Vincent Van Gogh once said, “As long as autumn lasts, I shall not have hands, canvas, and colors enough to paint the beautiful things I see.” The breathtaking fall colors and sights in Elkader, Marquette, and Wexford were enjoyed by the Tuesday Tourist Club on their October 8 road trip.
Ten members and one guest, Marietta Vance, began their day at Pedretti’s Bakery in Elkader. After purchasing delicious baked delights there, they continued the excursion to Marquette for lunch.
The final stop of the day was at the historic Immaculate Conception Catholic Church at Wexford where Viv Rourke shared some of the history of the church. Father Thomas Hore and 18 families from County Wexford in Ireland founded the original wooden church, known as St. George’s Church, in 1851. That church was replaced in 1870 out of necessity.
The population in the area was growing, so a larger church was needed. In addition, the wooden floor of St. George’s Church had collapsed. The new stone church made from limestone quarried from the nearby hills of Wexford became known as Immaculate Conception Church. Parishioners worship there today, and the church is part of the Holy Family of the Bluffs cluster of churches.
On one of the side altars of the church stands a statue known as the Infant Jesus (or Infant Child) of Prague. The infant is clothed in a long tunic and is wearing a golden crown on his head. He is holding a miniature orb, surmounted by a cross. That statue is often seen in Catholic churches and is considered to be a sign of good luck, particularly by those of Irish descent.
The Tuesday Tourist group spent a fun-filled day touring Northeast Iowa sites on their October road trip. Club members will participate in a murder mystery play at their November meeting. Charlene Stocker is coordinating the performance.
This post was originally published on here
