From the Archives

Father John Bloms, O.S.B., who left this life in 1974 at the relatively young age of 57, is still remembered fondly by the community of Saint Gregory’s Abbey and the Diocese of Oklahoma City and Tulsa. The mention of his name evokes admiration, laughter and a constantly brewing sense of controversy.

Born in Minnesota to a family that included two priest brothers and a sister who became Sister Bernard Clare, he was ordained in 1944 and became the football coach and chemistry instructor at the high school and college at Saint Gregory’s.

A supremely talented man, Father John gained notoriety as a builder of extraordinary vision. Under his supervision and partly with his own hands, he was the general contractor for the construction of Saint Gregory’s Abbey as well as the dining area. The monks of the abbey were fellow workers. His penchant for construction manifested itself in the creation of the churches in Wanette, Seminole, Montebello, California and Ada.
He was known as a liturgical innovator (which was appealing to some and appalling to others) as he appeared on the front page of the first issue of the National Catholic Reporter with an article about his altar boys and girls. While the norm today, in 1964 the fact that girls were serving on the altar was scandalous. Bishop Reed ordered him to cease. Another legend emanating from the parish in Ada was his use of a 50-gallon drum and firecrackers instead of Sanctus bells at the consecration. His sense of liturgy could be disarming, but most were enthralled by his gregarious and warm personality.

At his death, the Sooner Catholic (in its first year of publication) offered this observation: “Father John, a friendly man, was well known as a pastor, teacher, builder, football coach and one having great concern for the genuine, lively worship by his parishioners.”