The Church of the Visitation at O’Connor as it stands today. Photo provided by Elizabeth Yax King-
Board of Directors of Friends of O’Connor pose in front of the O’Connor Church include James Murphy, Rich McGinn, Teresa Kehler, Elizabeth Yax King and Chuck Sweeney. Not pictured are Marty Callahan, Terry Kehler and Jim Eschilman.
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Pictures include the Church of the Visitation at O’Connor circa 1905. Photo courtesy of Ron W. Sack
The Friends of O’Connor cordially invite you to a celebratory mass at the Church of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, O’Connor, Sunday September 21 at 2:00 pm The mass will be celebrated in front of the historic 1905 church. Guests are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs as access to the interior of the church isn’t allowed.
The Friends of O’Connor Board of Directors Officers include Burke Harr, Rich McGinn, Teresa Kehler and James Murphy. Other board members include Marty Callahan, Elizabeth Yax King, Chuck Sweeney, Terry Kehler and Jim Eschilman.
Board President Harr expressed, “preserving the Irish heritage of our beloved ancestors helps to keep their faith, traditions and immense sacrifices alive.”
The Friends of O’Connor is a group of concerned citizens who have organized in order to save the Church of the Visitation at O’Connor along with its history in the Irish Catholic Colonization Association.
Mass will be celebrated by Fr. Dave Rykwalder, a retired priest of the Diocese of Grand Island. Bishop Joseph Hanefeldt has granted permission for this special event to be held at O’Connor.
Board of Directors Secretary Kehler commented, “Maintaining the architecture and history of the O’Connor Church and its cemetery along with the culture and traditions of our Irish ancestors and their community of faith is worth preserving.”
Board member Elizabeth King concludes that, “Architecture is fragile. History is fading. But, it’s up to all of us to preserve this priceless place in time and all that it has stood for over the past 145 years. It’s worth saving.”