Storm destroys historic Maryhill church near Meriden, IA

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Siouxland's dry spell has ended, but the rains came at a cost. A century-old Catholic church and a 2,000-head hog confinement were flattened Tuesday evening by strong winds and rain that pounded through Northwest Iowa and parts of South Dakota. Numerous corn fields in the area were also flattened by the wind and heavy rain.

At the Sioux Gateway Airport, only about a half inch of rain was reported, but wind gusts of up to 30 miles per hour were measured. In surrounding areas, the fallout was much worse.

The Cherokee County Sheriff's Office reported Tuesday night that the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church near Meriden, Iowa, was no longer standing. The church was founded in 1892, according to a history on the Sioux City Diocese Web site. The church had been struck by lightning and burned to the ground in 1904. The church was rebuilt and reopened in 1905 at a cost of $14,000. The church's stained glass windows were valued at $320,000 in 1995. [snip] Sioux City Journal

A northwest Iowa community is in shock Wednesday after severe storms toppled the Mary Hill Catholic Church. A Catholic Church that stood tall and proud for over a century is reduced to rubble. The sight is overpowering for the man who's preached here for 35 years.

Father Gene Sitzmann says, "I'm pretty much a realist. It was clear to me the church was gone."

While the destruction of the church is a complete and devastating tragedy. They say they have what is most important, each other. Sitzmann says, "Oh yes. That's the good thing. And to treasure them even more. That's what will happen." Sherry Hittle says, "It's a good strong faith community. A good foundation here. Strong people. We'll pull together." [snip] KELOLand TV



MARYHILL, Iowa -- Rachel Corzilius began crying when she arrived at Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church at Maryhill moments after a storm blew through Tuesday evening.

Straight-line winds destroyed the 101-year-old wooden church, leaving behind only a white cross and a statue of the Virgin Mary which reads, "The Lord is With Thee."

"My mom brought my wedding dress here to hang earlier Tuesday, so my fiance wouldn't see it," said Corzilius. "I was supposed to get married here Saturday."

The wedding won't take place at Maryhill as the church was destroyed in minutes, falling beneath the force of winds estimated at 80 miles per hour that accompanied up to 6 inches of rain. The only person on the grounds at the time was the Rev. Eugene Sitzmann, a retired priest who has served this church for three decades. He resides in the adjacent rectory. [snip] Sioux City Journal