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

Page 17 text:

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.

Page 16 text:

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

Page 18 text:

FATHPIR. HORAN ' ,N11 statistics and suhject matter for this History were taken from Saint 1'eter's Parish History, writ- ten hy the Reverend C. F. Gritiith of Saint :Xnihrose College. Davenport. Iowa. This hook contains a eomp1ete history of the parish from 1832 1929 and is dedicated to Right Reverend hlonsignoi' james XV. Cii11espie, 17. P., V. 15. Ifather Ciritiith is an alumnus of the Saint Peter High School, having graduated from this institution in 1915. Since his ordination to the Ho1y Priesthood, he has been zealous in his efforts for the cause ofCatho1ic education, and deserves recognition as an historian and educator. In 1925 the Reverend Nlartin Horan came to Saint 1'eter's, as assistant to hionsignor Gillespie. He has performed commendahly every duty to which he has been assigned. hlonsignor Gillespie speaks of him as a considerate, conscientious as- sistant. Many will he the regrets of the pastor and the parishioners when a Wider field for his zea1ous activity will c1aim the attention of our present curate. 1 FATHER GRIFFITH