On July 1, 1956, on the east side of Madison, Bishop William P. O'Connor established Saint Dennis Parish. Father Joseph C. Niglis was appointed pastor of the new parish located on a beautiful and expansive tract of land donated by the Dempsey Family.

Construction of a temporary church began in August of 1956, and the building was dedicated on December 2nd of that year (read our very first bulletin). That temporary structure still exists as the heart of the present church complex as the chapel, sacristy and social area just north of today's spacious church lobby.

The parish school opened in September of 1960 under the leadership of the Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa, and it remains an important part of parish life today providing a Catholic education for students in grades kindergarten through eighth grade./p>

On November 7, 1960, an aerial photograph was taken of St. Dennis. The view, looking to the north-east, shows the connection between the school gym and the church is yet to be built, Stoughton Road is still a 2-lane highway, and the original Farm & Fleet is across from St. Dennis, on Stoughton Road. Additionally, the Dempsey homestead is clearly visible in the foreground (thanks to Bob Spoerl for sharing this).

In addition to the parish school, the congregation provides a strong program of religious education for students in the public elementary, middle and high schools in our area. The parish also offers many opportunities for adult education and provides a pre-school religious education program and nursery during nine o'clock Mass on Sunday mornings during the school year.

On the feast of Saint Dennis, October 9, 1982, Bishop Cletus F. O'Donnell broke ground for a permanent church building which had fulfilled the dreams of many parish members. The church was used for the first time on June 13, 1983 as Bishop George O. Wirz conferred the sacrament of Confirmation on an enthusiastic group of young adults. Then, once again, on the feast of Saint Dennis, October 9, 1983 Bishop Wirz returned to dedicate the new church.

In addition to the present professional staff, the parish is served by an active Parish Council and its many commissions. An incredible number of capable lay people serve in volunteer capacities in such ministries as liturgy, education, social action, youth, building maintenance and various other areas of parish activities.

The Saint Dennis Festival, on the last weekend in July each year, is probably the best attended social event of the year on the east side of Madison. The parish of Saint Dennis can be characterized as dedicated, loyal, hospitable and hard working. We would be delighted to number you among our friends.

As we celebrate our 52nd year as Saint Dennis Parish Family, we are blessed with many members. Some of these members have been with the parish for all of its fifty-one years, and many new members continue to join us. We truly are blessed with dedicated hard working individual family members, who make Saint Dennis Parish what it is today: