History of St. Francis of Assisi Parish

St. Francis Parish was founded in 1882 in response to the growing number of Catholics living in the newly established railroad town of Humphrey. Prior to that, local Catholics had to travel to St. Mary Parish, which became increasingly difficult, especially in bad weather. After two petitions and a significant increase in school enrollment from Humphrey children, permission was granted to build a new parish. Fr. Theodore Arentz, O.F.M., pastor of St. Mary, announced on October 1, 1882, that construction would begin.

The original frame church measured 32 by 64 feet with a 64-foot steeple and was dedicated on July 10, 1883. It was expanded shortly after due to growth, and by 1888, the parish served 180 families. Plans for a larger Romanesque-style church were approved, and in 1894 the present church was constructed on the original site. The new structure measured 64 by 172 feet, with a steeple rising 172 feet—one of the tallest in Nebraska—and had seating for 800 people. A town clock was added to the steeple in 1899 at the request of Humphrey residents.

Over the years, the church has endured multiple lightning strikes (1945, 1962, 1968, 1971, and 1984), causing damage to the steeple, clock, bells, sound system, and wiring. Each time, repairs were completed, often with parishioner support and insurance assistance. Significant repairs included a full steeple rebuild in 1963, a new steel A-frame support in 1977, and tuckpointing and window restoration in 2005–2006. Despite these challenges, the parish maintained its role as a vibrant center of worship and community.

Inside, the church has seen continuous care and beautification. William Kloer of St. Louis painted the original interior in 1894, and heating was installed in 1897. Electric lighting was added in 1901, and over time, new pews, confessionals, a pulpit, stained glass windows, and an organ were installed. Major redecorations occurred in 1924, 1959, 1981, and most recently in 2008, when the interior was repainted, new carpet and doors were added, and pews were refinished. Statues, ceiling fans, and modern lighting were also added or restored in various phases. A statue of St. Peregrine was added in 2009.

The parish hall, located in the church basement, has also been a vital part of parish life. First used in 1897 for winter Masses due to lack of heating upstairs, it was later remodeled into a full parish hall in 1966–1967 with donated labor and materials. Updates continued over the decades, including a new kitchen, bathrooms, and entrance. A major renovation took place in 2011, with a new cement floor, ventilation system, heating upgrades, insulation, and restored stained glass windows. Volunteers contributed greatly to completing the project.

Today, St. Francis Parish stands as a testimony to the enduring faith, hard work, and generosity of generations of parishioners. With its soaring steeple, beautifully maintained church, and active parish life, it continues to serve the spiritual and communal needs of the people of Humphrey and beyond.

1977 – Tower repairs and steel A-frame support added.

1978 – Storm windows and painting completed.

1980 – Front entrance enclosed; stained glass added.

1981 – Church renovated; communion rail removed, new sanctuary furniture made.

1984 – Lightning strikes church and friary.

1996 – Air conditioning added.

2000 – Kneelers recovered.

2005 – Major tuckpointing and steeple repair.

2006 – Steel roof installed.

2008 – Interior repainted, pews revarnished, new carpet laid.

2009 – St. Peregrine statue installed.

2011 – Parish hall fully renovated with cement floor, HVAC, windows, and bathrooms.