Home Page About Us History Vocations Windows School Cemetery Church Life Communion Veterans St. Mels Steeple Fund Centennial Photographs Community Guestbook Send Email History 100th Anniversary Year For the parishioners of Sacred Heart Church, Meyer, Iowa, this year commemorates the Parish's 100th Anniversary. This section will touch highlights of the past 100 years. The original settlers of Meyer were pioneers from McHenry, Illinois. They were Peter Freund, Henry May, and Bernard May families. When they arrived, they associated themselves with the Catholic community at Stacyville, and joined in building the Visitation Church. As the Meyer community grew and expanded, it was decided that it would become an independent parish, with Fr. John Naebors, of Stacyville, in charge as pastor. A frame school was opened in 1889, and served the parish for 11 years until a new and larger school was erected, with the second floor serving as the parish church until 1907 when the present church was begun. On January 4, 1901, Fr. Naebors offered the first Mass at Meyer. The Meyer parish was at that time 35 families. In June of that year, Meyer's first resident pastor arrived, Fr. John Wirtz, and three months later, two Sisters of St. Francis from Dubuque arrived to administer the parish school which numbered 76 students. It is noteworthy that during its 68 years of service to the parish and community, the enrollment of Sacred Heart School never varied more than 20 students in number. On January 29, 1901, the first child was baptized, Amanda Adams; early in February 1901, the first funeral was held, that of a child; on June 30, 1901, the first class of communicants received their first Holy Communion, Stephen Klapperich, Edward Hemann, Mathias Gerhartz, John Merten; on October 21, 1902, the first marriage was contracted between John Winkels and Elizabeth Schlaf; on June 1, 1902, Archbishop John J. Keane confirmed the first class of the parish. Having content themselves with the chapel for seven years it became necessary to erect a new church to provide for the increased number of parishioners. Procedures were taken in the same year and the zealous parishioners contributed to the full extent of their means. They all worked hand in hand in this great undertaking constantly having the end in view of preparing for themselves a fitting place of worship. The church was built under the direction of Rev. J. Wirtz. The plans for the church were drawn by the architects Dieman and Fiske. The contract was left to Robert Stark of Cedar Rapids. The carpenters were Peter Adams, with his small crew. Peter Adams was a great uncle to Sister Dorothy Adams. The 7th and 8th graders had to pile the brick at recess time. All students laid at least one brick so that they could be included in the building process. The corner-stone was laid on June 14, 1908. The beautiful structure was erected at a cost of $35,000, and Meyer may rightly claim to have one of the most beautiful churches in this part of the state. On November 29, 1908, the first day of the ecclesiastical year, the congregation solemnly entered, midst harmonious peals of the three bells, to assist at the holy sacrifice of the Mass, which was to be offered for the first time in the new church. Rev. John Wirtz, under whose supervision the beautiful edifice was erected, sang the high Mass, and people from far and wide attended to witness the dedication of the place which should thenceforth be used for divine service. The church was solemnly dedicated by the Very Rev. F. W. Heer of Dubuque on July 5, 1909. The new church is the pride of the parish, the one center and bond of unity which has always characterized the community of Meyer. The exterior is an artistic display of grandeur and architectural beauty, a worthy monument that excites the admiration of the present as well as the coming generation. From a height of 150 feet the gilded cross glistens in the bright sunlight, while the artistic engravings and beautiful designed windows inspire pious contemplation in many a soul. The church is 48 feet wide and 122 feet long. From the base to the cross is 152 feet. The entire edifice is modeled according to the late gothic style. It is built of red pressed brick tastefully trimmed with Bedford Stone. The steeple contains a trio of carefully harmonized bells, whose solemn peals add fervor to the divine worship. The church contains a spacious nave, a large sanctuary, choir loft, and two large sacristies. The basement contains a spacious chapel, also boiler and fuel rooms. The floor of the vestibule is mosaic with the inscription "porta coeli" (gate of heaven). There are three beautiful altars, a pulpit and several statues tastefully arranged, lending a solemn appearance to the interior. The beautifully designed windows were procured from Emil Frei Co., of St. Louis. They are designed with group pictures and single figures. They constitute the choicest decoration within the church, especially since windows of such rare art are only seldom to be found. The windows were donated by the various societies and by some of the more generous members of the parish. Other items of decoration are still to be added in the near future. Fr. Wirtz directed the laying of the corner stone of the present church building on June 14, 1908. As a mark of his devotion to Mary, the Mother of God, Fr. Wirtz supervised the building of the Lourdes Grotto east of the church between the rectory and the church building. After a number of years of ardent zeal and devotion to duty, the health of the pastor, Fr. Wirtz, began to fail. Early in the spring of 1912 he left for Chicago to recuperate in the Alexian hospital. He took treatments only for a short time and before relief could be obtained he had to return to his parochial duties as the assistant who held his place had been assigned to another place. His health however continuing to decline, Fr. Wirtz was again compelled to give up his work and in June he left again for the hospital. After some weeks the Right Rev. Archbishop Keane advised him to take an ocean trip to rest up amid the scenes of his native home. There he was cared for by his folks in his native town Rheidt on the Rhine, the place of his boyhood days. His health now rapidly improved, but before returning to his cherished flock, Fr. Wirtz decided to take a short vacation on which event he visited Switzerland, Italy and France. Thereupon he returned to this country with Monsignor Heer of Dubuque. He arrived at Meyer on July 25, 1913 where he was enthusiastically received by his faithful parishioners. 50th Jubilee Mass While on his European stay, Fr. Wirtz followed the invitation of the neo-presbyter Rev. William Schulte, an American student at the University of Friburg Switzerland, to be present at his ordination and first holy Mass. Rev. Schulte celebrated his first holy Mass on May 19, 1913. Fr. Schulte was a member of a former parish over which Fr. Wirtz had charge. It is noteworthy that in the far off mountain country there were four American priests at the altar for this celebration. Fr. Forkenbrock, assistant priest, Monsignor Heer deacon and Rev. Wirtz subdeacon. After this Monsignor Heer and Fr. Forkenbrock accompanied Fr. Wirtz to his native town Rheidt where they enjoyed a visit of several days on the banks of the pleasant Rhine. On May 28, 1913, Fr. Wirtz left for Switzerland through the famous Gotthard tunnel and thereupon set out for sunny Italy. In Italy he visited the principal cities and while at Rome he had the privilege on June 10 and 13 to have audience with the Holy Father, Pope Pius X. This favor was obtained for him through the kindness of Monsignor Osmundo Boeker. The Holy Father received them gladly and told Fr. Wirtz to bless his congregation in the name of His Holiness upon his return. This papal blessing Fr. Wirtz gave on October 12, 1913. At this festive occasion Monsignor Heer celebrated pontifical high Mass. First wedding ceremony held in the new church building. Henry May & Anna Hackenmiller and John Hackenmiller & Anna Blake. Original pulpit. The successor to Fr. Wirtz was the Rev. Joseph J. Zeyen, however, for only one year, until May, 1916. Fr. Zeyen was succeeded by the Rev. C. P. Jungemann. By the end of 1917, the remaining debt on the parish was paid. In 1918, the school building was remodeled, and numerous other improvements in the church, rectory, and on the grounds have subsequently been made by Fr. Jungemann. In 1933, Fr. Leo Entringer became the only assistant pastor in the history of Meyer. Upon the death of Fr. Jungemann, Fr. Arthur Stirn became pastor, and in turn he was succeeded by Fr. William Goetzinger. In January 1944, Fr. J. George Schmitz became Meyer's sixth pastor. He will be long remembered for his dedicated work with the Boy Scout projects and young people's choir. Under his direction, a new Wurlitzer organ was purchased for the church in 1947 for $3,520, and three years later, Fr. Schmitz observed his Silver Jubilee. Father Al May's first mass celebrated at Sacred Heart Parish. A month after Fr. Schmitz's 25th anniversary Mass, on August 21, 1950, Msgr. John Mauer was celebrant at the Solemn Mass of Thanksgiving as the Meyer parish observed its Golden Jubilee, and the Most Rev. Henry P. Rohlman, Archbishop of Dubuque, presided at the Jubilee Mass. Fr. Joseph Vollmecke succeeded Fr. Schmitz in 1955, and in 1958, he directed the extensive redecorating of the church interior, and the Meyer parishioners refinished the pews of the church. Two years later, Fr. Vollmecke celebrated his Silver Jubilee, with Bishop George J. Fiskup, Auxiliary Bishop of Dubuque in attendance at the Mass of Thanksgiving. In 1965 saw the Meyer Christian Mothers' Association marking their Golden Jubilee, and eight charter members: Mrs. John May, Mrs. Fred Neis, Mrs. John Freund, Mrs. Helen Hackenmiller, Mrs. Lena Hemann, Mrs. Mary Adams, Mrs. Christina Brumm, and Mrs. Bill Steiger present for the observance. In 1966, a pledge of $9,920, which was paid in full three years later, was made to the Development Fund Campaign for Mt. St. Francis in Dubuque. On August 10, 1966, Fr. Vollmecke was succeeded by Fr. Thomas J. Carpender, and in the fall of that year, Richard Ginder and Leon Werner built a new portable altar providing for Mass facing the people. Along with other men of the parish, these men renovated the first floor rooms of the rectory, and the Rosary Society subsidized the improvements and refurbished the living room. At the same time, the parish trustees authorized the installation of new LP gas furnaces for the church and rectory. In August 1967, Art Klapperich became the full-time parish janitor, the beauty of the church and parish grounds and cemetery reflect his meticulous and devoted care to keeping God's home and property neat, clean and attractive. Cemetery trustees Carl Klapperich and Leo Kruse supervised the new u-shaped 8-foot circular crushed rock driveway for Sacred Heart Cemetery. The following year, the Rosary Society sponsored the extensive church repair and steeple renovation that amounted to $3,713.15. On May 27, 1968, with an enrollment of 88 students through its 8 grades, Sacred Heart School closed, and on July 11, an auction netting $3,967.75 disposed of the contents of the new vacated school-convent building. Mrs. Arthur Durben and Miss Susie Klapperich, who, since the closing of the parish school, have maintained the church altars, linens, and floral displays both inside and outside the church. 1969 also witnessed the beginning of an active CCD program in Sacred Heart Parish. Mrs. John A. Koenigs was named the grade-school coordinator, and Sister Marlys Becker served that first year as high school coordinator. The parish CCD program has continued uninterrupted. The high school classes are conducted in parishioners' homes, and the grade school classes meet in the various rooms in the church hall. Each year in June, a Religious Education Week is conducted by the Franciscan Sisters of Dubuque, and Meyer and McIntire grade school students attend this five-day religious instruction week. The Meyer and McIntire parishes also became affiliated with the Christian Education Center at Austin which has proven to be of great assistance as a resource center and teacher-enrichment for the parish CCD programs. With the close of the Marian High School at Stacyville in 1969, the grade school at Stacyville became a consolidated project of the Stacyville and Meyer parishes. Representing Meyer on that first school board were Deo Koenigs, Leon Werner, and Carl Klapperich. Each year, the Meyer parishioners elect a lay man or woman to a three-year term on the Interparochial Board which meets on the first Tuesday of each month. During the late summer of 1969, the very valuable church windows in Sacred Heart Church were releaded and extensively repaired. These windows, having been donated by early church members, are very rare, and are highly prized by the people of Meyer. Between 1967 and 1972, two Meyer couples observed their Golden Wedding anniversaries. Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Niess celebrated their 50th anniversary in 1967, and Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Durben observed their Golden Jubilee in August, 1972. In January 1973, the parish trustees sold the old school convent building for $500 to Robert Donner, of Osage, and the building was razed during the course of the year. During the fall and winter, Mrs. Arthur Durben refinished the original Christmas Crib figures obtained by Fr. Jungemann, and she also hand-painted the outdoor statues in the Lourdes Grotto. On July 24th, the Meyer trustees authorized the Jackson Tuckpointing Company, of Dubuque, to tuckpoint and waterproof the church at the cost of $10,000. The church spire would also be thoroughly renovated. The Rosary Society contributed $5,000 to this repair project. By means of church dinners, work at farm sales, and other projects, the Rosary Society has continued to support the many repair projects in the parish. Fr. Thomas Carpender, after 8 years in Meyer, on May 22, 1973, marked the 25th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood. Not wishing to celebrate his Silver Jubilee in an elaborate fashion, the parishioners flooded him with gifts and cards of good wishes. The Joseph P. Koenigs family, on November 30, donated the all glass bronze front doors of the church in memory of the living and deceased members of their family. Between December 16, 1973 and April 27, 1974, 19 families of Meyer and McIntire hosted the Pilgrim Virgin Statue in their homes for one week of prayer and home Masses. The Adams Council Knights of Columbus contributed $120 toward the Meyer church steeple repair project, and in the spring of 1974, at the state convention of the F.F.A., Fred Hardy, of Meyer, was named "the Star Farmer of Iowa." In 1975, Mrs. Charles Brumm volunteers to assist Mrs. Art Durben & Miss Susie Klapperich in their constant vigilance to keep the Meyer church a clean and attractive home for God dwelling as our Neighbor in the Tabernacle. On March 11, 1975, an all-parish meeting, hosted by the parish trustees and Rosary Society officers, voted to observe the parish's 75th anniversary. Sunday, July 6 was the agreed upon date, and the Most Rev. James J. Byrne, Archbishop of Dubuque, accepted the parish invitation to be main concelebrant at the 1 P.M. Mass of Thanksgiving, with Fr. Alois B. May, a son of the parish and presently the associate pastor of St. Francis Basilica, Dyersville, Iowa, to the Homily at the Mass. 1975 - New reconciliation room was donated by L. P. Brumm; furniture & fixtures were donated by Edmund Adams, Aloys Koenigs, John Koenigs, Sr., Joseph C. Koenigs & Raymond Koenigs family; painted cemetery fence. 1976 - New reconciliation room - L.P. Brumm donation of $1,594.94; George Hemann estate donated funds for tennis court/basketball court & surrounding fence, picnic shelter & electric organ. 1978 - New indoor stairway; first live nativity; June 1978 - Sr. Dorothy accepted position of DRE; 9/11/78 - work began on new Resource Room located back of hall kitchen - also to be used as preschool room; purpose of room 1) storehouse for all Religious Ed material; 2) office for staff, and 3) used for meeting room by entire parish. Marcia Klapperich, coordinator, launched the 1st Sunday School class. Mrs. Paul Kruse & Mrs. Jerry Adams were teachers. Commissioning of women eucharistic ministers in the parish. The first time done in parish. Men always did it. 9/12/78 - mother/daughter salad buffet-fashion show by Fantles, Austin; Mr. & Mrs. Vance Krebsbach & Baby Charles Koenigs represented Holy Family; Oct. 1978 - held 1st meeting for eucharistic ministers; held 1st human relations meeting - 1) Plan to visit nursing home; 2) Host a "Celebrate Life" day. 1979 - Youth choir organized - Joan Koenigs in charge; first "Celebrate Life" day held in Sacred Heart church hall; first live crib for Christmas liturgy celebration; Chuck, Beth & Jeremy Hackenmiller were the Holy Family for Christmas Eve; purchased 35mm projector, projector cart, screen, miscellaneous & speakers; 1st Liturgy Committee held in Resource Room; family tree-parishioners' family pictures placed on tree & placed in sanctuary for Feast of the Holy Family; preschool processed into church for special blessing; Pope John Paul in Des Moines; Fr. Tom Carpender, Barb Brumm, Joan Koenigs & Lisa Koenigs present at Mass. 1980 - "Year of the Family." Goals: Hope to initiate song leaders in our parish. 2nd "Celebrate Life" day held; Meyer & Stacyville 8th grade graduation held in Meyer; Feast of Corpus Christi celebrated in grand style with liturgy outdoors & eucharistic procession & benediction at the grotto; 3/11/80 - commemorated 1st anniversary of adoption of parish pastoral plan - all parish pot luck held; weekday Mass changed to 11:00 a.m. rather than noon; December 10 - Archbishop Byrne offers covenant Masses at Meyer/McIntire & receives Parish Pastoral Plans; Alan & Linda Hemann & baby were Holy Family at Christmas Mass; new Human Relations Committee: Mrs. Alfred Hackenmiller, Committee Chairperson & members Rita Weber, Lucille Blaser, Sabina Brumm & Gloria Mueller; First Communion Sunday for all Meyer children who have made their 1st Communions privately between August 1979 to June 1980; 1st Communions held in homes with families; Sr. Nancy, a missionary from Meyer, begins her work in Afucal, Chile - she is "our adopted Missionary;" built picnic shelter; received the Eucharist under both forms for the 1st time in Sacred Heart Parish; 6/22/80 - lunch & church consignment auction. 1981 - Introduced sacramental stoles into community; men hosted Mother's Day breakfast; purchased choir robes from St. Ansgar High School; church repairs begin - October - weekday & Sunday Masses held in church hall with altar facing the people; 95 parishioners attended 3rd potluck celebrating the anniversary of parish plan & "Celebrate Life;" first quilting class; Regina Koenigs & Elizabeth Johanns showed slides made of Sacred Heart Meyer; men put fans in church-side altars & communion rail removed; fall fashion show; Sr. Virgine & Sr. Cora celebrated 60th Jubilee; bingo held; adult art classes - Laverna Kruse instructor; Steve, Lori & Jeremy Koenigs Holy Family. 1982 - New carpet for church donated by Lydia Kruse - laid 1983; compiled a cookbook . . first in history of parish; Bonnie Koenigs awarded distinguished plaque for many years of service; cut down trees on the cemetery grounds (Lawrence Freund, Art Klapperich & Phil Studer); Mark & Anita Mullenbach & baby represented Holy Family. 1983 - Meyer held 1st parish festival-polka Mass; Christmas Mass cancelled due to snow storm; Fr. conducted confirmation class; confirmation was conferred by Bishop Dunn; "Celebrate Life" day was celebrated; Mother's Day breakfast hosted; removed 1st 2 pews from church. 1984 - Sr. LoisAnn Read helped with Religious Ed. program; Sr. Dorothy had surgery; Larry, Becky & Chelsea Koenigs Holy Family; 7/8/84 - polka Mass & picnic dinner. 1985 - Angels Aware presented Christmas program - December 22; hosted Mother's Day breakfast; Passover meal; Bishop Kucera here for 85th anniversary of parish & potluck meal; Edmund & Madeline Adams' 50th anniversary; Whatever-A-Thon held fundraiser for Mitchell Co. Food Bank - from Meyer to Stacyville park (walk, bike, horseback ride or jog) hosted by Vance & Joyce Krebsbach, Tony & Pat Koenigs & Reid & Barb Klapperich; Sr. Lenore painted background scene on the stable for Christmas Crib; new trees planted on church grounds; Ed, Brenda & Alex Theobald Holy Family. 1986 - Purchased organ from Protivin parish; Passover meal held; prepared & used Luminalreier Christmas Mass; Art & Rose Klapperich's 50th wedding anniversary; Mother's Day breakfast; Homecoming Day & Polka Mass 7/27/86; Sesquicentennial banner arrived - Sesquicentennial corner in back of church; Myron, Monica & Sonny Hemann Holy Family. 1987 - Farewell for Fr. Carpender; Fr. McGovern successor; held First Communion service in Meyer; taped oral history of church: Henry Koenigs, Elizabeth Loecher, Art & Louis Durben, Art & Rose Klapperich, Ann Retterath, Joe & Julia Koenigs, Lawrence & Sabina Brumm. Tape sent to Dubuque - keep in archives; July 1987 - Fr. Carl Manternach appointed to Sacred Heart; remodelled church hall and kitchen (new windows); use parish rectory as Parish Center-Rel. Ed. supplies & office moved there; Fred, Paula & Susan Hardy Holy Family. 1988 - Art & Louise Durben - longest married couple in Diocese; Passover meal; videotape made of church windows & fresco art - Fred & Irwin Hardy; Fr. C. Manternach made tape of choir; Sr. Dorothy completed 10 years of service; Sr. Lene Rubly her successor for Meyer, Stacyville & McIntire; star on the grounds got facelift-crushed rock & shrubs; Russ & Mary Bissen & baby Holy Family. 1989 - 4/2/89 - toy show; 70th anniversary-Art & Louise Durben; mother/daughter luncheon & bridal review; Renew sponsored Seder supper - March 1989; 7/8/89 - parish/community "Chub & Sparrow" celebration; started to give Witness as gift to all parishioners; replaced the south section of sidewalk; donation toward student center UNI campers - $1,000 over next 5 years - $200 a year - December 1989; Dan/Darla Koenigs - Holy Family. 1990 - Fr. Otting becomes successor to Fr. Manternach; bridal style show; Seder Supper; bells will not be rung anymore because of bell tower in bad shape; money has been borrowed for church renovation project for tuckpointing (from the Archdiocese) final repayment is August 1995 (borrowed $34,564); will be needing a new janitor starting 1/1/91 due to health of Art Klapperich; November 1990 - special meeting of Sacred Heart/Visitation parents about school tuition - decided $500 for 1st child, $250 each additional child, per 3 payments a year; Nancy & Bob Gillen have been hired for janitor starting 12/15/90; Rose Klapperich will continue to take care of altar & linens; Randy, Julene & Raymond Mueller Holy Family. 1991 - 1/15/91 - farewell Art Klapperich - retired custodian; 5/5/91 - Sandy Koenigs recognition for 17 years Cathicidist CCD program; 7/1/99 - Monica Hemann - new DRE; 6/9/91 - Fr. P. Otting celebrates 25th anniversary; beginning 7/14/91, Sacred Heart Mass time will be 8:00 a.m. Sunday mornings; 50 yr. Jubilee Sr. Dorothy, Sr. Catherine & Sr. Mary Kenneth; Dean, Diane & Elizabeth Meyer Holy Family. 1992 - Confirmation Bishop Franklin - 2/23/92; 6/14/92 - all-parish potluck & fun day; summer 1992 new church steps carpet installed; new push mower was purchased; 90 new folding chairs were purchased - December 1992; all parish meeting about needed bell tower renovation - December 1992; Dan, Sue Courtney Blake Holy Family. 1993 - August 1993 - removed hedges in front of church & parish center; September 1993 - tri-parish hayride; east/west sidewalk and approach to church were replaced in the summer; new Meyer area business sign was installed; Monica Hemann DRE & Barb Klapperich & Annette Adams as CRE's for 1993-94; Michelle, Randy & Kirsten Richardson Holy Family. 1994 - Lambert Winkels new janitor; work on the bell tower (replacing timbers) was completed; copy machine was purchased; pledge was made to Iowa State University for Student Center - $200 per year/5 years $1,000; Marty, Annette & Melanie Adams Holy Family. 1995 - Annette Adams as CRE starting 1995-96 year; Ray, Becky & Andrea Wageman Holy Family. 1996 - 7/9/96 - Fr. Schneider successor to Fr. Otting; parish speak outs held to discuss concerns and priorities of parishes - January 1996; auctioned parish furniture - 2/18/96; received an Archdiocesan Education Grant for a computer - Annette Adams will attend 2 training sessions; rider lawn mower was traded in on new one-cemetery board will share in the cost; Mike, Betty & Lauren Johnson Holy Family. 1997 - Vision 2000 meetings held; new church steps carpet and parish center steps carpet installed; script money was started as fundraiser; shared DRE/CRE are Annette Adams and Barb Brumm - 1997-98; Margaret, Dave & Logan Mayer Holy Family. 1998 - Trees were removed from parish grounds; statues on the parish grounds were repaired and repainted; Barb Brumm DRE/CRE - 1998-99; Robin, Jim & Parker Hendrickson Holy Family. 1999 - Fr. Schneider had a 25th anniversary tri-parish celebration at Stacyville - May 1999; new VCR was purchased for parish center; tri-parish calendar as fundraiser; Barb Brumm C/DRE; barn building was damaged & removed; picnic shelter repaired and repainted - Matt Theobald used this as his Eagle Project for Boy Scouts; confirmation in Meyer with Arch Bishop Hanus - 13 members from Meyer - first tri-parish confirmation in Meyer with Stacyville (Visitation), Sacred Heart Meyer and St. Ansgar parishes - total of 66 confirmants; Christine, Eric & Devan Hackenmiller Holy Family. 2000 - New trees planted on church grounds, web site created; Sacred Heart Cemetery fence repainted and pillars replaced; new shed on church grounds, new parking lots; handicap parking put in place; chapel at Sacred Heart Cemetery repaired and repainted - Alex Theobald used this as his Eagle Project for Boy Scouts; Sacred Heart Pilgrimage parish; 7/8/00 - Jubilee-celebrating 100 years of Sacred Heart Parish-events included parade, games, Mass, meal and street dance; 7/15/00 - Jubilee-celebrating 100 years of Sacred Heart Parish with Bishop Jerome Hanus celebrating the Mass in our parish followed by a meal. In no way has this chronology attempted to present all the highlights or singular events of each year. It has simply attempted to single out some few items of major or minor interest around which the reader can orientate his possible place of reference somewhat during the swiftly-moving 100 years of parish life. To have attempted to encompass all the major events of the parish's history would have been to attempt the impossible and to have invited certain disaster. No one would have dared to do it, and the authors of this commemorative book have wisely avoided the same. The Petersburg Catholic Church, the first consecrated church in Iowa, according to sources, was rebuilt to replace another Petersburg church constructed in 1868. A 150-foot steeple, added to the 1868 church, is one of the few remnants that remain from the old church that is still attached to the 1905-constructed church. Many of the altar and other church material were allocated to Sacred Heart Parish Church in Meyer when the 1868 church was razed.