It is time to look forward to the 46th annual St. Mary’s / Holy Cross parish dinner. Every year in March, you can count on the scents of roast beef, ham, homemade mashed potatoes, rolls and desserts wafting from the Keuterville Hall. This year the tradition continues on St. Patrick’s Day, Sunday, March 17, 2024 from 11am to 4pm. Keuterville is a small community with a rich history, tucked away in the foothills of Cottonwood Butte. Holy Cross Chapel was the first Catholic Church on the Camas Prairie. Building began in 1885 and finished in 1886, with the first structure measuring 26 x 36 feet and 16 feet high. Having a Catholic parish in the area enticed many Catholic German farmers to immigrate to the area from Midwest states. Initially the church was a Jesuit mission called “St. Peter’s”. When the bishop at that time blessed the new building, it became “Sacred Heart Church”. In 1897, a second church was built but burned down in May 1911. The same year, the dedicated parishioners built a third building, which is the current church used today. When it came time to bless the new church, the bishop claimed there were too many Sacred Heart churches in the diocese, and renamed the church “Holy Cross”. In 1997 Holy Cross parish combined with St. Mary’s parish of Cottonwood, in order to share the same priest. Today, the beautiful historic chapel is used for weddings, funerals and other special occasions throughout the year. The Tri-Parish Communities of Ferdinand, Cottonwood, and Greencreek have been very blessed in recent years to have 7:00 Sunday evening Mass throughout the summer months, starting Memorial Day and running through Labor Day. One-hundred-thirteen years later, Keuterville residents and other parishioners from across the Camas Prairie enjoy using the old church. They appreciate the beauty of the antique altars which were made in Germany and shipped to Idaho. Sitting in the creaking pews gives one a sense of a more classic, ornate era of quality craftsmanship. March 17th, take a Sunday drive to Keuterville. Enjoy the beautiful scenic view of the Seven Devils if it’s a clear day. Meet up with some friends, play Bingo, win a raffle prize, and enjoy a homemade dinner. This year you get to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day and your support will help maintain this charming and nostalgic structure! Keuterville is one of the hidden treasures in the rich history of Idaho County, don’t miss out! Sunday, March 17th 11am-4pm Adults $13.00 - Grades K-6 $6.00 - Preschool Free.   On top is an historic photo of Keuterville with what appears to be a baseball game being played south of the community. The lower photo shows a more recent view of the Holy Cross Chapel. Submitted photos. |
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