Lohrville - St. Joseph

LOHRVILLE - The early history of St. Joseph's Parish centers around the life of its founder, Father George Costello. Father Costello came to Iowa from Ireland in 1885. He was first assigned to Waukon, Iowa, before he was assigned to western Iowa. Father Costello was the first priest in Calhoun County and organized parishes in Lohrville, Churdan, Rockwell City and Lake City.

In 1885, Mass in Lohrville was held over the store of J. J. Lanphier. The first small wooded church was built in 1886. There were 26 families in the parish, mainly of Irish descent. The boundaries of the parish were approximately six miles each direction from town.

The church burned down on a Sunday morning in 1896. Mass was then held in the rectory. A brick church was completed in 1903 and there were then 63 families in the parish.

Another fire in 1913 partially destroyed the church. Father Costello determined that in repairing the damage an addition should be made to the church as there were more families in the parish than when the brick church was first constructed. The church was then lengthened by 28 feet in 1914.

Father Costello, who had a special dispensation from the bishop to say three Masses on Sunday, took care of the parishes of Lohrville, Rockwell City and Lake City, rotating clockwise around the three so that the early Mass would be at a different parish each Sunday. Father Costello officiated at 196 weddings and baptized 830 people while serving the area.

After Father Costello's death in 1938, Father Michael John Kolvek became the pastor of St. Joseph's and remained for the 20 years until his death in 1958.

During the first 73 years of St. Joseph's history, there has been only two pastors. This is a distinction few other parishes can claim.

Father Gabriel Barry filled in as temporary pastor after the death of Father Kolvek. Father Barry, a native of Ireland, charmed the parishioners with his Irish wit and humor.

Father Vincent Beacom was became pastor in June of 1958. Under Father Beacom's direction, an extensive redecoration program was underway. A new gas furnace was installed and floor covering was added.

Succeeding Father Beacom was Father William Buchholz (1960-1966). Father Leroy Seuntjens was assigned to St. Joseph's in 1966. Father Seuntjens also wanted to renovate the church. It was decided, after much consideration, that it would be more feasible to build a new church and parish hall with classrooms. The new facilities contained almost 9,000 square feet of space. The building was finished in 1970, with a total cost of $160,000.

Father Jerome Koenig (1971-1986) was assigned to St. Joseph's and the rectory was renovated during his pastorate. Also, in the church proper, the large crucifix over the main altar and statues of Mary and Joseph, which were hand carved and made of Linden wood, were installed.

Father Dale Koster (1986-1996) followed and Father Dennis Sefcik (1996-present) succeeded him.

In 1998, a major hail storm required the replacement of the roofs on the church and rectory, along with some windows.

Father Sefcik moved to Lake City in 1997 and currently serves as pastor for both St. Mary's and St. Joseph's.

Six women from the parish have entered religious life: Sister Stephana (Helen Cavanaugh), Sister Flavia (Mildred Griffin), Sister Pierre (Margaret Cavanaugh), Sister Bernice Siemann, Sister Dorothy Sievers and Sister Jacqueline Tasler.