With these words, area farmer Pat Boyle described what hundreds of folks have known since the first settlement in 1863. There is something about Dougherty and the good folks who settled here. Maybe it was the fertile, black soil that could grow anything planted in it. Maybe it was the location of the little town squeezed into the very southeast corner of the county. Perhaps it was the indomitable spirit of the Irish men and women who settled and tamed this land. They lived, loved and worshipped God in their little corner of the world. Built a faith, built their church and cherished it for over a hundred years. St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, also known as St. Pat’s, to all who loved it. And now called S.T.P.A.T.S. Dougherty. Lil’ Ireland. Call it what you may. This is how and where it all began...

Why was it called “St. Patrick’s Church”? The best reason is that the first pioneers came from Ireland and they named their new church after the patron saint of the Emerald Isle. From Ireland came Daniel Dougherty and wife, Mary. It was in 1856 when Daniel and Mary entered their land claim and went back east to gather some much needed funds. In 1863 they returned and took up residence in a log house they had built. More Catholic settlers joined them that year and were invited to stake a claim and build a home. As the community grew so did the need for a church and priest. From 1863 to 1868 the new-formed parish was attended by priests from 46 miles distant in Waverly. The first church building was begun in 1870 and by 1875 an addition had to be constructed. The first pastor was Father Martin Hogan. Father Hogan worked tirelessly and much was accomplished with the construction of a new church, school and residence. In 1895 the new convent and church was destroyed by fire. That same year a new church building was under construction and that same building stands today. Through the years the tiny village and church survived many hardships, enjoyed countless blessings and continued to hold fast a friendship...a sense of family.

The official record states that the Catholic Church in Dougherty was established in 1870 and had the distinction of “oldest” Catholic Church in Cerro Gordo County. Times change, Time passes. And so it was with the little white wooden church on the plains of North Iowa.

In the fall of 2011 we were notified of an impending closing of our beloved St. Pat’s Church. We were given many factors leading to the closing but none were obstacles we couldn’t overcome, we thought. But, the decision was made and we were left to deal with the terrible sense of loss. In early spring of 2012 a group of parishioners arranged a meeting with the Archbishop of Dubuque to put forth a proposal to purchase the structures and have them become the property of a non-profit corporation. The Archbishop was very receptive to this idea and plans began to come together. As the last Mass was offered in July 2012 a newly formed non-profit corporation was working it’s way through the volumes of paperwork and regulations required to satisfy the State of Iowa.

On Feb. 24th, 2014 the property of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church was transferred to the newly formed Society To Preserve Antiquated Town Structures ( or S.T.P.A.T.S.) corporation. In March 2014 we received the Deed and we were now in charge of our own destiny!

Business meetings were held and officers were elected and installed for the first terms. The initial officers of the S.T.P.A.T.S. were:

As we struggled with this new adventure, numerous road-blocks popped up from time to time just to make things interesting. A sudden hail and wind storm forced us to put new roofs on the church and rectory. That had us scramble for donors and much needed funds! In the past few years we have had some much needed improvements done on the grounds and buildings and we continue to struggle to meet our goals financially. With the grace of our Heavenly Father we have met our needs and continue to prosper. We thought. The winter of 2018 saw our last boiler which heats the school “give up the ghost” and some ingenious steps were taken to keep things from freezing! We change plans, adapt and survive.

During the last few years we have averaged just over three thousand visitors a year at our events and tours. Each year we have our century old Nativity Scene on display on weekends around the Christmas Holiday. A crowd favorite! March brings the Annual St. Patrick’s Day Homemade Soup Contest and Supper on the big day itself - March 17th, St. Patrick’s Day! Dozens of homemade soups for the contest and well over a hundred participants. Memorial Day brings many of the old town folk back to Lil’ Ireland to honor our heroes in the St. Patrick’s Cemetery. We celebrate Mass in the cemetery at 5:30pm followed by a chicken potluck supper at 6:00pm and a wonderful Memorial Day program at 7:00pm. Patriot Night in July draws local veterans to town as we celebrate our American Heritage with an old-fashioned cookout and a movie in the gym. October brings the spooky Halloween Party that just keeps getting better and better. Over a hundred adults and children play games, dance the “Limbo” and enjoy treats in the decorated gym. November has us celebrating our veterans on Veteran’s Day with a patriotic program and a special salute to all who serve and have served.

Numerous private events occur throughout the year as we host wedding showers, Christmas parties, birthday parties, weddings and baptisms! We strive to create an atmosphere where everyone loves to come and visit and look at the old photos and items in the museum.

The museum? Yes! We have collected some of the best history of the town of Dougherty and the surrounding area and it is all possible with the help of generous families who wish to share their stories and their heritage with all who visit. We have kept the church in it’s original condition. Much the same as it was for decades. The classrooms in the school hold such wonderful memories. It all has to be explored!

We welcome you to join us. Sit a spell. Have a cup o’ coffee. Relax, Remember. 1870 to... who knows?!