In preparation for the coming Sesquicentennial celebration, Father Lammers convened the first planning meeting on November 15, 1994. The group of about twenty people present became the Sesquicentennial Steering Committee. They elected Greg Mihalevich chairperson, Edith Vogel vice-chairperson, Carol Blecha secretary, and Les Fontaine treasurer. The committee decided on a series of events during a sesquicentennial year that would correspond to the Liturgical Year of the Church. They would begin December 3, 1995, the First Sunday of Advent and conclude on the Solemnity of Christ the King, November 24, 1996. A working structure of eleven committees was set up to successfully manage a huge celebration such as a 150th year. The committees were as follows: Advertising, Decorations, Festivals, Governmental Liaison, History, Liturgy, Parade, Theater Production, Clean-up, Finance, and Executive. Many meetings followed.
Permission was received from the city to display banners from the light poles surrounding St. Peter Church property for a period of one year beginning December 3, 1995. At 10:00 AM Mass that day our Sesquicentennial Year officially began. Included in that liturgy was the blessing of the restored bell tower, the new clocks, and the ringing system. Month by month during 1996 activities took place to renew our hearts, to prepare our selves, to set the scene for major events, and to celebrate them.
During Lent the Sesquicentennial Parish Mission was held from March 3 to 9. It was conducted by Father Mike Coleman whose first assignment after his ordination in 1981 was associate pastor at St. Peter's. Photo sessions for this pictorial directory were held from April 15 to May 5. Our parish was honored with the St. Peter's Historical Display from June 1 to September 1 at the State Capitol Rotunda of valuable documents, photos and artifacts. On June 23, 1996, the JEFFERSON CITY NEWS TRIBUNE included an eighteen page supplement titled Roman Catholic Parish of Saint Peter, 1846-1996. It remains a keepsake in the homes of hundreds and hundreds of parish families and of friends. On June 29, 1996, the Community-wide Sesquicentennial Celebration was held. Anticipating it on June 26, the Jefferson City News Tribune ran this editorial:
The day before the Community Celebration, June 28, Mr. N.A. (Bud) McDonald, Bill Deeken, and and Clarence Blume appeared on KWOS radio station for one hour, speaking of the history of St. Peter Church and school as well as the upcoming event the next day. In the preparations for and during the Community Celebration of St. Peter's Sesquicentennial, Bill and Irene Deeken were chair couple. Broadway street was blocked off and most of the entertainment took place there. The events outlined above were a fine success, considering the extremely hot day. As all had hoped the heat began to lift by the time for the Celebration of Mass at 7:00 p.m.
Most Reverend Michael F. McAuliffe, Bishop of the Diocese of Jefferson City, was principle celebrant and homilist. The altar was on the landing of south steps of the Missouri State Capitol. The approximately 1500 people who attended were distributed across the capitol lawn. The class of St. Peter High School, 1946, had a place of distinction for the occasion. Dignitaries who spoke after the Mass were: Honorable Harold L. Volkmer, United States House of Representative 9th District (Congressman Volkmer is the only graduate of St. Peter School to attain this high a position in National Government); Senator Larry R. Rohrbach, Missouri State Senate 6th District; William Gratz, Missouri House of Representatives 113th District; Carl Vogel, Missouri House of Representatives 114th District; John Landwehr, City Council, Jefferson City, Missouri.
On September 9, 1996, the day after Grandparents Day, St. Peter's held the Parish Elders Dinner, to show our gratitude to all parishioners who were 75 years old and over, at least half as old as the parish. About 165 attended. Wine was served with the meal and on each wine glass an inscription read "Pillars of St. Peter Parish", Sesquicentennial Celebration, 1846 - 1996. This was their keepsake. Mrs. Jan Houser, a professional pianist, played popular music during the meal. After dinner Father Robert Kurwicki, a former associate pastor, gave an affirming keynote talk. Then the Jefferson City Cantorum gave a 50 minute treat of songs with which our honored guests were well familiar.
Opportunity came knocking when we were able to schedule Mr. J.E. Goettsche for a recital on the outstanding pipe organ of St. Peter Church. Mr Goettsche is the Pope's organist in St. Peter's Basilica. His title is "Titular Organist of St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City, Rome" This recital took place on September 13, 1996. It was an occasion for many of our protestant neighbors to come and enjoy this artist. A reception followed in Selinger Centre.
In life there is always a place for comedy. Mr. Gary Pool, parishioner, wrote the script and music for a play titled Building on the Rock, a musical comedy based on the history of St. Peter Parish. Myra Rosskopf was producer and Mark Wegman director. There were three performances, on October 3, 4 and 6. The play was so outstanding that the audience got larger each evening.
The last night of the play concluded the Parishioners' Day Festival. It was a celebration for all the people of St. Peter Parish, like a parish family picnic. Dave and Linda Kiesling served as chair couple of the entire event. All Priests, Sisters and Brothers who had served or grew up in St. Peter's Parish were invited to join us for the day, with free tickets for the dinner. The day began with the last Mass, scheduled at 12:30 PM that day. The meal was served from 2:00 to 6:00 PM, with over 700 people served. The menu consisted of bratwurst and fried chicken, potatoes and gravy, green beans, cole slaw, cake, coffee and tea. The men of the Holy Name Society prepared and served the food.
On October 12, Helias High School held its annual homecoming parade. St. Peter's entered at float depicting the three St. Peter's churches, the first completed in 1846, the second in 1856, the present church in 1883. This float was first entered in the parade as Cole County celebrated its one hundred seventy-fifth anniversary in 1995.
The Feast of St. Cecilia, patroness of musicians, on November 22 became the occasion for the last event of the Sesquicentennial Year. Our many and talented parish vocalists and musicians performed a concert entitled Music of the Catholic Church over the Last One Hundred Fifty Years. The Adult Choir, under the direction of Mrs. Carol Brown, and the Chorale of St. Peter, under the direction of Mr. Steve Becker, combined to form one large choir for the occasion. A choir composed of children attending St. Peter School, under the direction of Mrs. Donna Stueckenschneider, joined in the concert.
During the entire year, memorabilia and souvenirs were available. The following items were sold: mugs and steins made in Germany inscribed with German script and pictures of all three churches of St. Peter, Jefferson City, Missouri; also, commemorative throws, plates, spoons, note cards, cook books, and pens. Free balloons and frisbees were given to the children of the parish.On the Solemnity of Christ the King, November 24, 1996, our year long jubilation ended with beautiful song of praise and prayer of thanksgiving at all the parish Masses.