The Repurposing of St. Anthony’s Roman Catholic Church
By Mallory Cawthra
As you drive through the Village of Mendham, you’ll notice a prominent sign that reads: “Dedicated to the Pioneer Families of Mendham, St. Anthony’s Parish and 1914 Oblate Fathers 2001, 1939 Ursuline Sisters 1964, 1957 Catholic Women’s League 2007, 1945 Knights of Columbus 1985.” Next to the sign is a bell with an intricately designed wrought iron cross atop of it, and next to the bell and cross is another sign with the title, “St. Anthony’s Parish 1914-2001.” The sign contains a scene depicted underneath the title, complete with St. Anthony’s church in the center, a horse-drawn buggy on the left, and trees and silhouettes of various people on either side.
St. Anthony’s Roman Catholic Church was an integral part of the Mendham community for 87 years, and was unfortunately closed down in 2001 due to small congregation numbers and high to rising maintenance costs. Items from the church were auctioned off to local and nearby residents. The church was built in 1916 and was located two miles south of Mendham, and was then moved into the Village of Mendham in 1931, with the help of a horse.
In 2005, St. Anthony’s Roman Catholic Church was purchased by Dean and Fran Francis and moved to their art studio, located on the north side of the South Saskatchewan River. Their art studio is called Sagebrush Studios and contains three restored churches. They restored St. Anthony’s Roman Catholic Church, and it was later opened as a seasonal art gallery starting in 2009. Utilizing the church as an art gallery is a great way to preserve a valuable piece of Mendham history without having it demolished or torn down.
If you visit St. Anthony’s cemetery, located about two miles south of Mendham, you will find a replica of St. Anthony’s Roman Catholic Church, which was built by local resident Larry Bischoff. St. Anthony’s Roman Catholic Church used to be at this location.
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