Celebrating 125 years of Holy Rosary

By Anna Jauhola
September’s weather provided a sunny, comfortable day for a special celebration north of Lancaster this year. Members and families celebrated the 125th, or Quasqui-Centennial, anniversary of Holy Rosary Parish on Sunday, Sept. 28. It was an amazing 76 degrees.
The Most Rev. Bishop Andrew Cozzens, of the Crookston Catholic Diocese, presided over Mass that morning in the rural church, which holds memories for so many families still residing in the county. Father Maschio Mascarenghas was a concelebrant, with Deacon Jeff Reese and Earl Karboviak as masters of ceremonies.
The day of celebration came with a lot of preparation, said Kathy Nelson, one of the organizers for the event.
“In the process, we had the steps of the church renovated, poured new sidewalks, rebuilt the ramp for wheelchair accessibility,” Nelson said. “We put in new landscaping and plants. It’s really nice.”
Although Nelson is a newer member of the church, having joined the parish more than 30 years ago, it has become home for her. She said the church means so much to so many people. At one time, more than 50 families attended Holy Rosary Parish.
“That has decreased, which is unfortunate, but the families we do have are strong and we’re doing well,” Nelson said.
During the 125th anniversary Mass, the stained glass windows cast a beautiful glow as the sun shined that day. The sanctuary brimmed with the faithful who came to witness and celebrate the historic event. Nelson said several members from St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Hallock also attended to support their fellow parishioners.
As a part of the church’s 125th anniversary, Nelson and others have worked on a book commemorating not only the last 50 years, but also the celebration itself. While the group was going to attempt to complete the book before the big day, Nelson said it will be nice to be able to include the celebration in the 125th anniversary book.
“Hopefully it’ll be ready by Christmas,” she said.
The 75th anniversary book was done prior to that celebration in 1975, so this new book will start out with information from that event as well.
After Mass, those who attended took off across the lawn to the Polish Hall where they enjoyed a meal together, special music and fellowship. The meal was catered, but Holy Rosary members provided desserts. For old times’ sake, there were 38 cakes provided for a cake walk as well. Nelson said the children especially enjoyed that activity. Kim (Lockman) Pitcher performed a song she wrote especially for this occasion called “Praise, Praise Jesus Christ.” Pitcher grew up in Lancaster and attended Holy Rosary.
Bruce Steen and his band played music for the afternoon and the floor was hopping with dancers.
To make the overall event more special, the Bishop officially installed Father Maschio as the parish priest for Holy Rosary and St. Patrick’s Church.
It took a multitude of people to make this celebration happen, and Nelson didn’t dare name names in case she missed someone. She said everyone involved put their hearts and souls into making everything go well – from sprucing up the church to helping with the book to assisting the day of, and everything in between – everyone is appreciated.
Although the membership is smaller these days, they are faithful.
While only God knows what the future holds, those who attend Holy Rosary will continue to make it a place for everyone to cherish and feel welcome.

THE SUN SHONE BRILLIANTLY through Holy Rosary Parish’s stained glass windows on Sunday, Sept. 28, as parishioners celebrated 125 years of the church. (Submitted photo)

THE EXTERIOR OF HOLY ROSARY was recently spruced up by members of the congregation, including a new ramp, new sidewalks and steps, and new landscaping.
(Submitted photo)

THE MOST REV. BISHOP ANDREW COZZENS, center, presided over the celebration Mass with Father Maschio, far left in back, as concelebrant. Altar boys that day, left to right, were Luke Langehaug, Eli Langehaug, Aidan Wiese, Ely Wiese and Asher Olsonawski. (Submitted photo)