A History of the Pastors of St. Patrick Church

The pioneer years: A succession of missionary priests

The first Mass said in Cedar Falls was in January of the year 1855, when Father Patrick McGinnis was summoned to Cedar Falls to administer the sacrament of Baptism to Elizabeth Mullarky. On this occasion, Father McGinnis celebrated Mass at the home of Andrew Mullarky.

Father Brady followed Father McGinnis the same year, and was in turn followed by Father Slattery in 1856. 

During the year 1856, Father John Shields came to Cedar Falls and erected a little brick church twenty by forty feet in size on the corner of Eighth and Washington Streets. The property was purchased from Edwin Brown by Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Mullarky and donated to the church. Father Shields had charge of this parish for eight years, visiting Cedar Falls but once every month since he had to look after parishes in several counties.

When Father Shields became too old to serve, he was replaced in 1865 by Father Aloysius Meis of Dubuque. During the early part of 1866, Father McGowan also visited Cedar Falls Parish in the interest of religion.  Father P. McLaughlin was the next priest to come here, but he did not like his field of labor so he stayed but two months during the latter part of 1866.

During these years, because there was no resident priest and the wants of the people were attended to but occasionally, religion made little, if any progress. Many, not understanding poor Father Shields, who at heart was a good, zealous and pious priest but very harsh and blunt at times in his dealing with the people, took offense and left the dear old Church of their fathers for something new of man’s making. 

First resident priest, growth in the 1870s

The first resident priest was Father Thomas Gunn, one of the most saintly and venerable of the Dubuque Archdiocese. Father Gunn came to Cedar Falls from Dubuque about March 1867 and stayed three years, until April 1870 at which time he was transferred to Sioux City.

Father Gunn was always a hustler, and he made many changes during his three years stay. He found his church too small, so he at once doubled its size and made it capacious enough to hold all the worshipers. There was no parochial residence and the priest was obliged to board at the hotel or stay at the homes of members of the parish. Father Gunn soon remedied this embarrassment and purchased of the Methodists the lot on which the house now stands. The purchase price was $1,500 and it reflects on the generous heart of Father Gunn that he paid out of his own pocket $850 for this property.

He was succeeded by Father Peter O’Dowd, who came here in April 1870 and remained until March 1871. Father O’Dowd was very popular among his parishioners during his short stay here. He was transferred from Cedar Falls to Ackley by Archbishop Hennessy.

In March 1871 Father Michael Flavin was sent to take charge of the parish, and he stayed until February 1872. His pastorship in this city was most successful. Like his able predecessors he preached the Gospel in a forceful and convincing manner and succeeded in planting the Faith deep in the hearts of his people.

Father Flavin was succeeded by Father Dennis Ryan in February 1872. Father Ryan, who will forever be remembered for his kind, genial nature, remained pastor for four years till February 1876. He labored faithfully in the interests of religion and left behind him a host of warm admirers when he left for his new mission at Albia, Iowa.

Father Patrick Smith was a most energetic and zealous young priest, and certainly accomplished wonders in his short stay of less than two years. Smith was born and schooled in Dublin, Ireland, and emigrated to the United States in September 1874. After one year in Waverly he took charge at St. Patrick. In 1876 he oversaw construction of a larger church building of 4,000 square feet.  Additionally, he raised more than $8,000 which he paid on the church, leaving but a small debt for his successor. He left Cedar Falls for an assignment to a parish in Boonesboro, Kentucky.

November 1878 witnessed the arrival of Father Charles McCabe. For eighteen long years he labored in Cedar Falls and left nothing undone to make the parish one of the best in the diocese. He was a priest the people might well feel proud of. Dignified in his manner, always well dressed, a learned and pious man, he endeared himself to his good people. In sickness and trouble he could not be excelled, and in this respect above all the people will never forget him. When he came to Cedar Falls he found a small debt of $3,989.12 to pay on the new church . Soon that debt was wiped out.