St. Lawrence Parish, Monett, MO

History

Early beginnings of a Catholic community in Monett can be traced to 1887. Irish, German, Italian, and French immigrants arranged for the pastor of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Pierce City to celebrate Mass in homes. The establishment of Monett as a main divisional railhead of the St. Louis-San Francisco Railroad (The Frisco) brought a mass influx of predominantly Irish Catholic trainmen with their families as permanent residents. Construction of a single-story, wood-frame Catholic Church began in 1891.

Bishop John J. Hogan of Kansas City dedicated the little church in 1893. With the assistance of the pastors in Sarcoxie Prairie and Pierce City, Mass was celebrated twice a month.

Construction of what was then called St. Joseph’s Catholic School began in 1895. It was staffed by the Sisters of St. Joseph, Concordia, KS. Rapid growth in the community caused a need for a larger church. Construction began in 1908 and the dedication took place in 1910. The parish grew, as did the enrollment for the school. A high school was dreamed about, but never built. In 1951, a fire destroyed the church, but it was rebuilt in 1952 in a simpler, modern, 1950s style.

After 75 years, the teaching ministry of the Sisters of St. Joseph ended in 1969, as did the name of the school. However, St. Lawrence School, as it is known today, remains open with a faculty of lay teachers.

A rapid increase in the Spanish-speaking population has added another dimension to the parish that welcomes change and celebrates diversity.

Parish related

For current parish Mass times and other activities and events click HERE. Or, call the parish office.

GPS coordinates: N36° 55.418’, W093° 55.246’ (click here for map)

St. Lawrence School
407 Seventh St., Monett, MO 65708-2051

Principal: Mark Keaton, [email protected]
Phone: (417) 235-3721, Fax: (417) 235-3721