Notes for a Mission History of Bend

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1/ Bend. Ore - M. S. A. NOTES FOR PARISH HISTORY The city of Bend was officially platted in the Spring of 1904. In the Pall of the same year Rev. Michael J. Hickey paid the first visit to Bend. The first Mass was said in a Hall Situated over the Bend Mercantile Store at the corner of Wall and Oregon Streets. There were present at the Mass seven Catholic families and about five unmarried men. A Sunday school Class was formed and Miss Belle Robinson acted as Teacher. Father Hickey visited the Community once a year. On Sundays when the Priest was not present the little Congregation assembled to recite the Rosary and listen to the reading of some pious lecture; Mr Donald McIntosh officiated at those services. Catechism was also given to the children. About the year 1909 Mr. John Ryan purchased an old school building for the sum of $75.00 which was used as a Church for many years. On March the 30th, 1910 two Capuchin Fathers arrived in Bend with the intention of taking over the Mission. Rev Luke Sheehan said first Mass on the 31st of March 1910-Thursday in Easter Week. An Altar Society was established and the good ladies labored hard and earnestly to convert the old school-house into a little Sanctuary for the Lord. Mass was said three Sundays in the month; at the services of 1911 we counted 72 Catholics , including all ages. In 1911 two Trans-Continental lines were built along the Deschutes River and made it possible to develop the Natural resources at hand. Taking advantage of the Railroad entrance into Bend and the kindness of the Railroad officials the Chapel Car made its first appearance in Bend. Mr. George Hennessy was superintendent and Rev. Thomas Brady Chaplain. The Forest Catholic Mission was conducted by Father Brady. It began the 20th of 2/ November and finished the 3rd of December 1911. Right Rev. Charles J. O'Reilly arrived on December 2nd to be present at the Conclusion of the Mission. On Sunday the 3rd after solemn Mass sang by the Pastor the Right Rev. Bishop administered the Sacrament of Confirmation to a class of 9 children and two adults. With the entrance of the Railroad the City began its growth and in a short time we had a population of 1,500 patient waiting couls. During the first years of residence the Pastor had been accommodated in a room over a dance hall. In 1912 the whole building was destroyed by fire and the Pastor then found a more suitable home in a little bungalow, the rent of which was paid by Mr. John Ryan. In January 1914 a Parochial House of modest dimensions and cost was built and has been found convenient up to date. The charge of the Warm Spring Indian Reservation was formally given to Bend by Right Rev. Charles J. O'Reilly, on February 5, 1914. O.R. M. Cap. Rev. Adrian Sharkey A the first assistant Priest arrived November 21, 1915 and after a stay of nearly four years left December 21, 1919. After four years of weary watchful waiting the Shevilin Hixon and the Brooks Scanlon Companies decided to build saw-mil…