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Southwest of Festina, this is the “world’s smallest church” at 12 ft × 16 ft, seating eight people. Built in 1885 as a vow by Johann Gaertner’s mother, it sits beside a park with picnic areas and Turkey River access
Our Lady of Seven Dolors Catholic Church, Festina, Iowa, has the unique distinction of being the only parish in the Archdiocese of Dubuque able to trace its genesis back to an Indian Mission. The history of the parish is reckoned from 1843, shortly after the Winnebago’s (Hochunk) were moved to a new reservation at Fort Atkinson on the banks of the Turkey River.
Learn More about the History of Our Lady of Seven Dolors
View an index of the OLSD Albums that have been scanned in.
Learn about the endowment that has supported the OLSD mission for many years.