From 1914 to 1916, Fathers Donnelly and Timothy Molony took care of the spiritual needs of the Cathoics in Mullen. In 1917, Father Albert Albel, assistant in Hyannis, cared for Mullen and in 1918, Mullen became a mission of Seneca. Father Albel served as pastor until the fall of 1930. He was followed by: Father Patrick Burke, fall of 1930 to the fall of 1931; Father J. O'Farrell, fall of 1931 to the fall of 1932; Father Joseph Muldoon, fall of 1932 to the fall of 1935; Father Robert F. Maron, fall of 1935 to the summer 1943, Father William E. Grace, summer of 1943 to April 10, 1947; Father Mitchell J. Koprowski, April 24, 1947 to June 30, 1987, and Father Bryan Ernest, July 1, 1987 to June 30 1993. Father Lou Nollette served the area from July 1993-2000. The current pastor is Fr. Jim Warner.

In October 1949, Mullen replaced Seneca as the parish church and the pastor took up residence in Mullen. At that time the church was moved to it's current location at 302 South Blaine Street. A house, moved in from a ranch, was placed just south of the church and served as the rectory.

In the early days, Mass was held about twice every two weeks. An oil burning stove was used to heat the church. Some of the early altar boys seving Mass were Edgar Macke, John Motl and Donald Macke.

Music was provided in the early days by organists Margaret Vinton and Cecile Macke, using a pump organ. Frances (Motl) Vinton served as song leader. Through the years the pump organ was replaced by a new electric organ. Marie Young and Marilyn Ericksen are the present organists and Kathie Hassett serves as song leader.

St. Mary's Altar Society was organized for the purpose of caring for the altar and cleaning of the church. Most of the parish women are actively involved with the activities of the church today.

Some of the "Firsts" recorded in the church are as follows: First Baptism--Gertrude Elaine Quinn in August, 1915; First Funeral--Mr. Carr in January, 1932 with Fr. J. O'Farrell officiatiing; First Marriage-Willard Francis Vinton and Frances (Motl) Vinton with Fr. Muldoon performing the service; First and Only Vocation--Sister Jean Macke, daughter of Bill and Betty Macke.

A new St. Mary's Church was built and dedicated in 1964 under the direction of Father Mitchell Koprowski. Some parts of the old church can still be found in the new church. The original stations of the cross were relocated in the new church and some of the old pews can be found in the choir loft. When the new church was being built, Mass continued to be offered in the small church which had been moved one block south.

The Mullen Parish includes the misisons of Brownlee, Thedford, and Hyannis. These communities were served by Father Mitchell Koprowski from 1947 to 1987. Upon Father Mike's retirment in July of 1987, Father Bryan Ernest served until the end of June 0f 1993 and Father Lou Nollette was assigned pastor in July of 1993. The pastor of Saint Mary's and Missions travels many miles each week offering masses in each community and taking care of the needs of all the parishoners.

St. Mary's Parish is comprised of approximately 40 families. Many are ranchers, some driving at least 45 miles throught the Sandhills to attend Mass in Mullen.
(Submitted by Kathie Hassett/Fr. Lou Nollette)