The Globe-Gazette, Mason City, Cerro Gordo County, Iowa
Mason City Centennial Issue
Monday, June 01, 1953, Section 7, Page 38

The influx of laborers to the cement plants and brick yards soon included immigrants from the Balkans - Greece, Yugoslavia and Bulgaria. The first person of Greek descent to arrive was Gus Skondras, who came in 1905. By 1908 a considerable number were part of the community.

A new church of modern colonial design is that of the Hellenic Orthodox congregation at Pierce and 2nd S. E., built at a cost of $150,000. The church is of brick and stone construction with an impressive front portico of simplified classical pattern. Recreational facilities are provided in the basement. The cornerstone laying ceremony was held in June, 1952, with Bishop Gerasimos of Chicago in charge, with dedication in the spring of 1953.

 [Section 8, Pages 11 & 14] One of the city's beautiful new churches is that of Hellenic Orthodox Congregation at Pierce and 2nd S. W., built at a cost of $150,000.

The church, of modern colonial design, retains the traditions of this ancient church as the interior view shows. The new structure takes the place of a church built in 1915 at 14th and Washington N. W. by newly arrived members of that faith.

Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, December of 2014