In 1866, the first meeting was held to discuss building a Catholic church. Following that meeting, land donated by George W. Hopkins and George Fechter was used to build a newly organized parish - St. George.
On Saturday, the parish in Linn will gather for its 150th anniversary with a day of events to celebrate with the community.
"We are celebrating the fact that 150 years ago our ancestors had the courage and faith to take a risk in buying land to build a church and establish the Catholic faith in this area," said the Rev. Daniel Merz, pastor at St. George.
Activities will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday with a parade starting in Linn City Park. Shelley Klebba, one of 15 co-chairs of the event, said activities are scheduled the day throughout the city of Linn.
Co-chair Evelyn Niekamp said throughout the two years of planning the committee was careful to plan events for people of all ages.
"We really focused on making sure there was something that everyone would enjoy," she said. "And I think we have done a good job of that."
A homemade dinner will be served in St. George Church Hall beginning at 11 a.m. The meal will include homemade dressing, turkey, whole hog sausage, potatoes and more, served buffet style. At the same time, the regular fall supper events will begin, featuring a country store, drawings, historical timeline, Knights of Columbus Clowns, classic car and farm show along with other activities.
Special to this year's events are the historical timeline presentation and a talk at noon about the 150-year history of St. George by local historian Gary Kremer.
Merz said the parish itself has a rich history in its involvement with the community, starting with its physical presence. The current church building, dedicated 40 years ago, is the third building, all built on the same site.
"From the beginning, there has been a strong emphasis on Catholic education, primarily through the grade school. The parish has an active Knights of Columbus council that is active for the parish and in the community by hosting fish fries, Sunday breakfasts, Tootsie Roll drives for the mentally handicapped, is a contributor to the building of the Special Olympics facility in Jefferson City and much more."
The church also heads up the work of the Good Shepherd Center - the only food pantry and used clothing source for the needy in all of Osage County. Merz noted the community frequently uses the facilities at St. George for meetings and fundraisers.
When the parish was first formed in 1866 there were three to five families in the area. The parish now has more than 550 families along with a school that serves 147 children in pre-school through eighth grade.
Klebba encourages anyone interested in taking part in the events as a vendor, parade participant or in the car and farm show to contact the church rectory at 573-897-2293.
Schedule of events:
Saturday
10 a.m. - Parade starting at Linn City Park
11 a.m. - Fall supper begins. Events include quilt displays, games, bounce house, handmade vendors, old farm equipment show and more, St. George campus
11 a.m. - Mennonite Choir, St. George campus
Noon - 150-Year History of St. George by Gary Kremer, St. George Church
Noon - Car show and concessions, Linn City Park
1 p.m. - Helias Choir, St. George campus
2 p.m. - Celebration Mass with Bishop Gaydos, St. George Church
4 p.m. - Sons of Britches Band, from Branson, St. George campus
6 p.m. - Brett Dudenhoeffer Band, St. George campus
6 p.m. - Gates open for the 7 p.m. concert at Linn Lions Club
7 p.m. - Point 08 Band from Osage County, Linn Lions Club