When the new rock church was built at Wexford, a choir loft was built across the back of the  church. As you enter the church, the steps leading to the choir loft were on the left side. The first seven steps went straight up, the next four step winder formed a 90-degree turn, and the last four steps lead to the choir loft floor. The choir loft was placed approximately ten feet above the main

floor and acted as a second story balcony allowing the beautiful music produced by the choir to reverberate and resound throughout the church.

The choir at Wexford was known for its beautiful music as voices blended together producing harmony like the imagined sound of choirs of angels with cherubim and seraphim singing together in heaven. Ah the beautiful sound of music, not as we hear it today but as generations of Catholics listened to hymns praising the wonders of the world, expressing feelings of suffering and joy, love and hate, and compassion and misery. Some favorite songs of the pioneers included Immaculate Mary, Amazing Grace, Rock of Ages, The Old Rugged Cross, and How Great Thou Art.

Favorite activities when friends and neighbors got together included telling stories of how life was in the past and singing favorite songs that had been handed down from generation to generation such as the Mooney’s singing “Old Leather Breaches” and the Gleason’s singing “Dairyman’s Daughter” or dancing to a lively tune. It seemed that everyone had a story to tell, a song to sing, or an Irish jig to enjoy.

Father Laffan was the priest at Wexford for thirty-one years from1899 to 1929. He once received and read a letter from the Bishop at Dubuque, IA requesting the parish priests to encourage the whole congregation to participate in singing. My Dad told a story of how Father Laffan during his sermon mentioned how wonderful the choir sounded and with a twinkle in his eyes and a broad smile said, “That is fine to have all the people participate and sing--but-- I’m afraid it would be more like bawling than singing for many of yea.”



Songs, music, and prayers in church are still valuable elements today. On 7 April 2026, Father Joe Sevcik arranged for a night of song and prayer at Immaculate Conception Church at Wexford. An enjoyable hour of adoration using only song and prayer ended with an informative presentation by Brenda Sevcik followed by pie and a social event. Brenda discussed how song and prayer are like an unending circle going up to God in heaven followed by revelations and actions returning through Jesus and the Holy Spirit.

Along the front of the choir loft, an approximately four-foot-tall railing with kneelers allowed the choir to kneel facing the altar during Mass. Three to four rows of approximately six-foot pews allowed the choir to sit during Mass. Centered in the choir loft was a bellow operated organ to accompany the choir’s singing. Over the years, several organs were used at Wexford with newer and improved models replacing older versions. The placement of organ was adjusted to allow more room for choir members. By 1960, an electric organ was providing wonderful music to accompany the choir. In 1980, the Maurice Mooney family, in memory of their son Mark

Mooney, purchased a Baldwin organ that produced beautiful music and is still in use today.

The early Wexford pioneers were patriotic, political, and very social. As early as 1854, Wexford parishioners were celebrating the 4 th of July in frontier fashion with a giant picnic where Mr. William Morrison was the first orator in the county to proclaim the wonders of this free nation. During a celebration in 1870, Wexford’s pastor, Father McManus’s was accused of trying to prevent the railroad tax from being levied, which would have stopped the railroad from passing though Lansing. He quickly wrote a letter in the Lansing Chronicle apologizing for any misunderstanding stating that his words were erroneously reported.

In 1871, the 4 th of July celebration was near Vail’s grove where the people in the area enjoyed a countywide picnic with music, dancing, ball games, fireworks, refreshments, and an excellent speaker. In 1904, the 4 th of July celebration was at the Wexford pavilion where the patriotic citizens from the surrounding hills and valleys enjoyed feasting, singing, dancing, and courting into the wee hours of the morning. Squire Sullivan oversaw the official proceedings and invited Mrs. Agnes Curran to read the Declaration of Independence. Honorable Hart was the speaker of the day delivering an excellent speech on patriotism. Colonel John Joyce read some of his original poems ending with a Soldier’s Song and Spirit Dance.

Yes, Wexford was the place to celebrate if you wanted a good time with delicious food, invigorating music, lively dancing, wonderful people, and an opportunity to meet some of the best-looking women in the area.