Pictured is an undated photo of St . Mary of the Visitation Parish , located at Fourth and Court streets in Ottumwa . This building was torn down in 1930 and replaced with the current building . It is the sister parish to St . Patrick Catholic Church , and was established in 1849 . Photo courtesy of the Lemberger Collection
ST . MARY OF THE VISITATION PARISH
The oldest church in Ottumwa is affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church , and is part of the Diocese of Davenport . Established in 1849 and situated at the corner of Fourth and Court streets , the original church was built in 1860 and lasted until 1930 , when the current building was completed .
Father Joseph Sia , who pastors both St . Mary and St . Patrick Catholic Church , said St . Mary is the larger of the two , and has mass services in both English and Spanish , drawing over 500 parishioners between them on Sunday mornings .
The style of the church , which is Gothic Revival , was popular in European churches in the medieval period of the Middle Ages . The church also features a 60-foot bell tower at the top .
One of the most influential people tied to St . Mary is Sister Irene Munoz , who was the multicultural pastor for 23 years , a human rights champion and led the community ’ s Hispanic population into the church .
28 | Now & Then