St. Thomas the Apostle Parish at 1449 Wilcox Park Drive SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506 US - The Thirties

First Communion, Class of 1931

Entering the growing-up years, the steps become more confident, yet the parish needs and receives more support. Nurtured by faith and love, its people enter a new decade, one of hardship and depression, The Thirties. 1930 The parish struggles with debt, but continues its spiritual growth as parish groups develop more fully. 1931 Fred Chinnick and Miss Agnes Douglas continue to provide music at St. Thomas 1932 Another "first" - the Sacrament of Confirmation is conferred by Bishop Joseph A. Piten upon the seventh-grade class. In August, Sister Helen Louise Brogger, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Brogger, professes as a member of the Dominican Order. 1933 Graduation day! The first group of student completes eight grades at St. Thomas School. 1934 The ushers continue to serve the parish in various ways. 1935 The first double wedding in St. Thomas Church takes place on Thanksgiving Day, November 28. Twin sisters, Rosemary and Rosella O'Connor, marry Clement Huxall and James Hickey respectively. 1936 Despite troubled times, an annual picnic is held at Townsend Park. 1937 The Women's Guild continues as both a social and fund-raising group. A Past Presidents Christmas Tea is held each year on the feast of the Immacualte Conception, December 8. A fall potluck dinner is annother annual event. 1938 Circles comprise the women's Guild membership, each sponsoring one or more special activities per year to raise funds. 1939 Mrs. Leonard F. Howe begins organization of the Altar Society.

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