The history of the Diocese of Superior dates back to the 17th century. Our Journey Through Faith offers a glimpse into the historic events that played a role in the growth of Catholicism in Northern Wisconsin.
Our Journey through Faith: A History of the Diocese of Superior,
View the summary from the last Parish self-assessment questionnaire conducted in 2012.
Read the 98-page Executive Report 2013 (PDF)
In 1876 the first Catholic Church was built in Hammond. The church was incorporated on December 12, 1889, as "The Catholic Congregation of St. Mary's Immaculate Conception." The first recorded baptism took place December 8, 1876. The first burial was held March 15, 1878. Maria O'Brien and James Collins celebrated the first marriage on March 5, 1879. During his service to the parish, Fr. William White (1880-1892) baptized 582 people and officiated at 67 marriages. During the pastorate of Fr. B. P. Connolly (1896-1903), St. Bridget Church in Wilson was attached to the parish. During the pastorate of Fr. H.F. Duffy (1903-1914), the church was moved from the north side of the old rectory to the south side. A full basement was constructed and two coal furnaces installed. Fr. Patrick J. Cunningham became pastor in 1914 and served the parish until 1947. New side altars were donated to the parish during his tenure. In 1946, Fr. Jerome Mee became pastor. After the church burned down on Dec. 15, 1948, Fr. Mee supervised the building of a new church. The present church was completed in 1949 and dedicated on June 22, 1950, by Bishop Albert G. Meyer. A new rectory and religious education center were built in the 1970s, along with the installation of a new altar in the church cemetery. During the pastorate of Fr. James Kraker (1992-1999), the sanctuary was remodeled and the gathering area expanded. The remodeling was completed in June 1996.
REFERENCE: Our Journey through Faith: A History of the Diocese of Superior,
by Sam Lucero, 2005.