The next parish improvement was the building of a stone parish rectory, which was begun in 1923 under Fr. Haefele’s supervision. Again, the parishioners donated their time and talent, besides contributing for the cost of construction, which was $14,500. The old parish house was moved north of the rock school and renovated for the Sisters’ convent. Fr. Haefele encouraged his parishioners and labored with the workmen to see the task accomplished. On May 1, 1931, Fr. Haefele was compelled to resign as pastor due to ill health.
Fr. Haefele was succeeded by Fr. E.R. Embleau, who organized the Holy Name Society. A stone garage was built for $1,200 next to the rectory and the basement of the school was fully equipped for a dining hall. Following the death of Fr. Embleau in 1937, Fr. William Landwehr was administrator of the parish for a few months. Fr. John J. O’Keefe was appointed pastor of Holy Trinity on June 18, 1938.
During the 1940’s and 1950’s, the annual chicken dinner and carnival was the main fund-raiser. The end-of-the-year school picnic was an event for the entire family. It was held at the Clarence Schweiger farm near 87th Street.
Fr. O’Keefe and the parishioners worked diligently to raise money to purchase a Pipe Organ for the church. It was installed and played for the first time at Christmas Masses. Fr. O’Keefe became seriously ill in 1951 and died later that year. A shrine to Our Lady of Fatima was built as a gift to the parish from Fr. O’Keefe after his death.
Fr. William O’Shea was temporary administrator from August 1951 to September 1952, when Fr. Francis Staab became pastor. During his time the Mother’s Club was formed and a few years later it became the P.T.O. It assisted the school, raised funds and brought parents together for card parties and entertainment.
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A Time of Growth