Big Flat St. Thomas Aquinas Church Celebrates 100 Years

Shown here are MaryAnn Olszewski, Eleanor Warren and Ted Olszewski.The Olszewskis celebrated 67 years of marriage this very day, July 22. Many congratulations as they celebrate their anniversary. Their bond continues to be both strong and deep, as well as their Christian faith. Eleanor Warren was recognized and honored for celebrating her 94th birthday, which was July 18th. May the love of all her family and friends be with her as another year lies ahead. Best Wishes for many more years of good health and happiness!

Shown here are church members and guests making their way through the lunch line as they enjoy not only great weather, but many memories of past church picnics and fellowships.

Father Michael Schneider and Bishop Warfel presided at Mass on Sunday, paying special attribute to the four children receiving communion and celebrating confirmation. The four children were Olivia Keller, daughter of Raymond and Michelle Keller, Abigail Grabofsky, daughter of Matthew and Sadie Grabofsky, Ty Beck, son of Shawn and Bobbi Beck, and Cassidy Grabofsky, daughter of Michael and Crystal Grabofsky. Congratulations to these children.

Scott Warren is shown with Sister Bernadette Helfert, SCL, former pastoral administrator of St. Thomas.

Father Michael Schneider officiated Mass and spoke throughout the celebration.

These children were caught enjoying the summer sun during the celebration. As for many functions, children are a perfect example of fellowship happening in a church family. They play and worship together. These kiddos are playing a friendly game of basketball on the court (and swing-set in the background) that were built in memory of Tristan Billmayer.

BIG FLAT ST. THOMAS AQUINAS CHURCH CELEBRATES 100 YEARS
By: Diana Maloney

For someone just passing through the Big Flat on business or simply sightseeing, this may seem like a church from a storybook, or perhaps even something from the past, because of its 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 worship, 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 Aquinas Church sits between two small towns in North Central Montana, between Hogeland and Turner. Its 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 22, 2017, 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 Sister 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.

A highlight of the celebration was seeing the old original altar that had been taken out of the back storage, refinished and placed back in the sanctuary. 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 much 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 a.m. Mass with Bishop Warfel and Father Schneider officiating. The church honored four youngsters who were completing their initiation, 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 whose 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.