Reverend James G. Evans in his article, "A History of St. Michael's Catholic Church," compiled April 16, 1956, writes he was unable to learn whether there was a resident priest after Reverend Patrick Enright left in 1897. It is not known when Reverend H. Frommen arrived, but he was here in 1907.

The church at 6th and Broad Streets was destroyed by fire on Friday night, February 8, 1907, and the adjoining priest's home which was occupied by Reverend H. Frommen was slightly damaged. A local paper reported, "In just a few hours this church building was no more. It seemed to be a memorial to those who played a very active role in its construction and happenings prior to it." The ladies of the parish rallied by having an ice cream social on July 1, 1908, to start fund raising efforts to rebuild the church.

The Catholic membership wanted to sell the lot on Broad (Broadway) and 6th Streets, but could not attain a clear title. The lot was given with the understanding it would be used for a church building only. After a period of time, the Drennen heirs provided a quit claim deed. In 1909 the Drennen property was sold and a lot consisting of one-half acre located in the 100 block of North 13th and Cherry Streets was purchased. A temporary church was held in a dwelling on the property from 1909 through 1912.

The church was ". . .erected. . . with the assistance of Mr. John O'Kane, bookstore owner, Mr. John Kohne, grocer, and D. C. Brodie, harness maker." Others donating items for the church were Nettie Doerr, who worked at the U.S. Post Ofrlce on the 500 block of Main Street, Mrs. May Lincke, a sister of Father Michael Norton, Mrs. Margaret Hummell, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Mayloux, Mrs. Maiffee Thompson, and Elizabeth A. and John Doyle. Inside the cornerstone that was laid on October 22, 1912, were copies of the Southwest American of October 22, 1912, the Press Argus of October 21, 1912, the Catholic Tribune of October 12 and the Southern Guardian. A letter in the cornerstone said, "This corner stone of St. Michael's Catholic Church was placed in position by the bricklayers in silence and without religious ceremony. "

Bishop John B. Morris wished to have the dedication later and the date chosen was May 4, 1913. The Bishop was assisted by his secretary, the Reverend Arets and the Reverend Boniface of the Subiaco Monastery. The letter states that Reverend Charles C. Truemper built and installed the high altar and was also the first resident priest at St. Michael's at 13th and Cherry Streets. Reverend Truemper was removed February 1912 by the Bishop due to a request from the parishioners.

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