History St._Joseph's_Catholic_Church_(Elkader,_Iowa)

the original st. joseph s church built in 1850s. has been remodeled , used parish hall.

catholicism in elkader can traced missionary activities of priest holy cross in 1840s. visited mission stations in guttenberg, garnavillo , other communities. first mass in elkader celebrated in log cabin town’s post office stands. first baptism in 1855.

the first resident pastor of parish rev. peter mcginnis came st. joseph’s in 1856. purchased land , built first church in limestone quarried hill behind church. structure took 2 years before church under roof, , longer before furnished. measured 36 80 feet (11 24 m) when completed. pastor had difficulties raising $4,000 needed build church. parishioners had stand or kneel on floor until pews added. 3 altars added church constructed of wood. in 1876 3 brass bells cast in cincinnati bought $1,800. bell tower, separate church building, built hold bells. church extended in 1887 under leadership of rev. j. f. reilly. extension created space new sanctuary , sacristy. seating capacity of church increased 100.