St. John Catholic Church (Smithfield)

The first Masses were offered in the Smithfield area in 1887. Priests came from Lexington and Arapahoe for Mass held in homes of area Catholics.

Families decided to erect the church in Smithfield in 1907, naming it St. John after St. John the Apostle & Evangelist. Lightning struck in 1910 catching the church on fire. The church was saved from complete destruction by heroic efforts of the Smithfield bucket-brigade. Parishioners gave generous donations to restore the damage.

In 1920 St. John's became a mission of All Saints in Holdrege.

In 1996 Lightning struck again! St. John's was on fire! It was a total loss!
Most Reverend Fabian W. Bruskewitz wrote to the parishioners, "We know that the Chinese word for challenge is exactly the same as their word for opportunity. It seems the Lord in His providence, allows distressing things occasionally to happen so that good might derive from evil. It is in this context that we must place our trust in Him and under the patronage of your St. John, ask God to assist us with wisdom and strength as we go forth to face the future filled with promise and hope."
An insurance policy allowed for rebuilding. On May 25, 1997 the first Mass was celebrated in the new church.

All funds raised will be used for the planned building of a parish hall.