Corpus Christi Catholic Church (Fort Dodge, Iowa) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Corpus Christi Church
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 Location in Iowa
Location in the United States
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| Location | 416 N. 8th St. Fort Dodge, Iowa |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1882 |
| Architect | Fred Herr A.V. Lambert |
| Architectural style | Romanesque Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 76000812 |
| Added to NRHP | October 8, 1976 |
Corpus Christi Catholic Church is a special church in Fort Dodge, Iowa. It belongs to the Diocese of Sioux City. This historic church is so important that it's listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Contents
The Story of Corpus Christi Church
Early Days of the Parish
The story of Corpus Christi parish began in 1855. The very first Mass (a special church service) was held in Michael Collins' home. At that time, the Fort Dodge area was part of the Dubuque Diocese. This diocese covered the entire state of Iowa.
The church parish was officially started the next year, in 1856. Father John Vahey became its first pastor, or leader. This was the first parish ever founded in what is now the Diocese of Sioux City. Priests from Corpus Christi even traveled to other towns. They visited places like Emmetsburg and Sioux City. This continued well into the 1860s.
In 1857, the parish bought its first piece of land for $200. The first church building and the rectory (the priest's home) were built on this land that same year.
Building the Current Church
Work on the current church building started in 1879. The stone for the church was taken from a local quarry. Construction began the following year, in 1880.
The church was designed by Dubuque architect Fridolin Heer, Sr. A local architect named A.V. Lambert oversaw the building work. The church was finished in 1882. It was officially dedicated on January 1, 1883. This beautiful church was built in the Romanesque Revival style. It cost $37,892.59 to build.
Later, other important buildings were added. The convent (where nuns live), a new rectory, and a central heating system were built. This happened between 1909 and 1932.
Church Design
The main part of the church is a large rectangle. It is 128 feet (39 m) long and 58 feet (18 m) wide. The tall bell tower in the middle reaches 175 feet (53 m) high.
The church uses local materials. The foundation is made of rough limestone. The window caps and hoods are made of smooth limestone. The outside walls are made of bricks produced nearby. The roof ends are stepped, and there's a decorative brick pattern under the roof edges.
Inside, the church has three main sections called naves. These are separated by columns. There is also a gallery at the back. A skylight lets light into the apse, which is the curved area at the front of the church.
The Parish School
School's Beginning
The Corpus Christi parish school opened in 1859. Classes were actually held in the church before this time. The first school building was a two-story structure. It had a small dome on top called a cupola.
The Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary taught at the school from 1862 to 1865. Then, regular teachers taught from 1865 to 1873. The Sisters of Mercy took over teaching in Fort Dodge from 1873 to 1902.
Fire and Rebuilding
In 1900, Mother Mary Catherine discovered a fire. This fire completely destroyed the school building. A new school was built for $20,000. It was called "The Academy" of Corpus Christi Parish. It opened in 1902.
The same year the new school opened, the Sisters of Charity BVM returned. They taught at the school in Fort Dodge for the next 100 years! High school classes at Corpus Christi ended in 1956. This happened when St. Edmond High School opened. The old Academy building was torn down in 1975.
