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| The first St. Thomas Church in Coal Center, 1931 | St. Thomas Church/school, 2002 | Interior of church, 2002 |
St. Thomas Aquinas, California
St. Thomas was founded in 1888 in the town of Coal Center. The origin of the parish can be traced to the development of the coal mining industry in the area. Beginning in 1876, the pastor of St. Peter, Brownsville began making once a month visits to Coal Center to celebrate Mass. For a decade Mass was celebrated either in private homes or in a rented hall. In 1888, the cornerstone for a small frame church was laid and the church was completed shortly afterwards.
In 1902, the parish purchased property in nearby California. In 1956 a combination church and school was built on the California property. The parish retained the old church until 1967 when it was sold. The combination church and school building continues to serve the parish today.
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| The first St. Thomas Church in Coal Center, 1931 | St. Thomas Church/school, 2002 | Interior of church, 2002 |
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