In the Spring of the year 1864, about eleven families living within a radius of fifteen miles of Edgewood appealed to the Right Reverend Peter Joseph Baltes of Alton, Illinois for permission to organize a parish. Permission was granted and the work of organizing the new parish was entrusted to the Franciscan Fathers of Teutopolis, Illinois, who proceeded with the work by calling a meeting of the few Catholics around Edgewood. The wishes of the Bishop were made known, and those assembled, among whom were Louis Schoen and John Casey who were active participants, at once organized and pledged $400.00 as a beginning of the work.

Mr. Schoen and Mr. Casey secured a site in the West End of the little village of Edgewood and there a small frame church was erected at a cost of $1000. From the year 1864 until 1879, the mission was in charge of the Franciscan Fathers of Teutopolis. Then it was given to the pastoral care of secular priests. From 1879-86 it was attended by Father Reisen from Flora; from 1886-1890, by Reverend J. B. Schnelton, and from 1890-93 by Reverend P.A. Lyons, of Altamont.

In the year 1893, the care of this mission was entrusted to Neoga parish, and from that time to 1907, Fathers William Murphy, J.J. Corcoran, B. Keogh, and T. F. McGrath attended twice a month in the given order.

In the autumn of 1917, Right Reverend James Ryan, D.D., appointed Reverend Edmond Flynn as the first resident pastor. At once provisions were made for a parochial residence, and one was erected in 1908 to serve the reverend pastor.

In 1910, Reverend Edmund Flynn was appointed pastor of Shipman and Reverend Adolph Schneider became his successor at Edgewood where he remained in charge until his death in 1918. Father Montruchio succeeded Father Schneider but remained in charge only a few months. Reverend Daniel Doyle ten took charge of the parish September 30, 1914, and in 1915 erected the present church at a cost of $8000. A fine high altar and new stained glass windows added much to the appearance of the new church.

During his stay, Father Doyle did a great deal for the congregation both spiritually and materially. Reverend Edmund Butler, who, however, remained only a few months, succeeded him.

The present pastor, Reverend J. Marion was appointed July 1919. Under his leadership the remaining debts on the parsonage and the new church were paid off and many needed improvements were made. He organized the Holy Name Society to which every young man and every married man in the parish belongs. The young and married ladies all belong to the Altar Society. The society for the Propagation of the Faith also has a branch established here.

The congregation once numbered forty-eight families, but owing to deaths and the general tendency to move to more prosperous neighborhoods the congregation has been reduced almost one half. Although most of them are of modest means and have to work hard for a living nevertheless they are always willing to do their utmost for their church

In 1924 Right Reverend James A. Griffin, D.D., Bishop of The Diocese, visited the parish and confirmed a class of forty-six Children.

The religious standing of the parish is excellent. The people approach the sacraments frequently, and though many of them live a great distance from the church, yet so long as the roads remain good they are faithful in attending and fill the church on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation.

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