The first Crucifix and two candle sticks that were used on the altar (small cast iron ones) were supplied by Mrs. P. A. Hughes who had brought them from Ireland where they had belonged to her mother, Mrs. P. A. McCabe. The crucifix was later returned to her when a larger one could be purchased for the church. It is now in the possession of her granddaughter in this community. The candle sticks were sent to Frenchtown where they were needed and were never returned.

This church was first used in May, 1875, and at that time was the only Catholic church west of West Point, Nebraska. Father Bedard asked the first settler, P. A. Hughes, to suggest a name for the church. He chose St. Patrick as the patron of the church and parish. The congregation continued to grow although the settlers were quite widely separated. When a Mass was to be said, they assembled, coming mostly on foot in spite of unfavorable weather. The adults were usually fasting so they might receive Holy Communion.

In the spring of 1877, a letter signed by the then trustees of the Church, Frank P. Hughes and Sam Kent, was sent to the Bishop petitioning the regular services of a priest instead of occasional as they had been having.

In response, the Bishop placed the Franciscan priests who had headquarters in Columbus, in charge of St. Patrick's parish in Battle Creek. Father Ambroze Jassen and Father Anslem Quetz attended the place for about a year. Later Father Smith of O'Neill, a secular priest, was given charge and he made regular trips down to St. Patrick's, traveling on foot, horseback or by mail wagon, fording swollen streams in time of high water, struggling through deep snow and enduring extremes of heat and cold. He usually stayed in the homes of different settlers for several days to enable him to give special religious services where desired.

In 1881, Father Smith was succeeded by Father Carney who established his residence in Norfolk and served Catholic settlers in several communities. In 1883, he began plans for the first small church in Norfolk but was recalled during that year. Father Smith was again placed in charge of Battle Creek but with headquarters in Norfolk. During that year he and the parishioners made plans for a larger church in Battle Creek. It was to be located in the north part of town instead of on the cemetery property because it would be more convenient for the people. It is the site on which the present Catholic church stands.

Before the building was completed, Father Smith was recalled and Father Lechleitner was placed in charge and under his direction, the frame church was completed in 1885. Years later (in 1902), before the present brick church was constructed, the old building was sold to a Battle Creek merchant and moved one block south of the church site where it is still in use as a business house.

In the fall of 1885, Bishop O'Gorman came from Omaha and administered the Sacrament of Confirmation in Battle Creek

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