The Catholics of Madill had to wait until almost the end of the first 50 years of the establishment of the Diocese of Oklahoma before they were privileged to have a church of their own.
However, the first Mass in Madill was offered on June 6, 1914, by Father James J. Wallrapp in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Melvin, who lived on Second Avenue. Father Wallrapp was then pastor of Ardmore.
It seems from the records that that was the only time Father Wallrapp came to Madill. After that it was Father Weirsma from Durant who celebrated Mass in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Canady.
The records are very incomplete, for there is nothing for the next 35 years.
His Excellency, Bishop Eugene J. McGuinness, blessed the first Catholic Church and rectory in Marshall county on Sunday, Jan. 29, 1949. It was Holy Cross church in Madill. It was constructed under the supervision of Father J. W. Kerns, pastor of Durant and the mission of Madill.
Several parishes contributed gifts to the new church, among whom were McAlester, Purcell, Durant, the Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Oklahoma City, and the parish of Denison, Texas.
In September 1949, a very active altar society was organized by Father Kerns in Madill. The following officers were elected: Mrs. Julia Owens, president; Mrs. Fayette Walker, vice-president; and Miss Mary Catherine Criswell, secretary-treasurer. Some of the charter members of the altar society besides the officers were Mrs. Russell, Mrs. Sadie Criswell and Mrs. Osterhaus.
Holy Cross altar society furnished the rectory, carpeted the entire sanctuary, and collected funds for the stained-glass windows, large walnut crucifix, and other altar furnishings.
Friends in Tulsa gave a beautiful statue of the Infant Jesus of Prague to Holy Cross church. A number of the parishioners made the pilgrimage to the National Shrine in Prague, OK, taking the statue with them, where it was officially blessed. Its place of honor is over the lovely walnut tabernacle, recessed in the wall, and beneath the large crucifix.
The priests who were present for the blessing of Holy Cross church were Msgr. R. F. Harkin, Father Joseph La Enote, Father Bart Murtaugh and Father Frank B. Warnke. Also present were Msgr. McCullough and Father Tucek of Sherman, Texas.
Our Lady of Victory Missionary Sisters from Durant come each week to Madill where 16 children of Holy Cross parish receive religious instructions.
Today, Holy Cross has been rebuilt into a beautiful church serving Madill, OK and surrounding communities.
Pastor Raul Sanchez Castro leads services.
