History
St. Mary
Through the efforts of Msgr. James Guillot the Church of St. Mary in Cottonwood was incorporated May 28, 1902. Trustees were appointed and a building committee was formed, but additional plans did not progress as was anticipated, due to limited membership. St. Mary existed in name only for the first 50 years.
An influx of Catholics after World War II prompted a renewal of plans to organize a parish. Fr. Adalbert Cepress was appointed St. Mary's first resident pastor in 1952 and the first mass was held July 5 in the American Legion Hall. Land for a church was purchased in 1953 as well as a residence, which served as the rectory until 1967. Church membership stood at 65 in 1955, increased to 123 in 1976, and currently stands at nearly 200 families.
Having outgrown the existing worship space, plans began in 1999 to remodel and expand the worship area, which included a new sanctuary area, new pews, stained glass windows, and handicap accessibility. The project was completed in 2002.