Saint Cyprian Parish was established in June 1944. Under the leadership of the first pastor, Reverend Philip McKiernan, a group of 130 Catholics started the church that continues to grow. The first Mass was celebrated July 23, 1944 on the patio of a parishioner's home and continued meeting there for the next fourteen months.
Four acres of land, at the northeast corner of Clark and Arbor Road, were purchased in August 1944 from the Montana Land Company. The War Production Board granted priorities for the construction of the Church in February 1945. Wartime conditions and staggered work hours in defense plants made it difficult to effect the continuous unity necessary to a growing parish and community. No suitable building could be found in which to conduct services.
Although the building of the Church was not completed until early 1946, services were held in a roofless, seatless, doorless, unheated building. The solemn dedication took place March 3, 1946. Ceremonies were conducted by Reverend Monsignor Timothy Manning and Archbishop John Cantwell. In 1948, a Navy building was purchased for a hall.
Reverend Patrick Green was the first assistant assigned to St. Cyprian Church, followed by Reverend Philip Grill. With the rapid growth in the Lakewood area, it was soon necessary to offer nine Masses on Sundays to accommodate the people.
In March 1947, a four family flat opposite the Church on Clark Avenue was purchased to serve as a temporary rectory. Early in 1950, an eight classroom school, convent, and two story rectory were added. In 1952, the church was enlarged to add seating for 300. A sanctuary, baptistry, mothers' room and shrine were added. When the classroom project was completed, the Sisters of St. Louis of Monaghan, Ireland staffed the school. In 1958, under the pastorate of Reverend Patrick O'Connor, the church property was paved and fenced. A new two story, five classroom building with a library was ready for occupancy in 1959. A new school office and athletic equipment were also installed.
The sixties began with over 700 students in the school and the parish was still growing. After a successful fundraising drive in 1968, a new church structure to accommodate seating for 800 with a choir loft seating 100 was dedicated December 20, 1970. Now an Archbishop Timothy Manning blessed the interior of the church. Mass on that day was concelebrated by the archbishop and Fathers O'Connor and McKiernan.
This church building we are presently using has many interesting highlights. The grillwork throughout the church represents the main theme of the fisherman's net with symbols of fish and cross, reminding us that the faithful are caught in the net of God's love. Mr. Roger Darricarrere designed all the stained glass windows in the church. The twelve windows in the nave of the Church depict the basic beliefs of Christianity expressed in the "Creed." The baptismal font is made of Botticino marble from Northern Italy. The stations of the Cross made of lindenwood (European basswood) were designed by Goffredo Moardec of Italy.
In the Sanctuary, the travertine marble altar represents the table used at the Last Supper, and the sanctuary lamp is made of Waterford hand cut crystal from Ireland. The crucifix behind the altar is backed by the fisherman's net theme, as are the shrines to the Sacred Heart and Blessed Mother. These are just a few of the main points of interest in the physical structure of St. Cyprian Church.
In 1971, after the death of Father O'Connor, Msgr. Joseph Pekarcik became pastor and assumed the responsibility of promoting means of reducing the church debt. He installed photo-cell lighting on the church grounds, renovated the rectory and diligently maintained all church properties.
Reverend William Hollinger came to Saint Cyprian as pastor in 1975 and skillfully guided the welfare of the faithful as well as the church property. He further enhanced the beauty of the sanctuary of the church with a tapestry of the Risen Christ. Many other improvements, such as new drains, playground equipment, painting of all the buildings and blacktopping took place under his direction. The fine Schlicker Organ, which is presently in use, was installed in 1984 - it has 21 ranks and 18 stops. Father Hollinger was also responsible for the formation of a Parish Council. The title of Monsignor was bestowed on Father Bill in the summer of 1988 but God called him home almost immediately following the ceremonies in October.