Francis Leonard to found St. Anthony's parish in 1898, but difficulties arose and the project came to an end.

Victor Romanelli to found the parish on Des Moines' south side.

He acquired an old fire station where he resided and where the parish's first Mass was celebrated on August 19.

Property was acquired on Columbus Avenue and a small brick church was built there.

A second floor was added to the church building and the parish school was opened in 1912 with the Congregation of the Humility of Mary providing the faculty.