MANDAN, ND (KXNET) — The Church of Saint Joseph in Mandan held a big event celebrating 100 years of consecration on Sunday, June 23. “The church was built in 1904,” shares Father Josh Waltz, “but it wasn’t consecrated until 1924. And the reason for that was when they initially built the building, it was built […]
MANDAN, ND (KXNET) — The Church of Saint Joseph in Mandan held a big event celebrating 100 years of consecration on Sunday, June 23.
“The church was built in 1904,” shares Father Josh Waltz, “but it wasn’t consecrated until 1924. And the reason for that was when they initially built the building, it was built for 50 thousand dollars. Which is insane. 50 grand. But at the time, Father Collins — Daniel Collins, who Collins Avenue out here is named after, and was renowned in Mandan — put $13,500 of his own money towards the construction of that building, which was essentially his life savings.”
Father Waltz says the reason it took so long for the consecration was that the church had to wait until the loan was paid off. Once the church building was paid off, it then belonged to the diocese.
“The church itself is older than 100 years,” he explains. “The parish, in 2029, will be 150 years.”
Father Waltz says that very milestone is a cause for celebration.
“We just wanted to celebrate,” he adds. “100 years is a long time, especially in American history. It’s a milestone for us, and why not throw a big party? There’s a great poet, and he says, ‘Wherever the Catholic sun doth shine, there’s laughter, music, and good red wine.’ So we’ve got everything going on according to that poet’s description of Catholicism.”
Many of those who call the church home came out to enjoy the festivities.
“I grew up in Mandan,” recalls Church of St. Joseph Deacon Randy Frohlich, “and Christ the King was my parish. That’s where I went to grade school and St. Mary’s High School. When I got married, we moved to Dickinson for a few years. When we came back, we just came here. For some reason, I think God just wanted us to be here. So we came here and we’ve been here ever since. Almost 37 years.”
Frohlich shares he loves the people and the atmosphere that St. Joseph’s provides. He invites any who are looking for a Catholic church to check them out at 108 3rd Street Northeast in Mandan.