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October 8, 2020Due to the Stock Market crash in October 1929, the abject poverty, the anguish of not being able to provide for the essentials of the family, and the vagaries of extreme weather all played a role when recalling the Great Depression of the 1930s.
Oklahoma’s drought affected one of the staples of its society, the family farm. Citizens left in droves seeking work when crops failed, leading to the term “Okies.” While most Oklahomans see the term as a badge of honor today, it was used in the pejorative sense during this dark period.
The Church in Oklahoma suffered mightily along with the people she served. Being on the brink of financial collapse caused constant frustration in not being able to help those in need. It was a struggle to keep the doors open and many of the clergy received little to no salary. In 1933, Catholic Charities had $300 in cash and owed $4,200 on a mortgage payment. Saint Rose of Lima in Perry lost its money due to a bank failure in 1932.
In 1932, Bishop Francis Kelley moved out of the episcopal residence due to the expense of upkeep and moved into Saint Anthony Hospital in a small apartment. He remained there until a new home was purchased in 1939 as the economy began to strengthen due to the coming war. Bishop Kelley was a prolific writer and lecturer who toured the country and his fees were gifted to the general fund of the diocese to keep it afloat.
Father David Monahan wrote, “Some Catholic institutions made feeble attempts to be of assistance – the Knights of Columbus in Tulsa tried to serve as an unemployment agency; Associated Catholic Charities served as a clearing house for the distribution of clothes; and Saint Anthonys Hospital began to feed those who gathered in a daily food line. Father Caudron at Henryetta hired the unemployed to work on church property. But, the appeals for help far outstripped the ability to meet them.”
Despite the misery and “hard times” endured by the people of Oklahoma, the Church persevered, and after the Second World War, enjoyed a period of unprecedented growth and prosperity.
Much is owed to the hearty souls who maintained their faith and the sacrifices of the clergy during this tumultuous time.
