Our Parish Story:
The History of Immaculate Conception
Currently located at 2722 Henry Street in Sheboygan, Immaculate Conception was founded in July 1903, Immaculate Conception Parish was born out of the deep faith and determination of Sheboygan’s growing Lithuanian Catholic community. With permission from Archbishop Messmer, the congregation first purchased and transformed a former Protestant church at Erie Avenue and 10th Street into a Catholic place of worship. The name Immaculate Conception was chosen, and the parish became Sheboygan’s third Catholic church, beginning with 35 families and 50 individual members.
Early Years of Faith and Perseverance
The parish’s first pastor, Rev. Casimir Ambrozaitis, led during a time of great challenge. A shortage of Lithuanian-speaking priests meant that the parish often went months without a pastor. Yet, the community remained steadfast, clinging to their faith and growing in number and spirit.
A New Chapter of Growth
In 1931, Rev. James J. Shlikas became pastor, ushering in a period of renewed vitality. By the parish’s 35th anniversary in 1938, it had grown to 178 families, with 812 baptisms, 294 marriages, and 188 funerals recorded. A new rectory was built in 1939, and the church underwent significant renovations. That same year, the Sisters of St. Casimir began offering summer religious instruction, eventually residing in the parish and teaching year-round by 1951.
Building for the Future
Recognizing the need for a parish school, land was purchased in a then-undeveloped area bounded by Humboldt and Wilson Avenues, and Henry and S. 14th Street. On Easter Sunday 1959, ground was broken for the new church and school, with Archbishop William Cousins presiding. The first Mass was celebrated on February 2, 1960, and Immaculate Conception Grade School officially opened that September with 180 students in grades 1–5.
Over the years, the school expanded to include eight grades, and in 1986, it merged with St. Peter Claver and later Ss. Cyril & Methodius, forming Christ Child Academy, which now includes preschool and kindergarten.
A Parish United
In 1964, a new rectory was built, and the original church property on Erie Avenue was sold, marking a full transition to the new location. The parish continued to grow, adding the Staskunas Activity Center, named after Fr. Ignatius Staskunas, and undergoing a major renovation in 1993 to make the church more accessible and welcoming.
Leadership and Legacy
In 1995, Fr. Glenn Powers became the parish’s 18th pastor. By 2001, he was serving both Immaculate Conception and Ss. Cyril & Methodius, supported by a combined parish council. In 2003, the parish joyfully celebrated its 100th anniversary.
In 2012, Fr. Paul Fliss was appointed Administrator of all three Southside Sheboygan parishes and later became Pastor of the Tri-Parish Faith Communities, continuing the legacy of unity, service, and faith.
Immaculate Conception Parish stands today as a testament to the enduring faith of its founders and the generations who followed. We honor our past as we look forward to a vibrant future rooted in Christ.
