St. Anne Church/School History

[ The historical write-up and associated pictures come from a brochure prepared in conjunction with the 83rd Birthday Celebration at St. Anne's parish in 1977. Mrs. Therese (Daas) Wissing of Menomonee Falls (Class of 1942) graciously provided the source documents from that brochure for inclusion in this web site. ]The history of St. Anne Parish as the oldtimers relate it began with a meeting held at the intersection of Western Avenue and Lisbon Road (now 35th and Lisbon Avenue) to discuss the need for a new congregation. The meeting was attended mainly by farmers and gardeners who had to travel far too many miles to attend services at the nearest Catholic church. They appointed a committee to select a suitable site for the new church. As people were moving westward beyond the city limits of 27th street, the committee selected, by a narrow margin, the Steger subdivision. The choice was not deemed the best as the land was low, wet, and often muddy. Wright Street at that time was a creek that wended its way eastward, and even years later basements were flooded in early spring, and after heavy rains everyone had to pump the basements dry. Rev. A. B. SALICK 1894 to 1934 The first pastor of the newly organized St. Ann (the "e" came later) Parish was the Reverend August B. Salick. On November 17, 1894 the cornerstone for the parish was laid, and in the spring of the following year the church was completed. The church was erected just south of a flat which had been converted into a parsonage. A path through the bullrushes led to Weimers Woods, now Sherman Park. The first floor of the building served as both school and living quarters for the Sisters and the second floor as church. Officers of the new congregation were appointed; secretary, treasurer, trustees and ushers. The choir, which has served the parish down to the present day, had its first rehearsal at the home of John Reichert, who lived on North Avenue. Father Salick was respected for his sterling character, his charity and eloquence. A humble man, he wished to be known only as Father Salick, even after receiving the title of Monsignor. Although the panic of the gay '90's brought many hardships to the members of the parish, the spirit of St. Anne's never wavered. As the congregation was growing, it became necessary to think of building again, and the fields north and west of the church were selected for the new site. By 1919, ground was broken for the new church, and a new school was constructed. The old frame parsonage was badly in need of repair, so at the insistance of the trustees, rather than at Father Salick's request, a new parsonage was built on the corner of 37th and Wright. In 1925, on the happy occasion of Father Salick's investiture as Monsignor, the church was filled to capacity - the `new' church which had been the dream of his life. Priests came from far and near to congratulate this venerable priest whose one request was to be known only as Father Salick. St. Anne was established as a German speaking parish, and as these people believed in organization for mutual help, a number of societies were formed in the parish. The Christian Mothers Society was formed with Mrs. Rosa Fox, President, Mrs. Josephine Reiter, Secretary, and Mrs. F. J. Zimmerman, Treasurer. Three years after their establishment, the Christian Mothers donated an altar to the new church. Other organizations were St. Anne Union (now known as the Activities Union), the Usher Society, Choir, Catholic Order of Foresters, Court 468, the Young Men's Society, St. Joseph Society, Lady Foresters, and the Dolorosa Sick Benefit Society. These societies did much to meet the spiritual needs of the parish, while the formation of a Drama Club and parish orchestra met its cultural and recreational needs. Temporal needs were also met. The Northwestern Mutual Building and Loan Association was incorporated in 1911 when it was discovered that more than half the homes within the parish were mortgaged, with some owners paying interest and commission payments without reducing the debt. Like many new endeavors, the Association had to overcome difficulties and convert doubters and opponents. An office was opened at 34th and Lisbon, and gradually, perseverance paid off. In 1917-18, the first shares of the Association matured and mortgages of borrowers who "took a chance" were released, giving members the great feeling of owning their own homes. Organization for mutual help once again paid off as the Association emerged from the Depression stronger and more efficient. During World War I, about 400 young men of the parish joined the armed forces. Then, as later again in World War II, the folks at home worried over and prayed for their soldier sons. However, people of German extraction were looked upon with suspicion, but in spite of unfriendly attitudes and epithets, the German speaking congregation gave abundant proof of its loyalty, patriotism, and Americanism. The many service flags, dotted with stars representing a St. Anne son in the service, spoke louder than words. When the war ended in 1919 and the soldiers returned home, a solemn high mass was offered in thanksgiving for their safe return. When the new church was completed in 1921, it inspired many new donations. One parishioner volunteered to raise money for a new bell to replace the old fire bell then in use. Two side altars, the Crucifixion Group, and the Shrine of Our Mother of Perpetual Help were gifts of parishioners. Father Salick donated the beautiful sanctuary lamp. The alumni of St. Anne School contributed nearly half the cost of the art windows. When Father Salick suggested that the Grotto, which had been planned when the church was built, now be completed, liberal donations were received. Progress reports on the building of the church were announced in THE REVIEW, a monthly publication with a circulation of 2,000 which was dedicated to the interests of St. Anne's Parish. It was believed there is no better "cement" to unite the people of the parish than printer's ink. Everything in St. Anne's spoke out for the generosity of the parishioners whose church and community manifested their deep faith conviction. Then, in 1934, Msgr. Salick died at a time when the Depression was at its peak. REV. B. G. TRAUDT, P.A., V.G. 1934 to 1945 The pioneer years of the parish were well over when Reverend B. G. Traudt became the pastor in March of 1934. The parish was enjoying the fruits of many years of its labor - a new church, school, and rectory. A year after his appointment as pastor, Father Traudt was installed as a Prothonotary Apostolic, an unusual papal honor. Under his direction THE REVIEW was replaced by a weekly Bulletin. When a fire gutted the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, St. Anne's church was chosen as a temporary cathedral. Twenty young men were ordained there in 1937 and nineteen the following year. St. Anne's enjoyed these prosperous times as it celebrated ordinations, anniversaries, and special Jubilee festivities such as Msgr. Traudt's 40th anniversary. In 1944 the parishioners recalled a half-century of growth - fifty years of joys and sorrows in the life of an active parish. In July, 1945, Msgr. Traudt died and his funeral liturgy was celebrated at St. Anne's by Archbishop Moses E. Kiley. MSGR. W. J. BRONNER 1945 to 1971 During a half century, eleven new Catholic congregations were established: St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Leo, St. Sebastian, St. Catherine, Mother of Good Counsel, St. John de Nepomuc, St. Agnes, St. Bernard, St. Jude, Christ King, and Mother of Perpetual Help. St. Anne's kept pace with all these under the pastorate of Msgr. Bronner. Changes continued as the envelope system replaced the former "pew holder" system of parish support. In March of 1946, the parish debt rose to $9,000.00 and the buildings were in need of repair. With the help of the parishioners, the end of that year saw the full payment of the parish debt and many improvements in the property. Flooring was added to the Sisters' home and new carpeting, drapes, and furniture installed. Electric lights and the boiler were replaced in the school building. During the next decade the school building required ever more burdensome repairs and finally, Msgr. Bronner suggested that work toward a new school be started. In May, 1955, bids were accepted. A new school was built (4/16/2004 view), improvements made in the rectory, and the lower church completed. Ten years later a new convent was built for the Sisters. While it was under construction, the Sisters occupied a flat just south of the rectory on 37th Street. Notes in the minutes of the parish meetings state that adequate funds were on hand to pay for the entire project. The completion of the parish library was another of Monsignor's accomplishments. While the library officially opened its doors in March of 1942 with Father Hastrich as spiritual advisor, it grew rapidly in size, and by the time Msgr. Bronner arrived, it was well on the way to becoming a popular part of the parish. Financed in its early years by the Third Order of St. Francis, many books were added through both donations and purchases. Other spiritual advisors for the library were Fathers C. A. Gunther, L. J. Leack, and K. J. Derfus. Again organizations for mutual help were formed, this time with the development of PAVLA (Papal Volunteers to Latin America), and again the parishioners responded to help others. PAVLA dinners and bazaars were held to support missionaries in Latin America, where our own Father Derfus later spent some time. Msgr. Bronner retired and left St. Anne's Parish in 1972. THE PRESENT TEAM (1977) Rev. Joseph B. Frederick Rev. Anthony G. Klink Rev. Romuald A. Dibble, S.D.S. Rev. Marvin T. Knighton Rapid changes during the late 1960's and early 70's meant modernization and, in the case of civic planning, elimination of homes to make way for proposed freeway construction, forcing many parishioners out of the parish. Faced with the challenge of declining membership, the new team, along with Fr. Donald Van Stralen appointed a Parish Advisory Board which in March, 1973, became known as St. Anne Parish Council. New committees were established under the Council and a new plan for parish support referred to as God's Plan for Church Support was adopted. Under this plan, each person with income acknowledges his dependence upon God for everything he has received and returns to God the first and best portion of everything God has given him. The parishioners cooperated with the team in this effort and slowly St. Anne's Parish became St. Anne's Parish Family. The challenge represented by a transitional parish was readily met by the qualified and capable associates who assisted the parish team. Father John Aschenbrener, S.D.S. served the parish by his many visits to the homes in our area; Fr. Romuald Dibble, S.D.S. (Dibbs), who first arrived in 1974 and then left briefly, returned in 1976 to again serve St. Anne's. Deacon Dennis Lewis was welcomed to the team in 1974, followed by Charles Keefe and then John Radetski, and our present Deacon, Michael Krejci. Among the new committees established at the direction of the Parish Council were the Education Committee, a parent participation group, the Apostolic and Social (SASS) Committees. The first annual Men's Retreat was organized in 1972 and the first Women's Retreat held in 1976. St. Anne's School now had a racially and culturally balanced student body of American Indian, Puerto Rican, Black, Mexican, and Oriental (39%) and White (61%). The children conduct a Mardi Gras Festival each year and divide the proceeds between the school and the missions. Continuing efforts are made by the school children to save Campbell Soup labels, sell candy, and undertake other projects for the benefit of the school. During this period of transition, the school remained one of the largest in the Archdiocese, staffed by School Sisters of Notre Dame, Salvatorian Sisters, Franciscan Sisters, and a highly qualified staff of lay teachers. The Choir continues its ministry under the capable direction of Mr. Fred Parez. Augmenting it upon special occasion is the sound of trumpets and brass. A Folk Choir sings at the 9:00 Sunday Mass, weddings, and other special occasions. St. Anne's is proud that one of her priest sons, John B. Grellinger is Auxiliary Bishop of Green Bay and Msgr. Sylvester G. Gass, Vicar General of the Archdiocese. Also one of the priests who served here, Jerome J. Hastrich, is the Bishop of Gallup, New Mexico. The story of St Anne's would not be complete without a description of the Church. Entering the church and facing the main altar, the windows on the left side represent in sequence St. Elizabeth, St. Agnes, St. Augustine, the Holy Family; a large picture window depicting Christ Among the Doctors in the Temple, followed by the window of St. Peter (facing East). In the sanctuary, windows of the Last Supper and an Angel are on the left side. To the right of the viewer the windows represent in sequence the Good Shepherd, St. Aloysius, St. Anthony, St. Anne, St. Joachim and Mary as a child; a large window depicting Christ blessing the children, followed by the window of St. Paul. In the sanctuary, windows of Christ multiplying the loaves of bread, and again another Angel are on the right side. Facing East, Angels flank either side of the main altar. In the choir loft, St. Cecilia and King David appropriately adorn the large window. In the Ushers' Room is St. Christopher carrying the Christ Child. In the Baptistry, the window depicts the Baptism of Jesus. These windows, made in Innsbruck, Austria, and shipped in twenty crates each weighing 180 pounds, took three weeks to install. The old windows remained in place to serve as storm windows to protect the art glass. Mr. T. C. Esser of the congregation furnished the best material for the interior design of the church. Scroll work surrounding the three pictures in the sanctuary represent the crown of thorns. Those who follow the design carefully will note occasional drops of blood. Rosettes with crosses relieve the monotony of the design. The center picture is of Christ the King, to his right is the Blessed Virgin, and to his left, John the Baptist. Symbolism is used extensively, for instance the shell, which has a cross imposed upon it together with a grapevine, symbolize the water and wine used during Mass. This symbol is in the panels at either side of the four sanctuary windows. The emblem of the Holy Name of Jesus - IHS - also appears in these eight panels. A panel design of the passion flower, stems, leaves and crosses forms a background for the altar. The Apostles above the small arches call to mind the Last Supper. These twelve arches are supported by pillars with small gilded crosses on the capitals. Throughout the church, in the vaulting of the main ceiling are found groups of three crosses representing the Trinity. The main picture in the dome shows Jesus at the age of twelve with the Holy Spirit appearing above him as a dove, shedding his light upon the child. To his right is his Blessed Mother with a lily, the symbol of purity. At his left is St. Anne, with a book representing her as the teacher of the Blessed Virgin. The four angels represent the cardinal virtues. To the left of St. Anne are Justice (scales and sword), Prudence (light), Fortitude (armour), and Temperance (a perpendicular). Four triangular panels show the Prophets: Daniel in the southwest corner; Jeremias in the northwest corner, lsaias in the southeast corner, and Ezechial in the northeast. Above the side altar at the right is the Assumption. At the left is pictured the Presentation, a copy of a painting by Schmalzeal. The pillars are all made to harmonize with the marble pillars in the sanctuary and with the pews. The men of the parish furnished the stones for the masonry work of the Grotto. Truckloads of stones were hauled from Rockfield, Washington County, and parishioners brought stones from distant points when they returned from trips. The statues of the Blessed Virgin and St. Bernadette, both of original design, are the work of Mr. Virgilius Rainer. The Grotto was a dream of the Christian Mothers for many years, and they began to collect funds for the little chapel even before the church was built.

[ The historical write-up and associated pictures come from a brochure prepared in conjunction with the 83rd Birthday Celebration at St. Anne's parish in 1977. Mrs. Therese (Daas) Wissing of Menomonee Falls (Class of 1942) graciously provided the source documents from that brochure for inclusion in this web site. ]The history of St. Anne Parish as the oldtimers relate it began with a meeting held at the intersection of Western Avenue and Lisbon Road (now 35th and Lisbon Avenue) to discuss the need for a new congregation. The meeting was attended mainly by farmers and gardeners who had to travel far too many miles to attend services at the nearest Catholic church. They appointed a committee to select a suitable site for the new church. As people were moving westward beyond the city limits of 27th street, the committee selected, by a narrow margin, the Steger subdivision. The choice was not deemed the best as the land was low, wet, and often muddy. Wright Street at that time was a creek that wended its way eastward, and even years later basements were flooded in early spring, and after heavy rains everyone had to pump the basements dry.
Rev. A. B. SALICK 1894 to 1934
The first pastor of the newly organized St. Ann (the "e" came later) Parish was the Reverend August B. Salick. On November 17, 1894 the cornerstone for the parish was laid, and in the spring of the following year the church was completed. The church was erected just south of a flat which had been converted into a parsonage. A path through the bullrushes led to Weimers Woods, now Sherman Park. The first floor of the building served as both school and living quarters for the Sisters and the second floor as church. Officers of the new congregation were appointed; secretary, treasurer, trustees and ushers. The choir, which has served the parish down to the present day, had its first rehearsal at the home of John Reichert, who lived on North Avenue. Father Salick was respected for his sterling character, his charity and eloquence. A humble man, he wished to be known only as Father Salick, even after receiving the title of Monsignor.
Although the panic of the gay '90's brought many hardships to the members of the parish, the spirit of St. Anne's never wavered. As the congregation was growing, it became necessary to think of building again, and the fields north and west of the church were selected for the new site. By 1919, ground was broken for the new church, and a new school was constructed. The old frame parsonage was badly in need of repair, so at the insistance of the trustees, rather than at Father Salick's request, a new parsonage was built on the corner of 37th and Wright.
In 1925, on the happy occasion of Father Salick's investiture as Monsignor, the church was filled to capacity - the `new' church which had been the dream of his life. Priests came from far and near to congratulate this venerable priest whose one request was to be known only as Father Salick.
St. Anne was established as a German speaking parish, and as these people believed in organization for mutual help, a number of societies were formed in the parish. The Christian Mothers Society was formed with Mrs. Rosa Fox, President, Mrs. Josephine Reiter, Secretary, and Mrs. F. J. Zimmerman, Treasurer. Three years after their establishment, the Christian Mothers donated an altar to the new church. Other organizations were St. Anne Union (now known as the Activities Union), the Usher Society, Choir, Catholic Order of Foresters, Court 468, the Young Men's Society, St. Joseph Society, Lady Foresters, and the Dolorosa Sick Benefit Society. These societies did much to meet the spiritual needs of the parish, while the formation of a Drama Club and parish orchestra met its cultural and recreational needs. Temporal needs were also met.
The Northwestern Mutual Building and Loan Association was incorporated in 1911 when it was discovered that more than half the homes within the parish were mortgaged, with some owners paying interest and commission payments without reducing the debt. Like many new endeavors, the Association had to overcome difficulties and convert doubters and opponents. An office was opened at 34th and Lisbon, and gradually, perseverance paid off. In 1917-18, the first shares of the Association matured and mortgages of borrowers who "took a chance" were released, giving members the great feeling of owning their own homes. Organization for mutual help once again paid off as the Association emerged from the Depression stronger and more efficient.
During World War I, about 400 young men of the parish joined the armed forces. Then, as later again in World War II, the folks at home worried over and prayed for their soldier sons. However, people of German extraction were looked upon with suspicion, but in spite of unfriendly attitudes and epithets, the German speaking congregation gave abundant proof of its loyalty, patriotism, and Americanism. The many service flags, dotted with stars representing a St. Anne son in the service, spoke louder than words. When the war ended in 1919 and the soldiers returned home, a solemn high mass was offered in thanksgiving for their safe return.
When the new church was completed in 1921, it inspired many new donations. One parishioner volunteered to raise money for a new bell to replace the old fire bell then in use. Two side altars, the Crucifixion Group, and the Shrine of Our Mother of Perpetual Help were gifts of parishioners. Father Salick donated the beautiful sanctuary lamp. The alumni of St. Anne School contributed nearly half the cost of the art windows. When Father Salick suggested that the Grotto, which had been planned when the church was built, now be completed, liberal donations were received.
Progress reports on the building of the church were announced in THE REVIEW, a monthly publication with a circulation of 2,000 which was dedicated to the interests of St. Anne's Parish. It was believed there is no better "cement" to unite the people of the parish than printer's ink. Everything in St. Anne's spoke out for the generosity of the parishioners whose church and community manifested their deep faith conviction. Then, in 1934, Msgr. Salick died at a time when the Depression was at its peak.

REV. B. G. TRAUDT, P.A., V.G. 1934 to 1945
The pioneer years of the parish were well over when Reverend B. G. Traudt became the pastor in March of 1934. The parish was enjoying the fruits of many years of its labor - a new church, school, and rectory. A year after his appointment as pastor, Father Traudt was installed as a Prothonotary Apostolic, an unusual papal honor. Under his direction THE REVIEW was replaced by a weekly Bulletin. When a fire gutted the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, St. Anne's church was chosen as a temporary cathedral. Twenty young men were ordained there in 1937 and nineteen the following year. St. Anne's enjoyed these prosperous times as it celebrated ordinations, anniversaries, and special Jubilee festivities such as Msgr. Traudt's 40th anniversary. In 1944 the parishioners recalled a half-century of growth - fifty years of joys and sorrows in the life of an active parish. In July, 1945, Msgr. Traudt died and his funeral liturgy was celebrated at St. Anne's by Archbishop Moses E. Kiley.

MSGR. W. J. BRONNER 1945 to 1971
During a half century, eleven new Catholic congregations were established: St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Leo, St. Sebastian, St. Catherine, Mother of Good Counsel, St. John de Nepomuc, St. Agnes, St. Bernard, St. Jude, Christ King, and Mother of Perpetual Help. St. Anne's kept pace with all these under the pastorate of Msgr. Bronner. Changes continued as the envelope system replaced the former "pew holder" system of parish support. In March of 1946, the parish debt rose to $9,000.00 and the buildings were in need of repair. With the help of the parishioners, the end of that year saw the full payment of the parish debt and many improvements in the property.
Flooring was added to the Sisters' home and new carpeting, drapes, and furniture installed. Electric lights and the boiler were replaced in the school building. During the next decade the school building required ever more burdensome repairs and finally, Msgr. Bronner suggested that work toward a new school be started. In May, 1955, bids were accepted. A new school was built (4/16/2004 view), improvements made in the rectory, and the lower church completed. Ten years later a new convent was built for the Sisters. While it was under construction, the Sisters occupied a flat just south of the rectory on 37th Street. Notes in the minutes of the parish meetings state that adequate funds were on hand to pay for the entire project.
The completion of the parish library was another of Monsignor's accomplishments. While the library officially opened its doors in March of 1942 with Father Hastrich as spiritual advisor, it grew rapidly in size, and by the time Msgr. Bronner arrived, it was well on the way to becoming a popular part of the parish. Financed in its early years by the Third Order of St. Francis, many books were added through both donations and purchases. Other spiritual advisors for the library were Fathers C. A. Gunther, L. J. Leack, and K. J. Derfus.
Again organizations for mutual help were formed, this time with the development of PAVLA (Papal Volunteers to Latin America), and again the parishioners responded to help others. PAVLA dinners and bazaars were held to support missionaries in Latin America, where our own Father Derfus later spent some time. Msgr. Bronner retired and left St. Anne's Parish in 1972.

THE PRESENT TEAM (1977)
Rev. Joseph B. Frederick
Rev. Anthony G. Klink
Rev. Romuald A. Dibble, S.D.S.
Rev. Marvin T. Knighton

Rapid changes during the late 1960's and early 70's meant modernization and, in the case of civic planning, elimination of homes to make way for proposed freeway construction, forcing many parishioners out of the parish. Faced with the challenge of declining membership, the new team, along with Fr. Donald Van Stralen appointed a Parish Advisory Board which in March, 1973, became known as St. Anne Parish Council. New committees were established under the Council and a new plan for parish support referred to as God's Plan for Church Support was adopted. Under this plan, each person with income acknowledges his dependence upon God for everything he has received and returns to God the first and best portion of everything God has given him.
The parishioners cooperated with the team in this effort and slowly St. Anne's Parish became St. Anne's Parish Family. The challenge represented by a transitional parish was readily met by the qualified and capable associates who assisted the parish team. Father John Aschenbrener, S.D.S. served the parish by his many visits to the homes in our area; Fr. Romuald Dibble, S.D.S. (Dibbs), who first arrived in 1974 and then left briefly, returned in 1976 to again serve St. Anne's. Deacon Dennis Lewis was welcomed to the team in 1974, followed by Charles Keefe and then John Radetski, and our present Deacon, Michael Krejci. Among the new committees established at the direction of the Parish Council were the Education Committee, a parent participation group, the Apostolic and Social (SASS) Committees. The first annual Men's Retreat was organized in 1972 and the first Women's Retreat held in 1976.
St. Anne's School now had a racially and culturally balanced student body of American Indian, Puerto Rican, Black, Mexican, and Oriental (39%) and White (61%). The children conduct a Mardi Gras Festival each year and divide the proceeds between the school and the missions. Continuing efforts are made by the school children to save Campbell Soup labels, sell candy, and undertake other projects for the benefit of the school. During this period of transition, the school remained one of the largest in the Archdiocese, staffed by School Sisters of Notre Dame, Salvatorian Sisters, Franciscan Sisters, and a highly qualified staff of lay teachers.
The Choir continues its ministry under the capable direction of Mr. Fred Parez. Augmenting it upon special occasion is the sound of trumpets and brass. A Folk Choir sings at the 9:00 Sunday Mass, weddings, and other special occasions.
St. Anne's is proud that one of her priest sons, John B. Grellinger is Auxiliary Bishop of Green Bay and Msgr. Sylvester G. Gass, Vicar General of the Archdiocese. Also one of the priests who served here, Jerome J. Hastrich, is the Bishop of Gallup, New Mexico.

The story of St Anne's would not be complete without a description of the Church. Entering the church and facing the main altar, the windows on the left side represent in sequence St. Elizabeth, St. Agnes, St. Augustine, the Holy Family; a large picture window depicting Christ Among the Doctors in the Temple, followed by the window of St. Peter (facing East). In the sanctuary, windows of the Last Supper and an Angel are on the left side. To the right of the viewer the windows represent in sequence the Good Shepherd, St. Aloysius, St. Anthony, St. Anne, St. Joachim and Mary as a child; a large window depicting Christ blessing the children, followed by the window of St. Paul.
In the sanctuary, windows of Christ multiplying the loaves of bread, and again another Angel are on the right side. Facing East, Angels flank either side of the main altar. In the choir loft, St. Cecilia and King David appropriately adorn the large window. In the Ushers' Room is St. Christopher carrying the Christ Child. In the Baptistry, the window depicts the Baptism of Jesus. These windows, made in Innsbruck, Austria, and shipped in twenty crates each weighing 180 pounds, took three weeks to install. The old windows remained in place to serve as storm windows to protect the art glass.
Mr. T. C. Esser of the congregation furnished the best material for the interior design of the church. Scroll work surrounding the three pictures in the sanctuary represent the crown of thorns. Those who follow the design carefully will note occasional drops of blood. Rosettes with crosses relieve the monotony of the design. The center picture is of Christ the King, to his right is the Blessed Virgin, and to his left, John the Baptist.
Symbolism is used extensively, for instance the shell, which has a cross imposed upon it together with a grapevine, symbolize the water and wine used during Mass. This symbol is in the panels at either side of the four sanctuary windows. The emblem of the Holy Name of Jesus - IHS - also appears in these eight panels. A panel design of the passion flower, stems, leaves and crosses forms a background for the altar. The Apostles above the small arches call to mind the Last Supper. These twelve arches are supported by pillars with small gilded crosses on the capitals.
Throughout the church, in the vaulting of the main ceiling are found groups of three crosses representing the Trinity. The main picture in the dome shows Jesus at the age of twelve with the Holy Spirit appearing above him as a dove, shedding his light upon the child. To his right is his Blessed Mother with a lily, the symbol of purity. At his left is St. Anne, with a book representing her as the teacher of the Blessed Virgin.
The four angels represent the cardinal virtues. To the left of St. Anne are Justice (scales and sword), Prudence (light), Fortitude (armour), and Temperance (a perpendicular). Four triangular panels show the Prophets: Daniel in the southwest corner; Jeremias in the northwest corner, lsaias in the southeast corner, and Ezechial in the northeast. Above the side altar at the right is the Assumption. At the left is pictured the Presentation, a copy of a painting by Schmalzeal. The pillars are all made to harmonize with the marble pillars in the sanctuary and with the pews.
The men of the parish furnished the stones for the masonry work of the Grotto. Truckloads of stones were hauled from Rockfield, Washington County, and parishioners brought stones from distant points when they returned from trips. The statues of the Blessed Virgin and St. Bernadette, both of original design, are the work of Mr. Virgilius Rainer. The Grotto was a dream of the Christian Mothers for many years, and they began to collect funds for the little chapel even before the church was built.