The Globe-Gazette, Mason City, Cerro Gordo County, Iowa
Mason City Centennial Issue
Monday, June 01, 1953, Section 7, Page 26

The influx of laborers to the cement plants and brick yards soon included immigrants from the Balkans - Greece, Yugoslavia and Bulgaria. The first person of Greek descent to arrive was Gus Skondras, who came in 1905. By 1908 a considerable number were part of the community.

The Greek Orthodox Church at 14th and Washington N. W. was erected in 1915 under the leadership of George Marinos, James Farmakis and Pete Karamitros, the latter having just returned from a three year visit to Greece during which he fought against the Turks.

Three lots were purchased for $1,800 and Hugh Davey built the church at a cost of $13,000. The young men of the congregation dug the basement and the cement plants provided mule teams to haul away the excavation. The brick yards contributed material and money. Until the church was build services were held in a basement room of the courthouse.

NOTE: George P. Marinos was born in 1886, and died in 1982. Irene Marinos was born in 1892, and died in 1941.

Peter K. Karamitros was born in 1884, and died in 1950. Antigone P. Karamitros was born in 1892, and died in 1970.

Hugh Davey was born in 1870, and died in 1936. Mary E. Davey was born in 1875, and died in 1972.

All interments were in Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery.

Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, December of 2014