St. Mary History

For over 125 years, the “Bells of St. Mary” have been tolling for Catholic families in and around Williams. Today they continue to ring for approximately 80 families who live in or near Alden, Dows, Ellsworth, Story City, Radcliffe and Webster City as well as Williams.

1869-1897
The first arrivals were attracted to the area by work opportunities found in construction of the Illinois Central Railroad, completed in 1869, from Iowa Falls to Ft. Dodge, which was also along the stage coach route. In May 1869 the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass was first offered in Hamilton County in the Bernard Kelly home in Webster City for all Catholics in the surrounding area by a Father Butler from Ft. Dodge. Williams Catholics also remember Mass being offered in the farm home of Andrew and Mary Smith between Williams and Blairsburg, which was also on the stage coach route.

A number of current members of St Mary’s are fifth and sixth generation descendants of those working families who opted to remain in the area upon the completion of the railroad and who became the nucleus of the St. Mary parish. Most became farmers or railroad section hands.

From 1870 through 1880, the first resident pastor at Ackley had a territoriallyextensive parish covering seventy square miles. He was Peter J. O’Dowd (1846- 1912), who not only met the spiritual needs of Williams Catholics but those living in Parkersburg, Hampton, Eldora, Iowa Falls, Belmond, Eagle Grove and Webster City. Mass in Williams was offered in homes until 1875, at which time the good mix of Irish and Germans built a small frame church from their meager resources, on an acre of land donated by Lawrence and Ann McCue.

St. Mary’s became an out mission of Webster City as soon as a resident pastor was established there in 1881. Rev. Eugene O’Keefe ministered also to Williams and Belmond. He was followed by Rev. Thomas Mulvehill and Rev. James Brennan (1852- 1904) until 1895 when a violent windstorm, thought to be a cyclone, leveled the small church. In the meantime, there had been an influx of settlers from eastern Iowa, Wisconsin and Illinois. Because the membership had outgrown the original
structure, a request was made to the first Archbishop of Dubuque, John Hennessy, to appoint a resident pastor to help them plan and construct a new and larger church as well as a rectory. He responded favorably by appointing Rev. Jacob A. Kurz (1863-1898).

As St. Mary’s first resident pastor, he was a native son of Dubuque and even though in poor health, he was capable and zealous in his effort to oversee the building of a larger, more substantial church and rectory. With the cooperation and assistance of parishioners, the venture was successful. Arriving in 1895, he left two years later in 1897. The following year, at age 35, he died.

The first baptism in the new church was in September 1895, for Teresa Caroline daughter of Francis and Marie (Knoll) Holdgrafer. The first funeral was for Michael Brady in April 1896. He was the father of Mary Brady whose wedding to Frank Murphy was to be the first in the new church just a month later in May. Although these are the first to be recorded, there may have been other unreported events before them.

1897-1907
From 1897-1907 Rev. John J. Collins (1868-1942) was assigned as pastor. During his 10 years as St. Mary’s pastor an interesting confrontation occurred. Upon the death of Archbishop Hennessy in 1900, the second Archbishop appointed was John Joseph Keane, who had been the first rector of Catholic University. Apparently the promise made earlier by Hennessy to send a German priest to Williams in return for large monetary donations made by a group of German Catholics to finance the new church and rectory had not materialized. Consequently, an excerpt relating to this event appears in the book, Seed/Harvest, the History of the Archdiocese of Dubuque. It was published in 1987 to commemorate the 150th Jubilee and it reads as follows:“Irish-German tensions surfaced in a  much more substantial fashion in early 1901 when Keane was named defendant in a civil suit brought by representatives of the German community in Williams, Iowa, in district court in Webster City, Iowa. Apparently the church building in Williams had been destroyed in 1895 by a violent windstorm and several of the plaintiffs had contributed large sums of money to rebuild, not only the church but the pastor’s house. They had given the money with the understanding that a German-speaking priest would be sent to their parish, as they contended Archbishop Hennessy had promised them. As no German priest had yet been dispatched, the suit sought reimbursement for the contributions they had made. After initially winning the case Keane was forced to pay the claim in 1905 following an appeal.”

1907-1928
For 21 years, Father O’Meara (1869-1937) was St. Mary’s shepherd. By 1913, membership had expanded even more. The existing structure, as a result was enlarged to the south by extending the center aisle and adding a new sanctuary with sacristies on either side. Additional land had been secured at which time landscaping of the property greatly improved its appearance. Evergreen trees were planted in front of the rectory.

Inside, a modern heating plant was installed and beautiful stained glass replaced the plate glass windows. Parish members or groups gifted at least twenty-one of the total twenty-three windows.

Note of interest: In 1910, when Pope Pius X lowered the age to 7 for receiving the Holy Eucharist, the following year there were 44 First Communicants at St. Mary’s. And in 1922, Father O’Meara baptized 21 babies.

1928-1937
For nine years Rev. Edmund O’Donnell (1882-1954) served St. Mary’s parishioners. During the summer of 1928, a basement was dug under part of the church to provide space for a parish hall. When the exterior of the church was enhanced with brick veneer and asbestos shingles applied to the roof, the building appeared to be brand-new.

The interior frescoed and rectory repairs were made. With the arrival of the Great Depression, all physical improvements came to a halt.
Mrs. Stoneman was Father O’Donnell’s housekeeper. During Father O’Donnell’s term in Williams, he celebrated his Silver Jubilee in the priesthood.

1937-1958
It was in 1937 that St. Mary’s first native son was ordained a priest, a Mary Knoll missionary. Rev. Vincent William Walsh (1910-1979) celebrated his First Solemn High Mass in Williams.

Beginning in 1937, Father Frederick W. McKinley (1879-1962) served St. Mary’s for 21 years during which time many changes were made. In 1940, the small basement was enlarged to the east to provide additional room for social activities. The church kitchen was remodeled, built-in cupboards were added and oil heat replaced the coal furnace. In 1950, an electric organ was purchased for the choir loft. The church and rectory were redecorated.

Daily Mass was said in the chapel, which now serves as the council room in the church hall. The chapel altar was the one originally used in the first church. Father was well-known as a dog lover, thus two dogs of considerable size lived on the back porch of the rectory. He is also remembered for his love of card playing and card parties. Some parishioners still remember expecting and getting some of the nickels he handed out to them as children following Sunday Masses. From St. Mary’s he retired to a home in Rockwell where he lived with his sister until his death four years later.

During this time period, Rev. John Stark (1925-1999), son of Mr. and Mrs. Max Stark, was ordained in 1957 in Dubuque.

Born in 1925, he lived in Williams where he made his First Communion. He was confirmed in Webster City. Father Stark’s death came December 6, 1999.

1958-1965
Coming from a German-speaking parish after it merged with another parish in Independence, Father Henry P. Nosbisch (1894-1970) guided St. Mary’s flock for seven years.

Initially he remodeled the rectory. Five years later in 1963, the $4,700 profit realized from St. Mary’s food stand sponsored for the Farm Progress Show held near Blairsburg was spent to redesign and remodel the church kitchen and dining hall. In
1964, the church proper was redecorated. Before leaving Williams for his new assignment in St. Ansgar, he presented us with the Stations of the Cross, currently in use.

Two housekeepers during his term were Anneta Jansen, presently retired and living in Marshalltown and his niece, Anna Nosbisch.

1965-1969
During Rev. Francis J. McEnany’s (1909-1988) four years in Williams, it was decided to purchase carpeting and new pews. A sound system was also ordered. He also established a Parish Activity Committee in 1966-67 to be responsible for the fundraising, and a Board of Education in 1967-68 in accordance with recommendations from the Archdiocesan office in Dubuque. Soon after, Father McEnany was transferred.

1969-1973
Father John J. Brickley (1909-1998) served a four year term at St. Mary’s. During that time the main altar and two side altars were replaced with new furnishings, but not without controversy. The sanctuary and church proper were redecorated. The previously ordered carpeting, pews and sound system were installed as was a new baptismal font between 1969 and 1971. There were furnace repairs in the church and house and the church hall was repainted. A new front entrance was built. Electrical heating of the new steps to melt ice in the winter proved to be unsuccessful after a period of time. Protective glass and screens were added to safeguard the 23 stained glass windows. These improvements were made possible through a $22,000 donation from the Henry Holdgrafer estate as well as from church funds. However, in 1970 there was still a $4,000 balance. But in 1972, after the church ceiling was insulated, $1,000 of
the bequest remained. It is thought that in about 1971, Saturday evening Masses were scheduled for the first time with the intention of accommodating any of the 98 families registered at that time who were unable to attend Sunday Mass. In July, 1971, the Parish Activities Committee evolved into the original Parish Council of ten members with equal numbers of men and women, although this has not been adhered to in recent years. With the advent of the Parish Council, there was no longer a need for the pastor to appoint two trustees to help with decisions of church business, so that assignment was eliminated. While in Williams, Father’s housekeeper was Mrs. Ella Schultingkemper. Small wonder she was best known as Ella. Father Brickley left for his new pastorate in 1973 at Britt. His burial in October, 1998, was also in Britt.

1973-1974
In September, 1973, Father Carl Manternach added St. Mary’s to the other two parishes he was serving at St.’s Peter and Paul in Gilbert and Good Shepard at Jewell. Until June, he wheeled in on his motorcycle as interim pastor to answer our spiritual needs on a regular basis.

1974-1975
Following 14 years as a missionary at San Raphael, Cochabamba, Bolivia, Father John P. Smith arrived in Williams with his sole possessions in a couple of suitcases. His arrival coincided with plans to celebrate St Mary’s Centennial on August 15, 1975, Feast of the Assumption of The Blessed Virgin. It was a major project so his guidance and organization were greatly appreciated as were his compassion and deep spirituality. Friends, former pastors and parishioners joined members for the special day. The Notre Dame Mass was beautifully sung by the choir, aided by talented children in the parish who had returned for the celebration. Following the Mass a pot luck dinner was served in the city park. Many viewed the historical exhibit displayed in the church hall. Mementoes available of the event were miniature silver spoons and a parish pictorial booklet.

During his stay in Williams, Father updated the parish census by making 105 home visits. He also was an avid gardener who generously shared the fruits of his labor. It should be noted that not long before his arrival, Good Shepard at Jewell had become an out mission of St. Mary’s, so Father Smith was well-prepared to minister to the group of Spanish-speaking parishioners as a result of his time in South America.

In preparation for the 100 year festivities the rectory was painted a sunny yellow – a change from the traditional white. Trees were planted and Angelus bells were installed in the belfry as a memorial for Alan Dagit, four-year-old son of Dorian and Eileen Dagit, following his accidental death.

As Father attempted to justify his life in this country as compared to the needs of the Bolivian natives, he was unable to do so. In October, 1975, he resigned and returned to Bolivia. While ministering there a second time, the results of serious injuries from an accident were cause for him to return to the States.

From October, 1975 to March 1976, Father Carl Manternach returned to St. Mary for nine months. When he was assigned to Lansing in northeast Iowa, Rev. Dave Manders from St. Cecilia’s at Ames and St’s. Peter and Paul at Gilbert responded to St. Mary’s spiritual needs. Through July he was assisted by Fathers James Supple, Patrick Geary and Msgr. Tarrant, all of Ames.

1976-1982
For six years Father Clarence Kruse served as pastor for both St. Mary’s and Good Shepherd, the outmission at Jewell. During his term, many improvements were made by Father using his carpentry and woodworking skills to improve the church hall. The old chapel was converted to a conference room, the walls in the church hall were paneled and the wall benches were carpeted in 1980. The previous year a new furnace and air-conditioning system had been installed. In 1980, Father moved into a home on the southwest edge of Williams in preparation for the construction of a new rectory which was to include a CCD center in the lower level. At this time the
church interior was redecorated, the east sacristy used by Mass servers was converted to a reconciliation room.

The old rectory was torn down and burned. Ground was broken in May. The Stober Construction Company from Ames held the contract to build the 32’ x 84’ structure for $145,000. The building committee consisted of Craig Classon, Dennis Doolittle,
Francis Krieger, Father Kruse, Joan Moore, Wayne Neuman, John Ricke and Lauren Tibbs.

A new sidewalk was poured between the church and rectory. On November 1, 1981 the combination rectory/CCD center was dedicated and blessed by Bishop Dunn following an 11 o’clock Mass. A potluck dinner for the congregation was followed by an afternoon open house for the community, which was well-attended. Although Father Kruse became involved in community and county activities, he found time to initiate the first four Eucharistic ministers and the usher program. The Christian Family Movement (CFM) was introduced and monthly meetings were held but the group is no longer active. A parish telephone tree was established. In July 1982, Father Kruse exchanged locations with Father Louis Zee who came to St. Mary’s from Parkersburg.

1982-1987
Soon after his arrival, Father Louis Zee and the Council were instrumental in purchasing additional property to the east of the church from parishioners, William and Bernadette Schnepf. A couple of vacant lots to the south were also purchased from Jan Crosby to provide ample space for a parking lot. The house on the east section was torn down and burned.

In 1984, only three years after the completion of the beautiful brick rectory/CCD center, the parish celebrated the burning of the mortgage by Father Louis. Although members were reminded that a $7 weekly donation was necessary from each family just to maintain the budget, the parishioners were most generous in this building endeavor in an effort to keep St. Mary’s debt-free.

The same year Father Louis’ cousin, Cecilia Zheng, arrived from China, with his assistance in arrangements, to attend Loras College in Dubuque. Staying at the rectory between college terms, Cecilia came to know St. Mary’s as her home away from home. In return, her willingness to share her musical talent – piano – was a delight to all for four years.

Father was blessed later in 1984 with a six-month visit from his father Joseph, also from China. It was only the second time in 36 years they had been together. He and his family had no contact with each other for 30 years after he left Communist china in 1949 as a teenager.

Philip Zee, son of Father’s younger sister, Theresa, also spent time in Williams before and during his college years at Loras and later at Iowa University. To improve his English he attended Northeast Hamilton a semester before going to Dubuque. The presence of these three family members provided an interesting cultural enlightenment for the parish that year.

During a month in the summer of 1986, the parish also enjoyed the presence and work of Deacon Steve Harrington before his 1987 ordination. His untimely death occurred in 1991. He was born in 1961.

A special privilege came to the Parish when St. Mary’s second native son, Rick Dagit offered his First Mass in Williams on May 26, 1986, following ordination in Dubuque two days earlier.

His deaconate ordination by Bishop Dunn occurred at St. Mary’s in December, 1985. Additional church improvements had been made in preparation for the influx of visitors expected for Father Rick’s first Mass. They included wiring, improved drainage, planter construction, new church sign and doors installed among other improvements. A length of pews had been removed from the front of the church to allow more space for weddings and now several were eliminated from the back to provide more space needed at times of funerals.

In 1984, Father Zee’s 25th anniversary of ordination was cause for a parish celebration. And in 1987, the 150th Jubilee of the Archdiocese of Dubuque was observed.

That same year, Father was assigned to the parish in Mount Vernon.

1987-1991
As a first-time pastor at Williams and Jewell, Father Carl Ries and the council addressed the need to build a new entrance on the east side of the church so as to render it handicap-accessible to both levels. A lift was installed and the parking lot to the east was completed. At the same time the bell tower was repaired and all wood trim and siding were painted. The kitchen entrance was remodeled and windows and doors were replaced. Most of the carpentry was done by Kenny Bryan and son, Tom. Church ceiling fans were added.

Once again families were encouraged to raise their weekly donation for church support by $1 – for a total of $8 to meet expenses.

A prayer power line was revised. The three-year RENEW program was initiated with five sessions scheduled during that time for various small groups meeting weekly with assigned leaders.

Daily Mass continued to be offered downstairs in the new rectory chapel. Several lay leaders were available for daily Eucharistic services in Father Carl’s absence. And several Eucharistic ministers carried the Holy Eucharist on a regular basis to shutins.The fall of  1990 found Father taking sabbatical at Notre Dame University – “not to play football” as he said, but “to study theology.”

Through his involvement with the parish youth, whether it be skiing, swimming, dancing or other special activities, his concern for the young people was evident. Father Carl left Williams to become pastor of St. Joseph Church in Mason City.

1991-1997
Arriving the fall of 1991, Father Philip F. Recker’s strengths were soon revealed as an accomplished pianist/vocalist and as a homilist.
And with his desire for daily Mass to be offered in the church proper, the rectory chapel was converted to another classroom.
After years of being concealed, two stained glass windows were uncovered on either side of the altar. They were oak-framed to match other stained glass windows. The center front tabernacle was offset to the right of the main altar. A new heating system replaced the old one and in 1992, the church was redecorated and three new storm doors were added to the rectory. Signs of the times brought yet another suggestion: a $10 donation per family on a weekly basis would keep the parish afloat.

1997-2000
When Father Raymond A Burkle arrived in Williams, he brought with him the technological age by way of his computer and his skills to operate it. He hosted a program on the internet entitled “Father B’s Catholic Corner”, which offered opportunities for enriching one’s faith.

2000-2006
In response to the scarcity of priests and a decrease in membership, St. Mary’s at Williams came full circle in the year 2000. Once again it became an outmission of Webster City through the process of clustering, as it was in the late 1800’s. In July of 2000 Pastor, Father John R. Flaherty, was assigned. Fr. Jack shared his time between the Parishes of St. Thomas Aquinas in Webster City and St Mary’s.

2006-present
In July 2006 St. Mary’s newest Pastor, Father Scott Boone was assigned. Fr. Scott continues to share the duties of both the St. Thomas Aquinas and St. Mary Parishes.