Parish began in 1954
Present church completed in 1955

The John Simon home hear Madison was the site for the first Mass in the new parish in May of 1954. There were over 25 Catholic families living in the northern Greenwood County area when the new parish was organized. The first pastor was Father Edward Russell. The groundbreaking took place in September 1954 on a five-acre tract donated by Mrs. Simon, who was the former Abbie Schneider. Located on the south edge of Madison, the church was finished in time to celebrate the first Mass on Easter Sunday morning in 1955. About 75 parishioners were in attendance on that joyous morning. The church was solemnly dedicated on May 22, 1955.

The building structure is 75 by 40 feet with a full basement, including a large kitchen. It measures 30 feet in height with a bell tower which is 35 feet high. The seating capacity is 125 persons with additional seating in the choir area for 15. Much volunteer work helped keep the cost of the brick and silverdale stone church to a modest $31,000. Redwood paneling graces the interior with simulated glass onyx windows in white, green and violet blend. The large crucifix, statuary and other furnishings for the sanctuary area were from the DeParto studios in New York City. The pews were brought from the old St. John’s church at El Dorado. The parish celebrated its 25th anniversary in May of 1979. The ceiling fans, a new electric organ and an air conditioning unit were installed in the years following.

There is no resident pastor in Madison today. Fr. Dominic Potnuru from Eureka is the present pastor. He also serves at St. John’s in Hamilton. Other priests who have served at St. Teresa’s were Fathers Michael Peltzer, Leo Kerschen, Michael Klag and Stephen Gronert.