The roots of Catholicism in the North Platte Valley go back to 1859. The Union Pacific Railroad was being built along the Platte River, and early priests carried the faith along the route of the Railroad as far west as Cheyenne and Laramie. Both towns had churches built in their localities. It is one of the quirks in the history of Catholicism in Nebraska that they bypassed North Platte for sometime.

In 1867, Father James Ryan came from Columbus to minister to the people of his faith and celebrated Mass in a house west of the Union Pacific depot. Father Ryan returned at intervals to offer Mass and administer the sacraments until 1875 when Father Patrick Lynch was appointed the first resident priest. The earliest baptismal record kept in North Platte is an entry for the baptism of James Charles Grooner, born September 14,1874, who Father Lynch baptized February 4, 1875.

Before the construction of a church, records indicate that Mass was offered occasionally in local homes. Area Catholics met for several years to take steps to build a church. In 1874, Father Lynch built the first frame church at Fourth and Chestnut. It was dedicated on June 6, 1875. Because of the growth of the Catholic population, in 1883 the frame church was replaced by a larger brick church on the southwest corner of the parish lot. The old church was removed when Fr. Conway was pastor. 

Fr. McDaid came from Ireland to lead the parish for many years. It was during his tenure that McDaid Elementary was built i 1917, replacing the old Nativity Academy. The parish rectory was built in 1930. In 1919 Fr. McDaid required a medical visit in Omaha and his friend (now Servant of God) Fr. Edward J. Flanagan came from Omaha to fill-in for five weeks. When Bishop Hunkeler was transferred and before Bishop Paschang was installed, Fr. McDaid was named diocesan administrator--a high honor for this long-time pastor! 

And so, it was under Father Murray's leadership that the present brick church was constructed in 1949 at a cost of $300,000. on the north west corner of the parish lot. The cornerstone was laid later that year and the church was dedicated November 7, 1950. A distinguishing feature of St. Patrick's Parish is its concept of community. An open and friendly spirit has drawn and continues to attract members to our church family.

Remodel of St. Patrick's Church

In 1989 Fr. Harold Kurtenbach initiated plans for a remodel of the current Church. Later, in 1991 under Fr.. Bernard Berger the remodel of the Church began. The general contractor was Mr. Martin Piskorski. 

On the 18^th of February 1996 the Most Reverend Lawrence J. McNamara, Bishop of the Diocese of Grand Island, rededicated the remodeled Church. 

Spiritual Life Center

The old McDaid Elementary building on 4th Street had come to the end of its life. Although it was difficult to let go of such a cherished place, the building was torn down to make way for the new Spiritual Life Center, incorporating many historical elements from the old building, such as the outside light fixtures. Fr. Jim Golka provided the leadership to accomplish this, adding a benefit for religious ed classes, bible studies, RCIA and other events for years to come. The Spiritual Life Center was dedicated in 2016. 

150th Anniversary of the Parish

The parish celebrated 150 years as a parish on September 14, 2024 with a large Mass led by Bishop Joseph G. Hanefeldt and joined by several former pastors. Fr. Jonathan Sorensen arranged a special blessing from Pope Francis for the occasion. It was also the occasion for rediscovery of the indulgences attached to our church's crucifix. Several hundred people attended prior to the Mass for confessions and the required indulgence prayers. 

The following video was prepared by KNOP on the occcasion: https://www.knopnews2.com/2024/12/11/saint-patricks-catholic-church-north-platte-celebrates-150-years/