USA > Illinois > Adams County > Quincy > Quincy and Adams County history and representative men, Vol. I > Part 59
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Mr. Liese's successor was Rev. Simon Kuhlenhoelter and in May, 1861, the second year of his pastorate was ushered in by a formal affiliation of the Salem congregation with the Evangelical Synod of North America. Mr. Kuhlenhoelter faithfully served his church for nearly twenty-two years, or until his death on New Year's day, 1882. During that period a new parsonage was built (1862), an addition to the old church (1863) was made, Greenmount Cemetery (1875) opened and the elegant and substantial house of worship still occu- pied (1876-77) was completed. Its eost was about $50,000. Four months after Mr. Kuhlenhoelter's death Rev. L. Von Rague became pastor. The latter resigned in 1893 and Rev. Julius C. Kramer was called to the pulpit. Among other noticeable improvements made during his incumbency were the placing of the beautiful tower clock. the freseoing of the church interior and the installation of a fine organ. Mr. Kramer terminated his pastorate in 1911, and the con- gregation elected as his successor the Rev. H. J. Lcemhuis of O'Fallon. Illinois. The church was then in a critical period, the most important problems arising out of the fact that the younger generation was
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not familiar with the German language which had always been the official language of the congregation. The new pastor succeeded in solving this problem by introducing and gradually increasing the use of the English language. The church will ultimately be an English- American Church, but the process of transformation is being worked out slowly and systematically, so that on the one hand the younger people are satisfied, while on the other hand the rights of the older people are not endangered by any revolutionary measures.
In 1912 a very large hall was erected for the use of the flourish- ing societies of the church. This hall is equipped with complete paraphernalia for dramatic performances. There are club-rooms, pool tables, a gymnasium, a large dining room and a kitchen with all modern conveniences. The cost of this improvement amounted to $25,000. The rest of the church property was also repaired and improved. Especial attention was paid to Greenmount Cemetery, which is the property of Salem Church, and which has grown to be one of the most beautiful memorial parks in Southern Illinois. At present the value of the entire church property is about $200,000.
There are 600 families affiliated with Salem Church. The Ladies' Aid Society has 400 members, the Men's League 200, the Young People's Society 200. The Sunday school is in a flourishing con- dition.
THE CHRISTIAN CHURCHES
The Disciples of Christ at Quincy were organized under the name given above in October, 1850, there being twenty-eight charter mem- bers. For thirteen years the society had no resident pastor. In 1863 Rev. A. H. Sims assumed charge and thus continued for three years. Among those who have served the church may also be men- tioned Revs. Belshea, D. R. Howe, J. H. Mccullough, H. D. Clarke, J. T. Toof (nine years), J. B. Mayfield, F. N. Calvin, C. B. Edgar, J. M. Goodwin, J. H. Rudy, L. H. Stine, W. W. Burks, W. Jordan and W. D. Endres, the present incumbent.
There is also what is known as the East End Christian Church, of which Rev. L. C. Mauck is pastor.
ST. JACOBI EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH
In August, 1851, the religious body known as St. Jacobi Evan- gelical Lutheran Church was formed in the old school building on Fifth Street between York and Kentucky, and a parochial school was soon afterward organized. The first house of worship was erected at Seventh and Jersey, and in 1866 the building of today was occupied at Eighth and Washington streets.
St. Jacobi Church is noted for the long pastorates of those who have ministered to its wants. Rev. August Schmieding, the first pastor served from 1851 to 1875. He then resigned and was suc-
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eeeded by Rev. William Hallerberg. In 1904 the latter, owing to age and infirmity, was succeeded in the active duties of his charge by his son, Rev. William Hallerberg, Jr. The church is prosperous and strong, being now in charge of Rev. G. D. Hamm.
CONGREGATION K. K. BNAI SHOLEMI
The first organization among the Jews of Quiney was effected in December, 1856, twenty-three members constituting it. Meetings were held for a time on Hampshire Street between Fifth and Sixth, and in 1866 a frame synagogue was built on Sixth Street between Ver- mont and Broadway.
The Congregation Bnai Sholem was organized in October, 1864, with about twenty-one members, among whom were Isaac Lesem, Maukerine Jackson, Moses Jacobs, Wolf Joseph, Moses Kingsbacker, S. Kingsbacker and M. Berger. In July, 1872, the two Jewish socie- ties united under the foregoing name.
The first pastor of the congregation was Rev. Mr. Rauh, and for about three years serviees were held in Fisher's Hall near the corner of Fourth and Hampshire. In 1869 the meeting place was for a time at the old First Baptist Church, but in July of that year the corner- stone of a synagogue was laid on Ninth Street between Broadway and Spring Street, the Masons conducting the exercises and Dr. I. M. Wise, the noted Cincinnati rabbi, delivering the address. The temple was dedieated in September, 1870, by Rev. Dr. M. Fluegel. who at that time was in charge of the congregation. As completed. the synagogue is a Moorish temple of briek and stone. 70 by 40 feet and 84 feet in height. Rev. Isaac Moses succeeded the first rabbi. Rev. M. Fluegel, and his successors have been Rabbi V. Caro, Rabbi Elias Eppstein, 1890-1906; Rabbi Stultz, 1906-08; Rabbi Louis Kup- pin. 1908-14: Rabbi J. II. Halprin, 1915 -. The congregation has been without a rabbi for some time. The presidents of the eongre- gation have been as follows: Wolf Joseph, 1900-08; M. Kingsbaker. 1908-11; D. Stern, 1911-13; B. G. Vasen, 1913-16; G. M. Jackson, 1916 -. There are abont 150 Jews living in Quiney, including men, women and children, and practically all of the adults are members of the congregation.
ST. FRANCIS SOLANU'S PARISH
In the northwestern section of Quiney is a massive and imposing collection of buildings, comprising church, convent and college, which are ontward representatives of the great religious and educational work being accomplished within the St. Francis Solanus Parish. The story of the coming of the Franciscans commences with the dispatch of a little colony of that order to the United States by the superior of the Holy Cross, in Northern Germany. They landed in New York in September, 1858, gradually extending their missions west-
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ward. In the meantime Rev. Herman Schaefermeyer, who had crossed the Atlantic with the first Franciscan Fathers and been placed in charge of St. Boniface Parish, Quincy, had requested assistance from his superior at Teutopolis, Effingham County. Rev. P. Capistran was sent to his aid and for about two months lightened him of his heavy labors and extended the work and influence of the church.
The beneficial stay of Father Capistran aroused a desire among resident Catholics to make Quincy a great center of Franciscan activities. Passing over the preliminaries and the necessary steps taken to secure the authority from the Provincial in Germany for the establishment of parish work and a college for the training of the priesthood, it is only necessary to state that in November, 1859, there arrived at Teutopolis from the constituted ecclesiastical anthori- ties across the seas, two Fathers, three clerics and one tertiary, to lay the foundation of the establishment at Quincy.
The Rev. P. Servatius Altmicks, who had been appointed superior and pastor, with Brother Honorius Dopp, arrived upon the ground December 2, 1859, and were heartily welcomed by the pastor of St. Boniface. At Father Schaefermeyer's request, Rev. P. Servatins de- livered a sermon at St. Boniface Church, two days afterward, explain- ing his mission and asking their support in its furtherance. Through the trustees and a building committee of that organization, Joseph Mast's three-story brick house, corner of Maine and Eighth streets, was rented for a priest's residence and as temporary quarters for the projected college, and the movement was placed under headway look- ing to the erection of a church, monastery and school building. In February, 1860, Rev. P. Lector Heribert Hoffmans, with three clerics, arrived, the latter to complete their theological studies for the priest- hood. Finally the building site for the monastery and church offered by Christian Borstadt, on Vine Street between Eighteenth and Twen- tieth streets, was accepted and, with the assistance of St. Boniface Society, purchased outright. William B. Hauworth designed the plans for the new buildings and superintended their erection, much of the material and labor involved in their construction being con- tributed. In June, 1860, Brother Honorius Dopp passed away in the twenty-second year of his age, his being the first death to occur in the Sacred Heart Province.
In September, 1860, the "monastery on the prairie" was ready for occupancy. It was a two-story brick building and temporarily served both as chapel and high school. In February of the following year it was thought advisable to separate the college from the monastery and two rooms were engaged in the neighboring orphan- age of St. Aloysius, where the school remained until the completion of the college building in January, 1865.
Rev. P. Servatius was sent to St. Louis to found another monas- tery in the fall of 1862, and Rev. P. Ferdinand Bergmeyer suc- ceeded him as superior and pastor of St. Francis. In December, 1869, Rev. P. Nazarins Kommerscheidt succeeded Rev. P. Ferdinand
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as local superior of the mission, and in March, 1870, Quincy was raised from the rank of a residence to that of a monastery. Rev. P. Anselm Mueller was appointed its first vicar.
Until about 1878 the following missions had for a longer or shorter period been attended by the Franeiseans: St. Anthony's. Melrose Township; St. Joseph's, Columbus Road; St. Joseph's (now Sacred Heart) Church, Warsaw, Illinois; Mount Sterling, Bloomfield, Westwoods, Roodhouse and West Point, Illinois; and Hager's Grove, St. Mary's, Palmyra, Bowling Green and Clarksville, Missouri. The Fathers, in particular the college professors, lent a helping hand to the pastors of Camp Point, Illinois, and Keokuk, West Point and Fort Madison, Iowa. Since 1876 the Franeiseans have attended St. Mary's Hospital and since 1877, St. Mary's Academy.
In April, 1879, the new province of the Sacred Heart of Jesus was established, with the Very Rev. P. Vineent Halbfas as first provincial, and Rev. P. Anslem Mueller as one of the definitors. Soon afterward Father Michael resigned charge of St. Joseph's Church for the colored people. In 1881 the friars of the college and monastery formed themselves into separate communities.
Although a story had been added to the old monastery, a new and larger building had become necessary and in April, 1885, the cor- nerstone for the structure was laid. It was completed in October. 1886. It is a plain, but commodious building of briek, 145 by 71 feet in dimensions.
The new church, authorized at the same time, was also completed within substantially the same period. It is an imposing structure. Gothic in style of architecture, and stands on the northeast corner of Vine and Eighteenth streets. The building is 182 feet long and the transcript is 120 feet wide. The plans for the magnificent edi- fice were made by Brother Adrianus Wewer, who also acted as super- intendent of its construction, which faets may account for the small cost of its ereetion $62,000. The church was formally dedicated October 24, 1886.
Since the founding of St. Francis Church, the following have served as its pastors: Rev. P. Servatius Altmieks, O. F. M., 1860-62 ; Rev. P. Ferdinand Bergmeyer. 1862-69; Rev. P. Nazarius Kom- merscheid, O. F. M., 1869-83; Rev. P. Andrew Butzkueben, 1883- 1909: Rev. P. Florentius Kurzer and Rev. Didaens Gruenholz, since the latter year. The interior of the church edifice has been repeatedly improved, as well as its surroundings; so that the St. Francis house of worship is doubly attractive.
The successors of P. Anselm Mueller as viears of the monastery have been P. Alardus Andrescheck, P. Ambrose Janssen, P. Michael Richardt, P. Paul Teroerde, P. Nazarius, P. Cyprian Banchied, P. Maximilian Neumann, P. Ambrose Janssen (second term). P. Boni- face Depmann, P. Andrew Butzkueben, P. Benignus Schnetz. P. Arsenins Falle, P. Seraphin Lampe, P. Symphorian Forstmann, P. Seraphin Lampe and Father G. Aurelius.
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ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS COLLEGE
The college for the education of the Franciscan priesthood has steadily grown into a great institution within the Catholic Church. After the professors and students of the growing school had been temporarily accommodated in the Mast House, the old monastery and the St. Aloysius orphanage, it found its fourth shelter, more a permanent home, in a two-story building (the parochial school) which was dedicated in February, 1865. It was located near what would now be the rear of the refectory.
FATHER ANSELM
Anslem Mueller, or Father Anselm, as he was generally and affec- tionately called, is honored as the founder of St. Francis Solanus College. When he came to Quincy he was in his twenty-fifth year, and when the cornerstone of the first permanent college building was laid in September, 1871, which event he had done so much to bring to pass, he was in his thirty-third. The completed structure was dedicated by Rt. Rev. Peter J. Baltes, second bishop of Alton, and both ceremonies were witnessed by thousands of sympathetic eiti- zens of Quincy and vicinity. The building, 70 by 90, four stories high, was erected southeast of the monastery and directly adjoining it. The original college now forms the southeastern wing of the present group of buildings. St. Francis Solanus College was incor- porated in May, 1873. In 1881 the faculty became an independent community, and in 1886, on the completion of the present monastery and parochial church, the college obtained possession of the old monas- tery, thus increasing the domestic capacity of the institution and doubling the area of the campus-especially after the removal of the old church, which stood between the present central building and the western wing. The building thus acquired had been enlarged by the addition of a third floor and a two-story wing running north par- allel to the eastern side of the present chapel site. This wing is still remembered by the present generation of students as the building in which were located the chapel and junior gymnasium until the autumn of 1910, when it was demolished.
In 1885 Father Anselm thankfully participated in the celebration marking the silver jubilee of the college's foundation, in 1887 was honored with his own silver sacerdotal jubilee, and in 1892, after guiding the progress of the institution for thirty years, regretfully left the scene of his labors of duty and love for other fields.
Rev. Nicholas Leonard, called the "builder," succeeded Father Anselm, and was a worthy follower. First, under his administration, the old parochial school was moved, the southwest corner of the block was added to college property and a strip on the east was purchased from the orphanage.
On September 20, 1893, the cornerstone of the northeastern wing
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was laid, the study hall was ready for occupation on Thanksgiving day, 1894, and the dramatie hall was opened April 25, 1895. Simul- taneously, work was progressing on the western wing, the corner- stone of which was blessed March 13, 1894. It was finished and oceu- pied during the summer of 1895, whilst the older buildings under- went a thorough overhauling and remodeling. In 1898, during the course of the summer, the main part of the old monastery was re- moved, and the present eentral building with the tower was ereeted.
Only one experienced in such matters ean appreciate what all this building and expense meant to Father Nicholas, who, at the same time, was active in the educational work of the institution; in faet, his elaim to merit and fame rests chiefly on his labors in the latter field. Everything, however, was prospering, and he was look- ing forward with confidence in his ability to pay debts ineurred and to finish the proposed buildings, when a most unfortunate accident in alighting from a street ear in Omaha, Nebraska, August 25, 1900, rendered necessary the amputation of his left leg and brought him to death's door. He returned to the college after a few months, but he was a broken man. Resigning his office in December, 1901, he retired to St. Louis, where after suffering an attack of apoplexy, he died, Mareh 17, 1903. No student who enjoyed the privilege of being edueated under his direction, ean ever forget his marvelous ability to lead the young mind successfully along the stony road of knowl- edge, or his wonderful insight into the youthful heart.
Father Anselm, who in the meantime had held one of the highest positions in the order, now returned to his old post, and till 1909 showed that the Psalmist's period of life had diminished none of his youthful vigor and ardor. The Golden Jubilee of his reception into the Franeisean order, celebrated with extraordinary solemnity, April 17-19, 1906, and his seventieth birthday, November 22, 1908, proved only that he was seventy years young.
During this second incumbeney, whilst paying the remaining debt which Father Nicholas had so unfortunately been prevented from liquidating, Father Anselm was chiefly employed in maintain- ing the standard of the institution. A winter course was introdneed in 1902. The only building of importance erected at this period was the Guest house in 1904, opposite the southeastern wing.
On May 11, 1895, appeared the first number of "The Solanian," the college students' magazine, which owes its existence to the initia- tive and persevering efforts of Professor Charles Percy MaeHugh, under whose efficient and enthusiastic guidance it has from the first held an enviable place in its elass, and is the pride of faculty, students and alumni.
In 1909, Father Anselm was superseded by the Reverend Samuel Macke, who had previously held the same positions as Father Nich- olas, both here and at Tentopolis. In Father Samuel, remarkable ability and attainments were coupled with a most unassuming dis- position and a distinet aversion for honors and dignities. His career
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as rector covered but one short year, when ill-health justified the acceptance of his resignation, to the deep regret of all connected with the institution, who knew and apreciated his sterling qualities.
Short as it was, his term of office will be ever memorable for the reorganization of the commercial course. Up to this time, there had always existed such a course in the college, but in the opinion of the faculty it needed broadening and deepening. It was felt that the college could stand not only for nothing mediocre but only for the very best in every department. New quarters were accordingly opened and an up-to-date equipment installed.
On the resignation of Father Samuel in the summer of 1910, the rectorship was conferred on the Rev. Fortunatus Hausser, who, as professor and sub-rector, had been identified with the college sinee 1888. It was during 1911, the second year of his administration, that the beautiful new chapel was completed. The designs for it were drawn by the late lamented Brother Anselm Wolff, O. F. M., who superintended the work until shortly after the laying of the corner- stone in March, 1911, when death put an end to his earthly work in the prime of life. The successor of Father Hausser as rector of the eol- lege was Rev. G. Lnean, the present inenmbent.
THE COLORED CHURCHES
The colored people of Quiney are generally divided, in their religious faith, between the Methodists and the Baptists. The mother of all such organizations is the Bethel Methodist society, organized in 1858 under Rev. IIenry Brown, and admitted into the Indiana A. M. E. Conference five years afterward. Meetings were first held in a small frame building corner of Fifth and Jersey streets, and after- ward a small wooden church was erected on the site of the present structure on Oak Street between Ninth and Tenth streets. In 1863, during the pastorate of Rev. Henry Brown, an addition was built, as the society had received quite a number of new members. A day school was carried on in connection with the church work. In 1866 the meeting house was burned, and not long afterward the house of worship now occupied was erected, at a cost of abont $16,000. The present pastor of the church is Rev. George F. Shaw.
The Eighth and Elm Street Baptist Church was formed in 1865 with fifty-five members. Under their first minister, services were first held in a building at Maine and Sixth streets, which was also used during the war by that noted women's relief society, the Needle Piekets. In 1866 the Colored Baptists bought the little church at Jersey and Eighth streets, which not long afterward was improved and in 1881 moved to the corner of Eighth and Elm streets. Rev. S. M. Duke is now pastor in charge.
ST. PETER'S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN
When Rev. Simon Liese seeeded from Salem Evangelical Church in 1860 to form St. Peter's, the new congregation bought a little
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frame house of worship at Eleventh and Vermont streets and moved it to the corner of Ninth and York. In 1875 it was displaced by the church which still stands at that locality, the two-story brick schoolhonse having been erected in 1866. The parsonage was built in 1589. Mr. Liese continued as pastor for twenty-five years, and dur- ing that period St. Peter's grew to be a strong society, but of late years its condition has been uncertain. The successors of Mr. Liese were Rev. George Eisele, W. W. Schinkman (who terminated his pastorate in 1909, Rev. A. J. Holtz, who resigned in 1912, and Rev. Paul Langhorst. At that time the congregation purchased a lot on Thirteenth Street and Payson Avenue, where they erceted a fine par- sonage, with the ultimate view of building a new church at the loca- tion named, which is more centrally located than the old site. Mr. Langhorst resigned in January, 1918, in order to take charge of a society in St. Louis, Missouri. Although at present without a settled pastor, St. Peter's Church serves about 200 families, and has a large Sunday school, Ladies' Society and Men's League.
ST. MARY'S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH
The original St. Mary's Church was located at the northeast eor- ner of Seventh and Adams streets. It was completed in December, 1867, when Rev. Theodore Bruener was sent by the bishop of Alton to assume the new charge. At that time the interior of the house of worship was unfinished, but that made no difference with the progress of the enterprise under the energetie and skilful management of Father Bruener. In 1868 he built the two-story brick schoolhouse. which is still in use, and in the following years remodeled and deeo- rated the entire church interior. Several altars were added in the early '70s, and when he left the pastorate in 1875 St. Mary's was con- sidered among the most beautiful of the eity churches. Rev. G. Mir- bach, his successor, added a steeple to the church, installed a chime of bells, and in 1884 completed the priest's house, which is still in use. On February 3, 1891, the church building was destroyed by fire, but replaced in the following summer by a handsome $40,000 edifice. Father Mirbach remained as pastor of St. Mary's until his death in Quiney. April 2. 1895. His successor was Rev. Joseph Locher, who also remained faithful to his charge until his death December 10. 1904. Rev. Joseph Maurer and Rev. A. Zurbonsen have since served St. Mary's Church. The parochial school is still flourishing.
ST. MARY'S ACADEMY
This widely known academy for girls and young ladies is con- ducted by the Sisters of Notre Dame. It was founded by the Vener- able Mother M. Boniface, who came to Quiney in the early '60s and opened a small school in a two-story building at the corner of Ver- mont and Eighth streets. Under her wise and loving hand of guid-
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ance it developed, year by year, until her death on January 1, 1909. Her successor was the Venerable Mother Antonine and she was fol- lowed by Mother Cline, who had assisted Mother Boniface from 1880 to 1904, and during the succeeding five years had been in charge of St. Alphonsus Day and High School in St. Louis. In September, 1909, Mother Cline returned to Quiney as superior of St. Mary's Academy. But her stay at the old home was brief, for she departed this life on November 23d of the same year. Mother Magdalene sue- ceeded her and assumed charge of St. Mary's Academy at the be- ginning of 1910. Within the past three years she has extended the possessions of the academy by purchasing the building at No. 712 Broadway, which has been remodeled into a modern commercial de- partment, and has purchased the building adjoining the academy grounds, which was transformed into a handsome conservatory. Be- sides the mothers superior, whose good work in the upbuilding of St. Mary's Academy has been mentioned, great eredit should be given to Mother Petra and Sister Florentine for their effective early la- bors. The latter is now superior of Notre Dame College, Baltimore.
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