“What relic resides within those walls?” I ask, hinting at the captivating story of Saint Therese Catholic Church. This church wasn’t just built it was born from a dream. It represents a beacon of faith and community.
Saint Therese Catholic Church has a rich history that stretches back to the early 20th century. Its story is interwoven with the lives of immigrants. These immigrants shaped not only the church but also the surrounding neighborhoods.
Let’s step back in time to the early 1900s. East Omaha was a melting pot of European immigrants. Many were Catholic. The growing Catholic population needed a place to worship and gather. Archbishop Harty recognized this need and in 1917, he directed the formation of a new parish.
Rev Nicholas H Nosbisch became the first pastor. Early masses were held in a parishioner’s home. The community quickly rallied together. In November 1917, they bought nine lots and broke ground for a temporary building. This humble structure opened in February 1918. A school followed in September. The Ursuline Sisters provided education.
Initially named St Michael’s the parish faced financial struggles. A 1925 report highlighted the small congregation’s heavy burden. Both the school and church urgently needed assistance.
Everything changed in 1927. The church was formally renamed in honor of St Therese of Lisieux. The bishop had attended her canonization in Rome in 1925. He sent a relic from Rome to the newly named parish. A shrine was promptly built in 1927. Saint Therese Catholic Church became the first church between Chicago and Denver named for St Therese. It was an honor. The church became the official shrine of the city.
Saint Therese also called the Little Flower of Jesus was a French Catholic nun. She became one of the most popular Roman Catholic saints. She wrote a memoir before her death at age 24. French soldiers carried pictures of St Therese for protection during World War One.
In October 1927, Bishop Francis J Beckman laid the cornerstone for the new Saint Therese Catholic Church. The new building would cost $70000 to build. The old St Michael’s was demolished after the new building was completed.
For years, the parish hosted an annual spring novena to St Therese. Hundreds attended the first year in 1927. Despite its growth, the church faced challenges. In 1930, vandals tried to break in but were thwarted by the police.
Throughout the years, Saint Therese Catholic Church served as a community hub. It hosted programs and provided assistance to those in need. However, in the early 2000s the parish became largely Hispanic.
In 2012, the Omaha Archdiocese announced the merging of several parishes. Saint Therese was part of this plan. The final mass was held in June 2013.
In 2014, the Church of Jesus Christ Whole Truth acquired the building. After renovations, the 11000 square foot building is used for various services today.
Although not an official landmark the former Saint Therese Catholic Church building remains a testament to the community’s spirit. It reminds us of the faith. It reminds us of the perseverance of those who built it. Its story is still unfolding. The Church of Jesus Christ Whole Truth continues to shepherd it into the future.