1886
St. Matthew Catholic Church - Clare, Iowa

Parish History

   The roots of St.Matthews Church in Clare go back to the early days in Jackson Township, Webster County, when the first white settlers arrived in 1855 (St. Matthew's Parish 26). Mass was celebrated in the cabins of the early settlers who, with a few exceptions, immigrated from Ireland and lived along the banks of the Lizard Creek. Father Matthew Norton, for whom the church was named was the first president priest of the Lizard Settlement, but was also assigned to Clare when there was a population increase due to extension of the railroad in 1881 and 1882 (St. Matthew's Parish 27).
   After taking a trip with Patrick Condon to St. Paul to purchase lumber for the church, Father Norton died June 4, 1886, before a church could be built (Clare Souvenir Book 1935). A young Irish priest. Father Matthew Darcy, born in Killaloe County (Clare, Ireland) in 1858, the year the town of Clare began, arrived to take his place (Roder 168), Father Darcy remained as pastor of St. Matthew's for 42 years.
   During Father Darcy's service, two churches were built. The first was a wooden structure built in 1887 and dedicated June 8, 1890. by Most Rev. John Hennessey who confirmed a class of three hundred children and adults.many who had traveled a distance (Clare Souvenir Book 1935).
   The church was destroyed by fire in 1905. The replacement church is still standing and was built in 1905 and dedicated by Rt. Rev. Bishop Garrigan of Sioux City on December 21, 1905 (Clare Souvenir Book 1935). The 102' x 50 church was faced with Kansas City pressed brick (St. Matthew's Parish 30). A rectory was built in 1888. In addition, St. Matthew's School was constructed under his supervision and staffed by the Presentation Sisters of Dubuque.
   The school was built in 1892 at a total cost of $2,500. The structure would provide a school, sisters' quarters and a chapel. Two additions were added, one in 1894 and the second in 1922. The high school was a viable part of the parish until it closed in 1961. Students then continued their education at St. Edmond High School in Fort Dodge. In 1965, a one-story "L" shaped building was constructed to house a convent and grades 1-8. The total cost was $143,000 and both were operated until 1989.
   Father E.L. McEvoy assisted Father Darcy and stayed until 1928. Father Thomas Parle 19281935 was responsible for building the hall under the church and putting together the first parish history. "The Blue Book." He also continued an athletic program started by Fr. McEvoy (St. Matthew's Parish 32).
   Seven young men from the parish have become priests or brothers; among them are Father Charles Yetmar and Father Bruce Lawler. Eighteen women from the parish became sisters.
   Seven young men from the parish have become priests or brothers; among them are Father Charles Yetmar and Father Bruce Lawler. Eighteen women from the parish became sisters.

In July 1985. St. Matthew's clustered with St. Joseph, Barnum. 

In July 2000, St. Matthew's became part the Catholic Team Parishes of Webster County.

2006 - 150 years of faith in Webster County.

2006 - Bishop Nickless decrees that the Parish of the Holy Trinity be established.  Holy Trinity Parish is now the official name of our parish in Webster County while maintaining the existing names of each church worship site.

2016 - Diocese of Sioux City's Ministry 2025 is implemented a year early and Holy Trinity Parish is reduced to two priests and that the worship sites of Christ the King, Dayton, St. Matthew, Clare and Our Lady of Good Counsel be moved to non-active worship site status.