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