Name This Peoria Landmark

Peoria Landmark #276

sctobrien and LeTumba are both right. It is the bowling alley in the basement of St. Ann’s Catholic Church, formerly known as St. Boniface, located at 1010 S. Louisa.

In a 2007 capital campaign case statement [pdf], their parish history is detailed-

During the summer of 1881 Father Frederick Von Schwedler organized the parish of St. Boniface in the southwestern section of Peoria. The first church, school, and rectory cost a total of $16,000. In 1892, the rapidly growing parish was turned over to the Franciscan Fathers from Cincinnati, Ohio, with Father Nicholas Holtel, OFM, as the its first pastor. It was under his pastorate that the present church was constructed for a cost of $37,000. A convent was built at the turn of the century. With the parish growing a new school building was constructed in 1916. By 1931 – the 50th birthday of the parish – the parish community consisted of 480 families and almost 300 students in the school. A rather unique activity began in the parish in the 1940’s – the construction of a bowling alley beneath the church. It has continued to the present in providing pleasant gatherings for the members of the present day St. Ann parish.

On December 18, 1966 fire completely gutted the church. Under the leadership of Father James, in April, 1969, the church was rededicated
– very different from its predecessor, but still and outstanding building.

In 1971 St. Boniface School consolidated with St. John School in an effort to preserve Catholic education in the parishes. The school
closed in 1999.

St. Boniface and St. John parishes worked together for many years before it became necessary to close St. John parish and bring everyone
together at St. Boniface which became St. Ann parish in 1994. The present pastor, Father Terry Cassidy, has been pastor since 1999.

I don’t know the details on how to rent this space, but it is an interesting place that seems to capture a moment in time. Maybe someone will find this post and fill us in.