The money to build the church was raised by parishioners through stipends, crops donated by the parish farmers, raffles and the famous St. Martin's Alter Society Thanksgiving Turkey Dinners.  Thousands of turkey dinners with all the trimmings were prepared by the St. Martin's Alter Society Ladies and their families. Folks from all around the area on Thanksgiving Day traveled to Piqua to partake of the delicious meals. The last “official” Thanksgiving dinner was held in 1972.          

Although regular Sunday mass is no longer celebrated at the beautiful St. Martin of Tours Church, the building is still maintained and open to the public. It is open 24 hours a day seven days a week. It is fully maintained by volunteers of the parish and local citizens of the community.                                                                                                                                           St. Martin's still holds mass on Christmas Eve when Piqua residents and family return to town to celebrate mass.  The priest from St John's Parish in Iola is now in charge of Iola, Piqua and St. Joseph’s in Yates Center. The Easter Holy Week Services rotate between the three parish churches with at least one Holy Week Service being held at St. Martin's Parish.

Call 620.365.8309 for times of holiday services and come early, the church will be packed!