The early history of St. Patrick's is enveloped in obscurity, not a single representative of its first membership eing left to tell the tale of the organization's young struggles. Tradition alone is to be relied on for an account of the transpirings of those early days. It seems that away back in the forties (1840's) a priest would come occassionally into this neighborhood from beyond the Mississippi and hold services in what by courtesy was called the Court House. The gathering evidently were notable affairs, for we are told that the throng was immense, no available space being forgotten or neglected. In the words of Mr. Sol Seely, "Parthions and Medes, Elamites etc, and strangers from Rome were there."

Some time during the year 1854, the true nucleus of a parish began to form. Clergymen attached to the Dixon Mission began to attend to the spiritual wants of the Catholics of this neighborhood, and, as these visits increased, so likewise did the attendance of the Communicants. Services were held at different points in the district, but the favorite locality wa sup in what is now our First ward. Mr. Lyon's home was the shrine of welcome. Like Zacheous of old, the Captain was not a son of Israel, but nevertheless he possessed a soul ever swayed by noble impulses. This gentleman generously donated a building site, soon after, and banking the offerings saved from their scanty earnings, the devoted Catholics started and finished the first church. It was a frame building, very unprentensious but suited every purpose, and for that day, gave free expression of true Catholic faith in those who made the sacrifice. The first resident priest was Father Herbert - 1862.

The following year, 1883, brought a new pastor, the Rev. John Daly and new impulse to the congregation. Societies were formed, building committees called into existence and within the next seven years, St. Patricks, accumulated, according to Father Daly's own report, $35,000 worth of property. It had its brick church, its parsonage, its schools and convent. Everything was complete. But the fates turned unpropitious. Discord came, and St. Patricks' kingdom divided against itself, fell, as the Savior had declared of old. Everything was swept away and the distracted people brought to the verge of religious despair. The prudent Archbishop, with his wonted generosity, came to the rescue. Purchasing the old Presbyterian property, he isntalled them in a new home, and promising them every kind consideration, he bade them to be of good heart, go on and prosper.

And so it has turned out since then. The varying years have brought their changes, many rectors have come and gone, yet the parish has prospered fairly. Each priest, in turn, has had some improvement ot record. At the present writing matters stand for St. Patrick's in the most flattering shape.

Sterling Standard Dec. 11, 1896