St Peters High School - Gatekeeper Yearbook (Keokuk, IA)

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CHURCH PETER'S ST THE INTERIOR OF THE MIDDLE WEST FINEST IN THE ALTAR IS ONE OF ARBLE ITS M

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The Investiture of Monsignor Gillespie E On Sunday morning, October twenty--seventh, a ceremony of great interest to the people of Keokuk was enacted at Saint Peter's Church. Father Gillespie, recently honored by His Holiness Pope Pius Xl, and invested in the robes of his newly acquired monsignorial rank, was the central figure. A mighty throng, filled with love and loyalty unsurpassed, gathered at the church to honor a beloved pastor, whom the Great White Shepherd had declared worthy of the dignity of Domestic Prelate. Twenty years previous to the date of his investiture, Monsignor Gillespie had been appointed pastor of the Saint Peter Parish, and dean ofthe clergy in southeastern lowa. His zealous workin the parish makes his life as shepherd of his flock a notable one. Monsignor Gillespie, with the unanimous co-operation of his parishioners, has maintained the unusual work accomplished by Father O'Reilly during his pastorate, namely: the construction of the church, rectory, school, and recreation center. These achievements stand out prominently as enduring monuments to their effec- tive zeal. Cn the morn of the investiture, a Solemn Pontifical lNlass was cele- brated. The Right Reverend Henry P. Rohlman, Bishop of Davenport, acted as celebrant. He was assisted by the Reverend Thomas F. Galligan, arch-priest, Right Reverend Thomas Loftus, deacon, the Reverend john Courtney and the Reverend Francis Cleary, deacons of honor. The Reverend joseph B. Code served as master of ceremonies. Very Reverend Vllilliam Hannon, P. R., delivered an inspiring and impressive sermon on The Kingship of Christ. Nlany other priests from near and from distant points were present in the sanctuary. In this volume of Tllli GA'l'EKEEPliR, the first since the investiture of Monsignor Gillespie, we, his devoted children, the students of the Saint Peter High, wish to express our deep respect and admiration for our beloved pastor, and our pride in the honor which the Church has bestowed upon him.

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Saint Peter's Church Un April 20, 1856, the cornerstone of the first Saint Peter's Church, located near Tenth and Exchange streets, was laid. With 352600 in gold given by Bishop Loras, Father Hmonds came to Keokuk to establish a parish, and build a church, which cost about :l35,000. Within two years an addition to the church was necessary. Father George Reffe, successor to Father Emonds, undertook to accomplish this work. East of the church was built a two-story brick structure which was originally intended for a boys' school. This building served at least three uses: school, rectory, and club rooms. The building of the present Saint Peter's Church was a long-drawn- out enterprise. As early as 1872 Father Trevis purchased the church lots on Ninth and Bank streets. ln 1878 Father O'Reilly had plans in hand for the magnificent Gothic church. Johann Dillenberg, a Chicago archi- tect, designed the edihce. In 1881 the cornerstone was laid. Thanks to various members of the parish who contributed lumber, limestone, brick, etc., and to the inspired man of God, Father O'Reilly, we have the beauti- ful and serviceable parish church as a treasured inheritance. On October 27, 1909, by appointment, Father Gillespie became pas- tor of Saint Peter's. Maintenance and progressive improvements are the key words to the period 1909-1929. The Monsignor and his devoted parishioners have kept up unusually large parochial institutions.