Immaculate Conception Church at 100 Chapel Road, Pulaski, TN 38478 US - Immaculate Conception 1941-1985
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Immaculate Conception 1941-1985 |
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| Immaculate Conception-Built in 1941 |
The pastor in 1941 was Rev. Walter Bush. According to an interview with Theresa Patterson in l976, Rev. Bush placed an intercession under the statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary asking for the means for a new church building. Shortly thereafter Mrs. Ethel Mars became active in the parish and offered to help build the new church. The name was to be Immculate Conception in honor of the Virgin Mary.
A lot was purchased on South First Street from Mayor Herbert Smith. On Nov. 20, 1940 Rev. Walter S. Bush wrote to Bishop Adrian:
“I have received an offer of two thousand five hundred dollars, minus five percent for fee of agent, for the church and lot in Pulaski….I believe that the above price is a good one. I have talked the matter over with business men both in Pulaski and Columbia and they all agree that the price made by the city of Pulaski is fine.”
In a letter dated 12-27-1940 Fr. Bush writes to Bishop Adrian:
“The Mars and myself talked over plans for the new church for about two hours last night. …We believe that with the $1000 (from Extension) plus $1800…and plus Mrs. Mars check for $5000 that we can build and furnish our small church very well….In fact the city wants our present old property by May 1st if possible. My tentative contractor gave me assurances of having the church built by May 1st. I wish to state here that all of the Mars have been perfectly lovely to me.”
A letter written on January 6, 1941 from Fr. Bush to the Bishop says:
“Mrs. Mars and myself carefully talked over all the needs of the New Church and we thought that it would require about two thousand to furnish the interior. And that with your thousand from the Extension plus about fifteen hundred from the sale of the property—together with five thousand, we could have a beautifully furnished Church. equal to none in this section. And the best of all without a debt to render headaches both to people and pastor.”
The “Rock Church” or the Mars Chapel as it is commonly known in the community was built in 1941. The Pulaski Record dated July 23, 1941 tells of the plans for the dedication:
“The Rev. Walter S. Bush, pastor of the Pulaski Catholic church, has announced that the dedication of the new Church of the Immaculate Conception will take place Sunday, August 10, at 1:45p.m. with the Most Rev. William L. Adrian, Bishop of Nashville, officiating. Construction of the Gothic edifice of native limestone, costing $5,000, was begun last February and the church is now nearing completion. Bishop Adrian will dedicate the building in honor of the Blessed Virgin, under the title of the Immaculate Conception, and will also deliver the sermon for the occasion. Following the dedicatory exercises the clergy present will be guests of Father Bush at dinner. Shortly after the new church is blessed Father Bush will begin a week’s mission for Catholics and non-Catholics. The beautiful new stone church replaces the old, rickety, wooden Church of St. Augustine, which had served the congregation since it was built by Father Aloysius Orengo shortly after the Civil war. The old church has been sold to the city. The new church was made possible by the gifts of Mrs. Ethel Mars and her daughter, Mrs. Allan Feeney. The Rt. Rev. Albert A Siener, V.G., rector of the Cathedral donated the marble altar and altar rail. The public is cordially invited.
The August 13, 1941 Pulaski Record describes the dedication:
“The church was most beautifully decorated in palms, vines, with gladioli, chrysanthemums, and white lilies. On either side of the church were branched wrought iron candelabra entwined with green vine interspersed with lighted candles.”
(music was provided by) “Mr. Marcus Etheridge, Miss Mary Harwell, Mrs. George Cole, Miss Theresa Patterson and her string ensemble, composed of Mary Harwell, Morley Denbo and Myra Hughey, accompanied by Mrs. Raymond Patterson, organist “
The article concludes with remarks from donors and a statement that the church is one “of which the Catholics are especially proud and also the Pulaskians for it is such an asset to the little city.”
That church served the Catholic Community until it outgrew the church and moved to the present location on Hightway 31 a mile south of the city limits. The church itself was moved by the city of Pulaski. It is now located in Sharewood Park and will become a museum on the Trail of Tears and for the memory of Davy Crockett.
Marriage of Steve and Becky Drone-1951