St. Mathias Catholic Church

On June 24 1960 Father Partensky became pastor of St Matthias. St Matthias Parish started as a mission of St Lawrence Church in Utica. For months Holy Mass was celebrated in Sterling Junior High School. This was before the church even existed. The first Mass was held in February 1960. The temporary church and rectory groundbreaking happened January 15 1961. The sanctuary seated 900 parishioners. It cost $129000 to build. A ten-room school was also planned. The groundbreaking ceremony involved Father Partensky and parish representatives. Mr Paul Malburg represented the Church Committee. Mr Leo Theut represented the ushers. Mrs Larry Trimble represented the Ladies Altar Society. The Ladies Altar Society formed August 24 1960. The Men’s Club followed on March 8 1961. Both used St Lawrence facilities. The temporary church cornerstone was laid June 3 1961. Reverend Edward DeKeyser performed the ceremony. The cornerstone box held parish guild lists. It also contained usher and Men’s Club member lists. A copy of the first parish weekly bulletin was included. There was also a letter appointing the pastor. The parish boundaries were also listed. First pages of the Tri-City Progress and Sentinel were added. So was the first page of the Michigan Catholic. A picture of St Matthias was included. A US coin dated 1960 and 1961 was placed inside. A Sacred Heart medal and a Blessed Mother medal were included. A picture of the groundbreaking ceremony was also added. Archbishop John F Dearden dedicated the new St Matthias Church August 26 1961. The first Sunday Mass was August 27 1961. Masses were at 7 am 9 am and 11 am. Padded kneelers and new pews were installed. The first parish mission was in February 1962. Father Joseph Lima gave the mission. Bishop J Donnelly blessed the new school facilities in June 1966. The school opened as a catechetical center in September 1966. Sisters and lay teachers staffed the school. The Sisters moved into the new convent in September 1966. St Matthias paid half the cost of the parish site. The debt was paid off in five months. The total was $17901 25 plus $158 34 interest. Seat collection was 25 cents. This was discontinued June 4 1961. Father Benedict Marco Paletti celebrated his first Mass at St Matthias. He was ordained May 23 1965. This is a remarkable piece of St Matthias history. It shows the dedication and growth of this vibrant community. The church has a rich history. It’s a testament to the faith and hard work of its members. St Matthias stands as a symbol of enduring faith and community.