Not too many years later devout Catholics built St. Francis of Assisi Church, which has stood in the heart of Teutopolis for over 160 years.

Beginning July 26 and continuing through Aug. 3, residents of Teutopolis celebrated “175 years of Faith, Family and Community” — the Terquasquicentennial — with, among other events, a liturgy, a play featuring the town’s history, tours of the Teutopolis monastery museum, a car show, bed races, a quilt exhibit hosted by St. Francis, a wiffle ball tournament, a grand finale celebratory parade and fireworks.

A town’s 175th anniversary is something to be proud of. Moreover, in an area where the population is largely Catholic, the best way to open the series of special events was having an outdoor Mass at the Society Hall ball diamond, which is just across the street from St. Francis Church.

Bishop Thomas John Paprocki was the main celebrant for the Mass, which was held at 4 p.m. on Saturday, July 26. Father John Eaton, OFM, pastor of St. Francis Parish, said, “The bishop’s homily was excellent, tying the readings to Teutopolis’ bedrock virtues of faith, family and community.”

Father John concelebrated the Mass along with Father Vernon Olmer, OFM, Father Sylvano Pera, OFM, Father Kenneth Rosswog, OFM, Father Ralph Zetzl, OFM, Father Jeff Goeckner and Father Paul Habing.  Father Brian Alford was master of ceremonies.

It was estimated that more than 1,000 people attended the liturgy, and although the weather was hot, the rain held off until after Mass, said Jane Miller, who is one of the parish secretaries. She wasn’t surprised that so many people attended.

Neither was Bernice Matteson, who shares the parish secretarial duties with Miller. “St. Francis is the only church in town,” said Matteson.  “I would say that most of the people around here are Catholic; maybe not quite as many as there used to be, but most of us.  A lot of the people who belong to our parish live out (of the village); they are farmers and other people.”

On Aug. 1-2, over 360 quilts were displayed in St. Francis Church, said Miller. The quilts were hanging over church pews and displayed from the balcony. “A lot of the quilts were family heirlooms,” she said.

Miller said the Terquasquicentennial celebration was something folks in Teutopolis won’t soon forget. “It was a good way for people to share history and take part in the activities,” she said. “I think people thoroughly enjoyed it.”