St. Francis Xavier (Belmond, Iowa)

St. Francis Xavier (Belmond, Iowa)

“In the fall of 1883 Father John W. Toohill became pastor and purchased a house to be used as a rectory. During his pastorate, Thomas Barry became the area’s first candidate for the priesthood. He was ordained Dec. 17, 1894, and served Iowa parishes until his death in Webster City in 1932. He is buried in Belmond parish cemetery. The Belmond parish records began in 1883 with the first resident pastor. […] The tornado of October 1966 demolished the business area of Belmond and damaged the church extensively. Although the church could still be used, the parish had to discuss seriously the possibility of a new church, and that decision was left for the time of a new pastor.”

- Rev. Msgr. Edgar Kurt, “Parish Profile #92: Saint Francis Xavier Parish, Belmond.” The Witness, 25 September 1988.

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.

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

1871-
Historical Documents pertaining to St. Francis Xavier in Belmont, Iowa.

Photography (6 documents)
Pamphlets (5 documents)
Parish history (5 documents)
Parish life (21 articles)