LAWRENCE

A few Catholic families settled in Lawrence in about the year 1855. Father J.J. Magee, living in the territorial capital of Lecompton was invited to celebrate the first Mass in Lawrence in October 1857 in the home of Mr. Bernard Donnelly on Rhode Island Street. Some "ruffians" ordered Father Magee out of town by sundown but he was protected by Mr. Donnelly who replied to the ruffians, "Make no mistake about it, the priest is a guest at my home and will remain as long as he wishes; in fact, we intend if possible to build up a congregation here." (Quote is from: "Lawrence, St. John the Evangelist Parish" written in 1937 by Michael T. Hoffman)... We are a diverse People of God, blessed with a parish family of persons from many world cultures, of many life experiences. We build on our past, always open to future challenges. We sing to the Lord a New Song!

Primary location: Lawrence United States