Our Past Is Present January 10, 2018

January 10, 2018

            This is “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.

            My wife and I were married in the St. Mary’s Chapel and still regularly attend Mass there.  It is the first limestone church built in Kansas.  Its cornerstone was laid in 1855, when Major Ogden arrived and began construction of permanent buildings on Fort Riley.  St. Mary’s was completed, however, in 1866, when General George Armstrong Custer was commander at Fort Riley.  The funds for the construction of the chapel came from Officers, Soldiers and residents of the post.  A leading force behind the effort was Lieutenant J.E.B. Stuart, who later became a famous Confederate cavalry officer in General Lee’s Army of North Virginia.  St. Mary’s was completed after the end of the Civil War when at that time an organ and furniture were purchased for the structure.  In the years following the Civil War, St. Mary’s Chapel not only served as a church, but also as a school for the post’s children.

            During this time, a form of religious service was not prescribed, but Army Regulations mandated that the Post Chaplain deliver “a short practical sermon suited to the habits and understanding of soldiers.” Attendance at Sunday service was mandatory and Soldiers were required to march in formation to and from the service.

The Roman Catholic Mass is still used by Soldiers, their families and civilian on Saturdays at 4:30 PM and Sundays at 12:00 PM.  Visitation is welcome prior to or after these services.   And… thanks for reading “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.