Sts. Peter and Paul - Seneca Kansas

History of Sts. Peter and Paul Church - Seneca Kansas
Sts. Peter and Paul Parish history began eleven years after Seneca had been chosen as the town site. The few Catholics that lived in or near Seneca attended Mass at St. Mary’s Church on Wildcat Creek. Father P. Pirmine M. Koumley, O.S.B., of St. Benedict’s Abbey in Atchison, Kansas, came occasionally and by 1867 came monthly to say mass there. A parishioner, Matthias Stein had moved to Seneca to open a business, and Fr. Pirmine celebrated Mass in Mr. Stein’s home for the 10 Catholic families in or near Seneca. Rt. Reverend Bishop J.B. Miege, S.J. saw the need to build a church in Seneca and requested that Mr. Stein purchase suitable property for this purpose.

First services were held in the church, July 11, 1869. Prior, P. Louis Fink, blessed the church, which was named Sts. Peter and Paul. An English sermon was preached because there were many non-catholics present.