PHOTOS: Proto-Cathedral of St. Peter, 140th anniversary of dedication

Father Jeremy Secrist, pastor of St. Peter Parish in Jefferson City, offered Mass on the 140th anniversary of dedication of the present church, the parish’s third.

Joining him at the altar were Father Brad Berhorst and Father Thomas Alber, associate pastors.

At the end of the homily, Fr. Secrist read a resolution from Bishop W. Shawn McKnight, declaring that the church, which served as the cathedral for the Jefferson City diocese from 1956 until the completion of the Cathedral of St. Joseph in 1968, will now be known as the Proto-Cathedral of St. Peter.

“Proto” is Greek for “first” or “original.” The new title recognizes that the church previously served as a cathedral.

Assisting at the Mass were Rev. Mr. Christopher Hoffmann, Deacon Ric Telthorst and Deacon David Thompson. Seminarians served at the altar. The St. Peter Schola, directed by Nicholas Liese and accompanied by organist Leslie Smith, led the singing.

Patrick Murphy of St. Louis, author of Places to Pray: Holy Sites in Catholic Missouri, gave a presentation after Mass over brunch in the parish’s Msgr. Hoog  Hall.

(70 photos)