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Pierce City, Missouri

Catholicism in Peirce City is as old as the town itself when in 1870 the Frisco railroad laid the first tracks through here going west to Kansas. Many of the railroaders were Irish Catholics.

It was Father Graham who organized the small congregation scattered over three counties and built the first Church in the year 1871, a small frame building which served its purpose for about seventeen years. In June of 1898, the property on Washington Avenue and Myrtle Street was purchased from Dr. Hansard for less than $1,000.00, and the congregation built the new brick St. Patrick's. The cornerstone of the pretty Gothic Church was laid October, 1899, and the Church was completed in the fall of 1901. The material of the old foundation was used in the new, and the members of the congregation did most of the unskilled work. In this was the cost of the new building was reduced to a minimum.

Because of a shortage of priests, a Decree was issued terminating services in St. Patrick's Church, which stated that Holy Mass was not to be offered in St. Patrick's Church after Sunday, September 5, 1954. Thus the 84 year glorious history of St. Patrick's Church came to a close.

The illustrious Gothic structure still graces the corner of Washington and Myrtle, and in the true spirit of the age - the age of Ecumenism - it is now known as the Masonic Temple, purchased by the Masonic Order in 1966. The church has been resold again and is now in private ownership, but it still maintains its historical style. (this building is under repair as of October 2003 after sustaining damage in the May 4, 2003, tornado.

Located adjacent to the church on the east, is the Hansard House, the rectory of St. Patrick's Church, now occupied by private owners, but beautifully maintained in its historical style. (Hansard House was repaired after sustaining tornado damage, primarily to the interior of the building, in 2003).

Attractions and Upcoming Events

The Hansard House

Dr. Hansard sold the west section of his property on Washington Street for the construction of St. Patrick's Catholic Church in 1901. The house was built circa 1872

Pierce City, MO Historic Homes


First National Bank Building (no longer standing)

THIS BUILDING WAS DEMOLISHED AFTER SUSTAINING EXTENSIVE DAMAGE IN THE MAY 4, 2003, TORNADO.

The old First National Bank building was located next to the bandstand was built in the 1890s. After the Lawrence County Bank (on the opposite corner) was dissolved in the mid-1920

Pierce City, MO Architecture

First United Methodist Church

The United Methodist Church was built in 1881 at a location a few blocks north of its present location in 1903. Originally in the 1870s, the Methodist Episcopal Church and the Methodist Episcopal Church, South groups met in homes until both were able to build in 1881. In 1903

Pierce City, MO Historic Churches

Shepherd Sawmill - Jolly Mill Park

The Shepherd family has operated sawmills in this area for many years. The family built this sawmill to honor all members of the family. The sawmill is steam powered by a 1918

Pierce City, MO Historic Mills

Things to do near Pierce City, MO

Royalty Arena

Year-round events ranging from horse shows and rodeos to clinics. If it has to do with horses, it happens here....

Pointe Royale Country Club

Course Access: ResortHoles: 18Reserve Advance Tee Times: 7 days...