(Le Mars) — In just four short years after construction was completed, the parishioners of the All Saints Parish, St. Joseph Catholic church of Le Mars have been able to pay off their loan, and the total construction costs of $10.5
million. Father Kevin Richter, the parish priest says the last payment was able to be made on December 29th.
Construction of the new church building began in 2011. A dedication mass was celebrated by Bishop Walker Nickless on October 21, 2012. Total construction cost for the new church, including the demolition of the old St. Joseph building, new student parking lot, architectural fees, and construction contract
was more than $10.5 million dollars. Father Richter says the diocese and the church’s directors required that a substantial amount of that money be raised before construction would begin.
When construction was completed, the amount of the parish loan was only $2.3 million dollars, and continued over the years to be paid off ahead of schedule. Father Richter says there were people in the parish that had their doubts as to whether the parishioners could absorb the debt, along with the church’s other
financial obligations.
Father Kevin Richter believes the loan was able to be paid off early, partly due because so many of the people enjoy the finished product, noting the new church building held on to many of the traditional artifacts from the previous
St. Joseph church and other Catholic churches within the region.
The Catholic priest says Primebank was the financial bank that extended the loan to the church. He says now the debt is resolved, it calls for a celebration.
On Sunday, January 8th at 1:30 p.m. everyone who has given so generously of their time, energy, and financial resources are invited to a loan burning ceremony.
Following the ceremony, cake and ice cream and champaign will be served.
