Saints Peter and Paul Roman Catholic Church

Saints Peter and Paul is a Gothic Revival church built with orange brick and featuring a central tower, the tallest structure in Keokuk County. Its interior preserves stained glass windows and handcrafted altar elements from the period of its construction.

German immigrants founded the parish in 1860 and built their first brick church in 1863. The current structure was dedicated in 1899 as a replacement for the original building.

Parish families donated stained glass windows and local craftspeople like Nickolas Juhl created the altar woodwork from walnut for the interior. These contributions shaped the church as a reflection of community investment and skill.

The building is now maintained by the Clear Creek Heritage Association after the parish closed. Check ahead before visiting since it operates as a heritage site rather than an active church.

A decorative cemetery fence from 1919 commemorates the parish's safety during World War I and survival of the 1918 flu pandemic. This memorial stands as quiet evidence of the hardships the community endured.

Location: Iowa

Inception: 1898

Architectural style: Gothic Revival

GPS coordinates: 41.30528,-92.03889

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:09