St. Mary's Mission was founded by Father Joseph G. Sailer at the turn of the century. Although the first Mass was said before 1900 at the Moore School by Father Buchler, authentic record was not kept of this.
The first settlers occasionally attended Mass and had their children baptized at Fingal and Valley City where other relatives homesteaded. When it was learned that several families resided in the area contact was made and occasionally a priest came.
For about four years, Reverand Joseph G. Sailer, then rector of St. Catherine's church in Valley City and one of North Dakota's most active missionary priests, came regularly and said Mass at the John Wieland.
Plans were made to erect a church on a five acre plot donated by the Wieland's. In 1904 a frame church was built by the two Wieland brothers, five Kunze brothers, Mr. Riedman, Mr. Mertens, Mr. Dreis, and Mr. Vanderwerf. The structure was completed in the summer of 1905 and was dedicated by the late Bishop Shanley of the Fargo diocese.
All the men of the parish went to meet the Bishop at the train at Dazey, some on horseback, some with buggies. Their good friend and neighbor Mr. Nolin loaned them his new "Surrey" and harness for the occasion and they really rode in style.
Settlers around St. Mary's were chiefly German and brought with them the customs of the people of their homeland. Thus, the annual observance of Corpus Christi was begun with the first procession in 1906. John Wieland planted and cultivated the thousands of trees around the church that today provide the shade for the annual procession. A male choir skillfully directed by John Wieland and a Brass Band all added to the celebration. Many songs and the "St. Mary's Parade March" were written and composed by Mr. Wieland, some of which can still be heard today.
In 1929 the present church was built under the direction of Father Peter McGeough of Sanborn and dedicated that same year by Bishop James O'Reilly.
In 1942 St. Mary's became a parish in its own right with Father Roman Dworschak as pastor for the next twenty-five years. Much credit is given to him for improving and beautifying the surroundings and for the Cemetery Shrine.
As of 1971, St. Mary's church became affiliated with St. Boniface church of Wimbledon - both churches being served by the same priest.
Today, between sixty and sixty-five families comprise St. Mary's parish with eighty-one supporting members.
Source: Barnes County History 1976 Page 303