According to brochures distributed in the church:
In 1871 the church building began and by 1872 the construction was completed. The bricks were made from the clay from what now is the cemetery at Holy Family, and the work was done by the parishioners.
From 1871 to 1908 the Mass was celebrated at Port Hudson once a month on a Monday by a Jesuit missionary priest from Washington. Mass was in German.
In 1918 the present choir loft and sacristy were constructed. In 1932 the steeple was built to replace a bell tower that stood in front of the church.
The school was built in 1936.
The wood altar which had a larger table to the front of it was installed in 1953. Because of changes in the liturgy the altar was remodeled in 1965.
Our church is presently decorated with the liturgical symbol of the anchor. This ancient Christian symbol proclaims (Hebrews 6:19) that Jesus is our anchor in every generation, keeping us steady with God in an unstable world.
Atop the tower is a nice golden botonée (or budded) cross with solar monstrance-like symbol superimposed.
I was unable to determine the origin of the community's name; Port Hudson is a very unlikely Missouri place name, and it is not actually a port, nor could it be. Perhaps it was named after the Siege of Port Hudson, a major battle in the Civil War.
This church is very small, with 18 pews. According to the 2007 parish census, this church has approximately 311 Catholics.
The holiest place in the cosmos.
A wonderful little statue of Mary, shown here crushing the serpent's head.
Station of the Cross, carved out of wood.
The anchor-cross symbol, "as an anchor of the soul, sure and firm".
The school.
Rejoice In The Awesome
Wonder of the Lord
In Loving Memory of
Rita Rappé
Mass times:
Monday and Wednesday: 8:00 a.m.
Saturday (Vigil): 7:00 p.m.
Sunday: 10:00 a.m.
Confession:
Prior to Saturday evening Vigil Mass.
Address:
124 Holy Family Church Road
New Haven, Missouri 63068
Rita Rappe was my grandma. What a beautiful woman she was and I know she hasn't stopped talking Jesus' ear off since her passing in 2000.
ReplyDeleteI miss you so much Grandma!
Missy Kemp
Thank you for including this wonderful tribute to my Mother on your blog. She loved the little children in her classes so much. She was called Miss Rita for many years.
ReplyDeleteThank you again.
Barbara Williams (daughter)
Rita Rappe’ was my Grammer, my grandmother. I remember attending service with her and Papa (Dan Rappe’) many, many years ago in this beautiful church. My Grammer was a very special, a very loving person – a kindred spirit. I have yet to meet anyone as unique and as genuine as her. The feelings of love and devotion to her are still very strong today. I would like to thank you for this wonderful remembrance of my Grammer.
ReplyDeleteMary Johnston
Beautiful photos. I love Missouri. We were in Hermann in May, and went to St. George there, and also visited Our Lady of Sorrows Shrine at Starkenburg. Missouri is a lovely state. We have pretty churches in Nebraska, too, but would love to go back to that area of Missouri for sure! God bless.
ReplyDeleteI went to school here as a child, from 1986-89...when the school was shut down and we were forced into public schools. The memories and education gained from Holy Family have stuck with me stronger than most of my 9 years of public school.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful rural location, quirky schoolhouse, and great teachers. Mr. and Mrs. we called them. The Maurices were fabulous!!
Good times!
Patrick Brown