Centennial Mass A New Chapter for Oklahoma Catholics
The altar as it appeared at the 50th anniversary Mass in October of 1955.

By Ray Dyer
The Sooner Catholic

Many Oklahoma Catholics will look back on the upcoming Aug. 14 Centennial Mass as a grand historical event in their lives. No doubt years from now they will tell their children and grandchildren, nieces and nephews about the dramatic celebration of faith they took part in at the Cox Center in Oklahoma City. But some, including a number of priests, can go one better. That’s because they were also in attendance at the Mass celebrating the 50th anniversary of the creation of the Diocese of Oklahoma. These people won’t have to wait years to talk about history, they lived it and they are about to live it again.

On what was described as a “perfect autumn day” in October of 1955 an estimated 22,000 Oklahoma Catholics packed the grandstand at the State Fairgrounds for the Golden Anni-    versary Mass. The crowd was described as “one-third of the Catholic people of Oklahoma.”

With a Catholic population today of more than 200,000 it’s obvious the faith has flourished in Oklahoma during the past half century.

Fr. Elmer Schwarz, pastor at Holy Name of Jesus in Chickasha, remembers that 50th anniversary Mass. He recalls how re-enactors portrayed the early leaders of the Church in Oklahoma. These characters dressed in period clothing and were introduced as they walked on stage. “They had Bishop Meerschaert and many others,” Father Schwarz said. “Toward the end of the presentation they didn’t need actors, I remember Bishop McGuinness came on stage, appearing as himself.”

Fr. Charles Schettler had just returned to Oklahoma from completing Seminary in Rome. He arrived about three months before the 50th anniversary Mass. “I didn’t have much of a role in the Mass. It had been pretty well planned out by the time I returned.”

Father Schettler said he recalls the altar at the Mass faced to the west and the skyline of Oklahoma City was easily seen. “I recall they had a large youth parade before the Mass,” he said.

Fr. Franklin Wrigley served as Deacon for the 50th Anniversary Mass. He recalls the homilist, Archbishop Robert E. Lucey of San Antonio “was a gifted preacher.”

Archbishop Lucey told the faithful “No one can be indifferent to religion. Life is cold and unlovely for one who does not know his purpose in life. Our purpose to life is to honor God and save our souls. That is the only thing that matters. Remember, no man can be neutral to the things that God commands.”

The Mass was broadcast live by KOMA radio and KWTV aired 30 minutes of highlights following its 10 p.m. newscast.