Holy Trinity Parish

“Where our hearts and our doors are open to Christ”

Holy Trinity Parish is located in Des Moines’ well known Beaverdale neighborhood. It is the home of a vibrant and growing Catholic Church and School. Born of humble origins and steeped in a rich tradition of hospitality with a close working relationship between its pastor and members, Holy Trinity is one of the most welcoming parishes in the Des Moines area. If you are looking for a parish community to call “home” look no further than Holy Trinity.

 

Origins

Holy Trinity was born from the vision of Bishop Thomas Drumm.  Bishop Drumm knew that he would need to choose the right priest to make this vision a reality, so he chose Father Francis Ostdiek. Beginning June 26, 1920, Father Ostdiek began his assignment as the founding pastor of Holy Trinity.

 

The original church was constructed from lumber attained from Camp Dodge in Johnston, Iowa. The military was disposing of some wood huts and Father Ostdiek saw this as his opportunity to get building materials without incurring a large expense for the parish. In order to transport the lumber from Camp Dodge, Father Ostdiek purchased a used Ford truck. He began to move the lumber the six mile journey from Johnston to the Beaverdale location where Holy Trinity Church was to be built. The original church was of a very simple design and the only distinguishing factor which identified it was a white cross on the roof. Construction on the original church was completed in January 1922.

 

Moving Forward

In 1936, fourteen years after the original church was built, a larger church was completed. Holy Trinity parishioners would use this church building until 1957 when construction of the present church building was completed. After the present church started being used, the older church building was transformed into Holy Trinity’s first parish hall.  Construction occurred at Holy Trinity once again in 1985. The Parish Center being used today was constructed where the old parish hall and original grade school existed. This project was coordinated under then Pastor, Rev. Richard Gubbels.  Most recently, in 1990, under the direction of Pastor Rev. James Laurenzo, the current church received its first major renovation since its completion in 1957.  Further renovations to the roof, sound system and interior walls and flooring were completed, under the direction of Pastor Rev. Michael Amadeo, in the fall of 2008 and spring of 2009.

 

Holy Trinity Pastors

1920-1969 Rev. Francis Ostdiek

Founding Pastor of Holy Trinity

1969-1973 Msgr. John McIlhon

1969-1978 Rev. Bernard Gottner

1978-1986 Rev. Richard Gubbels

1985-1993 Rev. James Laurenzo

1993-2003 Msgr. Gerald Stessman

2003-2005 Rev. Anthony Aeillo

2005-2007 Msgr. Frank Chiodo

2007-Present Rev. Michael Amadeo