Address: 601 Grover St Hollandale, WI 53544
Phone: 608-967-2344

Sunday - 10:30am

Thursday - 8:00am

The influence of Fr. Samuel Mazzuchelli, O.P., the Milanese Dominican whose missionary endeavors implanted the seeds of the Catholic faith throughout Southwestern Wisconsin, is not foreign to St. Patrick’s, Hollandale. The congregation is an offshoot of St. Paul’s in Mineral Point, one of the congregations visited by the Italian Missionary.

Almost any approach to Hollandale, a village nestled in the hills of Iowa County, is highlighted by the view of the steeple of St. Patrick’s. Built of brick from the local brickyards of the early village days, this Church erected in 1907, is a tribute to the staunch faith of the early Irish and German settlers of the area and is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful and imposing edifices in the county.

The history of St. Patrick’s dates back to the 1840’s. Many of the Irish immigrants in Moscow and Waldwick journeyed the ten to fifteen miles to church in Mineral Point. Fr. James Causse, Pastor of St. Paul’s in Mineral Point, offered masses in private homes in the Hollandale area. Fr. James O’Keefe transferred to Mineral Point and then served St. Patrick’s twice a month for 24 years.

In 1864 a decision was made to build a church. A 36x24 building was erected at a cost of $1200 on three acres of land two miles west of Hollandale, now the site of Calvary Cemetery. In 1894 the church was deemed unsafe for further worship and was demolished. For convenience, the decision was made to rebuild in the Hollandale village. This was not favorably received by some and several families withdrew and joined other parishes. Nonetheless the church, a frame structure, and a rectory were constructed on the same location of the present church. The pastor, Fr. James Condon, remained for several years.

June 30, 1907, the church was struck by lightning and burned. The following year the cornerstone of the present church was laid. This Gothic structure features a stately steeple which encloses a massive bell. Parishioners are proud of the large entry highlighted by a restored statue of St. Patrick, beautiful stained-glass windows, and solid oak pews and woodwork. In 1976 the confessional areas were transformed into small shrines and the former chapel became a reconciliation room. One of the shrine areas now displays the historic picture of the Blessed Virgin Mary. A walk down the aisle climaxes at the alter which is in keeping with the Liturgical designs and is enhanced by a magnificent crucifix at the rear.

Many pastors have served us throughout the years. In addition to those previously mentioned names which frequently come to mind are: Fr. Francis Carrigg who served St. Patrick’s for 17 years; Fr. James Raker, a converted Episcopalian minister; Fr. Rosen, a native of Germany and an author of many religious books; Fr. James Barry, who was pastor at the time the church was built.