St. Bernard (Alta Vista, Iowa)

St. Bernard (Alta Vista, Iowa)

"Until 1897 the early Catholic settlers of Alta Vista in Chickasaw County attended either the Elma or the North Washington parish church. Rural roads that sometimes became impassible caused them to ask Archbishop John Hennessy for permission to build a church at Alta Vista. Under the supervision of Father Francis J. Gunn, pastor of Elma, work began immediately. The cornerstone was laid in the spring of 1897, with the building completed by autumn. In recognition of Bernard Meirick’s leadership the church and parish were named for Saint Bernard."

- Kurt, Rev. Msgr. Edgar, Parish Profile #167, The Witness, March 25, 1990.

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"

1897-1987
History of the parish over the span of 90 years, including information about its priests and parishioners.

Centennial articles (2 documents)
Pastor lists (2 documents)
Parish life (5 documents)
Parish history (9 documents)
Woerdehoff, A.C. Certificate of Baptism for Raphael Louis Praska. 29 September, 1934