In or about the year 1887, a parish house was built. The lower floor was furnished, and part of the upper floor was used for Catechism classes. Now there was a church and a parish house, but it was still a Mission. A school was also built on parish grounds. It was completed in 1890 but was in operation for only about two years.
In 1893 the first resident Pastor of Sts. Peter & Paul Church was appointed. In 1898 extensive renovations for the church were begun, including a new sacristy, a modern heating system, new altars, windows, statues and carpeting. When the work had been completed in 1903, the pastor’s report to the Chancery showed that there were now 80 families – two English, 23 German, and 55 French. The value of the church property was $15,000.
The parish was now firmly established; buildings were in good condition; there was no debt. This is important to note for during these years the canal was dying, and the activities that grew and thrived with the canal were withering, too. Despite the dwindling prosperity of the community, the church prospered. Its membership was firmly established in homes on farms within the confines of the parish; therefore the death of the canal had little or no effect on the destiny of the church.
The parish continued to prosper. In 1931 the church was 75 years old. A new church was needed to meet the demands of the growing congregation. On June 29, 1936, the Parish observed the 80th and last birthday of the first church. In April of 1937 the original church was demolished to make way for the new and current Church. Following the completion of the Church, a new parish house was built.
