In the early history of the county services were held every six months by Father Brazil, of St. Ambrose church, Des Moines, at the home of Michael Morring, also at the residence of a Mr. Hickey. Finally, in 1868, a church was built, and continued as the place of worship until the Sacred Heart Church was erected in Newton. The rectory was erected about thirty years ago by Father John Fogarty. Fifteen pastors have administered the affairs of the congregation since 1858. The congregation now numbers twenty-eight families, the present pastor being Rev. Thomas J. McCann, a native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His education was obtained in the parochial schools of his native city and later he studied in the College of Mount St. Mary's, at Emmetsburg, Maryland, also at St. Mary's University and Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland.
To the Newton church are attached the Catholic missions of Monroe and Colfax. Both towns have Catholic Churches and, although the congregations are yet small, they are growing and good work is being done.
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