As explained in the History section of this site, a Presbyterian church was built in 1861 to accommodate the Main settlers who built the lumber business in the area.  This church was abandoned and then taken over by the Methodists for a period of time.  It, too,  was eventually abandoned.  I do not have any early pictures of this church, although I am still looking for some!

The first Catholic church in Chest Springs was actually a mission church connected to St. Augustine's.  It was a small wooden structure known simply as the Chapel.  Its first pastor was Fr. John Burns (pastor of St. Augustine's).  St. Monica's cornerstone was laid in 1889, and the church was dedicated in 1890.  The church hall was dedicated in 1892, and the rectory followed later.  The parochial school was built in 1921. 

                      

         St. Monica Church  & School                         St. Monica Church Interior - 1953

 

Parochial Residence

 

St. Monica Church - 1980

 

St. Monica Church 2002

(taken during the annual Chest Springs Picnic)