The History of Our Parish

1949 - 1973:  A Quarter-Century of Development and Growth Under Msgr. Charles P. Schmitt

At the time of Father Wieberg's departure, Archbishop Ritter appointed Father Charles P. Schmitt, who had previously served as Chaplain to the Sisters of the Most Precious Blood at O'Fallon, Missouri, as pastor of St. Henry's.  Father Schmitt arrived in Charleston on January 14, 1949, to begin what would become his twenty four year pastorate serving our parish.

Archbishop Ritter had suggested that plans for building a new school to accommodate the ever increasing number of children be considered by the parish.  However, this much-needed project was postponed to give attention to the church building which was in need of extensive structural repair.  Engineers found that dry rot had damaged the wooden framing of the steeple, rendering it unsafe.  Much to the sorrow of the parish the steeple had to be removed.  A new roof, guttering and downspouts, tuck pointing, and replacement of the basement were included in the repair.

Also at this time, some structural changes were made to the old Convent School to prevent the constant leaking in the class rooms so well remembered by the school children of those days.

Paraphrased from St. Henry Church 1873 - 1973.