History

Back in the mid 1980s, the Lake Monticello community was just beginning. Catholics who moved here went to the Catholic churches in the surrounding areas. Eventually they got to know one another and began considering the possibility of establishing a separate Catholic community in Palmyra.

The first step to achieve this was persuading the pastor of Saint Joseph's church in Columbia to come to the Lake (with the Bishop's permission) and offer Mass for this new Catholic population. That first Eucharist was celebrated on January 26, 1985 by Father John T. Cummings at the home of Mary Luxhoj.

A few months later, arrangements were made with Effort Baptist Church to celebrate Mass there every Saturday at 5:00pm. A handicap ramp was built and a little sign was put up when the Catholic Masses would take place. Funds were contributed for new carpets and the new ramp.

In June of 1986, Bishop Sullivan visited the new congregation and met with the pastoral council. He suggested the name 'Saints Peter and Paul' based on the feast day. The original group had planned to name it 'Our Lady of the Lake' but happily agreed with the Bishop's recommendation.