St. Patrick’s Church – Georgetown, Iowa In 1851, a log church was established, as the faith was the priority item to the immigrants. By the early 1860’s more natives of Ireland had joined their brothers and the congregation had out grown the tiny church. The beautiful sandstone structure known today as St. Patrick’s Georgetown was constructed during the 1860’s as the pioneers themselves quarried the stone and hoisted it in place. Work was delayed by the civil war, but the Irish were determined and as a result, the church is complete and holds worship services every week.
The cemetery has always been the final resting place for all of the Georgetown descendants. The cemetery is directly across from the church so it is easy to find. If you are searching for connections to the past with your family you will be able to search the cemetery records of St. Patrick’s Church.
Labor day is a gathering for all of the Georgetown clan and any one who is Irish. There is a homemade dinner and an auction. Labor day is always a great gathering for everyone young and old.
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Looking for a gruncle William B Heelan (Heyland) born 1906, to William B Heyland and Nellie Kelley Heyland died 1922 Chicago and brought to St. Patricks Georgetown for reburial in 1923 . ( I Think) Maybe someone of the family still lives in the area. any info would be appreciated. thank you and I hope to someday visit St. Patricks where my father and all his family were Baptized.
I have contacted the church as asked they to assist you with your inquiry. Good luck and thank you for contacting www,iowabeautiful.com.
Regards,
Pat Watson
Editor
In response to Judith Heeland (Heyland) Pierce, I have probably the most complete listing of the headstones in the St. Patrick cemetery at Georgetown. I have photographed all of the headstones that can be found and have used the information to update the Iowa Genealogical Society listing for the cemetery. I do not find any “Heyland” or “Heeland” listed in the cemetery listing.
My lists for the St. Mary’s cemetary, Weller, and St. Mary’s cemetery show a number of “Heyland” and “Heland” headstons. However I do not find a headstone in for “William B. Heyland” in any of the cemetery listings that I have.
I would be glad to send Judith a copy of the listing if she would contact me at obrienjp@drivehq.com . I would also be happy to send her copies of any of the headstone photos that she might want.
It is my understanding that years ago a number of the headstones that had fallen over were removed.
Best regards,
John P. O’Brien