Catholic Churches of Rock Island

The first Catholic congregation was formed in Rock Island at an early day, under the charge and with the occasional work of Father Alleman, a German Dominican Friar, who died in St. Louis shortly after the war. The congregation was composed chiefly of Irish, French and German emi­ grants. Services were at first held in a cooper-shop. After this period Father Alleman built a small Cathlic church where St. Mary's church now stands. All the cut stone used in this building was taken from the ruins of the Mormon Temple at Nauvoo. When a new building became necessary, in 1866, the same stone was used for the residence of the priest. In 1874 it was thought best to divide the congregation, forming one for the English-speaking people and another for the Germans.

 

Historic Rock Island

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