Roman Catholic Church

Picture from front cover of a mid 1950 era Catholic Women's League Cook Book

In my dad Phil Gent's history notes, he states in his spare time from the farm work, he hauled stones for the foundations of
the United Church, the Anglican Church, the first Catholic Church, and the Pool Elevator.

Located on the SW Corner of Carbon Ave and Main St

History below from the 1955 History of Bienfait Book
The first Roman Catholic Church services were held in the Legion Hall, Bienfait, with approximately twelve people in attendance.
The first Church, St. Monica's Catholic Church, was built in 1938 by volunteer members of the parish.
The first mass in the Church was said by Father Beaubeu.
Father Wm. Breault of Estevan and Father F. Scheck of Weyburn had charge of the choir.
The blessing of the corner stone was officiated by Archbishop Monohan of Regina, after which thirty children were confirmed.
The church was built to accommodate about 250 people, and was to serve the districts of Hirsch, Bienfait, Taylorton and the mining area.

The First Committee Men were:

• Pres. L. Hawkes
• Sec. P.M. McDonald

Committee Members were:

• J. Ryson
• P. McMillan
• Jas. McDonald
• Wm. Ryson
• Robert Miller
• J. Walliser

Up until 1949 the church was part of the Estevan Parish.
With the purchase of the rectory, however in 1949, the parish was no longer part of the Estevan Parish.
Within the last two years (1955) now new pews and a new Hammond Electric Organ has been purchased.
Rev. Father Horvath is now the present Priest (1955)
First Marriage- George Urich and Elizabeth Miller Jan 18, 1904
First Baptism- Morgan Rudolph, son of John O'Brien and Elizabeth Crate O'Brien, Sept 28th, 1903.
First Funeral- Alphonese Chartround, nine month old son of Peter and Catherine Chartround, buried in the Estevan Cemetery

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