Algona - St. Cecelia Church

ALGONA - While the actual organization of St. Cecelia Church in Algona occurred in 1872 when the first church was built, there were Catholics in Kossuth County as early as 1857.

In 1873 Father John J. Smith was appointed pastor of Emmetsburg and Algona was one of the many missions included in his pastorate. He traveled eight counties. Fifteen families attended church in Algona. Father Theodore Wegan and Father Zigrang served the parish in the early years.

By 1880 the number of Catholic families in Algona and nearby communities had increased and St. Cecelia was appointed a resident pastor, Father D.F. McCaffrey. The priest also ministered to several other communities. It was about this time that the church property was condemned to make way for the Chicago and Northwestern railway. A new site was purchased and the church was moved to the corner of McPherson and Church streets.

In 1892 the second St. Cecelia's was built and the first church was moved once again. The cornerstone was laid on July 11, 1892. The new church was built under the pastorate of Father Nicholls at a cost of $14,000. The church was dedicated on May 30, 1894.

Father Nicholls recorded that in 1889 $118.90 was the "total amount realized for giving meals at the fairgrounds and from oyster suppers after all expenses." At that time, a graveyard lot sold for $10.

Older parishioners recalled how during Mass horses were tied in an open-sided stall on which the parking lot is now situated.

Father W. J. Halpin served the parish from 1898 to 1916. Father Maynard succeeded Father Halpin from 1916 to 1921. Father Reilly followed from 1921 to 1923 and Father Davern, 1923 to 1934, was next.

The Mass and the church were an integral part of the lives of the German, Irish and Luxemburgers who settled in and around Algona. A two day fall festival was held in October of 1930 to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of the parish. Bishop Heelan attended and celebrated with a Pontifical Mass.

St. Cecelia's Academy was built in 1927, as was a new rectory. The home cost $12,000.

Father J. J. Mallinger (1934-1948) also served St. Cecelia over the years.

A new convent for the Sisters was completed in 1951 at a cost of $110,000. Also, St. Ann's Hospital, Garrigan High School and the north addition of St. Cecelia's School were completed in the 1950s. St. Cecelia Academy closed in 1959 to make way for Garrigan High School.

By 1954, St. Cecelia's had grown to a parish of approximately 1,600 souls. A drive for a new church began and a new church was built at a cost of $215,000. Sirio Tonelli, an Italian church artist, directed the interior decoration, utilizing the talents of Italy's foremost sculptors and iron work artists. The new church was dedicated Sept. 9, 1954.

In 1976, construction began for a rectory complex, which held office space as well as living space for three priests. Two guest rooms, living rooms for a housekeeper and a large secretary area were incorporated into the complex.

On April 30, 1978, St. Cecelia's parishioners paid tribute to the Presentation Sisters for 50 years of service to the parish.

The Rochleau parish center and another addition to the grade school was completed in 1991. Seton School is a pre-school through eighth grade system.