As one approaches Jerseyville from any direction - north, south, east or west - eyes cannot help but focus on the spire and tower of St. Francis Xavier Church. The majestic old tower has stood the test of time for 150 years and remains the focal point for all who enter the city.
In the fall of 1841, Catholic immigrants in the area met for the parish's first Mass in the home of William Shephard, with Father George Hamilton officiating. Desiring to build a church, Shephard, along with Fred Bertman and William Kelly, purchased ground (the present-day site of the church grounds) from J.A. and J.C. Barr in 1848.
During 1857, a small church was built and dedicated by Bishop Damian Juncker of Alton. Soon after, a parsonage was built and land was purchased for St. Francis Cemetery. In 1865, the parsonage became the home of the Dominican sisters who served in many capacities at both the church and school.
Under the direction of Father John Sullivan, the cornerstone of the present-day church was laid in May 1868. The beautiful Gothic church was contracted by William Embley and sons at a cost of $25,000. It took three years to build the 55 foot by 110 foot edifice, with the tower soaring over 150 feet. Under Father James Harty, the church was completed and dedicated on July 4, 1871. Reaffirming the growth of the church, 140 people received the sacrament of confirmation from Bishop Peter Baltes that day.
When Father Bernard Lee was pastor, the rectory and parochial school were built. It was also during this period that extensive renovations were completed. The tall ceilings were lowered to their present-day height and large pillars were added in the church auditorium to support the roof after shearing actions were noted in the south wall.
One of St. Francis' more notable priests was Father John Clancy. He served the parish from October 1914 until his retirement in October 1966 at the age of 100 years. He lived to be 101 years old and was one of the few priests to celebrate the 75th anniversary of his ordination.
In 1942 and 1943, removal of the tower was considered because of its weakened condition. After much discussion, a local painting contractor named Joseph McDaniels completed the rebuilding of the tower and belfry with its 3,000-pound bronze bell.
More renovations were undertaken when Father Francis Lee was pastor. The interior of the church was redecorated with red carpet; padded pews and kneelers were added. In addition, the walls and statues were painted - resulting in the loss of the colorful statues and picturesque scenes from the Bible that decorated the walls and archways. (Current work is being done to repaint the statues and maintain the stained-glass windows.) Around that time, a generous donation by Mary Witt Heitzig allowed the addition of a pipe organ.
In 1973, Father Robert Terry Shea had the rectory and convent demolished to make way for a new gymnasium - still fondly known as "Shea Stadium."
As with all churches, stories and memories are plentiful. Fred Vaughn has been a parishioner for 86 years. One of his favorite stories was the "price paid to sit."
"In the old days, you had your own pews and had to pay the priest for that seat," Vaughn says. "The prices varied. The seats up front were expensive and the back seats were cheaper ones. You even had your name on the side of the pew."
Mary Ann Pohlman remembers taking chicken soup to the sisters for their lunch. "In those days, everyone made lunch for the sisters," she says.
Barry Ritter says his fondest memory was that every spring he and Eddy Schell had to service Father Clancy's 1929 Buick so the priest could go to Springfield.
Father Donald Patrick Gibbons, parochial administrator, and the sesquicentennial committee said they wished to thank everyone for "their hard word putting this celebration of faith and community together."