ORISKA, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – On Sunday, July 16th Bishop John Folda celebrated the final Mass at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in Oriska.
Cheryl (Ertelt) Chase said there are decades of memories shared by so many families in this church.
Deb (Trader) Olauson’s family has been here for six generations. She talked about how the Yanish family helped build the church.
Church Deacon Jim McAllister said the church has been more than a building for families and this community.
McAllister’s granddaughter, Erin Wood of Fargo sang Ava Maria, here’s a minute of the song.
Pastor Fr. Brian Bachmeier will continue to serve St. Agatha’s Church in Hope, ND and Sacred Heart Church in Sanborn, ND.
St. Bernard’s church artifacts will be going to other Catholic churches and the building will be torn down this year.
115 years ago, the cornerstone of St. Bernard’s Catholic Church was put in place, Bishop John Shanley (the first bishop of the Diocese of Fargo) performed the ceremony dedicating the construction start of the new structure in Oriska, North Dakota on July 31st, 1908.
