Reverend Doyle was succeeded by Reverend Leland Bolds. During his pastorate a two story brick garage was constructed at the rear of the rectory. Reverend Bolds remained at this assignment a little more than one year. He was succeeded by the Reverend James G. Evans on September 10, 1952.

Reverend Evans was distinguished for his convert instruction. The Confirmation class of March 1954 numbered thirty one candidates and of this group 13 were adult converts. (Virginia Evans was one of the converts.) There were ten more adult converts who received the Sacrament of Confirmation in 1957. With the splendid cooperation of the members of this small congregation, within less than two years, a mortgage of nearly $2,500 was dissolved. A generous donation by Mrs. C. B. Randall completed this task much to the relief of Reverend Evans. Also during Reverend Evans' pastorate, a beautiful monstrance was donated to St. Michael's by Velma and Nell Berntsen in memory of their mother.

During the tenure of Reverend Evans (1952-1956) there was another effort to establish a Catholic school at St. Michael's. Money from the estate of Mary Jeanetta Hodges and funds raised by the parish were set aside for that purpose. The parish owned the lot behind the church and wanted to build the school there.

Reverend William Kane was pastor at St. Michael's for ten years (1964-1974). Reverend Kane continued work on a school started by Father Evans. This plan was rejected by Bishop Albert L. Fletcher. The funds collected over the years were transferred to the diocese, once again disappointing many church members. Reverend Kane had a great fear of fire. This is somewhat ironic since the parish rectory burned in June 1974 during his stay and he was unconscious when he was rescued by firemen. During his pastorate the first church bulletin was published. Mary Randall-Dyer helped with this weekly assignment. Also the first Parish Council was formed while Reverend Kane was here. Bill Swindle was the first president.

Reverend John Hlavacek followed Reverend Kane as pastor. He was one of St. Michael's more colorful pastors. His unconventional dress and light blond hair were a sharp contrast to his strong conservative religious beliefs and his intelligence. It is due to his foresight that we own the current rectory and church property. Many people questioned the wisdom of buying property "so far out in the country". After purchasing the six and one half acres on Pointer Trail, Reverend Hlavacek spent a lot of time there pondering the future. Once the present church was built, the community began to understand and appreciate his wisdom.

A retired Jesuit priest, Reverend John Choppesky, became our pastor in 1978. He reestablished the parish council that was originally set up by Reverend Kane. He was very active in the Van Buren Ministerial Alliance.

The week of February 23, 1982, he announced a $500,000 construction program for the new St. Michael's at 1025 E. Pointer Trail. The project consisted of a church with seating for 380 and a parish hall for education classes and social events. The architect chosen was Raymond Marre, who also designed the Sacred Heart of Mary Church at Barling. Burrough-Uerling- Braswell Consulting Engineers, Inc. of Fort Smith and Cook Construction also of Fort Smith built the church. Assisting Reverend John Choppesky in this endeavor was the building committee consisting of Arnold Bogner, Paul Lehnen, Bernard Kaelin and Bill Swindle.

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