| East Dubuque Local Area History Project | |
|
|
 |
St. Mary's Parish by S. O. |
| St. Mary's was built in 1868 when Fr. Murphy came. After 1882 land was bought for a school and convent. The church and rectory were built at the same time. A school was started but closed a few years later. | |
| Many important people contributed to the church. In 1803, Fr. Gallagher made many changes in the church. He had fourteen stained glass windows installed in the church. In 1968 Fr. O'Neill, who grew up in St.Mary's parish, was choosen for Bishop of the Rockford Diocese. | |
| Another Catholic school opened in 1924 with one-hundred-eighty students. In 1970 the new school opened, but C.C.D. and three classes were still held at the old school. In 1970 Fr. Holmgrem came to the parish.. At this time the school had 467 students. After a while the students enrollment dropped to 224 as a result, classes moved to the new school. | |
| In 1978 St. Mary's bought a Methodist complex and turned it into the current rectory.Now The school has 110 students in grades kindergarten through 8th and 20 children in Preschool. | |
|
Bibliography St. Mary's Celebrating 125 years |
|
