Detailed History of
St. Mary's Immaculate Conception Church

One-half mile north of the small settlement of Custer standing on the hillside is our Catholic Church dedicated to the Immaculate Conception of Mary, usually known at St. Mary’s, Custer.
 

The first Mass was celebrated in 1840 in the home of Owen Fehely. This home was on the north side of Highway 10 E across from the Weisbrot farm. First settlers were mostly Irish immigrants coming directly from Ireland. Some polish families had settled in and around Stevens Point but came in greater numbers in 1860’s. The spiritual needs of the people were in the care of missionary priests, some coming from far as Milwaukee. In 1853, St. Stephen’s was established in Stevens Point and the people of Custer were visited quite regularly by the
priest of the congregation.

In 1875 the church was built under the supervision of contractor Michael Herbert. Most of the work was done by the parishioners. On November 16, 1875, the church was dedicated by Bishop F.X. Krautbauer of the Green Bay Diocese. On January 7th, 1946, the parish was transferred to the La Crosse Diocese.

Since that time the parish has undergone many changes with a new front entrance, choir lift and bathrooms done in the 60’s. A new side addition was added in the 70’s.

The parish has an active Pastoral/Finance Council: Sacred Worship, Education, Family Life and Social Justice Committee: which serve the parishioners in various needs.

During the 90’s many family activities were started by various parish committees, as the coffee and donut social on Sundays once a month.

The parish also has many members who are active as Eucharistic Ministers, Servers, Lectors, Greeters, Cantors, Ushers, and Music Ministers.

In the 2000’s maintenance continued at St. Mary’s to keep it welcoming for St. Mary’s parishioners.

2006 Basement Hall was remodeled with new paint and floors.
2007 Trees were removed from around the church, new gutters installed.
2010 New ceiling in basement.
2011 Sanctuary remodeled, replace entrance doors. Built shed.
2014 Replaced sidewalks upgrade electrical in Church.
2016 Painted stations.
2020 Carpet installed in side addition, classrooms, and entrance; classrooms painted.
2022 Painted ramp, shingled sacristy entrance, painted arches around statues, repaired basement leak in walls.

Through the past 150 years many changes have occurred, but the Holy Spirit has remained an intimate part of the lives of the people of Immaculate Conception/St. Mary Parish, Custer.

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