Larchwood, IA - The Church of St Mary

The parish of St. Mary was formed in 1898 when a new church was built for a total cost of $2274.86. At this time, the church was located in the west part of town north of the city park. In early 1900 or 1901, the church was moved to the east end of town where it stood until its demolition in the 1980. The original school was completed in September of 1915. In 1965, a new grade school north of the church was initiated and completed. In 1974, the school was closed permanently. The current church was dedicated in 1979 and the church, kitchen, and reception hall were added to the grade school. Total cost of the new church came to over $500,000. The old church and the original brick school building were torn down in 1980 and 1982 respectively.