St. Anthony's Catholic Church

Nestled in the heart of downtown Davenport, Iowa, St. Anthony's Catholic Church stands as a testament to the city's rich history and vibrant community spirit. As the first church congregation organized in Davenport and the second Catholic congregation in the state of Iowa, St. Anthony's is steeped in historical significance and continues to be a beacon of faith and heritage.

The Birth of a Parish

St. Anthony's Catholic Church owes its existence to the visionary efforts of Antoine LeClaire, a French-Pottawattamie interpreter who played a pivotal role in the early development of Davenport. In 1832, following the Black Hawk War, Chief Keokuk of the Sauk tribe signed a treaty ceding land on the west side of the Mississippi River to the United States. LeClaire, who served as the translator at the treaty signing, was granted two parcels of land, one of which would become the site of St. Anthony's Church.

In 1837, LeClaire stipulated that a Catholic church be built on one of the squares in the newly laid-out town. The following year, the Rev. Samuel Charles Mazzuchelli, a frontier missionary, arrived in Davenport and established the parish. With only 25 Catholics in a town of 100 people, Mazzuchelli designed a simple two-story structure to serve as both a church and a priest's residence. The church was dedicated on May 23, 1839, by Bishop Mathias Loras of Dubuque, making it the oldest church congregation in Davenport.

A Multifunctional Landmark

The original church building, constructed using the first bricks manufactured in Davenport, served multiple purposes for the fledgling community. It was not only a place of worship but also functioned as a city hall, courthouse, schoolhouse, public forum, and gathering place. The church's bell, which called parishioners to Mass, also summoned children to school, alerted the town to fires, and signaled the start of city aldermen's sessions.

Over the years, the parish continued to grow, and by 1847, it boasted 450 parishioners, a quarter of the town's population. The current church building, constructed between 1850 and 1853, features a simple Greek Revival style and was built using locally quarried stone. This new structure replaced the original building, which was remodeled to provide additional classroom space for the parish school.

Educational Endeavors

St. Anthony's School opened in 1839 with Father Pelamourgues as its first teacher. Initially, classes were held in the body of the church, with a curtain closing off the sanctuary. In 1844, the church building was extended to accommodate new classroom space. The school played a vital role in the community, educating notable figures such as John Forrest Dillon, who would go on to become the Chief Justice of the Iowa Supreme Court.

In 1844, the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary were brought in to teach at the school, and they returned in 1855 to continue their educational mission. The parish school remained in operation until 1968, when it closed due to low enrollment. Today, the building is used for the parish's religious education program.

Architectural Evolution

Over the years, St. Anthony's Catholic Church has undergone several renovations and additions to accommodate its growing congregation and changing needs. In the late 19th century, transept wings with balconies were added, and the sanctuary was extended. A larger sacristy was also built, and the rectory was constructed around 1877.

In the mid-20th century, a major renovation saw the addition of a manufactured stone facing, or permastone, to the church, school, and rectory, giving the parish complex a unified appearance. The sacristy was expanded, and a north wing was added to the school building. These changes ensured that the church could continue to serve its community effectively.

Modern Developments

In recent years, St. Anthony's has continued to adapt and grow. In 2009, most of the rectory was torn down to make way for a new parish center. The Gathering Center, a 7,200-square-foot facility, includes classrooms with movable walls for religious education classes, church offices, a kitchen, and a renovated McAnthony’s Window, a ministry that provides meals and support to those in need.

Despite these modern updates, St. Anthony's remains deeply connected to its historical roots. The church complex was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984 and the Davenport Register of Historic Properties in 1992. In 2020, the parish buildings, excluding the parish center, were included as contributing properties in the Davenport Downtown Commercial Historic District.

A Community Hub

St. Anthony's Catholic Church continues to be a vital part of the Davenport community, offering a place of worship, education, and support for its parishioners. The church's rich history and enduring legacy make it a must-visit destination for those interested in the heritage of Davenport and the broader story of Catholicism in Iowa.

Whether you're a history enthusiast, an architecture aficionado, or simply seeking a place of peace and reflection, St. Anthony's Catholic Church offers a unique glimpse into the past while continuing to serve its community in the present. Its storied walls and welcoming congregation invite you to explore and experience the enduring spirit of this historic landmark.