St. Paul's Catholic Church

St. Paul's Catholic Church stands as a beacon of faith and historical significance in the charming city of Burlington, Iowa. This grandiose structure, with its High Victorian Gothic Revival architecture, not only serves as a place of worship but also as a testament to the rich Catholic heritage in the region. As you traverse the streets of Burlington, the church's towering presence atop an embankment is impossible to miss, drawing visitors and faithful alike to its sacred grounds.

The Early Beginnings

The history of St. Paul's Catholic Church is deeply entwined with the early development of Burlington. The town, established as one of the temporary capitals of the Wisconsin Territory in 1836 and later the first capital of the Iowa Territory in 1838, quickly became a focal point for growth and community. Recognizing the burgeoning importance of Burlington, Bishop Mathias Loras and the Rev. Samuel Charles Mazzuchelli, OP, set forth to establish a Catholic presence in the area. In 1839, Mazzuchelli was dispatched to Burlington to purchase land and lay the foundations for what would become St. Paul's Church.

The original church, a modest brick building, was constructed between 1840 and 1841. This humble beginning was marked by the arrival of Burlington’s first church bell in 1842, a symbol of the growing Catholic community. The church's significance was further cemented when it was leased to the territorial legislature for their use for 60 days, intertwining its history with that of the state.

Growth and Challenges

As the Catholic community in Burlington grew, so did the challenges it faced. The town became a hotbed for anti-Catholic sentiment, fueled by nativist thinking prevalent among many of its new residents from the eastern United States. Despite these challenges, the church persevered. The arrival of the Rev. George Reffe in 1847 marked a significant turning point. He initiated Burlington’s first parochial school in the church basement in 1849, laying the groundwork for the educational mission of the parish.

The Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary began teaching at St. Paul's in 1859, further strengthening the church’s role in the community. The parish’s second church building, a brick English Gothic-styled structure, was completed in 1863, reflecting the growing prominence and stability of the Catholic community in Burlington.

The Present Church

The current St. Paul's Church, a masterpiece of High Victorian Gothic Revival architecture, was designed by the renowned Chicago architect James J. Egan. Egan, known for his work on other significant churches like Sacred Heart Cathedral in Davenport and St. Ambrose Cathedral in Des Moines, brought a unique blend of grandeur and spirituality to St. Paul's. The cornerstone was laid on October 23, 1892, and the church was completed and dedicated on January 27, 1895, under the leadership of the Rev. Bernard Mackin.

Constructed of Bedford limestone, the church’s exterior is marked by a prominent corner tower that rises to 100 feet, housing the original church bell from 1842. The church’s location on a corner lot at the top of an embankment gives it a commanding presence, with the basement exposed at the back of the building. The side bays are separated by buttresses, and the roofline is broken by three gables on the side elevations, adding to the architectural splendor of the structure.

Interior Splendor

The interior of St. Paul's Church is equally impressive. It features a large open expanse without pillars, with pews arranged in four sections. The vaulted ceiling is supported by heavy hardwood hammer beams, creating a sense of openness and grandeur. The altar, framed by a tall pointed arch, is flanked by alcoves holding shrines. On the left side is the tabernacle with a statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus above it, while the right side features a shrine with statues of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Joseph.

Above the altar, three stunning stained glass windows depict religious scenes, with the central window featuring an image of St. Paul the Apostle. A magnificent pipe organ is located in the gallery at the back, adding to the church’s rich liturgical tradition.

The Rectory

Adjacent to the church is St. Paul's Rectory, designed by Egan & Prindeville and built between 1902 and 1904 in the Georgian Revival style. This two-story house features a steeply pitched, multiple hipped roof covered in slate, with small dormers on all sides and tall stone chimneys rising above. The exterior is covered with smooth-faced, coursed ashlar that alternates with a narrow course of rusticated ashlar, creating a visually striking appearance. The balustraded front porch is supported by plain columns, and a screened-in porch on the southeast corner offers a quaint, welcoming space.

Community and Legacy

St. Paul's Catholic Church has played a pivotal role in the spiritual and community life of Burlington. Over the years, it has weathered challenges, including a devastating fire in 1946 that required the interior to be gutted and rebuilt. The church’s legacy of education continued with the establishment of Notre Dame High School in 1958, merging the high school operations of St. Paul’s and St. John’s parishes. The grade schools were consolidated in 1975, further unifying the Catholic educational mission in Burlington.

In 1998, St. Paul's and St. John's parishes were consolidated under the leadership of the Rev. John Hyland, forming Saints John and Paul parish. This consolidation marked a new chapter in the church’s history, bringing together the strengths and traditions of both parishes. In 2017, further consolidation led to the formation of Divine Mercy parish, uniting Saints John and Paul with St. Mary and St. Patrick parishes.

Today, St. Paul's Catholic Church stands as a testament to the enduring faith and resilience of the Catholic community in Burlington. Its majestic architecture, rich history, and vibrant community life continue to inspire visitors and parishioners alike, making it a cornerstone of Burlington’s heritage and a beacon of faith for generations to come.