Saint Patrick's Church (Iowa City)
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Saint Patrick's Church is a Roman Catholic parish located in Iowa City, Iowa. The church is part of the Diocese of Davenport. The parish is located at 228 East Court Street in Iowa City.
[edit] 2006 Tornado
On April 13, 2006 the Iowa City, Iowa area was hit by a severe storm, which included several tornadoes. During the course of the storm, St. Patrick's Church was heavily damaged. Most of the roof of the church building was torn off during the storm, and the 80 foot steeple was knocked over as well. The adjoining rectory sustained damage as well. As Holy Thursday took place on this date, there were people present at St. Patrick's during the storm. The Mass of the Lord's Supper had finished just before the storm. People took shelter in the basement of the rectory. No one at the church at the time was injured or killed.
Because of the storm Mass for the remainder of Holy Week and Easter were held at Regina High School. The pastor, Father Rudolph Juarez has stated that the current church building is probably a total loss. While not sure what form the new building would take yet, Juarez said that the parish would rebuild.
In September 2006, it was announced that St. Patrick's Church would be moved to the east side of Iowa City, where no Catholic Churches were located. The plans are to build a much larger church with a capacity of 1000 people (the old church could hold 300).
On December 26, 2006, the rectory was torn down by Peterson Contractors In. of Reinbeck. Plans are also being made for the 130-year-old church building to be torn down as well, according to Peterson. Asbestos removal has delayed the demolition.
