38° Forecast

'St. Anne and Her People': Book about New Castle Catholic

1/1/2011 12:11:00 PM
'St. Anne and Her People': Book about New Castle Catholic church has something for everyone

By DARREL RADFORD

For The Courier-Times

Christmas 2010 will be one New Castle resident Doug Magers will always remember, not because of what he received, but what he was able to give his dearest friends - "St. Anne and Her People."

This 356-page hard-bound book, written by Magers, is a heartfelt history of the St. Anne Catholic Church in New Castle. A project at least 25 years in the making, Magers provides nearly 150 years of local church history in a book that speaks to the reader through more than 700 pictures of local people.

"I hope the book brings back memories to those who have attended the church for many years," Magers said. "And I hope it shows the ones who are new members how things used to be."

Magers - well-known locally throughout the years for his publication of old local photographs in both The Henry County News Republican, a former local weekly newspaper, and The Courier-Times - has been a St. Anne's church member all his life.

He has been an avid collector and historian of all things St. Anne's for as long as he can remember.

"After awhile, I thought I ought to put these together somehow," he said.

Magers provided many of the photos for the popular local book "New Castle: A Pictorial History" published in 1992 which sold out of two printings. He also authored a book on historic New Castle homes.

He traces his interest in old photos and local history to his grandfather - who was also a member of St. Anne's church.

"I talked to my grandfather (the late Burt Hudson) all the time," Magers remembered. "I remember interacting daily with my grandfather and several people of his generation. Grandpa would get the old pictures out and we'd look at them together."

Magers said anyone interested in local history - whether they've ever attended a service in St. Anne's or not - would find something interesting in the book:

n Many dates of birth, death and marriage are provided along with corresponding pictures, which could be helpful in genealogical research.

n More than 3,000 names of New Castle-area residents are listed.

n The story of early settlers and their need to build a church of their own is told in vivid detail.

n The book not only gives the history of the present church, built in 1922 and 1923, but also covers the recent construction and opening of the new church.

n Several hundred students and graduates of the former St. Anne school over its 30-year history are featured, including more than 50 "first communion" pictures.

The book also includes poignant photographs and personal reflections on the fire that destroyed the original church building.

"It was the worst day of my life," Magers said.

The book has been well-received by members of congregation and many copies have already been sold. It is still available at the St. Anne's church office and can also be purchased online at Amazon.com. The book is priced at $30, with some of the proceeds going back to the church.