History of St. Patrick Parish

In 1879, St. Patrick Parish was organized in Ottumwa. Rev. Francis J. Ward, who was ordained in Ireland, became the first pastor of the new parish.

On Ascension Day, May 23, 1882, the cornerstone of the first St. Patrick Church building was laid. On April 15, 1883, it was dedicated as the first church bullt in south Ottumwa. The following pastors serving this parish were Rev. John O'Farrell, Rev. Charles White, Rev. James Dunion, Rev. William Bulger, Rev. Henry Joseph Hogan, Rev. Bernard J. Decker, and Rev. T.C. Donohoe.

Original St Patrick's Church Building- 1887

In November 1951, plans for a new church building were initiated, shortly after Fr. John J. Collins was appointed pastor. The Most Reverend Ralph L. Hayes, Bishop of Davenport, dedicated the present building in 1957.

Pope John XXIII convened the Second Vatican Council in 1962. In 1963, under Pope Paul VI, this council produced the first of several new documents which guided the Church to new understandings of the sacred liturgy. In 1994, St. Patrick's Church underwent a renovation process in an attempt to conform more closely to these liturgical developments.

On July 9, 1995, Bishop William Franklin came to the parish for the rededication of the church.


On July 1, 2010, the Very Reverend Patrick J. Hilgendorf, V.F. began serving St. Patrick Parish. His installation as the fourteenth pastor of St. Patrick parish took place at a mass celebrated with Bishop Martin Amos on August 28, 2010.
                       

 

Pastors

1883-1890     Rev. Francis J. Ward
1890-1903     Rev. John O'Farrell
1903-1905     Rev. John Charles White
1905-1906     Rev. James Dunion
1906-1916     Rev. James William Bulger
1916-1933     Rev. Henry Joseph Hogan
1933-1939     Rev. Bernard Decker
1939-1951     Rev. T.C. Donohoe
1951-1966     Rev. John J. Collins
1966-1971     Rev. Denis F. Cahalan
1971-1990     Very Rev. Paul C. Hart V.F.
1990-1999     Very Rev. Anthony Herold V.F.
1999-2010     Rev. John Spiegel
2010-             Very Rev. Patrick J. Hilgendorf V.F.

Assistant Pastors

1933-1940     Rev. Patrick J. Casey
1940-1945     Rev. Paul C. Albers
1945-1949     Rev. John J. Martin
1949-1952     Rev. S.E. Susic
1952-1958     Rev. Sylvester A. Conrad
1958-1965     Rev. Richard J. Von Ah
1965-1968     Rev. Gerald A. Hoenig
1968-1969     Rev. Ernest E. Braida
1969-1971     Rev. Philip A. Cardenzana
1971-1973     Rev. Thomas E. Cusack
1973-1974     Rev. George W. McDaniel
1974              Rev. John C. Clark
1989-1990     Rev. Hugh H. McGinley, O.P.
2003-2004     Rev. Troy A. Richmond

From St. Patrick Church  Ottumwa, Iowa 2011-2012 Directory, Michael W. Lemberger, http://www.lifetouch.com