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History of Immaculate Conception
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Immaculate Conception Church in Kieler was established in the mid-19th century to serve the growing Catholic community in the area.
"In the year of Our Lord 1885: All we German Catholics went together to build a church where we can get together and praise God and bring our petitions to the Lord, in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Jesus, and our longing is fulfilled. God be praised and honored because the Bishop Martin Henni of Milwaukee, has given permission and was so gracious"
The original stone church was built beginning in 1856, measuring approximately 38 × 24 feet, and reflected the early commitment of settlers to establish a parish. The first Mass in this building was offered in July 1858 by Rev. Ferdinand Zuber, then rector of nearby St. Andrew’s in Potosi. In 1867 the parish received its first resident pastor, Rev. Andrew Gstach, a key step in its development. In September 1895, the School Sisters of St. Francis assumed charge of the parish’s two-room school, enhancing educational life for local children. Shortly after, in 1896 the original stone church was remodeled, with a new front entrance and towers added, updating the structure and giving it a more prominent presence in the community.
July 16, 2006 Immaculate Conception New Parish Center was blessed by Bishop Robert Morlino. It is built where the old rectory once stood. Much of the work on the building was done by Parishioners. One unique item is a stained glass window of St. Vitus above the front entrance of the new addition. The window was discovered when the side entrance of the church was demolished. -
Our SchoolRecords indicate that the first school at IC existed before 1908; however, the precise year of establishment remains undocumented. In May 1956 the old Kieler school building was torn down and the new present school building was begun. In August 1956 Bishop William O'Connor laid the cornerstone of the new school and classes began in it.
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