The public is invited to help Immaculate Conception Parish in Claflin celebrate a century of faithfilled service to the community.

At 3 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 7, the parish will host an afternoon of free games for children of all ages, a history display located "under the big tent," free homemade ice cream, and food booths, sponsored by the sophomores, juniors and seniors.

Then, from 8-11:30p.m., there will be a dance at the parish center, where a DJ will play "all types of music."

Bishop Ronald M. Gilmore will preside at an anniversary Mass on Sunday, Aug. 8 at 3 p.m. for the parish family, followed by a banquet at the parish center.

Claflin, first known as Giles City, began to take shape after the Missouri Pacific Railway laid track through the area in 1886. Claflin Catholics were comprised of German, Austrian, and Irish immigrants who had previously settled in the central states of Ohio, Wisconsin, and Illinois.

Immaculate Conception Church was built in 1904, and Father Francis Joyce was appointed pastor. Bishop John Joseph Hennessy visited the parish and dedicated the church on May 26, 1905.

Immaculate Conception Church was served as a mission from 1905 to 1911, first by Capuchin friars from Victoria, and then by the priests assigned to the parishes at Odin and Hoisington.

In 1918, Immaculate Conception School opened under the direction of the Sisters of St. Joseph. It would stay open until 1970, when staff shortage and increased costs would force its closure.

Although the frame church quickly grew too small for the growing congregation, the Great Depression stalled any building efforts. It wouldn’t be until Oct. 11, 1949 that Bishop Mark K. Carroll would dedicate a newly constructed church. He told the congregation that the church was "neat, artistic, chaste, simple, and appealing."

Religious vocations from Claflin include one priest and six Sisters.

Couple celebrates 55th anniversary

Ervin and Helen Koerner, members of Sacred Heart Parish, Ness City, celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary with a family gathering June 19 at the Koerner family farm. The family also honored Ervin on his 75th birthday and Father’s Day.

Their children and spouses are: Larry and Kathy Koerner, Crete, Neb.; Larry and Barbara Bieker, Laverne and Dorothy Stieben, Eldon and Mary Ellen Stoecklein, all of Hays; Dennis and Karen Koerner, and Greg Koerner, all of Dodge City; Rob and Donna Metzker, and Kenny and Patty Koerner, all of Ness City; Jerry and Karen Casey, Plainville; Kevin and Laura House, Eldorado; and Adam and Janice Showalter, Alexander. Ervin and Helen have 38 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Ervin and Helen (Haas) Koerner were married on May 12, 1949 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Hays. The couple are farmers in Ness County.