Welcome to St. Margaret of Antioch Parish

Construction of the second church, which is the present day red brick church, was completed on September 28, 1957.  The dedication of the new church, including the laying of the cornerstone, was held on September 29, 1957.  At the same time, the parish, consisting of 50 families, celebrated the 50th anniversary of the founding of St. Margaret Church.

Due to Vatican II changes, in 1973 Fr. Hilke constructed an altar to be used in church.  Priests could now face the congregation instead of having his back to the people.  In 1976 other Vatican II changes were made to the church by removing the communion rail and moving the organ from the choir loft to the front of the church.

In March 1981 the church was remodeled to include a reconciliation room so people to have a choice of face-to-face confession or confession behind the curtain.  The original brick altar along the back wall of the sanctuary was removed and replaced with with oak panels.  A new altar of oak wood replaced the altar constructed by Fr. Hilke. The tabernacle was moved to the side of the sanctuary.

The church underwent renovations in 2003 due to the damaging effects of a severe storm that went through the area. The renovation included installing new stained glass windows in the church.

In 2022 the church underwent another renovation moving the tabernacle back to its original spot behind the altar.  Flooring and lighting were also updated.

The first rectory was built in May 1908.  Father Peter Wigger boarded with the Anton Haselhorst family while the rectory was being built.  The new rectory was a large two-story white frame building.  Father Wigger assisted parishioners with the construction. 

The current day red brick rectory was constructed in 1969.  The rectory is a one-story brick ranch-type home and it sits in front of where the original 1908 rectory. Fr. Schaller lived in the old rectory while the new one was being built.  Once he moved into the new rectory, the parishioners tore down the old rectory.

The rectory underwent a renovation of the basement, creating a quilting room, in 2018.  The main floor was remodeled in 2023.

The first parish hall was constructed in the 1920's.  It was very crude, having only a dirt floor.  Several years later a wood floor was added.  A kitchen was added to the lower side of the hall in the 1950's.

In the summer of 1979, the parish began work on the new brick structured parish hall.  It was completed in April 1980.  The hall underwent a major renovation adding square footage to both the main floor and basement in 2018.

In May 1908, the parish acquired additional land from Anton and Catherine (Bode) Haselhorst.  This half-acre of land was used for the St. Margaret Cemetery.  

Sometime between 1928 and 1942, Father Wagener, along with Joe Schmidt and other men from the parish, built the grotto that is located in the cemetery.  The back of the grotto contains an altar where Father Wagener celebrated All Souls Mass.

On June 11, 1930, Frank and Lizzie (Hoelscher) Lehmen deeded land to St. Margaret Parish for an addition to the cemetery. 

In 2000, Kenneth Braun, caretaker of St. Margaret Cemetery, directed the installation of a new fence around the cemetery.  At the same time, a new gate was installed with the name of the cemetery overhead.  Bishop Gaydos rededicated the cemetery on October 28, 2001.

Next to the grotto, an impressive granite Military Memorial honoring 113 veterans from this area was dedicated on May 31, 2010. Our veterans buried in St. Margaret’s cemetery are honored on Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veteran’s Day and Christmas by the placing wreaths and flag beside each tombstone.

Sometime between 1928 and 1942, Father Wagener, along with Joe Schmidt and other men from the parish, built the grotto that is located in the cemetery.  The back of the grotto contains an altar where Father Wagener celebrated All Souls Mass. 

On May 6, 2003, a severe storm went through the area damaging the church and destroying all the windows on the west side of the church.  

Beautiful new stained glass windows depicting Christian symbols were designed and installed by Zumwalt Studios of Camdenton, Missouri.  The windows on both sides of the church were replaced through the generosity of parish families.  Each window was donated in honor or memory of loved ones.  The new stained glass windows were dedicated a the Thanksgiving Mass on November 21, 2004.

In the fall of 2006, a stained-glass window depicting St. Margaret of Antioch, the patron saint of the parish, was installed above the entrance of the church. 

The tower at the rear of the church holds the bell from the first church.  The bell was donated by Henry Sommer.  The bell is 48 inches by 48 inches by 48 inches. 

The bell was sent to The Verdin Company in September 2013 for updating, repair and restoration. The bell was returned and installed in December 2013.