In 1898 St Mary’s frame church, which seats 225, was erected at a cost of $1,600. This was built under the direction of Father Michael O’ Callaghan and dedicated by Bishop Spaulding of the Peoria Diocese on 23 August 1898.
Early on Mass had been celebrated in the Maloney and Shine homes and over Mahan’s store; this parish consisting of 12-14 families. From 1882 to 1898 Mass was celebrated in the Daniel Fenton home which was across the street from the church today.
St Mary’s had been an outreach mission of Chenoa’s St Joseph’s Church beginning in 1881 and they shared a priest. It is said “Four railroad hand-car trips to Chenoa every Sunday, rain or shine, hot or cold, were made by early Catholics to bring the resident Chenoa priest to say Mass in Lexington.”
In 1944 this church was painted, redecorated, and remodeled; and then again painted and redecorated in 1962. Today this same church building still provides a house of worship for the parish. They are located at 201 North Lee Street in Lexington.
Early on Mass had been celebrated in the Maloney and Shine homes and over Mahan’s store; this parish consisting of 12-14 families. From 1882 to 1898 Mass was celebrated in the Daniel Fenton home which was across the street from the church today.
St Mary’s had been an outreach mission of Chenoa’s St Joseph’s Church beginning in 1881 and they shared a priest. It is said “Four railroad hand-car trips to Chenoa every Sunday, rain or shine, hot or cold, were made by early Catholics to bring the resident Chenoa priest to say Mass in Lexington.”
In 1944 this church was painted, redecorated, and remodeled; and then again painted and redecorated in 1962. Today this same church building still provides a house of worship for the parish. They are located at 201 North Lee Street in Lexington.
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