On August 12, 1884, the Reverend Father Hardis of Liebenthal, came to McCracken to hold the first Catholic service in this vicinity. This service was held in the home of Charles McGaughey. From that time on until 1886, services were held in a rock house one and one-half miles west of where St. Mary's cemetery is now situated. The house, owned by T. A. McKittrick, was used as a church and exclusively for divine services. Father Bitters followed Father Hardis and it was under his administrration that the first church, a frame building, was built right on the north side of the cemetery on a five-acre tract of land donated by Owen McKittrick. This frame church was later moved to the south part of McCracken and was the home of A. E. Start. Then came Rev. B. Schroeder, the first resident priest. Father Schroeder returned to Germany in 1900. On May 24, 1906, a new stone church, on the original site was dedicated by Bishop Hennesy of Wichita. On July 7, 1922, work was begun on a new church in McCracken under the guidance of Reverend Thomas O'Brien. Most of the stone from the old church was used as the basement and foundation for the new building which was completed in May 1926. The frame rectory was moved to McCracken in 1922.

The present church was dedicated May 4, 1926 with Bishop Schwertner of Wichita officiating. A new brick rectory under the guidance of Father Russell Simms was completed in 1964. After the St. Mary's Cathloic Church was closed in 1986, members of the parrish formed the St. Mary's McCracken Heritage Association in an effort to preserve the beautiful building. Currently the church is used for special occasions and services.

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