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In the early twentieth century, the Rev. B.C. Pfiffner came from Marlin (12 mi. NE) once a month to hold Mass for seven local German Catholic families. In May 1905, the parish acquired land at this site for the locaion of Lott's first Catholic church. The following year, members formally dedicated the new sanctuary and began worshipping here as Sacred Heart Catholic Church, with the Rev. Pfiffner as the first pastor. The parish had a rectory and a school by 1907; J.H. Pels served as the first schoolteacher. That same year, the congregation also established a cemetery northeast of town. Mary Niering, who died in October 1908, was the first to be buried there. The church continued to grow with the addition of new families, and the first Communion and Confirmation service, led by Pfiffner in April 1909, included 29 children. In 1951, the congregation dedicated a larger sanctuary, which was built at the same place as the original building. The new structure incorporated materials from the earlier sanctuary and school, which had been discontinued in 1928. Parishioners and friends donated furnishings for the new house of worship. Between 1906 and 1967, the congregation supported a full-time priest. In 1969, Sacred Heart church became a mission out of nearby Westphalia. In 1982, it became a mission out of Marlin. Throughout the congregation's history, parishioners have been active in Lott through community programs and civic involvement. Over a century after the founding families first gathered to worship, Sacred Heart church continues to serve its members and community through worship and faith, and through an appreciation of its rich heritage. (2005) |
