The community spirit of St. Anthony’s Parish began in the 1880’s and continues today. Originally founded in the rural farmland near Silver Creek, later called Highbridge for the tall wooden train trestle built over the creek, St. Anthony Church was served by the Franciscan Fathers who came from Ashland by train. Baptisms were recorded as early at 1894, before the church was built in 1898 on land donated to the parish by the Diocese of La Crosse and W.E. Dillon. Among the first baptisms recorded in the new building was that of an infant who went on to become the church organist for many years, establishing early on that the cherished tradition of music in the parish. In fact, the brother of the organist, son of a musician who emigrated from Bohemia, is remembered as loudly patting his foot to the music in the choir loft. The choir loft was part of an addition in 1953. Precious Blood Fr. Joseph Graf, who was pastor at the time, did much of the work himself, helping to keep down the cost of the project. Donations of furnishings, a communion rail and the church bell were also welcomed. A new entry to the church was completed in 2002. Active lay participation and leadership have enabled this tiny parish to maintain its identity as a vibrant community within its cluster of neighboring parishes, sustaining the generosity, adaptability and self-sufficiency of its founders. We look forward to the future as we continue to come together as a family in Christ.

Update 2007

St. Anthony Church was remodeled on the inside – 2 side altar rooms were taken out and replaced with arches. Knotty pine Tung and Groove wood was put on ceiling and Altar back.

Father John Brophy was our Priest. Construction was done by Arnie Mackey Construction. Painting done by Don & Paul Wiener of Mellen.

Update – 2024

All windows were replaced by Schraufnagel of Ashland, WI.