Parish celebrates legacy of faith

December 14, 2022

St. Patrick Parish in Dunlap is celebrating the 150th anniversary of the seeds planted for the Catholic faith to grow.
Local Catholics would gather when a priest would occasionally visit for Mass and the sacraments.  In 1872, the parish was assigned its first resident pastor who would cover 50 miles from Missouri Valley to Denison.

“We have had a resident pastor from 1872, during times of drought, depression, world wars, good times and bad times,” said Father Joel McNeil, the pastor.

The parish is grateful for the legacy it has received.  A large parish hall was built in 1975.  Two decades later, an addition to the hall was built to provide space for religious education.

The parish recently completed an interior renovation and beautification of the church built in 1929.  Bishop William Joensen celebrated the parish’s accomplishments with Mass on the Feast of Christ the King.

“Many generations worked hard for us to have this beautiful campus,” said Father McNeil.  “It’s up to us to carry this forward for generations to come. It’s our responsibility to preserve it, expand it, and hand it on to the future.”