[The following is excerpts taken from the History of Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Church written for the Centennial Edition of the Parish Directory.]

The railroad and the university, long the economic mainstays of the region, have both played major roles in the history of Saint Francis Xavier Parish.  Prior to 1899, only two Catholic families lived in Carbondale, but in that year the Illinois Central Railroad established a division headquarters, and among the railroad employees were a number of Catholics.  B. Gileas, the roadmaster, and J. J. Gaven, the trainmaster, promoted the organization of a parish and the erection of a church.

The parish was established in 1900, during the tenure of Bishop John Jansen, the first bishop of the Belleville Diocese.  A frame church was built on the corner of Elm and Poplar streets at a cost of $2,000 which seated 150 people.  Father Bernard Hilgenberg, who had been an assistant at Saint Andrew's in Murphysboro, was named pastor and celebrated the first Mass in the church on Thanksgiving Day.

In April, 1952, just 52 years after the first church was completed, it was announced that Saint Francis Xavier Parish had purchased two properties.  The landmark property of Mrs. Virginia McAndrew bordered by Walnut, Poplar and South Elm streets was part of the purchase.  Four years later, in 1956, Bishop Albert Zuroweste formally announced the land acquisition and plans to build a new church as the first project for construction on the site.  At that point in time, a Catholic elementary school was also in the planning stage.  Contracts for construction work for the church were signed on September 20, 1957 and work was begun.

On December 3, 1958, the feast of Saint Francis Xavier, Bishop Albert Zuroweste dedicated the new church.  It was a historic celebration for the parish which by now, had been established for 58 years.

In 1960, Saint Francis counted 208 families.  In the city of Carbondale, SIU had grown into a major university with a wide variety of undergraduate and graduate programs.  Its enrollment approached 25,000 students, which more than doubled the population of those considered native to the community.  Tourism and agriculture, especially the fruit industry, and the mining of coal, received renewed attention.  The parish population was growing, but transient.  Its growth incorporated people from several ethnic origins.  Parish leaders would emerge and then suddenly leave the area.  Continuity in planning was difficult to achieve.  Another addition to the community was the Newman Catholic Center, which opened in October of 1962.

Space to meet the educational requirements of parishioners and housing for clergy, had become a high priority.  Father Melvin Haas, with the approval of the bishop, had plans drawn up for an all-purpose parish hall.  It was to serve as an educational facility and a residence for the pastor, assistants and the housekeeper.  Rooms for visitors and a meeting place equipped for serving meals to large groups was included in the planning.  The plans were submitted to the parish council and to Bishop Zuroweste.  Approval was granted by both parties.  Xavier Hall was occupied on June 9, 1970 and dedicated by Bishop Zuroweste on November 8, 1970.  

By 1990 the church experienced a growth spurt and numbered 463 families as its members.  Church renovation and location of a new organ became major topics of discussion in the early 1990's.  After much discussion and  planning, construction began in November of 1997.  During the days of construction, all Masses were held in the lower level of Xavier Hall.  The renovated church was completed and dedicated by Bishop Gregory on July 31, 1998.

At the turning of the millennium the community of Saint Francis Xavier celebrated not only 2000 years of Christianity, but the 100th anniversary of the founding of the parish.  The parish has been blessed at this time with a full-time pastor during a time of severe shortage of priests.  At this time the parish is now composed of 520 families.