St. Stephen (Chester, Iowa)

St. Stephen (Chester, Iowa)

"Chester had a post office as early as 1858, but it was only in 1916 that Catholics had their first church. With the help of Father John P. Wagner of Assumption Parish in Cresco, they bought the Presbyterian church for $1,500. In 1919 Father Edward J. Bendlage was appointed the first resident pastor of Chester and remained a long time, until 1928. During his pastorate Archbishop James J. Keane administered confirmation for the first time in the Chester church. The parish made improvements on the church and bought a large house to serve as a rectory."

-Msgr. Edgar Kurt, "Profile #146," The Witness.n.d.

The Archdiocese of Dubuque.
The Center for Dubuque History at Loras College.

Burback, Emily. Burns, Daniel. Gibson, Michael. Oberfoell, Carol. Waldmeir, Helen. Waldmeir, John.

Various primary and secondary sources.

English.

Loras College
Kucera Center for Catholic Thought
Frank and Ida Goedken Series: "Spiritual Life in the Upper Mississippi River Valley"

1916-
The history of St. Stephen church and it's parishioners.

St. Theresa’s Study Club. “history of Saint Stephen’s Parish.” Scrapbook. Unknown date.

Pisney, Mrs. Frank. “St. Stephen’s Catholic Church History.” 1 August, 1964.