Wilton History 1854-1947

Source: Henry Wildasin's Revised History of Wilton, Iowa
***Containing a complete reprint of Wilton History 1854-1876 by Rider & Stevenson***1947

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CATHOLIC
By John Doran

Some time in the autumn of 1857, the first mass was celebrated in Wilton, by the Rev. Peter Mahn.

This event took place in the house now owned and occupied by John Brown, situated on the eastern terminus of Fourth street.

The second mass was celebrated the following spring, in the house now occupied by P. Kent.

During the summer of 1858, the first church was planned and erected by Rev. Mahn. It was a small frame building, and was located in the south part of the town.

From this time until 1863, Rev'ds Mahn and Edmonds, of Iowa City, officiated, when Rev. Shanahan was located at Wilton, as the first pastor. He was succeeded by Rev'ds McGinnis, Laurent, and Quigley.

During the pastorate of Rev. Quigley, the plans for the present brick church were matured and in the fall of 1867, the foundation was laid, when Rev. Quigley was superceeded by Rev. Walsh, who came in November, 1867.

Shortly afterwards Rev. Walsh was superceeded by Rev. P. A. McCabe, and during his pastorate the church was completed sufficiently to hold services therein.

Rev. McCabe was succeeded by Patrick Welch, who officiated until August, 1874, when he died at Davenport, from cancer in the stomach. In January, 1875, the present pastor, Rev. N. Dugan, was assigned to the pastorate made vacant by the death of Rev. Welch.

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