Mapleton - St. Mary

MAPLETON - The Catholic presence in the Mapleton area dates back to the early 1890's when a few dedicated pioneers began plans for a church and a search for a pastor. The first church was built in 1894 on the northeast corner of the present parish property.

Father George Cooke became the first resident pastor in January of 1897. He remained for only one year, and attended to the spiritual needs of the people of Blencoe, Onawa, Whiting and Hornick.

In 1898, a parochial residence was built and a building was constructed for the pastor's horse and buggy. All this was done at a cost of $2,298.95.

In 1899, an addition was built onto the church to provide classrooms for a school and living quarters for the Sisters of St. Francis of Dubuque. This cost about $4,500.

The present church was erected in 1909 and a new school was built in 1926. The school also served as living quarters for the Sisters until a new convent was built in 1959.

The school closed in 1971 due to the shortage of nuns and the convent was then remodeled to serve as the rectory for the pastor.

St. Mary's Parish exists for the honor and glory of God, offering liturgical, educational and social services to Catholics in a three-county area.

Eleven priests have served the parish: Father George Cooke (1897-1898), Father Gustave Reinhold (1898-1902), Father Aloysius Wagener (1902-1916), Father Lambert Schenkelberg (1916-1925), Father Henry Dries (1925-1929), Father Herman Kramer (1929-1933), Father Anton Ocken (1933-1971), Father Walter Bruch (1971-1981), Father A. W. Behrens (1981-1987), Father John Brennan (1987-1995) and Father Edmund Tiedeman (1995-present).

Three native sons have become priests: George Theobald, 1916; Bruce LeFebvre, 1973; and Timothy Friedrichsen, 1984.