Linda Pearce will be presenting “100 Years of Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church” for the First Friday program sponsored by the Gila County Historical Museum and the Bullion Plaza Museum and Cultural Center on Nov. 3. The program will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the Bullion Plaza Museum.

Pearce is a third generation native of the area and a long-time educator. She recently provided the research and writing for a publication Celebrating the Past, Embracing the Future, focusing on the establishment of Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church at 844 Sullivan Street in Miami, July 1, 1917.

That year, specifically, was a boom town year for Miami as the YMCA, the Miami High School, and many other buildings were built or were in the planning stages. 

The population of Miami grew 381 percent in the decade between 1910 and 1920, reaching almost 7,000 people.

The fluctuations of the population are mirrored in the enrollment of the church.

Our Lady’s Church was rededicated July 1, 2017, by Bishop Gerald Kicanas of the Diocese of Tucson. It was one of his last official acts as he goes into retirement in November.

Pearce’s talk will cover not only the history of the church, but also a short history of Miami and some of the high points and hardships of both the town and the church.

The doors open at 6 with light refreshments being served.  The program is free, but donations are always welcome.  

Both museums receive funds from The United Fund Globe-Miami.