Lynch probably arrived and served the church at the same time (from 1902 to 1910), and when Lynch left in January 1910, Parker officially took over until his own departure in April. A third priest, by the name of John O’Brien, followed shortly after Parker and pastored in Newcastle until November 1910. 
An article from Oct. 28, 1910, reported that Joseph DeRop of the St. Stephen Mission arrived to temporarily take charge of the churches in Newcastle and Cambria, beginning with a celebration of Mass at 10 a.m. on Sunday.
On Dec. 2, 1910, the paper said the foundation of the Catholic church was being rebuilt.
DeRop stayed through Lent and then returned to his post in South Dakota, reported the April 21, 1911, issue. The following issue said that the Rev. Joseph H. DeNicola succeeded him and stayed until 1915. 
A few months later, former pastor Lynch was relocated from Green River to Evanston, according to the Aug. 18, 1911, edition. 
On Oct. 20, 1911, the paper announced that a Bible class would be held on Tuesday and Thursday nights at the priest’s house. 
“Those desiring to attend these meetings should equip themselves with a Bible and a Bible history which some may be secured by calling on the priest,” the article says. 
“A History of Corpus Christi and Its Missions” by Elizabeth Thorpe offers a small section on the diocese. Last week, we learned of the history of Bishop James Keane, but this week, the booklet says that Patrick McGovern was appointed as the next bishop on Jan. 19, 1912.
McGovern wrote a book called “The History of the Diocese of Cheyenne” (published in 1941), which is the source of most of Thorpe’s information. Following McGovern, Hubert Newall served as bishop until 1977, and was succeeded by Joseph Hart.
The Feb. 1, 1912, newspaper reported that Father DeNicola received a note informing him of the death of the Rev. Lynch. His memorial service was held in Evanston, and friends from all across the state were present. 
“He was one who demonstrated on earth what it really means to love your fellow-man. Selfishness was not a part of his nature, and to do good was the practical creed that he lived,” the article says. The following Monday, the Newcastle parish was holding a “funeral Requiem Mass” for the deceased. 
On May 9, 1912, the paper reported that the fire alarm in the parsonage went off and, within minutes, the hose and chemical engine were ready. However, all the trouble was for nothing because the alarm was falsely set off due to chimney smoke. 
Several months later, the church ladies were busy preparing for “another of their famous church suppers,” according to the Oct. 17, 1912, issue. It was scheduled for Halloween night at 5:30 p.m. for the entire community at city hall. Following the dinner was a dance at 8:30 to be accompanied by Barnes orchestra music. The meal was 35 cents, and the dance was a dollar. 
“Plenty to eat and a good time promised. A midnight supper will be served for the dancers. All are invited,” the article says. 
On Dec. 4, 1913, the paper announced that the Cambria church was visited by a bishop, who confirmed a class of 38 kids. 
According to an article from April 1, 1915, Father Casimir Tomiak, who had served in Newcastle (since April 1914, according to diocese of Cheyenne) was transferred to the church of Dietz and Carneyville, where he was to take charge by May 1. DeNicola also left around this time, so John Mullin finished out the year to December. 
Under Mullin’s ministry, the church received a high altar, donated by Michael Coyle, as well as a new bell donated by Elizabeth Dixon, according to the July 15, 1915, issue. The parish constructed a new belfry for the bell.  
Diocesan records list the short ministry of James A. Boland from December 1915 to January 1916, before the Rev. John T. Nicholson arrived in January 1916, pastoring until November 1917. 
The Feb. 3, 1916, paper said Nicholson was from Texas, but due to poor health he decided to move, and that’s how he wound up as the rector of Corpus Christi. 
“Rev. Nicholson is a pleasant gentleman and we are pleased to have him locate here and wish him success in his new field of labor,” the article says. 
Boland must have still served in the church a little because, according to a Sept. 14, 1916, article, Father Lochler of Cheyenne arrived on Saturday to “occupy the pulpit made vacant by the departure of Father Boland.” 
While Nicholson was here, he oversaw the construction of the St. Patrick’s Church in Moorcroft for $800, according to Thorpe’s booklet. The lot was donated by the Lincoln Land Co. and the Church Extension donated $500. By the time it was dedicated in April 2017, there was a $250 debt. 
Cash will continue his discussion on the Catholic church in next week’s installment of “History on Main.”