CBS 58

WEST ALLIS, Wis (CBS 58) -- It was an emotional day for many in West Allis as St. Rita Church held its final mass Sunday morning, Nov. 23.

"I went to church here, got married here, my grandkids got baptized here," said Debbie McKay, St. Rita Catholic School class of '63. "I walked here with tears in my eyes just going they just can't tear this down."

More than 1,300 people packed the pews for prayer, worship and to say goodbye to the place they say, so many memories were created.

"So many memories, this church holds so much inside of it you can't get rid of it," said Cathy Takala, St. Rita Catholic School class of '63.

In July of last year, St. Rita, Holy Assumption and St. Augustine on the east side of West Allis merged as St. Barnabas.

"Not everyone was happy with this decis

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