Since there was no Catholic parish in Stuart during the early years of its
growth, those who wished to go to Mass and receive the sacraments probably
had to travel to O'Neill, NE, where Father John T. Smith was the pastor, or
Father John would visit the surrounding areas and minister to them.
It wasn't until 1890 that the Catholic settlers purchased their first real estate, an old District #44 public school building, that served as a place of worship for several years. With the help of Father Emil Klemenz of Atkinson, the Stuart Catholics built their first frame church in 1896. It had a seating capacity of 168 and cost approximately $2,400. It was located near the present pastor's garage. St. Boniface officially became a mission of St. Joseph's in Atkinson.
Three years later, in 1899, Bishop Scannell of the Omaha Archdiocese announced that St. Boniface of Stuart was an independent parish and Father Anthony Birnback became the first pastor.
As the parish continued to grow, a small school was organized in 1904 under the direction of Father Brietkopf and a group of Catholic families. It became established as a parochial school, supported by the entire parish in 1907, and has remained as such to this very day.
Father Julies Heffwer was appointed as the third parish priest and began an ambitious expansion program. Under his guidance, the rectory was remodeled and the building of the present day church was begun in 1911.
Bishop Tihen of Lincoln, NE, preformed the dedication ceremony of St. Boniface Church on July 9, 1912. It was a high celebration acknowledging the sacrifice and hard work of the Stuart parishioners for a tremendous achievement.
St. Boniface Church became the tallest building in Stuart with a clock tower, church bells, beautiful stained glass windows and a large pipe organ. It was truly a place of worship dedicated to Almighty God.
Throughout the years, the parishioners have continued to make the necessary repairs to keep St. Boniface a beautiful edifice. 2001 was no exception. The church was completely refurbished and finished by August of last year. The new project now in progress is an enclosed entryway with handicap facilities.
In June 2004, it was announced that St. Boniface and St. Joseph's of Atkinson
would share a priest. This is due largely to the clergy shortage at this time.
Fr. Luke Steffes presently serves both parishes.
St. Boniface Church has been blessed with many dedicated parishioners and
parish priests. St. Boniface has been a place of worship since 1896 and continues
to serve the spiritual needs of its 220+ families and households.
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