Smorgasbord History
In 1948, a new pastor, Fr. Maurice Costello, OSB, came to St. Joseph Church,
Ada, from Pennsylvania and was here until his death in 1952. He was a vibrant
man who awakened parish spirit and inspired parishioners to work for their
parish. The Catholic Church at 12th and Hope was close to the
business district and he would walk to town and visit each store and make
himself known. He joined civic clubs and was invited to visit in homes.
The Second World War was over and many former service men came back to Ada or
were sent here with their work. New businesses developed and growth was in the
air. Many of the new parishioners were young and eager to be a part of the
parish.
A new parish hall was planned. The permit was issued September 13, 1948, and
was signed by Dick Krause and Ralph Delaney, both returned servicemen. Any
parishioner, man or woman or teenager, always helped in whatever capacity they
could with the building.
In 1950, the new parish hall was completed on the left side of the stone
church. The parishioners were very proud and wanted to show it to the public.
Fr. Maurice suggested a smorgasbord dinner—a new idea. This appealed to the
parishioners and new ideas for food and decorations and all involved were begun.
Mrs. Benton (Mary Beth) Browning was the first chairman. The table
decorations were homemade and Ruth Sohingcok, who had moved here with her
husband from St. Louis, MO, made aprons and caps for the women serving at the
head table. Seventeen women were at the table which included two mother-daughter
teams side by side. Five of the seventeen are no longer living.
The men and all parishioners who were available were part of the dinner.
In September of 1951, Mrs. P.A. Norris donated the land where the present
church buildings are located. The groundbreaking ceremonies took place on May 4,
1953.
Since 1950, the smorgasbord dinner has continued. With the new century and 50th
anniversary a special dinner is being planned.
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