“At least five parishes in the Archdiocese in the 1880s boasted two Catholic churches where one would have been sufficient except for a variety of languages. One such town was Norway in Benton County, where Saint Michael’s was the first parish, caring for the Czech people of the area. Later the parish became predominantly German. The second parish, Saint Patrick’s provided for Norway’s Irish settlers. When the pastor of Fairfax to the east began visiting the Irish Catholics in the Norway area is not recorded. Their first church was begun in 1880 and completed the following spring and named for Saint Patrick.”

- Rev. Msgr. Edgar Kurt, “Parish Profile #134: Saint Patrick Parish, Watkins.” Dubuque: The Witness, 30 July 1989.

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Abstract Records, n.d. (1 document)

Centennial History of the Archdiocese of Dubuque, p. 319.

Deed Records 1907, 1912 (2 documents)

Financial Statements and Reports 1977, 1982, 1983, 1985 (4 packets)

History 1937-1961 (1 document)

Major Developments 1930-1954 (1 document)

Pastor Cards (1 set)

Stramer History Letter regarding vocations from Waterloo (1 document)

“St. Patrick’s, Watkins celebrates 100 years.” Dubuque: The Witness, ca. 1980.]]>
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Frank and Ida Goedken Series: "Spiritual Life in the Upper Mississippi River Valley"]]>
History of the parish over the span of 139 years, including information about its priests and parishioners.]]>
“As early as June 1944 Archbishop Francis J. L. Beckmann conferred with Father John M. Fischer at the annual Priests Retreat about founding a new parish in Waterloo. In January 1945 his Coadjutor, Archbishop Henry P. Rohlman, appointed Father Fischer to found the parish, giving it Saint Edward as patron in tribute to Monsignor Dougherty. Almost immediately Father Fischer took residence in the Russell Lamson Hotel and formed the 65 families into a parish. They chose Kingsley School as their place of Sunday worship and celebrated first Mass on Palm Sunday 1945 with Archbishop Rohlman present.”

- Rev. Msgr. Edgar Kurt, “Parish Profile #233: Saint Edward Parish, Waterloo,” Dubuque: The Witness, 21 July 1991.

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Building Documents 1988 (1 packet)

Catholic Men’s Conference 1998 (1 booklet)

Catholic Schools Themed Bulletin 2 February 1985 (1 booklet)

CD – Parish History 1987 (1 CD)

Constitution of Saint Edward’s Guild 1958-1959 (1 booklet)

Dedication 1996 (1 booklet)

Financial Statement 1968, 1976, 1987 (3 booklets)

Guild – Saint Edward’s Guild 1959-1960 (1 booklet)

History (6 documents)

History – ACCW Parish History Project 1960 (1 packet)

History by Rev. Kurt (2 documents)

Letters regarding the building and approval for canonical erection of the parish 1944-1945 (7 documents)

Major Developments 1945-1957 (1 document)

Men’s Group – Ceder Valley Men’s Group Letter Rev. Hanus 1998 (1 document)

Men’s Group Parish Timetable (1 document)

Parish Plan Booklet 1974, 1989 (2 documents)

Pastor Cards (1 set)

Pastor Timeline (1 document)

Rebuild My Church Booklet ca. 1995 (1 booklet)

Rebuild My Church Documents 1995 (1 packet)

Rededication and Renewal 1996 (1 booklet)

Regional Mass of Celebration 1987 (1 booklet)

Timeline (7 documents)

Transmittal Documents 1994-1996 (1 book)

Vocations 1991 (1 document)

“Area man ordained in Saint Louis, MO,” Dubuque: The Witness, Vol. LXV No. 11, 5 May 1985.

Borich, Michael. “St. Edward’s Renew has enlivened parish spirit.” N.p., ca. 1987.

“Chrism Mass,” Dubuque: The Witness, Vol. LXVI No. 5, 23 March 1986.

“Convinced,” Dubuque: The Witness, Vol. LXVI No. 45, 11 January 1987.

Donland, Joan & Eric Schmadeke & Laura Sears. “St. Edward’s Parish,” Dubuque: The Witness, Vol. LXIV No. 50, 17 February 1985.

Eggers, Sandra. “St. Edward’s Catholic Church, Waterloo.” Waterloo: KWWL, 3rd Quarter, 1994.

Kurt, Rev. Msgr. Edgar, “Parish Profile #233: Saint Edward Parish, Waterloo.” Dubuque: The Witness, 21 July 1991. (2 documents)

McMahon, Steve. “Partnership increases global awareness.” Dubuque: The Witness, 16 March 2003, p. 2.

McMahon, Steve. “St. Ed’s befrienders offer emotional, spiritual support.” Dubuque: The Witness, Vol. LXXII No. 42, 6 December 1992.

Rohlman, Henry P., “New Parish in Waterloo Established Yesterday,” n.p., n.d.

“St. Edward, Waterloo to celebrate 50th jubilee.” Dubuque: The Witness, 15 January 1995, p. 1. (2 documents)

“Waterloo parish to begin renewal plan.” Dubuque: The Witness, Vol. LXV No. 18, 23 June 1985.

“Waterloo turns red for sesquicentennial.” Dubuque: The Witness, 21 June 1987.]]>
The Center for Dubuque History at Loras College.]]> Kucera Center for Catholic Thought
Frank and Ida Goedken Series: "Spiritual Life in the Upper Mississippi River Valley"]]>
History of the parish over the span of 75 years, including information about its priests and parishioners.]]>
“The beginning of Sacred Heart Parish is well described in the history of the Archdiocesan schools, “With Faith and Vision.” The authors wrote, “After nearly fifty years of getting to church by fording, by ferrying, and at last by crossing the bridge, the West Side Catholics met in 1908 to discuss forming a new parish.” Before their church was built they had to cross the river to Saint Joseph’s or Saint Mary’s for mass and the sacraments. Sacred Heart school opened in late August 1909 in a frame building near the rectory. The Cedar Rapids Sisters of Mercy staffed the school from the beginning. With the completion of the church, high school classes began in the basement.”

- Rev. Msgr. Edgar Kurt, “Parish Profile #229: Sacred Heart Parish, Waterloo,” Dubuque: The Witness, 16 June 1991.

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Cushing, Dave. “Religious formation programs to unify.” Dubuque: The Witness, 12 April 2009.

“Group plan ‘Musical Journey with Christ.’” Dubuque: The Witness, 27 February 2011, p. 4.

History 1959 (1 book)

Leonetti, “100 years in heart of Waterloo: Sacred Heart Parish marks centennial.” Dubuque: The Witness, 2009.

“Little Free Library’ dedicated at Sacred Heart in Waterloo.” Dubuque: The Witness, 28 May 2017.

McMahon, Steve. “St. Patrick to honor founder Fr. Mazzuchelli and parish ancestors.” Dubuque: The Witness, 11 July 2010, p. 2.

Pastor/Priest Cards (1 set)

Russo, Dan. “Burmese priest is new associate pastor at Waterloo parish.” Dubuque: The Witness, 19 July 2015, p. 1, 6.

“Sacred Heart at Waterloo is Redecorated,” Dubuque: The Witness, 13 October 1938.

“The Exercises of a Mission.” St. Paul: E.M. Lohmann Co., 10 March 1940.

“Waterloo deanery marks end of Year of Saint Paul.” Dubuque: The Witness, 7 June 2009, p. 4.]]>
The Center for Dubuque History at Loras College.]]> Kucera Center for Catholic Thought
Frank and Ida Goedken Series: "Spiritual Life in the Upper Mississippi River Valley"]]>
History of the parish over the span of 110 years, including information about its priests and parishioners.]]>
“Having observed the westward growth of Waterloo, Archbishop Henry P. Rohlman announced in 1947 the founding of a new parish in Waterloo to be called Blessed Sacrament. He appointed Father Louis A. Putz as pastor and temporary chaplain of Saint Francis Hospital. The land purchase was completed in December. The first Mass in the new parish was celebrated in the Little Theatre of Edison School on January 4, 1948. The next month the parish purchased a house for a rectory and Father Putz was relieved of the chaplaincy at the hospital.”

- Rev. Msgr. Edgar Kurt, “Parish Profile #210: Blessed Sacrament Parish, Waterloo.” Dubuque: The Witness, 3 February 1991.]]>
The Center for Dubuque History at Loras College.]]> Kucera Center for Catholic Thought
Frank and Ida Goedken Series: "Spiritual Life in the Upper Mississippi River Valley"]]>
History of the parish over the span of 72 years, including information about its priests and parishioners.]]>
“The citizens of the community first sought to build a parish church in 1885 and subscribed $1,305. Of the 85 subscribers on the March 5, 1885, list about forty were not Catholic. In 1887 Father Peter O’Dowd, the Independence pastor, came to Walker at the request of several Catholic families to discuss further the possibility of building a Catholic church in Walker. That year they built a church through the efforts of the citizens and the dedication of Father O’Dowd. It was probably then that they dedication the church to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.”

- Rev. Msgr. Edgar Kurt, “Parish Profile #161: Sacred Heart Parish, Walker,” Dubuque: The Witness, 11 February 1990.

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ACCW Parish History Project Annual History 1976-1983, 1983-1984 (2 compilations)

Annual History 1932-1956, 1931-1961 (2 documents)

Archives record information Rev. J.J. Olinger (2 documents)

Financial Statement 1984-1985 (2 documents)

Financial Statement – Spencer’s Grove ca. 1968 (2 documents)

Golden Jubilee Booklet, August 26, 1940 (1 document)

History (2 packets)

Pastor/Administration Cards (2 sets) 

Priest List (2 documents)

REGISTRA ANTIQUA with Index 1876-1915 (1 unbound packet)

Walker Sacred Heart Guild 1975-1976 (1 document)

Warranty Deed and Legal Documents 1939-1993 (1 compilation)

Hohenbrink, Michael. “Pro-life activities bring teaching moment.” Dubuque: The Witness, Vol. 89 No. 2, 18 January 2009.

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The Center for Dubuque History at Loras College.]]> Kucera Center for Catholic Thought
Frank and Ida Goedken Series: "Spiritual Life in the Upper Mississippi River Valley"]]>
History of the parish over the span of 132 years, including information about its priests and parishioners.]]>
“Sacred Heart Church, Volga, was built in 1899 under the direction of Father James Mulligan, during the time he was pastor of West Union, Wadena, and Fayette. The first Mass was celebrated in the church on Easter, April 2, and the church formally dedicated on June 7 of that year. Father John R. Daly, first pastor of Volga and Wadena, came in 1899 and the parish built a rectory in 1900 for $1,200. He stayed short of two years.”

Rev. Msgr. Edgar Kurt, “Parish Profile #209: Sacred Heart Parish, Volga,” Dubuque: The Witness, 27 January 1991.]]>
Anniversary of Dedication - 50th and 75th 1975 (1 booklet)

Contract and Agreement 1954 (1 compilation)

Financial Statement 1968 (1 document)

History (2 documents)

Oral History CD, Volga Sacred Heart 1987 #38.

Pastor/Priest Cards (2 sets)

“Centennial Observance: Sacred Heart Parish marks a milestone.” Dubuque: The Witness, 1 August 1999.

Kurt, Rev. Msgr. Edgar, “Sacred Heart Parish, Volga,” n.p., ca. 1989.]]>
The Center for Dubuque History at Loras College.]]> Kucera Center for Catholic Thought
Frank and Ida Goedken Series: "Spiritual Life in the Upper Mississippi River Valley"]]>
History of the parish over the span of 120 years, including information about its priests and parishioners.]]>
“After the appointment of Father P. C. Kenny, churches were constructed in Vinton and Dysart under his direction. In 1879 the Church of Saint Mary in Vinton was dedicated on the feast of Mary’s Maternity, October 12, and the church in Vinton was dedicated to Saint Joseph one week later. In that year the parish at Grundy Center was added to his care.”

- Rev. Msgr. Edgar Kurt, “Parish Profile #153: Saint Mary Parish, Vinton,” Dubuque: The Witness, 10 December 1989.

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Constitution of The Altar and Rosary Society (1 booklet)

History (6 documents)

Pastor/Priest Cards (1 set)

Pastor List (3 documents)

Photographs:

St. Mary’s Church, ca. 1961

St. Mary’s Rectory, ca. 1961

Photograph and History Page (1 document)

“The Official Catholic Directory” ca. 1917 (1 document)

Treasurer’s Reports 1917 (2 documents)

Hohenbrink, Michael. “Pro-life activities bring teaching moment.” Dubuque: The Witness, Vol. 89 No. 2, 18 January 2009.

Kurt, Rev. Edgar, “Parish Profile #153: Saint Mary Parish, Vinton.” Dubuque: The Witness. 10 December 1989.

Witness Staff, “Other areas of archdiocese also coping.” Dubuque: The Witness, 22 June 2008.

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The Center for Dubuque History at Loras College.]]> Kucera Center for Catholic Thought
Frank and Ida Goedken Series: "Spiritual Life in the Upper Mississippi River Valley"]]>
History of the parish over the span of 140 years, including information about its priests and parishioners.]]>
“The Catholic Church in Benton County began with the deeding of two sections of prairie near Keystone, Iowa, to the University of Notre Dame in Indiana in January 1863. Francis Murphy, a Benton county pioneer, gave those 1,280 acres in return for education of his two sons. In the spring of 1866, the provincial of the Holy Cross Fathers sent Father Paul E. Gillen together with Brothers Matthew, Cesaire, and Aloysius, to take possession of the tract of land and to care for the spiritual needs of settlers in the area, and eventually to open a college there if it is found advisable. Father Paul, a Civil War chaplain, drove his old war horse “Sarsfield” all the way from Indiana with his Mass kit and other needs in a buggy. The Brothers drove two yokes of oxen with wagons loaded with implements to break up the fertile prairie and raise potatoes to supply the community and students at Notre Dame.”

- Rev. Msgr. Edgar Kurt, “Parish Profile #93: Immaculate Conception, Van Horne,” Dubuque: The Witness, 2 October 1988.

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Annual Financial Statement 1925, 1929, 1930, 1932, 1936 (5 booklets)

Annual History Report 1990-1991 (3 documents)

Holy Card for Frater Leland M. Barry, S.S.J., 1940 (1 document)

Holy Cross Cemetery in Keystone, Iowa (2 documents)

Historical Data, Reid 4/1/88 (1 packet)

Letter regarding Baptismal Book Record Request 1947 J. Remair Jones

Letter regarding Christmas and welcome letter 14 December 1970 (1 document)

Letter regarding grave of Ellen Crothy 10 August 1945 (1 document)

Letter regarding Archdiocese History Rev. Churchhill to Rev. Byrne (2 documents)

Pastor List (2 documents)

Cullen, Brother Franklin, C.S.C. “Holy Cross in Iowa, Five Apostolates – 1944-1977.” Brothers of Holy Cross, Mountain View, California, 1989.

Martin, Mrs. John. “History of Immaculate Conception Church.” A.C.C.W. Parish History Project, ca. 1960. (2 copies)

“Started by Notre Dame: Early Iowa Church Just a Memory.” Dubuque: The Witness, 10 May 1956.]]>
The Center for Dubuque History at Loras College.]]> Kucera Center for Catholic Thought
Frank and Ida Goedken Series: "Spiritual Life in the Upper Mississippi River Valley"]]>
History of the parish over the span of 152 years, including information about its priests and parishioners.]]>
“Saint Mary Church at Spencer’s Grove, two and a half miles north of Urbana, “stood out in the prairie like a lonely sentinel of the Lord,” according to Father Hubert Holsters, writing in the Centennial History of the Archdiocese. For many years before Sacred Heart Parish of Walker was established, Saint Mary’s was the only Catholic parish in that area between the Cedar and the Wapsipinicon rivers, between Independence and Cedar Rapids. In 1870 a priest from Cedar Rapids came regularly to celebrate Mass in the home of Anthony Wahl. Wahl’s son-in-law kept faithful record of collections. The first is dated January 16, 1870, and amounted to $1.15.”

Rev. Msgr. Edgar Kurt, “Parish Profile #139: Saint Mary Parish, Urbana,” Dubuque: The Witness, 3 September 1989.]]>
Dedication Booklet 2 November 1969 (1 booklet)

Diamond and Golden Jubilee Solemn Pontifical Mass, 26 August 1940. (1 document)

Financial Statement, n.d., 1985 (1 copy, 1 document)

Planning Committee Letter (1 document)

Witness Heritage Day Article and 1987 History, News Clippings, 150th Anniversary Information, photographs (1 packet)

Witness History (1 document)

Hohenbrink, Michael. “Pro-life activities bring teaching moment.” Dubuque: The Witness, Vol. 89, No. 2.  18 January 2009, p. 1-2. 

Smith, Sue Davis. “Churches’ grape project bears fruit,” The Gazette, 13 April 2002, p. 9B. (1 original, 1 copy)

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The Center for Dubuque History at Loras College.]]> Kucera Center for Catholic Thought
Frank and Ida Goedken Series: "Spiritual Life in the Upper Mississippi River Valley"]]>
History of the parish over the span of 182 years, including information about its priests and parishioners.]]>
“Once the Archbishop appointed a pastor for the Blessing parish, the blessing pastors occasionally visited the Catholics of the Traer area and celebrated Mass in their homes. In 1912 Father Sampson, pastor of Blessing, directed the building of Saint Paul Church in Traer. After that, Mass was celebrated as often as Father Sampson could visit Traer.”

- Rev. Msgr. Edgar Kurt, “Parish Profile #197: Saint Paul Parish, Traer,” Dubuque: The Witness, 28 October 1990.]]>
Annual History 1951-1958 (2 packets)

Centennial, History of Tama County, p. 190-191.

Constitution 31 July 1985 (1 packet)

Contributions List (2 documents) 

Financial Report 1976 (1 booklet)

History of St. Paul Altar and Rosary Society, Traer, Iowa. (1 packet)

Kolash Letter 2011 (2 documents)

New Addition File 2002 (1 file)

Rembrance of Mission Card 1948 (1 card)

Hayes, Donald P. PhD. “Immaculate Conception Church, Blessing and St. Paul’s Church, Traer,” n.p., n.d.

Jackels, Archbishop Michael O., “Decree Regarding Saint Joseph Church, Dysart, Iowa Belonging to Saint Paul Parish, Traer, Iowa.” 19 March 2018.

Kurt, Rev. Edgar, “Saint Paul Parish, Traer,” ca. 1988.

Kurt, Rev. Edgar, “Parish Profile #197,” Dubuque: The Witness, 28 October 1990.

Murray, Janette. They Came to North Tama: Old Buckingham, Tranquility Folk, 1953, 1973, p. 154-155.

“Traer concludes year of St. Paul.” Dubuque: The Witness, 19 July 2009, p. 4.  

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The Center for Dubuque History at Loras College.]]> Kucera Center for Catholic Thought
Frank and Ida Goedken Series: "Spiritual Life in the Upper Mississippi River Valley"]]>
History of the parish over the span of 107 years, including information about its priests and parishioners.]]>