The parish of St. John Nepomuk was founded primarily of families of Bohemian nationality. Today, St. John Nepomuk welcomes those from many different nationalities.

Catholic settlers began arriving in the Lake Reno area in 1866. Missionaries did their best to serve the needs of the earliest Catholic settlers beginning in 1868.

Between missionary visits, families would gather in homes to read prayers, recite the rosary and sign hymns. Many walked for miles to gather and participate in these layman services. Many of our early founders were baptized in homes by missionaries who traveled far by horse to administer this sacrament.

The first Catholic church in Pope County was built in 1870. It was designed by the parishioners and constructed of hand-hewn logs. From 1876 until 1884, Rev. John Schenk came from Long Prairie once a month to celebrate Mass in this log church.

In 1887, the little log church was already too small for the growing congregation, so the parishioners built a new church. In 1923 it was moved over a full basement, enlarged and remodeled. This church survived until 1946 when it burned to the ground.

In 1889, the Diocese of St. Cloud was formed. From then until 1916, when the parish was incorporated and Reverend Frank First became our first resident pastor. The parish was served by several priests who served parishes such as Duelm, Browerville, Belgrade, Royalton, Elmdale, Glenwood, Lastrup and Villard. The travel distances, considering available modes of travel then, were extraordinary.

Father First lived with the John Bisek family, one mile west of the church. The first rectory was used until the present rectory was built in 1967. Father First served until 1922.

After the disastrous fire of 1946, Mass was celebrated in the Lowry Village Hall for about two years while the new church was being built. The cornerstone was laid on September 7, 1947, and Mass was celebrated in the new church in 1948. In 1953, granite altars and a communion rail were installed and a new organ was purchased. In 1958, the bell tower was built.

In 1967, the old rectory was sold and moved and the present rectory was built. During this same period, the parish council was organized to help with the administration of parish affairs and is still active. In 2000, the church was tuck pointed, plastered, painted and new carpet was installed. In 2007, the rectory was re-shingled and the windows were replaced.

Religion classes are taught by volunteer lay teachers during the school year. Each year in August a bazaar is held with a dinner consisting primarily of Bohemian specialties. In addition to the dinner, bingo, games for children and a raffle provide entertainment in a festive atmosphere for many parishioners and other visitors.