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“When Father John J. Hanley became pastor in 1887, he saw to the building of a three-story frame school and convent, which was known as Saint Xavier’s for many years. Cedar Rapids Sisters of Mercy staffed the school until 1940; then the Dubuque…

“Father Michael J. Farrelly was appointed the first resident pastor in 1897. Beginning with his appointment, the pastor of Manly also cared for the mission church at Plymouth. About a year later the parish built a rectory, destroyed by fire after a…

“The first priests to visit the Catholic pioneers of the Maquoketa area in Jackson County came from Saint Patrick’s in Garryowen. Before the Maquoketa Catholics had a church of their own they went to the Garryowen or Otter Creek churches. After…

“When the railroad came to Marion, it brought the families of Irish workers. Recognizing the need for a larger church, Father Hartigan’s parishioners purchased property and collected funds. In 1905 a brick structure named for Saint Joseph was built…

“Saint Joseph Parish began in 1855 with the building of a church at Paint Rock in the northeastern corner of the state in Allamakee County. The post office name of Paint Rock changed to Allamakee, to Adams Junction, to Waukon Junction, to Harpers…

“The events of the new parish’s first year (1989) were: In April ten acres in Hiawatha were designated as the site. On July 11 Father Gossman was appointed the founding pastor. On August 19 the community was formed when they gathered for Mass in…

“Holy Cross is one of several parishes that began about the same time. Bishop Mathias Loras mentions in an 1842 letter that he was called to the Sweeney home in Concord Township to minister to a dying man. While there, he was asked to bless some…

“At the first parish meeting in January 1923 a building committee was formed. Bids for a church building were opened at the next meeting on May 25, and ground was broken on May 28. The cornerstone was laid on July 8, and Archbishop Keane preached for…

“The Catholics of Independence built a frame church in 1856 in the block where the present Buchanan County courthouse stands, dedicated to the Holy Name of Jesus. Their spiritual needs have been served by priests traveling from Dubuque. After the…

“The third pastor, Father Henry H. Forkenbrock, stayed for five years and saw to the building of the rectory and improvements in the church. In 1902 he equipped the second floor of the 1900 rectory with schoolrooms. Since Sisters were not available…