The first Mass in Cleveland was celebrated some time before 1857 in the home of Peter
McCabe, whose son Patrick J. McCabe eventually became a priest and served the parish
for five years. The parish was formally established in 1865 and the first church built a year
later. Father John Tori was the first resident pastor in 1878, and a new frame church replaced
the original one in 1893. The parish largely remained a mission church until 1934 when once
again a priest, Fr. Thomas Mullane, took residence. A new rectory was built in 1945 and an
office was added in 1960.
In 1967 the parish bought property for a new church, which was dedicated December 11, 1977,
featuring a façade of natural Mankato limestone and stained-glass windows depicting mysteries
of the rosary. In 1978 a new rectory was added, with one priest serving both Cleveland and
Marysburg. Today four parishes—Nativity in Cleveland, Immaculate Conception in Marysburg,
St. Henry in St. Henry, and St. Mary in Le Center—are all linked, sharing clergy, office staff,
faith formation teachers, and other volunteers. Its members continue to be visible and active
in the local community and are proud of their parish’s 160-year history.
