POCAHONTAS - The history of Catholicism in Pocahontas follows a trail of faith that  the early pioneer settlers brought with them from the countries of their origin. The strength of the Catholic faith was strong in these pioneers of the 1870s.

The hardships endured by these forefathers of many of Pocahontas's Catholic families in their travels to come to the unsettled territory to built their homes and provide a livelihood were no deterrent to the practice of their faith. They gathered in their homes to pray together until a community facility could be provided. Early in 1875, Father T. M. Lenehan of Fort Dodge held the first Catholic service in the school house at Pocahontas.

With the donation of three acres of land in 1882 by Warrick Price for church and cemetery purposes, a church was planned. In 1883, the first regular Catholic service was held in SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church by Father Matthew Norton. Five years were needed to complete the church which measured 32-foot by 40-foot. Labor and material costs were approximately $2,000. The first altar, built in Spillville, Iowa, was donated by Mary Payer, who was also the donor of the tolling bells and the painting of SS. Peter and Paul, which became a part of the main altar.

The church was moved in 1894 from the cemetery to its present downtown location, downtown. A 30-foot extension was added and a rectory built. In June 1891, SS. Peter and Paul became a permanent mission under Father J. P. Broz, the first resident pastor until April 1985.

The need for a larger church was realized in 1895 when Father W. A. Pape arrived. The enlarging, remodeling and decorating costs came to $1,800.

Father Pape initiated plans for a parochial school which opened on Nov. 30, 1896, at a cost of $2,500. The school was staffed by the Sisters of St. Francis of the Holy Family, Dubuque. The first year had an enrollment of 63 students. Due to the difficulty of transportation over unimproved roads and no automobiles, the school offered rooming quarters and board for $1.25 per week.

Many Bohemian people in the parish spoke and understood only their native language and the number of parishioners were outgrowing their little church. Here the trail of faith in the Catholic community becomes two, a trail which again becomes one many years later with the formation of The Resurrection of Our Lord Catholic Parish.

The Bohemians were served mainly by priests who could speak their native language and sing their songs. The needs of the burgeoning Catholic population would be served by the building of the large Sacred Heart Catholic Church in 1901. The school building was moved to property purchased in the Fairview Addition, Block 3, south of the location of the new church.

In 1951, due to the shortage of priests, SS. Peter and Paul was served by the priests of Sacred Heart. Father John Turza was appointed pastor of SS. Peter and Paul in 1954 and once again the older Bohemians enjoyed conversing with him in their native tongue. Under the leadership of Father Turza, the parish joined with Sacred Heart in the efforts to construct the new Pocahontas Catholic Grade and High School.

Pastors who have served SS. Peter and Paul were: Father J. P. Broz (1891-1895), Father W. A. Pape (1895-1901), Father V. A. Duda (1901-1911), Father Alois Gryc (1911-1912), Father Bohumil Kramolis (1912), Father Raphael Kubat O.S.B. (1912-1917), Father H. B. Kramer (1917-1923), Father Michael Kolvek (1923-1938), Father William Hyland (1938-1945), Father Walter Bruch (1957-1962), Father Thomas Nash (1962-1969), Father Alfred E. McCoy (1969-1971) and Father J. Paul Alvey (1971-1973).

Services were occasionally held in SS. Peter and Paul Church until shortly after its 100th anniversary in 1983. The church has been places on the National Register of Historical Places in 1994. It is currently being preserved by an independent preservation commission.

Sacred Heart Parish was established in 1901 with Father W. A. Pape, then pastor of SS. Peter and Paul Parish. After consideration of several sketches submitted, the one designed by Guido Beck of Dubuque was decided upon for the new church. Contract for the structure was $15,572 for only the building proper. In 1902 the church was completed.

Sacred Heart Parish was served by Father W. A. Pape (1901-1916), Father A. J. Wagener (1916-1933), Father G. F. Wessling (1933-1949), Msgr. H. B. Karhoff (1949-1963), Father Sylvester A. Grady (1963-1969), Father Alfred E. McCoy (1969-1971) and Father J. Paul Alvey (1971-1973).

The need for a new school building was voiced as far back as 1924 when Sacred Heart School was accredited. In 1944, the first drive to raise funds was started. Between 1950 and 1953, an additional drive was held with both parishes contributing. Construction on the new $390,000 grade and high school building began on Aug. 3, 1953.

The original school which opened in 1896 served faithfully until 1954. Due to many factors, including population changes and staffing difficulties, the junior and senior high school closed in 1970.

In 1973, the Pocahontas Catholic Elementary School was moved to its present home, a modern building with a multi-purpose parish center. After serving the school since its inception, the Sisters of St. Francis could no longer provide staff. Most recently, the position of principal has been filled by the School Sisters of Notre Dame.

A complete renovation and restoration of the Sacred Heart Church building was done during Father Alvey's pastorate. He became the first pastor of the newly created Resurrection of Our Lord Parish in 1973.

Priests who have served Resurrection of Our Lord Parish are: Father J. Paul Alvey (1973-1978), Msgr. Lawrence J. Hoffman (1978-1988), Father David Hogan (1988-1995) and Father Merle Kollasch (1995-present).

The two parishes have had many religious vocations including 10 priests, one brother and 27 sisters.

Currently, the parish is clustered with St. Margaret in Rolfe. Pocahontas's Resurrection of Our Lord Parish has 987 parishioners. The present renovation project is nearing an end, and the parish celebrated their Centennial on Jan. 5, 2002.