A Short History: St. Stephen's Church
(unknown publish(est.1971) date or author)
Between the establishment of the city of Weatherford
in 1856 to the earliest recorded baptism in 1879, Mass was said at intervals by
missionary priests in private pioneer homes. The earliest recorded baptism in
Weatherford was on July 30, 1879 by Father Murtagh, who built the first church
at the present site in 1882 and the first rectory in 1888. *
In 1889, Father J. Brannon, born on an immigrant
ship from Ireland, became pastor of St. Stephen's. He had been a lawyer
and mayor of the city. On the death of his wife, he entered a seminary and
became a priest. He is buried in Greenwood Cemetery beside his wife.
He served as pastor until 1896 and was succeeded by Father Nolan.
In 1900, a group of Nuns came to Weatherford from
New York and established a school at the corner of South Main and Lee streets,
in a small five room house. During this period, Father Murtagh's church
burned and Mass was said in the school. An old Protestant school was
purchased for larger quarters and Mass was celebrated on the upper floor of this
building. The school remained in operation for four or five years before
closing due to poor attendance.
In 1902, Father Joseph P. Lynch came from Dallas to
build the present red brick church and a frame rectory. During the
construction period, he lived with the C. D. Hartnett family.** The
basement of the church, which serves as the church hall, was hand dug by
parishioners under the direction of Father J.E. Byrnes in 1923. The
passageway from the basement up into the church was commonly referred to as the
"Glory Hole" by the church members.
In 1902, the grapes and vine decoration on the upper
walls was added to the church interior by Father P.J. Cusich. The statue
of the Blessed Virgin Mary was donated by Mrs. C. D. Hartnett; the Sacred
Heart, St. Joseph and the votive stand by the J.J. Brandfish family; the
Stations of the Cross and the church bell were given by Jake Skrehot. In
1928, the wooden rectory was replaced by the present sturdy red brick structure.
In 1951, the world renowned British portrait artist,
Douglas Chandor, under the direction of Father E.J.Johnson, completely
redecorated the interior of St. Stephen's. The statuary and walls were
painted in the subdued tones of ancient masonry. The main altar and the
side altars were painstakingly done in imported marbled paper and gold leaf.
The center aisle was carpeted in red leading from the front door to the main
altar with it's back drop of red velvet. An antiquing process was used in
painting the pews, the altar rail, and the choir loft rail. Mr. Chandor
was summoned to England to paint his famous portrait of the young Queen,
Elizabeth. He became ill in England and died soon after his return to
Weatherford. Some of his plans for the church were never completed.***
The statue of Saint Therese of Lisieux at the entrance of the church is an
example. On completion of the main altar, the crucifix hanging above the
tabernacle was given to the church by it's good friend, Fred R. Cotton.
Many items for the altars were given by the McFarland family, including the gold
candelabra and beautiful altar linens.
Thirty one priests have served at St. Stephen's
church since it's foundation by Father Murtagh and early Catholic settlers, such
as John Carey, C. D. Hartnett, Jake Skrehot, Dan Hartnett, W.s. fant, P.e.
McCarthy and Frenchy Miller, who assisted in building the first church for
Catholic families in Weatherford.
Since 1953, the Irish Order of Pallottine fathers
have been commissioned to the spiritual care of the parishioners of St.
Stephen's. The first Pallottines to reach Weatherford were Father James
Maher and Father Alphonsus Hayes. A total fo seven Pallottines and their
assistant pastors have served as St. Stephen's including the present
pastor, Reverend Philip McNamara, who is from County Tipperary, Ireland. ****
* = In his Historical Sketch of Parker County and
Weatherford, Texas which was published in 1877, H. Smythe, on page 416 makes the
following comment: "...up to this period, the Catholics have not constructed a
church in Weatherford, but it is their intention to do so at an early day.
An eligible site has been selected on the north side of the creek, and as soon
as arrangements can be effected, the work will go forward at once...".
** = Father Joseph P. Lynch subsequently became
Bishop Joseph P. Lynch of the Diocese of Dallas.
*** = Douglas Chandor, through not a Catholic, was
dedicated to the beautification of the church. He refuse pay for his work. He
was so interested in his project, on his way to England he stopped in New York
and called St. Stephen's to inquire if the carpeting had arrived.
**** = Father James Mullin, a Pallottine priest,
served as pastor fo St. Stephen's from 1956 to 1971, a period of fifteen years.
He is buried in Weatherford in Greenwood Cemetery.
