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 currently located at 228 East Court Street in Iowa City, however new facilities are under construction in the east side of Iowa City, and the parish will move to that new location.
[edit] 2006 Tornado
On April 13, 2006 the Iowa City, Iowa area was hit by a severe storm, including 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 also sustained damage. As Holy Thursday services had taken 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 stated at the time that the current church building was probably a total loss. He was not yet sure what form the new parish buildings would take, 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. 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. The 130-year-old church building was torn down as well after asbestos removal delayed the demolition. The construction of the new parish facilities is underway, and is expected to be completed by 2008.
