St. John the Evangelist (Independence, Iowa)

St. John the Evangelist (Independence, Iowa)

“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 church was built, Father James Slatery came regularly from Saint Martin’s in Cascade. In 1862 Father John Gosker was appointed the first resident pastor. During his stay of 16 years, a brick church was built in 1864, and this was probably the occasion for the change to the name of Saint John the Evangelist.”

- Rev. Msgr. Edgar Kurt, “Parish Profile #24: Saint John the Evangelist Parish, Independence.” Dubuque: The Witness, 17 May 1987.  

The Archdiocese of Dubuque.
The Center for Dubuque History at Loras College.

Burback, Emily. Burns, Daniel. Gibson, Michael. Oberfoell, Carol. Waldmeir, Helen. Waldmeir, John.

Various primary and secondary sources.

English.

Loras College
Kucera Center for Catholic Thought
Frank and Ida Goedken Series: "Spiritual Life in the Upper Mississippi River Valley"

ca. 1856-
History of the parish over the span of 163 years, including information about its priests and parishioners.

Archdiocesan Chancery Letter 1938 regarding Mt. Calvary Cemetery (1 document)

Financial Report (1 booklet, 3 Parishioner letters)

Historical Information Booklet 1856-1976 (1 booklet)

History (5 documents)

History and Inventory Letter (1 document)

Notre Dame Seminary 1884-1984 Yearbook Compilation (1 book)

Parish Directory 1983 (2 booklets)

Pastor Cards (2 collections)

Photographs Church Postcard, Grade and High School 1954, High School 1954, Rectory 1941 Church with Tornado Damage 1953 (5 documents)

Priest List (1 document)

“Salute to St. John’s High School 1869-1989 Souvenir Edition Independence Bulletin-Journal 18 May 1989 (1 newspaper)

Sneak Peak for St. John’s School (1 document)

Warranty Deed 1993 (2 documents)

Women Gathered for Peace Addresses (2 document)

Hohenbrink, Michael. “Never a dull day in parish ministry.” The Witness, 14 September 2008, 3.

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

Smith, Rick. “Back to fish on Friday?” The Cedar Rapids Gazette, 13 November 1997.