Photo Caption: Father Hans Flonder, OFM Conv., is pictured with some of the members of St. John the Baptist Parish, Lostant, which will observe its sesquicentennial with a Mass celebrated by Bishop Jenky on June 24.

LOSTANT — Bishop Daniel R. Jenky, CSC, will join the members of St. John the Baptist Church here on Sunday, June 24, to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the parish’s founding.

The current pastor, Father Luke Poczworowski, OFM Conv., and former pastors and administrators will concelebrate the Mass, which is planned for 3 p.m. That Sunday is the Solemnity of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist and the parish’s feast day celebration will continue with refreshments served in a large tent on the church grounds after the liturgy.

During Civil War days, Catholics in the Lostant community were served by priests from Ottawa and LaSalle, and later Wenona. Masses were offered in a room over the Pioneer store and private homes until a small frame building was erected by the village in 1862. It was used as a church, school and townhall until it became too small for school use and the Catholic community of St. John the Baptist purchased it.

A new church was built in 1883 and remodeled in 1902. It was replaced by the current worship assembly building, which was dedicated by Bishop Edward O’Rourke on Nov. 12, 1972.

Today, St. John the Baptist Church is one of five faith communities served by Father Luke and Father Hans Flondor, OFM Conv., and Brother Fran McGann, OFM Conv. In addition to the Lostant parish, they have pastoral care for St. Mary’s in Wenona, where the parish office and rectory are located; St. Patrick’s, Minonk; St. Ann’s, Toluca; and Sacred Heart, Rutland.