History of Blessed Sacrament Church

Reverend. Timothy J. O'Sullivan 1927 - 1957	Monsignor. Nicholas Cody 1957 - 1961
Most Reverend Leo C. Byrne 1961 - 1963	Monsignor Thomas C. Glynn 1963 - 1973
Father Eugene J. Gerber 1973 - 1975	Father Victor A. Bieberle 1975 - 1987
Father Ivan Eck 1987 - 1995	Monsignor John P. Gilsenan 1995 - 2006
Monsignor James D. Conley 2006 - 2008	Father W. Shawn McKnight 2008 - present

Sisters and Priests Who Graduated From Blessed Sacrament School

Rev. Timothy J. O'Sullivan can consider his years of service at Blessed Sacrament as a job well done with eleven girls from his parish entered into the religious life, fifteen boys from his parish ordained into the priesthood, and four boys who have professed vows as religious brothers.

Sr. Matilda Peters, C.S.J. Final vows August 15, 1937	Fr. Lisle Pottorff Ordained April 23, 1949
Sr. Mary Roets, C.S.J. Final Vows August 15, 1940	Fr. Thomas Colgan Ordained March 26, 1955
Sr. Mary Elizabeth Ann Engles, C.S.J. Final Vows July 26, 1951	Fr. Richard Cleary, O.S.B. Ordained May 28, 1955
Sr. Mary Virginia Hearing, C.S.J. Final Vows July 26, 1951	Brother Joseph Struble, C.S.C. Profession Day August 15,1957
Sr. Mary Timothy Peters, C.S.J. Final Vows July 26, 1954	Brother Simeon Malone, O.S.C.O. Profession Day January 26, 1966
Sr. Eleanor Colgan, S.N.D.N. Final Vows August 13, 1955	Fr. Patrick Malone Ordained June 7, 1969
Sr. Frances Watson, O.S.B. Final Vows December 21, 1955	Brother Mark Emken, O.S.A. Profession Day September 4, 1971
Sr. Suzanne Dwyer, C.S.J. Final Vows August 5, 1967	Fr. Steven Sheier Ordained May 26, 1973
Sr. Helene Lentz, C.S.J. Final Vows August 5, 1970	Fr. Michael Shay, S.D.S. Ordained August 31, 1973
Sr. Sara Dwyer, A.S.C. Final Vows May 29, 1977	Fr. Michael Harter, S.J. Ordained June 8, 1974
Sr. Mary Magdalene O’Halloran, I.H.M. Final Vows August 15, 1985	Fr. Joseph Gile Ordained May 28, 1988
Sister Ann Letourneau, C.S.J. Final Vows August 13, 1994	Deacon William Keough, Jr. Ordained October 8, 1988
Fr. James Colgan Ordained December 21, 1946	Fr. Gregory (Glenn Legge) Ordained September 17th, 2000
Msgr. Denis Dougherty Ordained April 5, 1948

March 25, 1900: The Sisters of Saint Joseph of Wichita

On September 7, 1887, Sister Mary Bernard Sheridan, Sister Mary Sebastian Collins and three other sisters arrived at Abilene, Kansas to staff St. Andrew's school and build an Academy. It was from this community of sisters that the Sisters of St. Joseph of Wichita would eventually be established. In that same year the Diocese of Leavenworth (which was the entire Kansas territory) was further divided into the dioceses of Concordia and Wichita. The sisters of Abilene were soon organized into a diocesan community, and on March 25, 1888, Sister Mary Bernard Sheridan was appointed Superior. Eight years later, in the spring of 1896, Bishop Fink moved the motherhouse of this community of sisters to Parsons, Kansas. In 1897, the news came from Rome that fourteen additional counties were added to the diocese of Wichita. These additional counties gave Bishop Hennessy jurisdiction over the whole southern half of the state which included the city of Parsons. Hence, the community of the Sisters of St. Joseph was transferred to the jurisdiction of Bishop Hennessy.

In 1899, Bishop Hennessy moved the sisters' motherhouse from Parsons to St. Paul. During that same year, the bishop purchased the deserted Municipal University of Wichita on University Street (now Lincoln Street) from the Dutch Reformed Church for $5,000. This would become the sisters’ permanent residence when Bishop Hennessey relocated them one last time from St. Paul to Wichita on March 25, 1900. The community at this time numbered sixty-five members and they became the Sisters of St. Joseph of Wichita.

On September 7, 1913, their motherhouse (the former Municipal University of Wichita) burned. It was rebuilt by 1915 and was named Mount St. Mary's Convent.

The major early ministries of the Sisters of St. Joseph were education and health care. They operated many hospitals and took charge of numerous parochial schools in the Wichita Diocese.

Summer 1927: Bishop Schwertner Establishes New Parish in College Hill District and Appoints Reverend Timothy J. O'Sullivan as Pastor

In the summer of 1927, Bishop August J. Schwertner, second Bishop of Wichita, called Reverend Timothy J. O'Sullivan to Wichita for a conference. Reverend O'Sullivan was the pastor of St. John's Church in El Dorado, Kansas for the last nine years. The Bishop was planning a new parish for the College Hill district because large numbers of Catholics had to travel great distance to St. Mary's Cathedral for Mass and school. It was during this conference that the Bishop appointed Reverend O'Sullivan as pastor of this new parish. The Bishop was thinking of naming it St. Augustine's. Reverend O'Sullivan suggested that some mystery regarding the Blessed Lord be chosen. At another conference the following week the Bishop informed Reverend O'Sullivan that the new parish would be called the Church of the Blessed Sacrament.

Reverend O'Sullivan returned to his parish home in El Dorado, closed up his affairs and, during the week of July 3, 1927, moved to Wichita. He lived for a short time at Mount St. Mary's Convent. His library and other belongings were stored temporarily in the garage at the rear of the Episcopal residence, the home of the Bishops of Wichita, located at the corner of Douglas Avenue and Roosevelt.

The Episcopal Residence at 3800 East Douglas (corner of Douglas and Roosevelt) was the home of the Bishops of Wichita. (Today, this site is our current Church of the Blessed Sacrament.)

July 1, 1927: Blessed Sacrament Parish Became Official

Bishop August Schwertner's official letter establishing Blessed Sacrament parish is dated July 1, 1927. It was read from the pulpit of St. Mary's Cathedral on July 3, 1927.

To Whom It May Concern:

Owing to the increased number of Catholic families in the eastern part of the City of Wichita and also the great distance to Church and especially to the School, it is hereby ordered and decreed that a new parish be established, which shall be called The Church of the Blessed Sacrament and shall have all the rights, privileges, duties and obligations of parishes canonically erected.

The boundary line for the new parish shall be Grove Avenue. All Catholics living East of the center of Grove Avenue shall be affiliated and entered as members of the new parish.

The Reverend T. J. O'Sullivan has been appointed pastor. The first services will be held on Sunday, July 10 at Mount Saint Mary's Chapel, corner of South Roosevelt and Lincoln Streets. For the present, there will be two Masses on Sundays, 7 and 9 o'clock. Until adequate facilities can be arranged, funerals, weddings and baptisms will take place at Cathedral.

Praying Our Lord to bless this new parish erected in honor of the greatest mystery of our Holy Faith, I remain,

August J. Schwertner, Bishop of Wichita

July 1927: Parish Boundaries Established

The west boundary was Grove Avenue. The north boundary was halfway to Newton. The east boundary was the Butler county line and the south boundary was the mid-township line, one mile south of where the Boeing plant is now located.

July 10, 1927: First Mass Celebrated

The first Mass for the congregation was said on Sunday, July 10, 1927 in the beautiful chapel of Mount Saint Mary's Convent at Roosevelt Avenue and Lincoln Street. Attendance was good and a spirit of great loyalty and submissive obedience to authority was manifest.

October 1927: First Census Taken

Organization of the new parish proceeded with dispatch. Members of the first church committee were A. M. Weinschenk, J. Arch Lewis, T. J. McDonald, and J. A. Braitch. Meetings were held. The question before the congregation for three months was: Shall we build temporary quarters or shall we build permanently? A census of the parish, completed in October 1927, showed a total membership of 350 families.

Where to Build

The first problem was deciding where to build the church. Two sites considered were Fountain and Second Street and Crestway Avenue and Douglas Street.. At that time, Crestway Avenue was the city limit. The half of the street that was in the city was paved from Douglas to Kellogg. The other half was unpaved because it was in the country. East of Crestway was prairie ¾ few homes surrounded by lush blue stem prairie grass. The third site that was considered was Douglas Avenue and Quentin Street. This site was selected as the most advantageous. It was a central and beautiful location overlooking the College Hill Park.

Parish Purchases Property

The church committee met with the Bishop in the library of the Episcopal residence on August 9, 1927. It was voted that the parish would buy the Diocesan property between Roosevelt and Bluff Streets with Douglas Avenue as the southern boundary as the site of the parish buildings. What is now the playground, between Bluff and Quentin Street, and one-half of that between Quentin and Roosevelt was to be purchased at once. The other half of the block, with the Episcopal residence, was to be purchased at the end of five years. The parish property was purchased for $45,000.

The parish also purchased the residence at 3821 east Douglas across the street and turned it into the rectory for a cost of $7,500. Additional property next to the residence was purchased at a later date for $2,500 to be used in the future as a parking lot for the parish. Reverend T. J. O'Sullivan moved into the rectory in October 1927. Because there was no church yet, he continued to act as chaplain at Mount Saint Mary's Convent through the winter.

October 10, 1927: Construction Begins for a Permanent Building

The problem was deciding to build a temporary frame building or a permanent structure. After much discussion and serious weighing of the pros and cons, the committee decided to shoulder the big load of building a modern, fireproof structure of concrete, steel and brick. Ground was broken early in October 1927. The architects were Schmidt, Boucher, and Overend. The contractors were Blaser and Volmer. The first structure was to be the school with classrooms on the first floor and space devoted to a temporary chapel on the second floor. Mild winter weather permitted rapid construction and the general contract was completed on March 31, 1928. Great credit and praise was given to Reverend T. J. O'Sullivan who was untiring in his efforts to rush the construction of the building in record time.

When it came time to plaster, they needed heat in the building. J. Arch Lewis and Reverend T. J. O'Sullivan asked the local representative of the Gas Service Company for gas at the commercial rate but they were refused. They had to use oil burners until competition with other gas companies evolved. It was the Consolidated Gas Company that finally furnished the parish with gas at the commercial rates.

The handsome two-story brick building cost approximately $92,000. The money for construction came from a $60,000 bond issue and borrowed money from individuals who were given a note signed by Bishop Schwertner and the church committee.

The brick was mingled shades of red laid in dark mortar, trimmed in Silverdale stone which made a harmonious contrast. The roof on the front section was Imperial tile in mingled shades of red. The building had steel window frames with plain glass in all the windows except the chapel, where maze glass was used. The hallways and the main stairs had Terrozzo floors and the eight schoolrooms had oak floors.

The chapel, which seated 480, occupied the second floor. It would later be converted into four more schoolrooms. The building was erected with the idea of eventually being devoted entirely to school purposes. It now, however, had eight schoolrooms, five furnished with the most modern equipment, ready for use in September 1928. The furniture cost $4500.

The trees that were not sacrificed during construction enhanced the beauty of the new school-chapel. New shrubbery that was a gift from the Mt. Hope nursery added a note of distinction to the handsome building.

Furnishing the Temporary Chapel

During the early part of 1928, there was a big rush to furnish the temporary chapel that occupied the second floor of the school. The goal of parishioners was to celebrate their first Masses in the new chapel on Easter Sunday.

The altars, pews and sanctuary rails were furnished through the Dubuque Altar Manufacturing Company. They were spurlos versunct during the depression of the early 1930’s. Chapel furnishings, vestments, altar, sacred vessels, and all other equipment for a church were ordered for a cost of $2000.

The men of the parish cooperated generously. C. L. Bauer, the faithful building superintendent, built the cabinet for the altar boys’ vestments and I. P. Mans built the vestment case for the priests’ sacristy. Other articles came from the Altar Society and from donations of many individuals.

April 8, 1928: First Mass in Temporary Chapel

On Easter Sunday, April 8, 1928, the congregation worshiped in their own chapel on the second floor of the school.

May 6, 1928: New Chapel Dedicated

On May 6, 1928, Bishop August J. Schwertner dedicated the new chapel. More than 500 people attended the service. A procession formed at the Bishop's house and extended to the new building. The walls, both inside and out, were blessed and sprinkled with holy water. A crucifix was placed in each schoolroom. In the services following, Father Francis J. Morrell said High Mass. Reverend Fulgence Meyer, O.F.M. delivered the sermon. He also conducted a week's mission at the church that began Sunday evening. Mass was also held at 6 and 8 o'clock in the morning with rosary, sermon and benediction at 7:30 o'clock in the evening.

September 1928: School Opens with First Kindergarten Class in the Diocese of Wichita

The school opened in September 1928 with five teachers from the Sisters of Saint Joseph and approximately 150 students. It included a kindergarten class, the first one in the Diocese of Wichita.

Bishop Schwertner and Reverend T. J. O'Sullivan appointed the Sisters of Saint Joseph to take charge as the teaching staff. It was their dedication to Catholic formation, hard work, and academic discipline that established the historic tradition at Blessed Sacrament School. Together, the Sisters of St. Joseph and Reverend T. J. O'Sullivan built a system where discipline, serious learning and high expectations were placed on every student.

Debts and Expenses

Keeping up with debt payments and expenses was a major feat in the years that followed. Depression in the early thirties was difficult for the new parish. They did not make bond payments from regular income for two or three years, but were forced to borrow money from individuals to meet this obligation. Good times returned in the mid- 1930's and the church resumed debt payments.

1932: New Convent for the Sisters of St. Joseph Who Teach at Blessed Sacrament School

In 1932, Bishop Schwertner moved from the Episcopal residence (shown previously) at 3800 East Douglas, home of the Bishops of Wichita from 1900 to 1932, to a home at 345 North Belmont. The former residence became the new convent for the Sisters of St. Joseph who taught at Blessed Sacrament School. The sisters lived in this house for sixteen years, from 1932 to 1948.

1940: Construction of A New Temporary Chapel

The school grew rapidly and in 1938 and 1939 it was overcrowded. The parish had just come through a serious depression and they still owed a debt of $60,000 on the school. Faced with the question of what to do about the crowding, the parishioners decided to build another temporary chapel and give the school to the school children.

Reverend T. J. O'Sullivan announced that bids for the construction of the new chapel would be let on Monday, February 26, 1940 at 7:30 in the evening. Lorentz Schmidt of Wichita was the architect. He also drew the plans for the school-chapel when it was built in 1927. The contractor was Soderberg Construction Company.

Helping Reverend O'Sullivan to carry the building and finance the load were church committee members Judge Wm. Jochems, A. M. Weinschenk, H. A. Funke, and J. Arch Lewis, and members of the specially appointed finance committee Willard Quinn, F. J. Larcher, and Emmet Blaes.

Construction began in March 1940. The cost was $75,000. Money was raised through a popular donations’ drive throughout the parish and it was paid for within the year. When the chapel was completed, Blessed Sacrament Parish represented an investment of approximately $300,000.

The new chapel was designed to eventually be a parish community building, gymnasium, and auditorium. The present chapel that occupied the second floor of the school would be converted into classrooms to accommodate the overflow of pupils. Later, when the parish would build a new church, the new chapel would be used as a gymnasium. The new building enabled the parish to keep ahead of parish growth during World War II and the influx of new people.

The chapel was completed in August 1940. Originally, the new chapel was to face west on Roosevelt, but under later plans it was built to face east on Quentin Street. The outside measurements were 141 feet by 50 feet. It was a one-story building with a basement made of brick and stone to match the school.

The new chapel, which seated 60 persons, contained the city’s most beautiful chapel and chancel, with dimensions of 54 feet by 92 feet. The walls of the chapel were unglazed cream tile above a light buff glazed tile wainscoting trimmed in glazed dark brown base and cap. It had large windows, the first of their kind installed in a Wichita building, manufactured by the Libby Owens Glass Co. of Pennsylvania. The windows were made of two panes of double strength spun glass in between the equal of any 2-inch insulation known. The chapel was also well insulated and air-conditioned, and it was connected to the school by a closed hall.

The basement was designed to be the community hall with a large, fully equipped kitchen that could serve about 350 people at a time. It also contained a Boy Scout room, a Girl Scout room and cloakrooms.

August 15, 1940: First Mass in the New Chapel

On August 15, 1940, on the Feast of the Assumption, parishioners celebrated their first Mass in their new chapel. It would be their church for the next twelve years. Reverend T. J. O'Sullivan said the first and second Masses at 6:30 and 8 o'clock. Father S. A. Reif, assistant pastor, celebrated the 9:30 and 11:30 Masses.

Father Justin Nirmaier, O.F.M., Franciscan pastor of St. Anthony's parish, erected the stations in the new chapel Thursday afternoon at 4 o'clock. Benediction with the Most Blessed Sacrament followed and Reverend T. J. O'Sullivan erected the stations of Our Sorrowful Mother for a novena.

Later that day, the parish sponsored an ice cream social on the parish grounds. They raised more than $500.00 from the event.

September 8, 1940: Bishop Winkelmann Dedicates New Chapel

On September 8, 1940, Bishop Christian H. Winkelmann, assisted by pastor Reverend T. J. O'Sullivan and other clergy, dedicated the new chapel and the new classrooms on the second floor of the school. A procession of Bishop, clergy and Mass servers began at the rectory to the front of the chapel. The people stood in deep ranks during the dedication ceremony. A Solemn Mass was celebrated in the new chapel after the dedication.

First Temporary Chapel in School Built into Schoolrooms

When the new building became the second temporary chapel, part of the space allocated for the first temporary chapel was converted into two more schoolrooms. The remainder of the space was used as a temporary gym.

In 1946, school attendance increased and the gym space was then converted into two more schoolrooms. The school now had twelve schoolrooms. That left only the sanctuary space from the first temporary chapel. In the summer of 1954, that space was converted to the kindergarten room.

1944: Parish Debt Cleared

In 1944, parish debt was paid in full. It was a joyful time and the parish celebrated that November with a novena of thanksgiving by Father J. Luke Carroll (Fr. Carroll had been an altar boy for Rev. O'Sullivan in Great Bend, Kansas).

1946–1950: Parish Grows and New Parishes Established

The parish grew rapidly during the war. The twelve schoolrooms were again overcrowded. From 1946 through 1950 the Bishop established three new parishes: 1946 - All Saints Parish, 1948 - Holy Savior Parish, and 1950 - St. Mary Magdalene Parish. All three parishes were formed from territory that had been in the Blessed Sacrament Parish. The growth of Wichita during these years was phenomenal.

1946: New Parish Boundaries

New boundaries were established for the parish: on the north, the Frisco tracks and Ninth Street, on the east, Pinecrest Street, on the south, Gilbert Avenue, and on the west, Hydraulic Avenue to Kellogg Avenue - Kellogg Avenue to Green Street, and on the west again by Green Street to the Frisco tracks.

December 1948: New Convent Purchased for Teaching Sisters

Construction of the new church was looming on the horizon. Another residence had to be found for the 12 Sisters of St. Joseph who taught at the school. In 1948, after all the debts were paid off, the parish purchased the beautiful home of Mrs. Dockum of Dockum Drug at 124 north Roosevelt (north of the Episcopal residence) for $25,000. (Today, this is our rectory.) A number of alterations were made in the residence to make it suitable for the sisters. In August 1949, the sisters moved into their new convent and lived there for the next nine years (1949-1958).

The house was a modern, three-story, 12-room brick residence that was originally built at a cost of $60,000 when construction was cheap. It is interesting to note that years before, Bishop Hennessy cut 20 feet off the Episcopal property and sold it to Dockum so that he might have enough property on which to build the spacious residence.

April 1951: Construction of a New and Permanent Church

During the winter of 1949, a salvage company tore down the historic old Episcopal residence at 3800 East Douglas, and the property was planned as the site for a new and permanent church. The parish saved considerable money as a building fund, and the contract for the new church was signed in the spring of 1951. During that same year, the parish conducted a campaign to raise additional funds to build the church.

Members of the church committee were Harry A. Funke, Kenneth Blanpied, Frank J. Larcher, and Jim Lewis. Members of the special building committee for the new church were Emmet Blaes, O. J. Sanders, and Joe A. Aylward.

Construction for the church began in April 1951. The architect was Lorentz Schmidt of the firm Schmidt, McVey, and Peddie. Mr. Schmidt was also the architect for the other buildings erected by the parish. The contractors were Dondlinger and Sons Construction of Wichita. The approximate cost was $480,000.

The new church was the fourth place where the Mass has been offered for the parish: Mount St. Mary's convent, the second floor of the school, the school gym/auditorium, and now, the new and permanent church.

October 21, 1951: Clergy and Laity Hold Cornerstone Rites for New Church

On Sunday afternoon, October 21, 1951, Bishop Mark K. Carroll conducted the cornerstone laying ceremony and blessing that was the prelude to the dedication of the new church. Assisting the Bishop was Reverend T. J. O'Sullivan and Monsignor Ignatius Farrell. Monsignor George Herrman of Newton led in the chanting of the Litany of the Saints. Other clergy present included Monsignor Leon McNeill, Fathers Michael Murphy, Victor Bieberle, and James Wilson of Blessed Sacrament parish; and Fathers Joseph Fischer, Raymond Schmidt, Nicholas Cody, George Schmidt, Frank Hayden, Michael Blackledge, Michael Garahy, Damian Sander, O.F.M.; Peter Sattler, C.SS.R.; Edward McCarthy, C.P.P.S.; and Major Joseph Casey, chaplain of the Wichita army air base.

Twelve Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus, wearing their full-dress regalia, acted as an honor guard to the Bishop and his assisting prelates. They were led by knights carrying the Papal and the American flags. Adding color to the assembly were large groups of Camp Fire girls, Brownies, and Blue Birds; all aspirant Girl Scouts; Girl Scouts; Boy Scouts; clubs and aspirant Boy Scouts. All were dressed in the regalia of their respective rank and a banner carrier led each group. Some 30 sisters representing the religious houses in Wichita also were present at the ceremony.

Following the blessing of the cornerstone, the clergy and people went to the Blessed Sacrament chapel, where Bishop Carroll preached the sermon and gave Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. Following Benediction, the Bishop and the visiting clergy were the guests of Reverend T. J. O'Sullivan at a Dutch lunch in the rectory.

July 20, 1952: Dedication of the Church of the Blessed Sacrament

On Sunday, July 20, 1952 at 9:30 A.M. a Solemn Pontifical Mass marked the silver jubilee of the Blessed Sacrament Parish, the silver jubilee of its first and only pastor, Reverend Timothy J. O'Sullivan, and the dedication of the new Blessed Sacrament Church. Bishop Mark K. Carroll, who officiated at the blessing before Mass, was the celebrant of the Pontifical Mass; Father Peter Sattler, C.SS.R. was assistant priest; Father Nicholas Cody, first assistant at Blessed Sacrament parish, was assistant deacon; Father Joseph Fisher was assistant deacon; Father John Bryde and Father Robert Llanpied, native sons of Blessed Sacrament parish, were deacon and subdeacon; and Monsignor I. J. Strecker and Charles Steimel were masters of ceremonies. Reverend T. J. O'Sullivan assisted in the sanctuary.

A 31-member choir, under direction of Leonard Weilert, sang at the Mass. Mrs. Lucia Wedel played the new $14,000 Kilgen pipe organ. The church was filled with laity, sisters, and clergy. Present among the sisters were a large number of the Sisters of St. Joseph who served the parish for its 25 years. Notable among them was Sister Isidore, who spent 22 of the 25 years as the school’s principal and eighth grade teacher.

At noon, the women and girls of the parish served a banquet to the committees and officers of the parish, priests, sisters, and several hundred guests.

In the evening there was a Solemn Vespers and a sermon by Monsignor Stephen A. Leven of Enid, Oklahoma on the subject "This Catholic Faith of Ours."

Church of the Blessed Sacrament, July 1952

The following is a description of the new church from The Advance-Register, July 18, 1952, by Rev. Michael J. Lies.

The new church is 158 feet long, architecturally designed along conservative lines with walls rising 30 feet plus on the side and hiding a flat roof. The front stands out with a huge Bedford stone façade that covers practically the whole front. The façade is surrounded by a white stone Celtic cross. Three double doors at the foot of the façade give a spacious entry. At the left is an 80-foot brick tower, surmounted by a 24-foot bronze cross. The exterior walls of the church are of red variegated brick, trimmed in white stone.

The altar is the gem of the building. The interior lines and fixtures lead the attention to the altar where a combination of Portora, Bottocini, and French red marble form the altar and backdrop of the altar, with a gold tabernacle and a large carved wood crucifix. The altar was consecrated on July 12.

The two side altars, composed of the same marble combinations as the main altar, contain a statue of the Blessed Mother on the Gospel side and a statue of St. Joseph on the Epistle side. Also, in two alcoves at either side of the church, towards the front, is the Sacred Heart statue on the left, and the Sorrowful Mother statue on the right. The statues are of Carrara marble and were made in the famous Moroder studios of the Tyrol country, Italy.. The statue of the Sorrowful Mother, which is modeled after the classic Sorrowful Mother Moroder statue, is surrounded by Stations of the Sorrowful Mother that are of carved lindenwood, also from the Moroder studios.

The ceiling, in white finish, rises to 28 feet, with the walls of cream-colored brick rising to the full height of the ceiling. Five elongated windows are placed in the upper half of the walls, with the bottom half featured by "Stations of the Holy Face," carved lindenwood stations from the Moroder studios, showing only the face of Christ and a small wooden cross, symbolizing the action of the station by the position and expression of the Sacred Face.

The aisleways and front and rear of the church are floored with terraza. The sanctuary has a buff rubbertile, matching the Botticini marble.

The dark oak pews from the Blessed Sacrament chapel were transferred to the new church. They seat 700 people. In the rear of the church is an ushers’ room, a library room, confessionals, and a baptistery containing a font of French red marble. A bronze grille separates the baptistry from the main body of the church.

A spacious mothers’ room is to the left of the sanctuary with a special set of vertical blinds to cut off the view from the church.

The choir has a new $14,000 Kilgen pipe organ. There are 38 permanent seats for choir members and several pews for guests.

Underneath the church is a full basement, which, in the future plans of the parish, may be used for religious services. The front of the basement has a heating unit, a candle room, and parish laundry.

A tunnel runs from the northeast corner of the church basement to the basement of the auditorium that was formerly used as the church. This tunnel joins the church and its basement with the school, dining room, and auditorium/gymnasium. The future plans of the gymnasium call for the addition of baths and locker rooms.

A complete set of art windows has been ordered, but has not arrived in time for the dedication. The Art Glass windows were installed in 1953. Those on the Epistle and Gospel sides of the Church picture twelve parables told by our Lord. In the front façade is the Last Supper window. The symbols over the front doors portray the twelve Apostles and the Baptistry window speaks of the Sacrament of Baptism. They were manufactured and installed by Jacoby Art Glass Company of St. Louis, Mo.

The entire furnishings of the church cost $27,228 and were nearly all donated. The following people made generous donations: Main Altar: Mrs. T. J. McDonald; Tabernacle: Mrs. L. S. Roberts; Canopy: Mrs. Marie Melcher; Sanctuary Lamps: Ray Tack and Mrs. Mack Harrell; Candlesticks: Miss Lucile Cunningham, Mrs. David McGonigle, and Miss Leona Schroll.

December 31, 1957: Death of Reverend T. J. O'Sullivan

Reverend T. J. O'Sullivan died on Tuesday morning, December 31, 1957, at the Blessed Sacrament rectory. He had been incapacitated for two years following a stroke he suffered on November 15, 1955. He was the second native son to become a priest of the Diocese of Wichita. He built the parish from humble beginnings to one of the largest in the diocese. The beautiful parish plant was a monument to his zeal. Reverend T. J. O'Sullivan celebrated his silver jubilee as a priest July 4, 1930; in the Blessed Sacrament parish, his silver jubilee as pastor of the parish July 10, 1952; and his golden sacerdotal jubilee on June 2, 1955.

September 1958: New Convent for Teaching Sisters

Construction of a new convent for the sisters began in September 1957. The new convent, located at 3800 East Douglas between south fronts of the church and school, was a two story institutional type structure with variegated red brick facing to match the church and school. Feagins, Kirsch, & Feagins of Wichita designed the edifice, and Dondlinger Construction Company of Wichita constructed the building. The convent was built to house 18 sisters, which would be a full staff for the school, although several lay teachers were also employed. The school’s enrollment was approximately 708 students.

The ground floor of the convent had a chapel, community room, dining room, kitchen, an apartment for a housekeeper, a reception room, and another room that could be used for a music room or private instruction room. There were 16 sleeping rooms on the second floor. The cost was approximately $117,991.00.

The sisters occupied the convent in May 1958. Bishop Mark K. Carroll officiated the dedication ceremony on July 6, 1958.

May 1958: Former Convent Renovated as Rectory

The former convent at 124 North Roosevelt was renovated for the parish priests to use as a rectory (our current rectory today). Three offices were constructed on the former back porch. A partition was put in the large front room to make one part of it a reception room and keep the other for a living room. A three-car garage was also added.

The old rectory across the street at 3821 East Douglas was torn down. This property and the adjoining property were made into a parking lot for the parish.

1977: Installation of Elevator in the Church

An elevator was installed in the west entry of the church leading into the church basement, (called Bishop's Hall). The project cost approximately $26,000. The Women's Altar Society and the Men's Club, as well as contributions from individuals and families funded the cost of the elevator.

Other Renovations

1977:: The organ was repaired and the choir loft was renovated.
1978:: Convent and Gym restoration, new Learning Center, Glynn Building, new parking lot, and rectory improvements
1979:: Church roof replaced
1980 to 1981:: Church and sanctuary renovation; energy saving school improvements including thermal pane windows, ceiling fans, and classroom thermostatic controls.
1982:: New insulated roofs for the gym and school.

1983: First Perpetual Adoration Program in the Wichita Diocese

On September 29, 1983, Blessed Sacrament Parish began their Perpetual Adoration program, the first in the diocese of Wichita. Perpetual Adoration is a continual Eucharistic Adoration of Christ, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.. Parishioners voiced a need for this program during one of the church’s Parish Renewal weekends back in 1983. Father Victor Bieberle, pastor at that time, acted upon this need and recruited Father Martin Lucia SS. CC. of Boston, Director of the Apostolate for Perpetual Adoration to come and speak about Perpetual Adoration at the parish Masses. Father Lucia is with a group of priest who promote Eucharistic adoration worldwide. Receiving an enthusiastic response, Father Lucia and Father Bieberle set about starting the program in Blessed Sacrament parish. After a month of planning and scheduling, the opening celebration of the program was held on September 29 on the Feast of the Archangels. Parishioners chose a specific day and hour to come and pray before the Blessed Sacrament. Exposition was originally held in the main church while a side chapel, located in the northeast corner of the church, adjacent to the sanctuary, was being enlarged and renovated. On November 3, 1983 the monstrance was moved in a special ceremony to its new Perpetual Adoration Chapel, its existing place of honor today.

In 1987 when Father Bieberle was transferred to Holy Cross parish in Hutchinson, Kansas, Father Ivan Eck was appointed as pastor of Blessed Sacrament. He saw the great spirituality of the program and gave it his full support.

Our 24-hour Perpetual Adoration Chapel has been continuous since its inception with over 400 participating parishioners. The success of it is due chiefly to the dedication of the faithful parishioners who participate in it. God has blessed our parish in so many ways and has helped us to grow and to influence many other parishes and groups to start their own adoration program.

Parishioner Beverly Kuhlenkamp wrote the following poem during one of her adoration hours.

My Hour With Jesus

I spend one hour with my Lord,
The best way I know how.
I spend one hour with My Lord,
The shortest time I know.
For time with Him is endless.
His love it has no end.
This hour I spend with Him is best.
The hour I'm with my friend.
My Lord, My God.

The Perpetual Adoration Chapel is located on the northeast side of the church, adjacent to the sanctuary. The Blessed Sacrament is exposed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

1984: Blessed Sacrament School Endowment Fund Established

In 1984, Father Victor Bieberle, pastor, founded the Blessed Sacrament Endowment Fund to provide financial assistance for the operation of the parish school. Benefactor donations and bequests in wills are deposited and held in a capital account under the operations of the Diocesan Endowment Fund. Each year, the dividend and interest income from this capital account is donated to the school.

1997: First Capital Campaign Fund Since 1952

In 1997, Blessed Sacrament Parish began a capital campaign to raise $4 million for renovation and modernization of the church and school facilities. The Campaign for Blessed Sacrament Parish was the first campaign undertaken since the church was built in 1952.

The Parish and Finance Councils identified a master plan for two major improvement phases over the next five years. Phase I would renovate the existing school and the kitchen in Bishop's Hall. Phase II would build new classrooms, a gymnasium, and provide better and more adequate office space for the priests at Blessed Sacrament.

The parish organized funding for the campaign through the Blessed Sacrament Endowment Fund to include gifts of cash, pledges, electronic funds transfer, securities, planned donor gifts, matching gifts through employers, corporate and foundation support, and an alumni giving program.

September 1998: Phase I of Capital Campaign Fund Completed

Phase I of Blessed Sacrament's Capital Campaign Fund was completed in September 1998. Renovations included a new parish kitchen in Bishop's Hall; a new school administrative office; a new multipurpose room; disabled access with elevator installations through the entire school; a new multi media library with three computer stations; a new technology/research lab with 16 computer stations and a large projector screen; conversion of the former school library into classroom and restrooms; and new restrooms in the middle school.

The cost was approximately $1.25 million with a new building of approximately 13,000 square feet.

On September 6, 1998, Bishop Eugene J. Gerber blessed the new additions of Blessed Sacrament School. Monsignor John P. Gilsenan, pastor, assisted the Bishop. Immediately after the blessing, the Bishop, Monsignor Gilsenan, Mr. Jim Grogan, principal, and the parishioners held a celebration in Bishop's Hall.

Phase II of Capital Campaign Fund Completed

Renovations included new administrative offices, gymasium with elevated indoor track, increased parking and extensive landscaping.

September 22, 2002: 75th Anniversary of the Founding of Blessed Sacrament Parish and the Dedication of Phase II of the Capital Campaign

On a perfect fall day, with bright sunlight streaming through the stunning stained glass windows, Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted celebrated Mass assisted by 13 other priests, many of whom had served the parish as pastor or associate pastor.

Following the 11:30 a.m. Mass, clergy, parishioners and guests adjourned to the new gym for a buffet dinner. The Youth Choir entertained over 1,000 as they enjoyed their meal.

Self-guided tours through the old and new facilities followed. Chamber music was featured before the blessing and dedication of Phase II of the Capital Campaign at 2:30 p.m. The participants in the ceremony included our pastor, Monsignor John Gilsenan; Bishop Emeritus Eugene Gerber (a former pastor); architect, Brett Prather, and Building Committee co-chair, Jerry Aaron. Dan Hickerson served as master of ceremonies.

Monsignor Gilsenan noted in a special letter to parishioners and guests that was printed in the church bulletin:

“TODAY WE CELEBRATE THE DIAMOND JUBILEE OF WHAT WAS BEGUN by the community on July 1, 1927. That community has now expanded into six new parishes including All Saints (1946), Holy Savior (1948), Church of the Magdalen (1950), St. Vincent de Paul, Andover (1955); St. Thomas Aquinas (1957); and Church of the Resurrection (1965). Former parishioners from those parishes join us in celebration what Father O’Sullivan and his friends began.”

Introduction

Our Pastors