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Saint Boniface Catholic Church is the Catholic parish for the town of New Vienna, Iowa and the surrounding area. The parish is part of the Archdiocese of Dubuque. The parish is partnered with Ss. Peter and Paul Parish, Petersburg, Iowa - the two parishes share a pastor.
History
The history of the parish can be traced back to the 1840's when a number of German American families arrived in the area from Ohio. These families had come to the area in search of farmland. On January 6, 1846, Bishop Mathias Loras of Dubuque celebrated Mass at the home of Hermann Wiechmann. This would be the first Mass celebrated in the New Vienna area. For the next two years Mass would be celebrated at the Wiechmann home.
In 1848, the first permanent structure was built. This wood structure measured 24 feet by 30 feet and had walls that were 10 feet high. By 1853, the population had increased to the point that a new structure was needed. Construction of this new structure was completed in 1855. This new building was 64 by 100 feet with 22 foot high walls. A local resident, William Steffen Sr. was sent with two teams of horses to get the three bells for the church. He arrived back in New Vienna just before Easter, the bells were raised in time to chime for the first time on Easter Sunday. This second structure would be used until 1887.
In 1887, the third and present building was completed. The present building is 172 feet long by 62 feet long. The walls are 35 feet high. The stained glass windows are 14 feet wide by 30 feet high. The steeple is 200 feet high.
The church has five altars made of carved wood which are still present in the church today. The old high altar was built by E. Hackner of La Crosse, Wisconsin. This altar cost $5000.
The organ was built in 1891 by the Schuelke organ company. The organ is one of the few Schuelke Organs that still exist today.
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