Our History

Early Settlers. The First Church.

The first Catholic settlers in the territory of the present St. Francis Congregation of Aviston were emigrants from Northern Germany, Hanover, Westphalia, and Oldenburg. Among them were Bernard Huelsmann (1839), Diederich Overbeck (1841), Herman Henry Markus, Gerhard Feldmann (1848), Bernard Wempe, Henry Stroot, Henry Merscher, Herman Robbe, Carle Stuever (1849). They engaged in farming and by hard and persevering labor and by the practice of rigid economy converted the wild and weedy prairies of the region into rich and fertile farms. Their parish church was at Hanover (now Germantown); their Post Office was Aviston, located on the old State Route about one mile North of the present village of Aviston.

When the Ohio and Mississippi (now B. & O.) Railroad was built through this territory in 1854, a station was located here through the influence and efforts of Mr. Samuel Hull, and called Hull Station. Some time later, because the mail was now transported by rail, the Post Office was moved to Hull Station, and the small hamlet became known as Aviston, after the name of the Post Office, and was later incorporated as “The Village of Aviston.”

In the early 60’s the number of Catholic families had increased to such an extent that a movement for the erection of a church and the organization of a new parish was general. At a meeting of the Catholics held in the depot building in the Spring of 1864 it was decided to seek the sanction of the Bishop for the formation of the new parish. A heated discussion of the question whether to build the church on the north or sough side of the tracks was finally settled by the generous offer of Samuel Hull, not a Catholic himself, to donate blocks 20, 21, and 28 on the south side, together with a cash contribution of one hundred dollars, provided the church would be built on one of those blocks. On an appointed day, Bishop Henry Damian Juncker, of Alton, came to Aviston accompanied by Father A. Reinecke, of Breese, and celebrated the first Holy Mass on Aviston Territory in a private residence. The house, which has since been replaced by a new building, was the first house north of the tracks on the west side of the west crossing. After the services the Bishop inspected the property of the proposed congregation, and decided that the church should be built on block 28.



Encouraged by their Bishop, the doughty pioneers, without the assistance of a priest, began to build their church in the Spring of 1864. A brick structure 80 by 50 feet was erected by Gerhard Rolfmeyer and Henry Dillmann, local contractors at a cost of $11,741.25. Owing to many difficulties caused by outside interference, lack of pastoral leadership, and shortage of labor, due to the war, the building was not completed until September, 1865. Mr. Rolfmeyer, one of the contractors, while engaged at work in the construction of the church, slipped and fell from a height of fifty feet, and died a few hours later. When the church was completed, Bishop Juncker appointed the Rev. Henry Boecker as Pastor of Aviston and Trenton. He arrived at Aviston, October 2, 1865, blessed the church, and celebrated the first High Mass on October 4, 1865, the first patron feast of the new parish. The records of the church date from that time.

Rev. Henry Boecker, First Pastor 1865-1875

Rev. Henry Boecker was born at Wessum, Westphalia (Germany), July 12, 1827. After his ordination in Cincinnati, Ohio, April 17, 1858, he labored in the missions of Mercer County, Ohio, for seven years. Following the invitation of Bishop H. D. Juncker, D.D. he came to Alton, October 1, 1865, and took charge of Aviston the following day, where he labor zealously and successfully until his death January 18, 1875. When Father Boecker came to Aviston, he found a newly-built church, but there were no vestments, altar linens, sacred vessels or other things required for Divine Services. On the occasion of the first Mass in the church he appealed for donations, and the sum of $678.00 was realized with which to purchase the necessary equipment. Other generous gifts followed soon after, so that in a year’s time the church was completely furbished; even a pipe organ was installed at a cost of $1,600.00. When Father Boecker took charge of Aviston, the parish had an indebtedness of $7,000.00 and a membership of 70 families.

The Rectory

During the first six months of his pastorate, Father Boecker resided at Trenton, but as soon as work on the rectory at Aviston began in May, 1866, he transferred his residence there, and thereafter said Mass at Trenton every other Sunday, until Trenton received a resident Pastor in 1868.
The rectory, a two-story brick building with four rooms on each floor, was built by Henry Dillmann in 1866 at a cost of $2,571.00. This same building served as a rectory until the new one was built in 1949.

The First School

The first school of St. Francis parish was a small frame building, the property of the Public School District. When the parish was organized, the territory of the congregation contained two Public School Districts known as District No. 1 and District No. 2, Sugar Creek Township. Since the families living in District No. 2 (South of Aviston) were almost exclusively Catholic, in order to facilitate the religious instruction of the children, the school house of that District was moved to the village of Aviston in 1866 and placed on the church grounds. Two years later this building was replaced by a two-room brick structure erected by the parish for the sum of $1,395.00. Father Boecker then urged the families living in District No. 1 (north of Aviston) to send their children also to the school of District No. 2 standing on church property, so that they might be able to attend religious instruction, which they did.

In consequence only a few non-catholic children remained to attend the school of District No. 1, and as these all lived in the Eastern part of the District close to the Lake Branch School in Breese Township, the directors decided not to hire a teacher, and to let those children attend either the Lake School or the school in Aviston. For several years the school of District No. 1 stood vacant, until in 1878 the two Districts were consolidated. In this manner the system of tax-supported schools, which exists in Aviston to this time, originated. In 1870 the parish built a four-room residence for the teacher and organist for $1,331.00 and two years later another room was added to the school.

Father Boecker’s Last Days and Death. Rev. L. Quitter, Administrator

The labors, cares and sacrifices of the pioneer years at Aviston, aggravated by the small-pox and cholera epidemics of 1872 and 1873, and taxed the health and strength of Father Boecker to the utmost. Bishop P.J. Baltes, D.D., successor to Bishop Juncker since the latter’s death, October 2, 1868, sent him an Assistant in the person of Rev. Longinus Quitter, November 23, 1874. However, his condition continued to grow worse through complications and he died January 18, 1875, and was buried in St. Francis Cemetery. In his last will, Father Boecker bequeathed to St. Francis Congregation his entire estate, which, however, amounted to less than $300.00.



Father Quitter, the Assistant, was appointed Administrator of the parish after the death of Father Boecker, but, through misunderstandings and disagreements with certain members of the parish, he became involved in unpleasant difficulties and he resigned September 27, 1875. For six months thereafter the parish was left without a Pastor. Holy Mass was celebrated only on Sundays by Father Still, Assistant to Father Bartels of Germantown. For sick-calls, Baptisms and other pastoral functions during the week the neighboring priests at Breese and Trenton were called in. Dissatisfied and discouraged, the parish broke up into factions, one blaming the other for existing conditions. Church support fell off, so that the parish not only defaulted on interest payments, but could not even pay current expenses, such as the weekly services of the assistant from Germantown. Under these conditions the appointment of the Rev. Frederick Lohmann as the second Pastor of Aviston in the Spring of 1876 was most fortunate, for he possessed the characteristics of firmness, of personal piety and zeal tempered with patience and prudence, which enabled him to reconcile the discordant elements and to cause the parish to flourish, both spiritually and materially.

Rev. Fred Lohmann, Pastor 1876-1917

Rev. Fred Lohmann was born at Drensteinfurt, Westphalia, April 24, 1842. He was ordained for the Diocese of Alton at the American College in Rome, May 8, 1869. After serving a y ear as Assistant at the Cathedral in Alton he was appointed Pastor at Hillsboro, October 8, 1870, where he remained until he came to Aviston, March 23, 1876. At that time the parish numbered 140 families, there were 120 children in school, and the indebtedness of the congregation amounted to $3,700.00.

Within three years the debt was paid, and a chime of four bells (B flat) was purchased for $2,639.00, and solemnly consecrated by Bishop Baltes, September 23, 1879. In 1880, the old school was taken down and a new two-story brick building was constructed by Henry Stoff at a cost of $3,500.00. The following year a large cross of Navoo stone for $225.00 was erected on a high mound in the center of St. Francis Cemetery.

The New Church

The greatest undertaking of Father Lohmann at Aviston was the erection of the new church. As early as 1883, plans and specifications had been drawn by Henry Melcher, architect, of St. Louis, with the approval of the Bishop. According to these plans part of the old church was left standing and remodeled for the sanctuary and sacristies of the new church. To this was added to the west a transept 78 ft. wide, the nave, and a tower 185 ft. high, making the total length of the church 142 ft. Ground was broken on the site of the new church September 19, 1885, and the excavation of the basement, as well as the laying of the foundation, was completed before the end of the year. May 12, 1886, the general contract for the construction work was awarded to Henry Stoff and August Klutho, of Aviston, for their bid of $17,450.00. The total cost for all material, labor, and supervision of the new church amounted to about $42,000.00. The corner-stone laying, September 21, 1886, as well as the dedication of the church, July 6, 1887, were performed by the Very Rev. John Janssen, Administrator of the Alton Diocese after the death of Bishop Baltes, February 15, 1886. Father Janssen was consecrated as the first Bishop of the newly organized Diocese of Belleville, April 25, 1888.

At the close of the year 1887, in which the church was completed, the parish had a debt of $19,000.00. In less than ten years Father Lohmann was able by special collections and with the aid of generous donations and legacies to wipe out the entire debt and expend about $7,000.00 for furnishings, viz. high altar $800.00, side altars $1,284.00, stations of the cross $255.00, pulpit $475.00, statues $600.00, tower clock $725.00, and heating plant $1,800.00.

St. Francis Church was solemnly consecrated by Bishop Janssen October 26, 1892.


Father Lohmann’s 41 years as Pastor at Aviston are a record of continued progress. The buildings and improvements that arose under his management were wisely planned and promptly paid. He had no patience with debts. His last financial report of the parish at the end of the year 1916 showed that the congregation owned over $35,000.00 in bonds and other securities. His zeal in ministering to the spiritual welfare of his flock is reflected to this day in the deep faith and piety of his parishioners. He loved his people, and these in turn were devoted to him to the last, even when the infirmities of old age had weakened his strength and slowed his movements. No doubt one of the happiest events of the evening of his life was the Consecration of the Most Reverend Henry Althoff, D.D. a native son of his parish, as the second Bishop of the Diocese on February 24, 1914. After a short illness, Father Lohmann died, February 10, 1917, and was laid to rest in St. Francis Cemetery at the foot of the massive cross, which had been erected under his direction.

Consecration of the Church – October 26, 1892

Rev. Albin Breinlinger, Pastor 1917-1926

After the death of Father Fred Lohmann, the parish was in charge of the Rev. J.J. Kuhls, as administrator, until the appointment of the Rev. Albin Breinlinger as Pastor. Father Breinlinger was born at Liptingen, Germany, February 29, 1852, and ordained July 25, 1875, at Brixen, Tyrol (Austria). Before coming to Aviston, Father Breinlinger had been Pastor at Millstadt for many years. He arrived at Aviston, April 26, 1917, and was solemnly installed by the Very Rev. John Keim, Dean. At that time the parish buildings, which ad then been standing for thirty and more years, were found to be in need of extensive repairs. In 1917 a new slate roof was placed on the church at a cost of $1,582.00. In 1919 art glass windows were installed by the Emil Frie Studios for $4,900. The same year $4,400.00 was expended for repairing the plastering of the walls and ceiling of the church, wiring the building for electric light, and frescoing the entire interior of the church.

The New School. School Sisters of Notre Dame.

The school had again outgrown its quarters, so in 1921 Father Breinlinger began the construction of the present modern school building, a brick structure with six classrooms on the first floor, a spacious auditorium on the second floor, and a basement under the entire building. In the basement, which serves as a dining room, separate apartments are partitioned off for a boiler room and a kitchen.



The total cost of the school was $54,480.00. The old school building was remodeled as a residence for the school Sisters, because it was at this time that the school, which had until then been taught by lay teachers, was placed in charge of the School Sisters of Notre Dame. The Sisters arrived in Aviston, September 7, 1922, three days after the dedication of the new school.

Henry Gramann, Teacher and Organist

Outstanding among all the lay teachers who taught in St. Francis School during a period of over fifty years is Mr. Henry Gramann. Henry Gramann was born near Germantown, Illinois, March 15, 1857. After finishing his elementary and secondary education he attend the Catholic Normal School at St. Francis, Wisconsin, and graduated there in 1875. For seven years he taught school at Highland, Illinois, and in 1882 he came to Aviston as organist and principal of the school, which positions he held for almost forty years. A man of staunch faith and unfeigned piety, he was always loyal to his Church and devoted to his caling as a Catholic teacher and organist. He organized a men’s choir. Mr. Gramann also took an active interest in Catholic Society circles in Clinton County, and for several years he was Secretary of the Illinois Staatsverband, a federation of German Catholic Societies.

While stationed at Highland, he married Miss Theresa Schepperle, which union was blessed with thirteen children. He died at Aviston, February 2, 1930, and was buried in St. Francis Cemetery after a Pontifical High Mass celebrated by his former pupil, the Most Reverend Henry Althoff, D.D., Bishop of Belleville.

The High School

In 1923, the Aviston Community High School District was organized by a vote of the people residing within the district. Two additional classrooms were arranged on the second floor of the school building for the use of the High School. For twelve years the High School was taught by a male teacher as principal, assisted by one, and later by two Notre Dame Sisters. From 1934 until the opening of Mater Dei High School in Breese, the school was staffed by the School Sisters of Notre Dame and lay teachers.



Father Breinlinger celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of his ordination August 19, 1925, and eight months later he resigned and retired to his private home in Red Bud, Illinois, where he died February 17, 1928. He was buried in the Catholic Cemetery at Red Bud, Illinois.

Rev. James Gillen, Pastor 1926-1932

Reverend James Gillen, the fourth Pastor of St. Francis Church, was born at Heisterberg, Germany, February 23, 1861. He came to this country in 1875, and after completing his studies at St. Francis, Wisconsin, was ordained May 9, 1886. Previous to his appointment as Pastor at Aviston he had been stationed at St. Joseph’s, Cairo, for 22 years. During his pastorate a new $4,000.00 Wicks Pipe Organ was installed in the church and dedicated October 3, 1928. In 1930 a new two-story brick addition to Sacred Heart Hospital was erected.

The Sacred Heart Hospital and Home for the Aged

The history of Sacred Heart Hospital and Home for the Aged dates back to the year 1881, when Henry Merscher advertised his property on Lots 6, 7, and 8 in block 22 for sale. To gain control of the property, on which a saloon was being operated, Father Fred Lohmann purchased it for the sum of $1,830. A year later, in 1882, the building was remodeled for a small hospital, and on the feast of the Sacred Heart of that year the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis from Springfield, Illinois, assumed charge and remained for seven years, until June 20, 1889. On February20, 1891, the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ were engaged to take charge, and they conducted a hospital and home for the aged until 1962, at which time it was closed.

Father Gillen, finding the duties of his office too burdensome for his age, resigned June 13, 1932, but before his resignation could become effective, he took seriously ill Sunday night, June 19, and passed away early the following morning. After a Pontifical Requiem in St. Francis Chruch, June 23, his remains were taken to Carghar, Ohio, for interment.

Rt. Rev. Msgr. George Lohman, Pastor 1932-1958

Rt. Rev. Msgr. George Lohman was born at St. Libory, Illinois, July 25, 1887, and ordained at the Pontificial College Josephinum, Columbus, Ohio, June 17, 1913. For seven years he held positions as Assistant at Sacred Heart, East St. Louis, and at the Cathedral, Belleville. While at Belleville he was also secretary to the Most Reverend Bishop. After a short stay for two years as Pastor at Flora he returned to Belleville as secretary to the Bishop and chaplain at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital.

On August 4, 1924, he was appointed pastor of St. Mary’s, Centralia, where he remained until he came to Aviston June 23, 1932.

During his tenure as pastor of the Aviston parish, his abilities and talents were not confined to the parish alone. In October, 1933, he became a member of the Board of Examiners of the Diocese, and in 1939, Diocesan Consultor and Judge of the Matrimonial Tribunal. He retained these positions until failing health forced his resignation in 1956. In 1940, he was appointed Dean of the Aviston Deanery. He remains in that position even until now. On June 5, 1949, his excellent work in the parish, deanery and diocese was recognized by Pope Pius XII when he was given the rack of Apostolic Prelate with the title of Right Reverend Monsignor.

Monsignor George Lohman was responsible for many material improvements in the Aviston parish during his stay for twenty-six years. One of his first concerns was that of the Sacred Heart Home for the Aged. A new heating system was put in and the entire kitchen department was remodeled with new equipment being installed. Sterilizing equipment and necessary surgical instruments were added. These improvements were made during the years of 1932-36.

In June of 1936, the following church improvements were made: the communion rail was lowered; a hardwood floor was laid in the area occupied by the pews; the rest of the church-floor was covered with Flexo-tile. During 1937 the auditorium on the second floor of the school building was remodeled into quarters for the high school and plans were made for erecting a combination auditorium-gymnasium. The completion of the building was accomplished in March, 1938, at a cost of approximately $15,000.00.

During World War II, all building came to a halt, but a post-war improvement program began during this time. This program included the building of a new rectory which was accomplished in 1949 at a cost of $36,421.82. Other improvements completed during this time included the remodeling of the church sacristies and the tuck pointing and waterproofing of the church. The school was also repaired during this period.

In 1951, the entire church was redecorated at a cost of $10,500.00. In addition, the church was rewired and new lighting fixtures installed. A sound system was added, the kneelers were recushioned and new vestment cases were erected.

In 1952 the tower clock was renovated and modernized. The following year, 1953, a sanitary sewage system was installed.

In February of 1956 a tornado damaged the tower of the church. The top level of brick work had to be dismantled and replaced with new masonry walls. The old spire was replaced with a new steel copper-covered spire and cross about thirty feet in height. The tower clock was also renovated with new Perma-glass clock dials and with aluminum hands. The cost of this work was approximately $30,000.00. In conjunction with this work, in 1957, the bell-system was electrified for automatic ringing of the bells.

Monsignor Lohmann was also interested in civic improvements. In 1935, after the depression had caused widespread unemployment, it was evident that Aviston needed an industry to provide jobs for the local people. A group of local businessmen, together with Msgr. Lohman, persuaded John Huber of St. Louis, to open a shoe factory in Aviston in 1936. Other civic projects that received his whole-hearted support were: the installation of the municipal water supply, forming of the Chamber of Commerce, organization of the Boy Scouts, the laying of the large water main to reduce insurance rates, the widening of the Aviston-Albers road, and the installation of curbing along the church property.

Many vocations blossomed during the pastorate of Msgr. Lohman. During this time the following young men were ordained to the Priesthood: Rev. Paul Holthaus, Rev. Edmund Schumacher, Very Rev. Msgr. Gregory Holtgrave, Rev. Urban Kuhl, Rev. Fred Renschen, and Rev. Harry Schumacher.

The following are the vocations to the Religious life: Sister Mary Paulita, formerly Jane Dall; Sister Marie Paul, formerly Eulalia Holthaus; Sister Mary Karen Rose, formerly Monica Huelsmann; Sister Mary Louis, formerly Mary Markus; Sister Mary Hermaine, formerly Helen Ottensmeier; Sister Mary Margaret, formerly Margie Ottensmeier; Sister Mary Theresta, formerly Marie Peek; Sister Mary Doris, formerly Eugenia Poettker; Sister Mary Clement, formerly Martha Strieker; Sister Mary Leon, formerly Marie Strieker; Sister Mary Theodoretta, formerly Marcella Strubhart; Sister Virginia Marie, formerly Margaret Strubhart; Postulants Carol Markus, Joan Markus; Aspirant Jeanne Goestenkors.

Monsignor Lohman retired from active service in July of 1958.

Rev. Cletus J. Cunningham, Administer 1958 - 1962; Pastor 1962 - 1965

Father Cunningham was born in East St. Louis, July 29, 1918. He attended Central Catholic High School, East St. Louis, St. Henry’s Seminary, Belleville, and St. Mary of the Lake, Mundelein, Illinois. Ordained by Bishop Althoff on February 24, 1946, he returned to St. Mary of the Lake to obtain the Licentiate of Sacred Theology. He served as assistant at St. Andrews, Murphysboro, Blessed Sacrament, Belleville, and St. Joseph’s, East St. Louis. In August of 1952 he was transferred as chaplain of St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, Belleville. During that time he was Diocesan Moderator of the Diocesan Council of Catholic Men and was appointed Defender of the Bond of the Matrimonial Court. Father Cunningham was appointed administrator of St. Teresa Parish, Marydale, in August of 1957, and named superintendent of Mater Dei High School. After the retirement of Monsignor Lohman, as pastor of Aviston in July of 1958, he was made administrator of the parish until July, 1962, when he was appointed pastor.

During the administration and pastorate of Father Cunningham, not many material improvements were made. The parish plant was in good condition under the able administration of Monsignor Lohman. Repainting of the interior of the school was undertaken in the summer of 1961 with volunteer labor. The entire church was waterproofed and tuck pointed in 1962. Two old buildings were torn down during his administration. The old rectory which had served as classrooms for the Aviston High School was demolished in 1959. In 1962 the Sacred Heart Home for the Aged was closed and the old frame structure was torn down. The new addition was remodeled and used as a convent for the grade school sisters. The old convent has been used as temporary quarters for the Don Bosco Latin School for the last three years. This school served as the specialized school for Latin for the first year seminarian students of the diocese until discontinued in June, 1965.


The two room pre-fabricated annex formerly used as classrooms for the Aviston High School has been used by the St. Jude Special School for Exceptional Children since 1963. The school was maintained by the North Central Deanery Council for Handicapped Children under the moderatorship of Rev. Julius Schoen and at present is being taught by Sister Mary Chaminade SSND.

At the present time there are 257 families and 1,078 souls in the parish. In 1964 there were 42 baptisms, 7 marriages, 19 deaths. The grade school numbers 282 pupils.

Rev. Herbert C. Kopff became pastor of St. Francis Church in September 1965. Father Kopff, a native of St. Louis, Missouri, was born on March 30, 1913. Before coming to Aviston, Father served in many parishes throughout Southern Illinois. During the pastorate of Father Kopff, many improvements were made with the aid of the parishioners. In 1967 the old school-convent building was torn down and the area ultimately surfaced with blacktop. 

The first parish council was started on January 15, 1969. In 1969, a summer athletic program was started by Father Kopff and a group of interested people for the grade school children. This Summer Youth Program consisted of baseball for the boys and softball for the girls. In the first year, 102 boys and 72 girls participated. The first big project was a modern lighting system for the parish ball field. This was made possible through the cooperation of the Clinton County Electric and Rakers Electric Company foregoing immediate payment for material and labor. Arnold Moss was elected treasurer of the group. There were a variety of activities held to pay for the lights, these included: pancake and sausage breakfast, supper and dances, raffles, and donations. The activities were sponsored by St. Francis Men’s Sodality, the Aviston Legion Post, Aviston Fire Department, The Bib Club, Catholic Knights and Ladies of Isabella District Council 6, the Aviston Chamber of Commerce, the Village of Aviston, Imming Insurance, and other individuals. In 1971 the following were elected officers of the Summer Youth Program: President-Father Kopff, Vice-president-Al Rakers, Secretary-Betty Richter, Treasurer-David Heimann.

The first annual Pancake and Sausage Breakfast was held the first Sunday of March. Elmer Netemeyer and Charles Rakers were in charge. The breakfast has been an annual event on the first Sunday of March ever since.

In 1971, the Mid-County Little League was started with teams from Albers, Aviston, Bartelso, Damiansville and Germantown.

On October 28, 1972 some 80 Notre Dame School Sisters returned to Aviston to celebrate the 50th year of the Notre Dame Sisters teaching in Aviston. A special Mass of Thanksgiving was followed by a dinner and a program.

In 1973, the entire interior of the church was re-decorated by Max Autenrieb. Many called this project the modernization of our church. This project was, however, somewhat controversial as the beautiful Stations of the Cross, solid oak pews and various other pieces of woodwork were removed and sold for cheap or junked. New side entrances to the church were made and all wooden doors were replaced with glass doors. The entry renovation cost was $6,000.00. Also in 1973, $16,000.00 was spent for new pews. In 1974, new carpeting was laid in the church at a cost of $7,150.00. In 1975 a new gas heating system for the church was installed. The church was also air conditioned. The cost of these projects was $25,000.00.

In 1979, the church exterior was tuck-pointed and the cross on the bell tower was gilded. Deacon Jerry Stockmann was ordained in October 1980 and began his service to St. Francis. Also in 1980 an electronic bell-ringing system was installed at a cost of $8,500. By 1988 some of the beautiful terra cotta tile decorating the tops of the exterior walls showed some water damage on the outside as well as on the interior walls. These damaged tiles were replaced with new brick and the interior walls were repaired at a total cost to the parish of $16,576.00. Also in 1988, $36,700.00 was spent to rebuild the church organ and new console.

On June 12, 1988, Father Herbert Kopff celebrated his Fiftieth Anniversary of the Priesthood. After the 2pm Mass, the parishioners had a dinner and a wonderful reception at the Legion Home for the members of the parish and many of Father Kopff’s relatives and friends from Southern Illinois and out of the state.

Father Robert (Bob) Gore arrived in 1989 and the much-loved Fr. Kopff retired in 1990. 

Rev. Robert D. Gore, Pastor 1989 - 1995

On October 4, 1989, Father Robert D. Gore was installed as the 8th Pastor in the 125 year history of St. Francis Parish. Father “Bob” was born in St. Louis, MO on January 22, 1938. He has served several parishes and hospitals in Southern IL.

Fr. Gore served the St. Francis parishioners well and is remembered for his good nature as much as his healthy appetite for food and fellowship. On May 20, 1990, the Parish Family celebrated with a Mass, dinner and dance, along with the friends and family of Father “Bob” on the occasion of his 25th Anniversary as a Priest. He took medical leave Aug. 31, 1995, and unfortunately never returned to St. Francis. During his tenure, $16,500 was spent to demolish the convent hospital in March, 1992.

Rev. Daniel L. Friedman, Pastor 1995 - 2024

Father Friedman was born in Carmi, IL. He attended Carmi Township High School, Carmi, IL, Immaculate Conception College and Seminary, Conception, Mo., and was Ordained by Bishop R. Zuroweste on June 3, 1972. He served as associate pastor at St. Peter Cathedral, and at St. Augustine of Canterbury Parish, Belleville, IL. He was also appointed the Catholic Chaplain for the Okaw Valley Council of Boy Scouts in 1978. In July 1980, he was transferred to Metropolis, IL., as pastor of St. Rose of Lima, Metropolis, and St. Paul, Vienna, parishes. In May, 1986, appointed to Camp Ondessonk, Ozark, IL, continuing as pastor of St. Paul Parish , Vienna, with residence in Vienna. In July, 1990, he was also appointed the pastor of St. Francis de Sales Parish in Stonefort, Il. During these early years of ministry Fr. Dan was the Diocesan Chaplain for the Boy Scouts of America and served on National Catholic Committee on Scouting Board as Chair of the Religious Emblem Committee. During that time he co-authored, with Mr. John Hammerschmidt, the 1994 revision of the “Ad Altare Dei Religious Emblem” and the 2002 revision of the “Pope Pius XII Religious Emblem”, programs for Catholic Boy Scouts of America. After the retirement of Fr. Gore, as pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Aviston, in 1995, Bishop Wilton D. Gregory appointed Fr. Dan Friedman as the pastor on December 3, 1995. The Very Rev. Ted Baumann, Dean of the North Central Deanery, formally installed him at the 7:30 Mass on Sunday Dec. 3, 1995.

During Fr. Dan’s time, many repairs and maintenance were accomplished. 

1995: Rev. Daniel Friedman becomes pastor

1996: Major exterior church repair, tuck-pointed and waterproofed

2001: Renew began in the Parish

Oct 21-24, 2001: Seventh Parish Mission

Dec 1, 2001: The Aviston School District, having built a new school, vacated the parish’s school building

2002- 2005: Remodeled Rectory

2003: Sunday School began

2003: Church parking lot maintenance

2003: Oiled Cemetery Road.

2004: Vacation Bible School began

2005: Converted Gym Stage to Heritage Room/Conference Room

2005: Built a new picnic storage shed

2006: New sewer lines in cafeteria at the Parish Center.

2006: Scraped, cleaned, primed and painted all exterior windows and door frames of the church

2006: Tuck-pointing at Parish Center/School & Gym. Spot tuck-point & applied one coat of water repellant to entire church.

2006: Ribbons poured at Cemetery

2007: Gym roof repairs

2007: Repaired church stain glass windows and replaced storm shielding

2007: Established St. Francis of Assisi Ratermann Scholarship program 

2007: Aviston School District rents part of the Parish School, for 2006-07 school year, while awaiting the

completion of their new classroom wing.

2008: Cafeteria basement water repairs

2008: The church sacristy was painted

2008: New fence at Cemetery.

2009: The church foyer is refurbished with a new chandelier

2009: Repaired roof and ceiling in Parish Center

2009: New doors at Parish center: North, Kitchenette & Gym.

2009: Developed grave maps & computerized file records for Cemetery.

2009: Oiled Cemetery Roads.

2010: A broken bell is repaired after seeking out a bell foundry in another state. Resealed joints @ top of south gable.

2010: Installed new Cemetery gates.

2011: Reconstructed and remodeled area under the choir loft, returning it into a combination cry room/ gathering space

2011: A capital fund drive is initiated and successfully completed to repair, completely repaint and remodel the church interior, including a new baptismal font.

2011: Hired Hurford Architects, Inc. to do a feasibility study of the parish school to develop plan options between renovation verses rebuilding a functional parish center facility.

2012: Lightening strike damages church cross, bells, and electrical wiring

2013: The church nave and sanctuary was completely repaint and remodel, including a new baptismal font and lighting.

2013: Tuck-pointing, waterproofing and caulking entire north gable on church.

2014: Church Parking lot Maintenance: Cracks filled, sealed & restriped.

2015: New carpets in the Heritage room and kitchenette.

2015: Waterproofing of the Church.

April 26-30, 2015: Eighth Parish Mission was held. 

2015: Repaved & built up the roads at the cemetery.

2016: Replaced Exit/Emergency Combo lights & sealed box.

2016: New carpets in Sunday School Rooms.

2016: Repaired the Cemetery Crucifix/Statue.

2017: New sound system in Church.

2018: Chimney Repair & Repair of a leaks on the church.

2018: Ribbons poured at Cemetery.

2019: Gilding Work on Church.

2019: New St. Anthony Columbarium at Cemetery.

2019: Painted Ceilings and walls in Parish Center Kitchen

2020: New Gym Roof

2021: Frozen pipe flooded the Parish Center cafeteria. Removed all asbestos.

2022: Removed old coating on Rectory Front Porch and resurfaces with brick border.

2022: Ribbons poured at Cemetery.

2023: New glass for windows and a new door in Parish Center

2023: Installed a new walk-in cooler to use at the picnic

2023: Electrical work done to the scoreboard to have enough electricity for picnic.

2023: Tuck-pointing in the basement of the Church

2023: Church roof repairs: removal of moss & debris, repaired broken & lost shingles, & resealed joints of the stones on the north gable ends.

2024: New Rectory & Parish Center sidewalks. ADA ramps in to the Parish Center

2024: Tear down of the Parish Center chimney

2024: New enclosed Handicap Entrance addition on Church. Started the Handicap entrance in 2024, but was not finished when Fr. Dan retired. It was completed a few months later in the fall of 2024.

In 2015, the Village of Aviston celebrated 150 years of rich history. Click here to view the St. Francis of Assisi Church chapter of the book published to commemorate the event.

At the present time, June 30, 2024, there are 737 families and 2,082 souls in the parish. In his time there, were 380 baptisms, 139 marriages, 323 deaths.

Rev. Von C. Deeke, Pastor 2024 - Present