Saint Willebrord Parish 209 South Adams Street, Green Bay WI. 54301.

Home Page A COMMUNITY OF OPENNESS BEGINS In February, 1864, a group of Holland and Flemish families who had attended a weekly Mass in De Pere became dissatisfied with not having a parish of their own.  The 47 families called a meeting with Father William Verboort, who presided at their Sunday Mass, and decided to form their own parish.  Five men, the first trustees, William Van den Mosselor, H.J. Busch, P. Quatsoe, H. Heyrman and Bernard M. Berendsen, contacted Bishop Rhode. The trustees purchased the property and building on the corner of Adams and Doty.  The historic landmark had been a school and a town hall before it was moved to the corner site and used as a courthouse.  The purchase price of $1200 seemed a great deal of money for so few families who were struggling themselves to make a living.  But with the thought that God would provide, they bought the building and proceeded to remodel it to meet the requirements of a church.  They also provided a home for a pastor by renting a nearby house. Father Verboort became the first pastor on March 4, 1864.  He was followed by Father H. Hoffen.  On August 25, 1867, the church was dedicated to St Willebrord, the Apostle of the Netherlands.  By 1879, the congregation had grown to 200 families.