Parish History

Saint Mary’s Parish campus is located in Byron, Illinois.  The church was originally part of the Archdiocese of Chicago from the late 1890s until the establishment of the Diocese of Rockford in 1908; and was originally founded as a mission church of Saint Mary’s parish in Oregon.  It currently serves the communities of Byron, Davis Junction, Egan, Holcomb, Leaf River, Lightsville, Monroe Center, Myrtle, and Stillman Valley, along with many members located in rural areas.  Saint Mary’s also has a cemetery located west of the church on Blackhawk Street in Byron.  In the early 1960’s Saint Peter church in Davis Junction was closed, and many of the members of that congregation joined our parish.

Parishioners, through the generous use of their time, talent, and treasure helped to provide the nucleus for the parish.  In 1975, the cornerstone for the new church was dedicated.  The current facility sits on the same site as the original frame church.  A parish center / classroom wing was added in 1994 to provide a facility for the religious education program.  These rooms are also used as meeting places by parish ministries and societies.  Many active religious and social ministries make up the fabric of the parish.  These serve the needs of our members from the very young to the senior citizens.  Parish tithing and social outreach also provides the opportunity that allows members to join with their fellow citizens in supporting the needs of our communities.

Over the past years, the communities that comprise the parish have grown.  The rural nature of the parish is slowly changing and the congregation has grown.  Even as the parish grows, it cherishes its warm and welcoming attitude toward new members and vacationers as they come to the area.