History

Early Days at St. Catherine’s       Top

The history of both St. Benedict's and St. Catherine's churches have been intertwined throughout the years.  At first, St. Benedict's was a mission church of St. Catherine's.  A 1909 journal of St. Catherine's Church, South Grove, indicates that St. Catherine's had been a mission church for many years.  Another source indicated that St. Catherine's Mission was established in 1846.

Early Town of Sharon history indicates that Elton or Sharon Corners (County Trunk "K" and Lakeshore Road) was the site of the first church for St. Catherine's Catholic Church, built in 1896.  The building was in that community for four years and then moved to South Grove (Salt Box Road and County Trunk "B") around 1900.  A cemetery was located at Elton.  As no graves can be found, the bodies were probably moved to other locations.  The church at South Grove was built just north of the cemetery.  The current cemetery for St. Catherine's is located just over the county line on County Trunk "B" in Rock County.  Some of the dates on tombstones in that cemetery go back to 1843.  

On April 20, 1909, Rev. Wm. H. Hermes was appointed temporary pastor of St. Catherine's.  There was only $11.50 in the treasury.  The church was in very dilapidated condition and there was no residence for the priest.  Therefore, Archbishop Messmer bought a house and 8 acres of land in the village of Sharon with the idea that the congregation would take over on this responsibility.

The majority of the members did not see the need to take over the property purchased by the Archbishop.  Nor were they in favor of building a new church...so wrote Father Hermes in 1909.  "Nothing can be done, therefore, until they change their mind, and show good will.  Let us hope this will be done soon!"  The congregation furnished the priest's house and installed a hot air furnace, but did not take over the house and the land.  They were reluctant to build a new church in Sharon; this would mean giving up their old one in South Grove. 

Church records reveal that on May 25, 1909, $12.45 was spent for an altar bread iron and on August 5, 1909 the pastor's salary for three months was listed at $200.  However, in 1910 records the total salary paid was $625.  Apparently, the priest was paid according to how much money the congregation had and when it had money.  The records at the end of 1909 indicate that there was a balance of 91 cents, plus the outstanding loan of $600 from the Sharon State Bank at 6% interest.

On November 3, 1910, Rev. Thos. Pierce, assistant at St. Patrick's in Racine was appointed pastor of St. Catherine's.  He said his first mass there on November 19, 1910.

Finally, on January 28, 1912 the Board of Trustees and Directors met and agreed to "hire" the money necessary ($4000 or more) to build a new church.  Land had been purchased in Sharon on June 13, 1911 from Alice B. Wise for $950.  Actually at the time, this area was called "Sharon Station."  It included all area east of Martin Street.

In the Abstract of Title, a transfer dated March 7, 1856, A. A. Southard and Phebe Southard, his wife to Nicholas Van Alstine indicates "...convey all land 80 acres in west half of NE quarter of Section 33, Town #1 except any right of way to Rock River Valley Union Rail Road Co. and any lease of lands given to School District #11 including use of about 1/2 acre of land on NW corner of said lot so long as it shall be occupied as site for a school house."  This later is still the location of the public school in Sharon.

On January 12, 1913 at the annual meeting of St. Catherine's Congregation there was formal discussion of building a new house for the priest.  On June 30, 1918 a special meeting was held to form the St. Catherine's Cemetery Association.

Two August 26, 1932 insurance appraisals give a view of the church and rectory.  St. Catherine's Church was listed with a $15,950 cost to reproduce a similar church - "one story and basement, brick, wood joist frame, composition shingle roof building, 46'6" x 62'0" overall, including heating, lighting, altars, pews and built-in features."

St. Catherine's Rectory had a replacement value of $7,460 "...two story, basement and attic, frame, wood shingle roof building, 30'0" x 28'0", with ell, 14'0" x 10'0", including plumbing, heating, electric lighting and built-in cabinets."

Included in the insurance policies in the 1930's and 40's were some for "fixtures in General Store and Lodge Hall on Lot 8, Block 9, Book 49, Map 614, Walworth and Plain Street, Sharon."

The Beginning of St. Benedict’s Catholic Church – Fontana      Top  

On December 18, 1912, Father Pierce met with Catholics in the Fontana and Walworth area...20 women and 10 men...about the possibility of mass being said in their area on Sundays.  Mass was said in Woodman's Hall, Walworth on January 1, 1913 with about 50 people present.  Mass was said there the following Sunday and then it was decided to find some place which they could rent on a regular basis.

One parishioner recalls that it was a real effort for people to be able to get to church in the early days.  She remembers stories her parents told about their parents taking horse and buggy and riding to Lake Geneva before a church was built in Fontana.  Her father had to walk three miles to Fontana and then took a trolley car to Harvard.  He came here from Chicago to help in the construction of the former Northwestern Military and Naval Academy.

Early Fontana history relates that winter Catholic services were held in the home of Wm. Finley, 156 Third Avenue from 1912 until the church was built.  The stucco home can still be seen a few buildings west of what was the original St. Benedict's Church.  Summer masses were said in the lakeshore pavilion, which was the Orcutt Bros. dance hall.

The first recorded baptism for St. Benedict's Church is that of Antonius Matthias Borg on May 19, 1912, with Father Pierce performing the ceremony. 

On March 10, 1915, Rev. Thomas Pierce signed the articles of incorporation of St. Benedict's Church.  It was also signed by Archbishop Sebastian G. Messmer and W. H. Finley as secretary of the congregation.  Mr. Finley and Eugene Sullivan were listed in the document as "laymen and practical communicants of the congregation."  It was recorded at the courthouse on March 10, 1915, 2:00 p.m.

Property for building a church in Fontana on Third Street was purchased in 1915.  The deed was recorded at the Courthouse in 1916.

A March 16, 1916 news article indicated that Fontana Catholics were anticipating building a church.  "Frank Featherstone and Eugene Sullivan are hauling stone for the foundation of the church to be built this spring."  According to a long time parishioner the men of the congregation built the church.  That person also mentioned that parents took turns transporting the nuns from St. Catherine's (Sharon) to Fontana for the summer religious classes.

A May 25, 1916 Delavan Republican newspaper article mentions that work is progressing on St. Benedict's.  A foundation of a seven foot wall of Fontana stone was laid.  The church would be 36'x60' with sides of wood with pebbledash on the outside walls.  That article indicated that Archbishop Messmer would lay the cornerstone some Sunday in July. 

The Delavan Rupublican of June 29, 1916 reported that mass would be said at St. Benedict's for the first time next Sunday.  Fr. Pierce would be the celebrant; a choir would come from Chicago and Father Mahoney of Janesville would preach the sermon.

In that same paper of July 20, and July 27, 1916 it was reported that on July 23rd the Most Rev. S. G. Messmer blessed a new bell for St. Catherine's.  It was purchased by the ladies of that congregation.  Archbishop Messmer administered confirmation at 9:00 a.m. in that parish.

At 3:00 p.m. that afternoon he laid the cornerstone at St. Benedict's church and confirmed a class there.  The cornerstone ceremony was attended by priests from Harvard, Woodstock, Beloit, Evansville, Janesville, Lake Geneva, Delavan and Elkhorn.  Knights of Columbus representatives came from Delavan, Lake Geneva, Harvard and Beloit.  Over 1500 were present for the ceremony.  The cornerstone was reported to contain state papers, documents of the Milwaukee archdiocese, a copy of the Delavan Republican and a copy of the Catholic Herald.

The first annual St. Benedict's Church Bazaar was held in 1917.  This successful event has been held ever since, thanks to the many volunteers who work throughout the year and that weekend.

One of the first baptisms in the new church on Third Street was for Charles Thomas Rossmiller on November 25, 1928.  Records for weddings were not as complete.  The earliest wedding records found were for William Henry Earl and Mary Elizabeth Featherstone.  They applied for their marriage license on June 5, 1941 and were married by Fr. Peil.

Father Pierce served the congregation from 1912 until 1924 when Father James E. Kelly came for the next ten years.  The Parish Hall was built in 1926/27 just to the east of the church. 

A November 17, 1930 insurance appraisal for St. Benedict's Recreational Hall indicated a replacement value of $12,380.  "...Two story, tile stuccoed, wood joist, composition shingle roof building, 36'0" x 70'0", including plumbing, heating and electric lighting."

Father Kelly's salary varied just like Father Pierce's had.  In 1931 he was paid $1000.  Then, on March 4, 1932 he was paid $100.  There is no record of any payment again until January 14, 1933 when he was paid $790.  There is no other record of payment to him for the rest of the year.  Later he became Monsignor Kelly.

Other priests who served this parish at the early church were Rev. James F. Manley (1934-1940) [he later went to St. Francis de Sales parish in Lake Geneva], Rev. Stephen Peil (1940-1952) and Rev. Arthur Kelly.  It should be noted that all of these priests were based in Sharon at St. Catherine's.  Mrs. Lamer, who lived next to St. Benedict's church, fed the priests breakfast after mass.

Father Arthur Kelly came in 1952; at first he assisted Father Peil.  Then in August 1952 he was named pastor and first resident priest of St Benedict's.  St. Benedict's received a decree as a parish on January 1, 1954 from the archdiocese in Milwaukee.  Up until August 1952 it had continued as a mission church of St. Catherine's.

The congregation purchased a home in Country Club Estates (Lot 24, Block D, Unit No 3) as a rectory for Father Kelly.  It was purchased on November 17, 1952 from Raymond E. and Carolyn D. Kehoe.  The property was sold in 1963 to James C. Shogren.  The sale was approved at a special meeting of the Board of Directors of the Congregation on August 30, 1963.

Margaret Kidel was housekeeper for Father Kelly; she served in that capacity until his death.  Joe Rogge became the first custodian of this church and served until November 15 1996.  Following his retirement John Palmer became custodian.  He began on November 1, 1996.

Soon after Father Kelly came an Altar and Rosary Society was formed.  Helen Dorrington and Marion Huening served as charter co-chairmen of this group.  Although they had only a few active members the group included all parish women as their members in the affiliation with the Milwaukee Archdiocese Council of Catholic Women.  As a result they also belong to the National Council of Catholic Women.  In the early days of the church there was also a Ladies Aid Society who did sewing every Thursday.

The women in the Altar and Rosary Society prepared for and operated the annual bazaar.  This event used to take place the entire weekend...from Friday evening until after the noon mass on Sunday.  A parishioner also told about this group preparing a meal for the 125 Mission Ladies who gathered at St. Benedict's from throughout the diocese.

Father Kelly began a plan for building a new church that would accommodate the growing congregation.  On Sundays Father Kelly would open the church windows so the overflow crowd who stood outside could hear the mass.

In the 1950s the congregation put on a turkey dinner in November.  It was held in the old church hall.  There were six seatings of 100 each, at 12 noon, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 p.m.  Mrs. Spence, whose family had a restaurant in Williams Bay was in charge of these events.  There were no kitchen facilities and dishes were cleaned in wash tubs.  Clotheslines were strung in the hall so towels could be dried between seatings.  The women of the parish made pies for dessert.

The Current St. Benedict’s Church      Top

Property on which the present church is built was purchased from Harold Douglass in 1954.  It is interesting to read through some of the documents and letters written at the time of this property purchase and the construction of the church.  There was some confusion was to whether the legal name was "St. Benedict Congregation," "St. Benedicts Congregation," or "St. Benedict's Congregation."  It is the latter.  There was also question about the proper village name - "Fontana" or "Fontana on Geneva Lake."  The former is the common usage name; the latter is the legal name.  This may seem minor but a bit of correspondence was needed to deal with this clarification. 

The present St. Benedict's Church was built on drained wetlands.  Construction began March 21, 1960 and was completed on March 21, 1961, the feast of St. Benedict, patron saint of the parish. 

The current church has many lovely stained glass windows and an impressive multicolored Wisconsin field stonewall with white mortar behind the main altar and at the rear of the building.  Positioned on the front wall is a 14 foot mahogany cross with a seven-foot hand carved lindenwood figure of Christ created by Enrico Dos of Val Gardena, Italy.  The main altar and steps were fashioned from a combination of Italian Perlatto Sicilia and black and gold marbles.

Above each side altar is a six-foot statue - Blessed Virgin Mary on the left and Saint Joseph on the right.  Each is covered in rich pure gold leaf.  Enrico Dos also executed these statues.  Set into the rear wall is a stone statue of St. Benedict, carved by Arthuro Thomasini of Florence, Italy.  The baptismal font is of Italian marble and is situated in the narthex of the church.  Variegated buff brick from Kasota and limestone trim form the exterior walls. 

The stations of the cross are located on the north and south walls of the church and are hand forged of bronze and ceramic.  The windows are made of imported seeded, antique glass of striking colors.  The windows and the stations of the cross are the combined work of several artists of the Potente Studio.

The symbols in the windows depict history important to the congregation.  Archbishops Window: Five Archbishops have served the Archdiocese of Milwaukee since St Benedict's was founded.  Their coats of arms represent Archbishop Messmer, Cardinal Stritch, Archbishop Kiley, Cardinal Meyer and Archbishop Cousins.  Priests Window:  This window is dedicated to St. John Vianney, Patron of the Priesthood and the various religious communities who have assisted the parish.  It was hoped that this would inspire vocations.  Milwaukee Archdiocese:  This window is dedicated to St. John, the Apostle who is the patron saint of the archdiocese.  St. Joseph, the Worker:  All of us are workers and St. Joseph, Foster Father of Jesus, is the Patron of Workers.  Popes Window: The coats of arms of the four Popes who reigned since the founding of this parish are depicted...Benedict XV, Pius XI, Pius XII, and John XXIII.  Liturgical Seasons of the Year Window:  Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, Holy Week, Easter, the Ascension and Pentecost are symbolized in this window.  St. Benedict Window:  The Monastery of Monte Casino and various symbols of the Rule of St. Benedict are inscribed in the window dedicated the Parish Patron.  Sisters Window:  The vows of poverty, chastity and obedience are symbolized to help inspire young women to become Sisters.

The nave seated 600 and a family room separated from the sanctuary by a glass partition provided additional seating for 25.  The building included a large parish hall capable of seating 500 for dining, a complete kitchen, rest rooms, storage rooms and a parish society meeting room. 

The attached rectory included a living room, dining room, kitchen, housekeeper's apartment, two suites for priests, guest rooms and a three car garage.  Laundry and storage facilities were located in the basement.

Architects for the church were John Flad and Associates of Madison.  The general contractor was T. S. Willis Construction Company of Janesville.  Interior design was developed and executed by the Studios of Potente, Inc. of Kenosha.

The Solemn Dedication took place on May 30, 1961 with Archbishop Cousins presiding.

The church kitchen was very complete; a big change from the early church hall, but it really wasn't used until 1980.  Some of the churchwomen remember card parties put on by Mrs. Marcella Niehoff, a lakeshore parishioner.  She would bring her household staff to set up the tables, serve the fancy finger sandwiches and desserts and then do the clean up.  A parishioner recalled that Mrs. Niehoff, Mrs. Kiefer and Millie Sullivan were dubbed the "Angels of the Church" for the big card party they would organize each summer.

The first baptisms in this current church were that of Barry Michael Walstra, Brent Allen Patrick Beringer and Dennis Michael Rockwell, all on March 26, 1961.  The first wedding in this current church was that of Russell Voltz and Shirley Ries on October 14, 1961. 

After the new church was built, the old church was sold to Robert Sinnott who used it as an artist's studio.  It later became a dress store, "The Clothes Horse."  Currently, it is being used as a church, Fontana Bible Church.

The parish hall was sold and used as a theater and coffee house.  The latter had the name, "The Hungry Horse."  Lunches were also sold there.  It now houses the Fontana Christian Pre-School.

Later Years at St. Benedict’s Catholic Church      Top

Bazaar Ladies began in 1975 with Renee Bluett and Marian Huening as co-chairmen.  The Mission Workers was another early women's organization in the church.  Estelle Rossmiller was one of the charter members. 

On March 31, 1977 another Article of Incorporation was signed to update the original one and to add the names of Curtis M. Hubertz and Joseph F. Irace as laymen and Rev. Arthur F. Kelly as Pastor.  It was signed by the Most Rev. Leo J. Brust and the Most Rev. Wm. E. Cousins.  The Bylaws of St. Benedict's were also signed on that date.

Father Kelly died on February 24, 1980 while at St. Benedict's.  Archbishop Rembert Weakland was the celebrant at Father Kelly's funeral mass.  Also in attendance were retired Archbishop William E. Cousins and Auxiliary Bishop Leo J. Brust.  Father Kelly's obituary mentioned his participation in the annual Memorial Day program at the Fontana lakefront.

Father James Schlaffer became interim pastor until a permanent one could be named.

Father Kelly had kept the books for the parish.  After his death, Ruth Stepenske and Bev Finley came two evenings a month to do the posting and writing checks on a volunteer basis.  In 1981 the volunteer bookkeepers were Ruth Stepenske, Judy Butterini and Shirley Brost.  On January 1, 1990 Bev Finley became the first paid secretary for the parish.

On July 4, 1980, Father Joseph Zeihen became pastor.  He served until his retirement on June 22, 1996. 

Father Zeihen asked Sister Florence Russ to come to St. Benedict's to organize the CCD classes.  She came with another sister and began a class in Fontana.  Another group from the Williams Bay area had CCD classes at one of their homes.  Sister Florence asked them to join the Fontana group in making their First Holy Communion.  The next year the Williams Bay children joined the Fontana CCD classes.  In later years the Sharon children joined the Fontana CCD classes.  Sister Florence also organized a women's Bible class.

The sister who came with Sister Florence became ill soon after she arrived.  She returned to the mother house and another sister came for a short period.  Soon Sister Florence took on housekeeping duties as well.  She remained at St. Benedict's for 11 years, leaving in May 1991.

Father Peil came to live at St. Benedict's on November 2, 1980.  He assisted Father Zeihen as much as his health allowed.  In the Fall of 1984 he went to the Lakeland Nursing Home in Elkhorn.  Father Peil died on April 27, 1985 at the age of 80.  The marquee in front of church is dedicated to him.  At this point Father Zeihen now said mass at both St. Benedict's and St. Catherine's Church. 

In the early 1980s a Parish Council was formed.  John Ptacek was the first president of the Council.  Their concerns included ministry, finances, confirmations, human concerns and education.

Eleanor Coolidge became the first paid organist for the church in 1982.  Prior to that there were several volunteer organists including Marie Pisors, Shirley Brost, Kitty Reinmann, Gen Carlson, Helen Zaukas, and Barbara McMann.  About 1976 a group of parishioners decided they wanted to have a choir.  Marie Pisors acted as both organist and choir director.  She served in that capacity until she hurt her hand in the early 1980s.  She gave up playing the organ but continued as choir director until 1990 when Fletcher Coolidge became the first paid choir director.

However, in check with some of the long time parishioners there was a choir that sang for special occasions back in the 1950s. 

Women of the parish met on January 28, 1982 to discuss organizing a Christian Women's Club.  The first board meeting was held on February 18, 1982 with Elmira Cerny as the first president.   The first official meeting of the entire group was held on February 25, 1982 at the church.  Some indicate that it was the Altar Society, which changed its name to Christian Women.

On May 15, 1983 a special tour of the newly redecorated and remodeled church took place.  The body of the church, altar and kneeling stalls on the altar had just been carpeted.  The communion rails were removed.  The front pews were made more accessible to the handicapped.

In May, 1984 the Vincent Lombardi Knights of Columbus Council 8649 was formed at St. Benedict's.  Although most councils are named after a saint this group choose this public figure because they admired his ability and how he used it.  Lombardi was strict and very competitive but very religious and had a soft side.  Charter officers included Patrick Kinnerk, Grand Knight; John Hnilo, Deputy Grand Knight; Ken Hnilo, chancellor; John Hayes, financial secretary; William Brinckmann, warden; John Sissons, recording secretary and Paul Martin, general agent.  Father Steven Piel served as chaplain; Father Zeihen was pastor.

In 1987 the Educational/Parish Center was constructed, adding 10,400 square feet for church use.

A new two-manual, 19-rank Gollnik pipe organ was dedicated at the 10:00 a.m. mass on November 19, 1989.  Sister Theophane Hytrek of Alverno College, Milwaukee played a dedicatory recital that afternoon. 

The church was the site for the Southern Lakes Masterpiece Choral on April 19, 1991 when they presented Mendelssohn's "Elijah."

Father Robert Stiefvater became a part of the parish family when he came in the spring of 1995 to be the first Coordinator of the Walworth County Spanish Ministry.  He lived at the St. Benedict's rectory.  He left on December 31, 1996 to become Director of Vocations for the archdiocese.  On March 1, 1997, Father Richard H. Broach became the new coordinator for the Spanish Ministry.

Russell Anderberg became the official deacon for St. Benedict's on December 1, 1996.  He was ordained a deacon in the Chicago archdiocese and had assisted Father Zeihen beginning in May, 1995, prior to his official appointment.

Barb Obligato became Religious Education Coordinator on July 1, 1991.  Linda Gullo became the first full-time Religious Education Director on September 15, 1995. 

Father Zeihen retired for a well-deserved rest on June 18, 1996.  He resides as the Cousins Center in Milwaukee.  The congregation and community showed their appreciation for his dedicated service with several parties and programs.  

Father Steve Stradinger came to St. Benedict's on June 18, 1996 and was formally installed as pastor on June 30, 1996.

In May 1997 construction began on a new main entrance to the church.  It was completed in July 1997.

Father Steve concluded his ministry at St. Benedict's on July 26, 1999. Father Charles Wheatly was appointed temporary administrator. 

On Tuesday, March 7, 2000 the parish welcomed Father Daniel Sanders to St. Benedicts.  A more formal welcome was planned for Sunday, March 19th at the St. Joseph's Table celebration.

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