First church built in 1888
Present church built at the same site in 1902
Completely renovated in 1977
1888 was the year of beginning for St. John’s parish. Catholics living in the area were attending Mass either in Eureka or at the old Cookson home in Hamilton. A small frame church was built later that same year. This building stood for only 12 years, for it was destroyed by fire in 1900. By the summer of 1902, the present church was finished on the same site and dedicated.
The Franciscan priests from Emporia were serving the parish until 1901, when it became a mission attached to St. Mary’s parish in Moline. This was following the transfer of Greenwood County from the Kansas City to the Wichita dioceses. Priests who served were Fathers Patrick McCullough, Tim O’Sullivan, Thomas Meehan, A.J. Speybroeck, Dennis Healy and Joseph Bogner.
Father Egan came in 1912 and built a small addition to the rear of the church, allowing more room for a confessional and choir area. The Moline priests continued to be in charge of the parishes in Hamilton and Eureka until the year 1921. The discovery of oil around that time indicated a potential increased of parishioners.
In October of 1921, St. John’s became a mission to Sacred Heart parish in Eureka. Fr. Edward Funning was the first resident pastor. He stayed until the arrival of Fr. Leo Kelty in 1937. Fr. Kelty was responsible for the removal of the original bell tower of the church. A large cross was set in its place. Other priests who served in the parish were Fathers Daniel Lynch, LeRoy Downs and William Cremin. In 1954, St. Teresa of Avila Parish in Madison was established. Father Edward Russell arrived as the first resident pastor there. He was succeeded by Fathers Charles Middleton, Joseph Abraham, Joseph Slomski and George Kruzick. The Hamilton parish was a mission to St. Teresa’s from 1954 until 1976, when Father Kruzick moved to Eureka. The parish became a mission to Eureka once again. Recent pastors at St. John’s were Fathers Eugene Grabner, Eugene Komer and Harold McCormick. Father Dominic Potnuru is the present pastor.
In 1977, while Father Grabner was in charge, new upholstered pews, new carpeting and new aluminum siding were installed and a small social room was built south of the sanctuary area, allowing room for overflow crowds and social activities. Father Peltzer directed the planning of the Centennial celebration of this parish which occurred April 10, 1988. 1898 was the year of beginning for this parish. The first name mentioned in connection with St. John is Father Maurice Ripperger who was followed in four years’ time by Father Patrick McCullough. It remained to Father Timothy O’Sulliva to spruce things up a bit. Mention is made in the archives of the addition of cement sidewalks to the church door, the installation of a statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary, new cassocks for the altar boys and the purchase of benediction candlesticks. Father David Egan who came in 1912 thought the church was too small. He saw to the addition of 10 feet to make room for a confessional.
The discovery of oil southeast of Hamilton in 1917 indicated a potential increase in the number of parishioners. Father Edward Bunning who arrived four year later prepared a rather large class for Confirmation. There were 20 boys and girls confirmed in 1928. Father Gunning was to remain as pastor until 1937.
Hus successor was Father Leo Kelty who removed the old church tower and replaced it with a large cross. There were other extensive renovations inside and out including the refinishing of the altar, benches, rails, floors, and woodwork.
Present pastor is Father Harold McCormick. Others who have served at St. Johns recently include Fathers Eugene Komer, Eugene Grabner, George Kruzick, Joseph Slomski, Joseph Abraham, Charles Middleton, and Edward Russell. Early pioneers in the formation of the parish include Fathers Dennis Healy, Joseph Bogner, A.J. Van Spreybroeck, Daniel Lynch, Leroy Downs and William Cremin.
