Holy Family Catholic Church in McGregor marked its 150th anniversary 2023 with a celebration honoring the parish’s long history of faith, service and community. The milestone also coincided with an exterior facelift, including replacement of the cedar siding installed during the late 1970s. Bishop Daniel Felton visited the parish as part of the anniversary observance and shared reflections on its history. Catholic ministry in the McGregor area dates to at least 1873, when pioneer missionary Father Francis Pierz celebrated Mass for Sioux and Chippewa Indians in the Lakes Region. Mass was celebrated in a log cabin beginning in 1895. In 1915, parishioners organized basket socials to raise money for a permanent church. Their efforts received a $500 contribution from James J. Hill, president of the Northern Pacific Railroad. With Father Turbiaux and local pioneers leading the effort, Holy Family was constructed that year as a wooden-frame church on Maddy Street. The building later became Hoppy’s Drug Store. Throughout its early years, parishioners relied heavily on one another. Families including the Memmolas, Farahs, Meschers and Koskoviches helped prepare meals and raise funds, while volunteers also provided transportation for visiting priests. In 1924, Holy Family became a mission of Deerwood. Parishioner Denny Farah recalls his father, Joe Farah, and Oscar Iverson driving 35 miles each way to bring the priest to McGregor for Sunday Mass and return him home afterward—a 140-mile weekly commitment. The parish eventually became home to the Crosier Fathers and later resident pastors. A new church and social hall were completed in 1951, followed by additions and remodeling that created the present worship space. Today, Holy Family continues the tradition established by generations of parishioners who built and sustained the church through faith, volunteerism and community spirit.