The Blaine County Journal News-Opinion - We've Got The County Covered

For someone just passing through the Big Flat on business or simply site seeing, this may seem like a church from a storybook or perhaps even something from the past because of it's lone prairie setting, but to the congregation and church family of the Big Flat, this is their home church. It's the place they do their weekly worships, an occasional wedding or perhaps even a funeral mass. It's serene setting of their little white church is surrounded by hay and wheat fields and wildlife crossing the roads into grass grown barrow pits.

St. Thomas Aquanis Church sits between two small towns in North Central Montana between Hogeland and Turner. It's congregation may be small, but their hearts are big! They are proud of their church home and the accomplishments of managing their church by weekly worship services and enrollment flourishing.

The church celebrated 100 years of service this July and had a two day gala to mark the century. It all began on July 22nd with a delicious catered meal to approximately 150 guests by Doug Mitchell of south Chinook. Deb and Vern Cichosz of Havre provided beautiful music throughout the afternoon, playing special requests as well. Two special hymns were played for Ted and MaryAnn Olszewski, who were married in this very church 67 years ago, July 22, 1950. They were recognized and honored during the day for this milestone.

Special songs were sung to those who had a birthday during the month as well. One in particular was that of Eleanor Warren, who had recently turned 94 years young on July 18th. She has been a member of the church for years and being recognized for her birthday was truly an honor.

Later in the afternoon cantaloupe and ice cream was served. This was a traditional dessert that was served years ago at picnics that the church used to host years ago. Steve Hickel served as the Master of Ceremonies. He did an incredible job! He gave a little history of the church, told a few jokes, and introduced special guests. The current priest, Father Michael Schneider spoke as well as Sr. Bernadette Helfert, SCL.

Nancy Snider organized a beautiful display of photos depicting the past on up to the present of the many functions that the church held, including baptisms, weddings, Christmas parties, etc. Photos of past priests of the parish were also a part of the presentation. Everyone really enjoyed reminiscing and bringing back memories of the past.

Father Michael Schneider officiated mass and spoke throughout the celebration.

A high-lite of the celebration was seeing the old original altar that had been taken out of the back storage, refinished and placed back on the altar. It was originally in the church in 1918, but removed in the late 1960's. It had been offered to museums, but they already had altars of its like so it was left in storage only to deteriorate. When the 100 year celebration became a reality, it was decided by the congregation and Father Michael Schneider gave consent to replace it to where it belonged. Through a lot of work, by a number of people, the altar was refinished and returned to its rightful place. And beautiful it is!!!

The Sunday agenda began with 11:00 mass with Bishop Warfel and Father Schneider officiating. The church honored 4 youngsters who were making two sacraments during services; Confirmation and 1st Communion. They were Ty Beck, Abigail Grabofsky, Holly Grabofsky, and Olivia Keller. This will no doubt be a memorable day for these young people who's sacraments were made on such an important day in the church's history.

After mass, people enjoyed lunch and much more reminiscing was had before the day drew to a close.