Bartelso, Illinois

In 1884, our church was built in a wheat field in Santa Fe Township to accomodate about 75 Catholic families living in the area.  Reverend Bartholomew Bartels donated land for a church.  The town soon flourished and became known as Bartelso.  Since then, our church has grown well over 375 households and is currently named after St. Cecilia. 

St. Cecilia Church is located within the Diocese of Belleville, officiating under Bishop Edward K. Braxton. 

The Quasquicentennial History Book of St. Cecilia Church and Parish, Bartelso, Illinois is completed.  The book covers over 125 years of community establishment, building and maintaining the Church, schools and premises, information on the pastors, businesses and organizations.  It includes many old school, wedding and family pictures, and 56 family genealogies.  Books can be purchased for $35 at Germantown Trust and Savings Bank of Bartelso.  Or you can also contact JoAnn Varel at 618-765-2188 or email at:  varelw@frontiernet.net.  Please make checks payable to St. Cecilia Church. 

The current pastor is Reverend Henry Fischer who was appointed in 1999.  The parishioners of St. Cecilia have a deep-rooted Catholic faith, which contributes to the continued growth in our parish family.  The parishioners of St. Cecilia take pride in their church, choir and pastor which is evident in the filled benches at the weekend and Holy Day Masses.  The Church is organized through the Parish Council which devotes their time to be sure our church continuously meets its goals, expectations and mission to serve each and every parishioner.