St. Boniface Church - New Vienna, Iowa - This Old Church on Waymarking.com

My Commentary:
This is an incredibly breathtaking church in the northern part of town. I was diverted through New Vienna because of road construction so finding this church complex was an unexpected treat. The church is in excellent repair and the cemetery, across the parking lot from the church was a nice respite from my drive. This was definitely worth the stop.

ST. BONIFACE CHURCH (1887; contributing building)
The Gothic (Revival) style church of broken ashlar and smooth cut trimmings was built under the direction of Rev. F. W. Pape during the years 1884-1887. White magnesia limestone taken from a local quarry was hauled to the site by oxen and horses. Farmers and settlers gave generously of their time, talent and money and labored effortlessly until the building was completed. The architectural drawing was done by Schnell Architects from Rock Island, Illinois for $21,300.00. The stone and labor expense was $3476.00, while the mason work was done by Schulte and Wagner contracted on April 9, 1884, for $18,930.00. The cornerstone was laid on September 14, 1884.

The dimensions of the church are 172 feet by 62 feet, the transept included. The walls are 35 feet high, the main nave has a clerestory 10 feet high, boasting ten uniquely shaped stained glass windows.

The beauty of the exterior lies in the correct and symmetrical proportions and harmony of style throughout. The interior of the church is awe-inspiring. The groined ceiling has strong projecting interlacing arches. The highest point in the ceiling measures 60 feet from the floor. The half-octagon sanctuary is an extension of the middle nave and a receptacle for the high altar. Two windows not visible from the nave are placed in such positions as to give direct light to every part of the church. They are of stained glass and exquisitely executed pictures and symbols. The windows in the transept are 14 feet by 28 feet and throw abundant light on the high altar. The twelve windows in the nave are placed in such positions as to give direct light to every part of the church. They are of stained glass and exquisitely executed pictures and symbols. The windows in the transept are 14 feet by 30 feet. One represents St. Boniface felling the Donar oak; the other the Coronation of the Blessed Virgin. The models for these windows were executed in life-sized paintings by the renowned painter, John Schmitt, of Covington, Kentucky.

The main altar, 35 feet high, modeled upon a Gothic ostensorium, and harmonizing with the architectural details of the interior of the church, is artistically executed being carved by hand from the base to the crowning cross.

The tabernacle is truly a masterpiece of the art of carving and is in itself a small altar. The entire altar in all its detail is decorated with wood-carved vines, reeds, branches and leaves and has sixteen angels carved in wood. Nine wood-carved statues grace the altar along with large crucifixion scene. It was planned under the direction of Rev. F. W. Pape, by Edward Hackner of La Crosse, Wisconsin and built by the latter at a cost of $5000.00. To the right is the St. Joseph altar, costing $775.00 and donated by the Frederick Wernkw family. It honors St. Aloysius and St. Francis. To the left an altar stands in tribute to the Blessed Virgin Mary and has statues of St. Agnes and St. Rose of Lima. Built at a cost of $725.00, it was donated by the Ottilia Krapfl family in 1887. The sorrowful Mother Altar stands to the south and cost $400.00. The fourteen Stations of the Cross exquisitely hand-carved could not be purchased for any price today. At the time they were donated, they cost $135.00 each.

According to parish records and financial statements in 1882-1884, members of the parish went door to door and collected $973.00 towards the purchase of the organ. Installation began in 1884 and it was completed in 1891 at the cost of $2610.00. This organ was built by William Schuelke Organ Company of Madison, Wisconsin and consists of 1300 pipes. It was one of 160 organs built by Schuelke and only fourteen are in existence today. This organ is the oldest of the Schuelke organs still in use today in the United States. Although still in its unaltered state, an electric blower was added in the 1930's. St. Boniface Parish was presented with a special citation for the efforts the Parish has made to preserve the Schuleke organ. It was presented by the Organ Historical Society on June 25, 1986 at an organ recital in the church.

St. Boniface Church was built at a cost of $80,000.00 and was dedicated on September 12, 1887 at a 10:30 Pontifical High Mass by Bishop Hennessy. A special train was run over the Illinois Central between Dubuque and Dyersville filled with Dubuquers and the Bishop and entourage. The train was met by carriages, buggies and farmer's outfits numbering 1500 to transport them to New Vienna. The church has a seating capacity of 900, but no less than 1500 people were within it's walls during the Mass. According to Dubuque Herald issue on September 13, 1887, "dedicatorial ceremonies at St. Bonifice Church witnessed by over 6000 people. The structure is one of the greatest in Iowa; Bishop Hennesy delivers sermon." As soon as the Mass was completed the people wended their way to a piece of ground near the Maquoketa River, picnicking until 5:00 p.m. Total cost of the dedication was $900.00.

Subsequent changes to the church have been few. These include: Installation of electricity in 1914; installation of a marble floor in 1970; removal of the altar railings in 1987 (these have been preserved); installation of a 12 foot cement ramp and the expansion of the door to double-wide for handicap access on the north side of the church; replacement of three deteriorated doors with etched glass doors in 1991; and carpeting completely surrounding the alter in the 1980s.

-National Registry Entry

Date the Church was built, dedicated or cornerstone laid: 01/01/1887 Age of Church building determined by?: Historical Society If denomination of Church is not part of the name, please provide it here: Catholic If Church holds a weekly worship service and "all are welcome", please give the day of the week: Saturday Indicate the time that the primary worship service is held. List only one: 7:00 PM Street address of Church: 7401 Columbus Street New Vienna, IA USA 52065 Primary website for Church or Historic Church Building: [Web Link] Secondary Website for Church or Historic Church Building: [Web Link] If Church is open to the public, please indicate hours: Not listed

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Date Logged Log User Rating   04/05/2023 biscuitt bunch visited it