According to a history book on Raeville, the first Catholic settlers came in 1875. Seven years later, the first Catholic church was constructed and the first held there happened in February of 1882.
Since that time, countless events connected to the church have been held there. Come Saturday night, June 4, the “Last Dance” will be held at the parish hall. Since “The Great Depression” of the 1930s, the parish hall has been a gathering place. And it will be again one more time. The event will mark the end of use of the old hall as construction continues on a new parish hall to be used for future events.
Once again the hall will be full of people, spanning several generations, listening and dancing to the songs they fell in love to, danced to when they were married.
Festivities will begin with Mass at St. Bonaventure Catholic Church at 5:30 p.m. A barbecue meal will be served in the parish hall, starting at 7 p.m.
Starting at 7:30 p.m., music will begin to be played. Older music from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Then, starting at 9 p.m., more modern tunes will be played.
The event will serve as a fundraiser for the new parish hall. With a goal of raising $350,000 for the new building, so far more than $280,000 has been generated by donations and other events.
