St. Boniface Catholic Church, Roman Catholic church in Westphalia, Iowa.
St. Boniface is a Roman Catholic church in Westphalia, Iowa, featuring a rectangular plan with a central bell tower in Romanesque Revival style, designed by architect Fridolin Heer. The church district encompasses sixteen resources including six contributing buildings, two contributing sites, and one contributing structure listed on the National Register.
German Catholic settlers established the parish in 1873 under Bishop John Hennessy of the Diocese of Dubuque, with the current church structure dedicated in 1882. The parish became a focal point for the German-speaking community during its early decades of development.
The cemetery displays grave markers with traditional German metalwork, including cast iron and hand-forged iron crosses that reflect the immigrant heritage of the community.
The church site is easily walkable and offers good views of the building and surrounding historic district from multiple angles. Plan time to explore both the main structure and the other contributing buildings scattered throughout the area.
During the 1930s, the parish launched innovative community programs including a cooperative store, gas station, and credit union to help residents through economic hardship. These self-help initiatives became a model of practical support during difficult times.
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