Staff

Pastor: Rev. Basil Tigga
Deacon(s): Michael S. Brooks; Chad R. Lewis; & Thomas C. Manion

About Visitation Parish

Maries County and Vienna, its county seat, came into existence in 1855. The first Catholic church, a 40-foot-long log structure was built at the north end of Vienna on four acres.

The log church, named St. Mary was partially destroyed by fire in the 1860s. Jesuit priests from surrounding areas made missionary visits until a new church was constructed.

In 1867, John Felker allowed a Catholic church to be built on his private landholdings and then donated 10 acres west of Vienna for a town cemetery, with five acres reserved for Catholics and Protestants.

A third church and rectory were constructed on the Felker lots in 1885. Recently remodeled, the rectory still stands. In 1896, Fr. John Fugel arrived to begin a 40-year pastorate. He planned an even larger church and worked alongside the men to build.

In 1885, the wooden church was razed and a new cornerstone was set in 1907. The church was dedicated in May of 1910. The interparish school was built in 1926.