The City of O’Fallon was founded in 1854 when the Ohio and Mississippi Railroad built a depot and water tank.  The railroad named the place O’Fallon Station in honor of John O’Fallon of St. Louis.  In 1858, four years after the founding of the city, the first Mass was offered for Catholics.  This celebration took place in the home of Thomas Mackin, at the corner of First and Apple Streets.  The Mass was offered by Fr. August Reineke, who resided in Breese, Illinois.   In mid-1866, Fr. Anton Rustige, who resided in Lehanon, came to O’Fallon twice a month to offer Mass.





In 1867 four lots were purchased from John Mersinger for $700.  Work began immediately on a church.  The first church, built on the same site as the present church, was completed in 1867 and dedicated on December 17, 1867.  The first Mass was offered December 29, 1867 by Fr. Anton Rustige.  Forty people made up the Catholic community of O’FalIon at this time.  This church measured 36 x 56 feet and was built at a cost of $5,000.  In 1868 the priest’s residence was transferred from Lebanon to O’Fallon and St. Clare parish had its first pastoral residence.

It was because of this event in the history of St. Clare’s, the permanency of its pastorate, that 1868 is considered the year the parish was formally established.  The new pastor was Fr. Theodore Kamann.  He purchased the home of John Mersinger, 317 South Oak and converted it into a rectory.  He also founded the original St. Clare School and served as its initial teacher.  The site of this first school was 217 W. Second Street.  At this time the parish was part of the Diocese of Alton.

In 1870 Fr. Kamann was transferred and on December 1, 1870 St. Clare welcomed their new pastor, Fr. William Druhe.  It was during his pastorate that a new St. Clare School was built in 1871 for the grand total of $1,600.  The foundation for the new church was begun in March of 1890 and the cornerstone was laid on June 6, 1892.  A picnic held that same day raised $355.





It is interesting to note that in order for Church services to continue without interruption, the new church was built around and over the old church.  After completion, the old church was taken down.  The whole congregation worked to break down the old building and move out the bricks.  Some of these bricks were later used for building a rectory and convent.  Bishop John Janssen (St. Clare Parish was now part of the new Diocese of Belleville established in 1888) dedicated the new St. Clare Church on October 23, 1895.  It cost $18,654.  The 153 foot tower was built in 1899.  The completed church with tower cost $35,000.  The membership of this parish at this time was 70 families. 

During the years from 1962 to 1968 the school was renovated, and the sanctuary of the church was remodeled for the adaptation of Vatican II.  Construction of the new cafeteria and parish center, Goelz Hall named in honor of Fr. Goelz took place in 1968.  In the April 23, 1982 edition of The Messenger, Bishop Wurm of Belleville announced the St. Clare Parish would split and a new parish, St. Nicholas, would be formed.  In 1984 the sanctuary of the church was again renovated and the wood symbols were removed and replaced with paintings on the walls.

The old rectory, which has been used for a convent, was dedicated to the memory of Msgr. Lugge in July of 1986, now used as a kindergarten center.


Pastors
1858-1862 Fr. August Reineke
1862-1866 Fr. Clement Sieghardt
1866-1868 Fr. Anton Rustige
1868-1870 Fr. Theodore Kamann
1870-1915 Fr. William Drube
1915-1919 Fr. Henry Muenster
1919-1930 Fr. Anthony Powell
1931-1962 Fr. John Goelz
1962-1981 Fr. Edmund Lugge
1982-1994 Fr. Donald Eichenseer
1994-1996 Fr. Steven Unverferth
1996-Present Fr. James Deiters