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Bell Tower    Confessional     Fonts    Library     Missle Stand    Oil lamps    Organ     Pews     Priest         Stations of the Cross    Signs     Statues

Fall 2003

Physical Description of the church as written by Ellen Meara Dolan, in her book "History of St. Patrick's Church Armagh"

         St. Patrick’s Church, Catawissa, Mo. known by residents of the area as the “Rock Church” is constructed of Missouri limestone or sandstone and based on a seven foot pyramid rock foundation. The stones used for the first few feet of the church wails were placed by “dry mortar,” in which each stone was carefully fitted into another without the aid of adhesive material. The remainder of the walls were completed with the aid of traditional wet mortar, but were also carefully worked. As the church was constructed in two different stages, it is supposed that the dry mortar method was used in the first foundation and the quicker wet mortar method was used to finish the walls. All stones were quarried by hand near the church, Interior measurements of the church are 44 ft. by 88 ft.

        The roof, originally slate, is supported by a system of interlocked wooden beams, which have been described by architects as a magnificent piece of engineering. The roof which rises inside to a pointed arch is constructed of wooden planks, fitted tongue and groove without the use of nails. The interior walls, 15 inches thick, and the slanted window­sills are covered with smooth plaster.

        The prominent architectural feature of the church is its Gothic arches. Multiple use of the arches in paneling, communion rail and windows lend a graceful, soaring feeling to the otherwise solid understructure. Particularly beautiful are the elongated arched windows behind the main altar, which are filled with stained glass in lovely muted colors. Two series of wooden Gothic arches outline the church on either side of the main aisle and another series of four arches outlines the base of the choir loft.

        The wooden tabernacle on the main altar is decorated with a trefoil design and surmounted by a crucifix rescued from the fire of 1885. Six gilded wooden candleholders, 3½ feet tall and imprinted with carvings of bleeding hearts, the symbol of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, stand on the main altar. A pale aqua medallion centered with a large shape of a bleeding heart and topped with a crown of thorns, reddish purple flames and white radial arms, is attached to the front of the main altar.

        The two side altars are supported by four slim wooden columns. Hand-made statues of Mary and Joseph stand on the right and left altars, respectively. Near the left altar is a statue of St. Anthony, donated by Mary Theresa O’Donnell.

        Still remaining are the following original accoutrements of the church:

Two square wooden collection boxes with long rounded handles

Wrought iron mold for imprinting hosts, decorated with cross and wheat sheaves, with clasp to close and hang and two handles

Bronze bell with ornate cross on top resting on wooden base, 12” in diameter, 18” in height

 Magnificent pump organ, still in working or­der and fine state of preservation

 Wooden missal stand

A baptismal font of metal and wood

 Veined marble holy water fonts, 11/2’’ thick

Framed Stations of the Cross

Large walnut mission cross. Made from tree donated by James Pedrotti, Sr., the lumber cut at a nearby sawmill and the cross was constructed by Tom Brady

        The old bell tower and parochial residence complete the group of buildings on the property. Architects assume that the bell tower dates to the original 1853 construction be­cause the main members have wooden pegs securing them. Metal siding was removed from the tower and the original wood scraped and repaired.

Bell Tower

It is assumed by Architects that the bell tower dates to the original 1853 construction because the main members have wooden pegs securing them. Metal siding was removed from the tower and the original wood scraped and repaired.  The tower is believed to be older than the bell.The bell is dated 1880.

Collection boxes

Confessional

Library

- 2004 library books are being returned to the church

- Book list

The small white building behind the trees was St. Patrick's Library, the library had over 600 books.

The church had a  library as early as 1866, the Benevolent Society minutes on page 11 appointed a committee to value the books.   

Feb 1867 the society assign a committee to purchase books from Boston, Mass (page 20) at a later date the books would be purchased from St. Louis.  

March 1867 the society resolved that boys of the age 10 may be admitted to use the library for an admittance fee of fifty cents and 10 cents per month thereafter. No member was allowed to have more then one book at a time and no member was allowed to loan a book to someone who was not a member otherwise they would be fined. 

Rules of initiation required each member to donate a book ( page 49)  it states that every member not donating a book in accordance with the rules of initiation would be charged fifty cents  to purchase a book.  

June 1872 women were admitted to use the library by paying the initiation fee and then ten cents per month thereafter (page 80). 

In the 1930's the library books were moved to the KC Hall, to be stored. 

July 2004 an inventory of the books was taken, and the books are to be return to the church.  The books that we currently have are listed below: