CARROLLTON — St. John the Evangelist Parish in Carrollton celebrated its 150th anniversary Oct. 3, at a Mass celebrated by Bishop Thomas John Paprocki. Father Henry Schmidt, St. John’s pastor, was a concelebrant at Mass, as was former pastor, now retired Father Joseph O’Reilly of Jacksonville. A reception followed at the Carrollton K of C Hall.

A reception followed at the Carrollton K. of C. Hall.

As early as 1853, Catholics living in the Carrollton area were ministered to by visiting priests from Alton and the Jerseyville area. In 1860 the parish was organized and four years later the front part of the present church was built and the first resident pastor was assigned to St. John’s. In 1870 the parish built a rectory for its priest.

In 1877 the parish built a school, and hired lay teachers to staff it until 1881, when the parish built a convent, and Dominican Sisters from Jacksonville came to operate the school.

In 1882 an addition was built on the church, as the number of German Catholic families had continued to grow in Carrollton from 1871 on.

By 1890 the parish established its present St. John’s Cemetery, and under the leadership of Father J.J. Driscoll, the parish erected its second school building in 1904. Elementary levels were taught at the school for a number of years, and by 1922 the parish established a high school. The parish high school existed for 30 years, graduating its last class in 1956.

In 1968 a modern eight-room grade school was dedicated.

The parish has witnessed a number of vocations in its 150 year history. Six priests, one brother, and 18 sisters came from St. John’s Parish. Of the priests, Father Schmidt, St. John’s current pastor, and his nephew, Father David Schmidt, are living. Of the sisters, 14 became Dominicans, eight of whom are living: Sister Henrianne Schmidt, Sister Henrica Albrecht, Sister Margaret Grueter, Sister Mary Helen Becker, Sister Mary Doris Taylor, Sister Mary Thecla (Katherine) Kuhnline, Sister (Martha) Marlene Kirbach and Sister Margaret Joanne Grueter. The other sisters were: Franciscan Sisters of Mary, Sister of Our Lady of the Retreat in the Cenacle, and Sisters of Loretto at the Foot of the Cross.