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Twenty- Fifth Anniversary 1929-1954
t
ST. JUDE PARISH FORT WAYNE, INDIANA
HIS HOLINESS POPE PIUS XII
APOS ATION
TOLIC D
G
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Nº 9076/54 THIS NO. SHOULD BE PREFIXED TO THE ANSWER
9339 Massachusetts Avenue Washington 8, D. 6.
April 12, 1954
Very Reverend and dear Monsignor:
On this joyous occasion of the Silver Ju- bilee of St. Jude's Parish, Fort Wayne, it affords me genuine pleasure to inform you that our Most Holy Father, Pope Pius XII, has graciously deigned to impart his spec- ial Apostolic Benediction.
This Benediction is granted by His Holiness as a token of his paternal affection and as a pledge of divine favor for the future upon the ministry of the Word and the Sacraments of Christ in St. Jude's Parish, which has already been endowed with twenty-five years of His graces and blessings.
It is the express wish of the Sovereign Pon- tiff that this Blessing be shared by the clergy, religious and laity of the Parish, as well as by everyone who joins with you in celebrating this memorable Anniversary.
To this Auguet Message of the Vicar of Chriet I add my own personal congratulations and good wishes.
With sentiments of esteem and renewed felici- tations, I remain
Sincerely yours in Christ, .A. S. Cicognani
Archbishop of Laodicea Apostolic Delegate
Very Reverend Msgr. Charles F. Girardot Pastor St. Jude Parish Fort Wayne, Indiana
ARCHBISHOP JOHN FRANCIS NOLL
The Catholic people of northeast Fort Wayne are deeply grateful to Archbishop Noll for the valuable counsel and assistance given them in connection with the establishment of the Parish of St. Jude the Apostle. In the celebration of its Silver Jubilee, their joy is mixed with pride that they
have had a part in the great expansion of the Church in this diocese; that in the building of a new parish they were privileged to participate in the magnificent accomplishments of the long and glorious episcopate of the beloved Archbishop -Bishop of Fort Wayne.
Diocese of Fort Wayne
Bishop's House, 1415 West Washington Boulevard, Fort Wayne 2, Indiana
March 2, 1954
Very Rev. Monsignor Charles F. Girardot 2101 Pemberton Drive Fort Wayne 3, Indiana
Dear Monsignor:
While sending you a special blessing of the Holy Father, through his Delegate in the United States, I beg also to send to you and to your people my heartiest congratulations and to thank you and previous pastors for their splendid cooperation in that particular unit in the sheepfold of the Diocese of Fort Wayne.
Praying a big blessing on you, your assistants, and every member of your congregation, I am,
Yours sincerely in Christ,
John F. Noll, Archbishop Bishop of Fort Wayne
MOST REV. LEO A. PURSLEY. D.D. Auxiliary Bishop of Fort Wayne; Titular Bishop of Hadrianopolis in Pisidia.
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TWENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY
Aerial View of St. Jude School and Chapel - 1929
History of St. Jude Parish
As early as 1924 a survey was made in the northeast district of Fort Wayne to determine the practicality of establishing a new parish in that section of the city. The steadily increasing number of Catholic people lo- cating in the area pointed toward the eventual necessity of closer church and school facilities. That His Excell- ency, the late Bishop Herman J. Aldering, already for- saw this need was manifest in his purchase, more than fifty years ago, of a half block on Kentucky Avenue for such purposes. However, later developments farther east and north led to the abandonment of the plan to build on Kentucky Avenue in favor of another site yet to be acquired.
The years 1925 and 1926 witnessed a growing in- terest in a new parish on the part of the numerous Cath- olic residents now living in the northeast additions to the city. Several meetings were held during this period,
but the movement received its greatest impetus at a gathering in the spring of 1926 in the auditorium of the Forest Park school. Attended by Bishop Noll and a great majority of the people concerned, His Excell- ency, following a general discussion of the subject and an assurance by the people of a willingness to assume the burdens which would devolve upon them, author- ized the formation of a new parish. The late Carl J. Weber headed the site committee. On May 7, 1926 five acres of land were purchased from Henry F. F. Kruse and the Randall estate, part of the original Ran- dall farm. This acreage constitutes the present St. Jude Parish Square bounded by State Blvd., Randalia Drive, Forest Avenue and Pemberton Drive. Shortly afterward an additional five acres to the west and south were bought with a view to realizing enough through their resale in lots to pay the cost of the church site. Due
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ST. JUDE PARISH
to the economic depression soon to follow, these lots, however, were not finally disposed of until many years later.
The year 1927 was one of preparation and planning and solicitation of funds to meet, at least to a degree, the heavy financial obligations to be incurred. The Bishop placed this program in the hands of the Rev. Thomas M. Conroy, Rector of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, and it was upon his recommendation that the new parish was dedicated to the Forgotten Apostle St. Jude. Designed by Architect Guy Mahurin, the school building was erected by the Sheets Construction Company at an approximate cost of $125,000.00. Actual work was begun in May, 1928. Hence, by reason of the unity, singleness of purpose and ardent cooperation of prospective parishioners a beautiful structure, with Chapel in the lower southwest wing, became a reality. On March 3, 1929, Bishop Noll, assisted by local priests, dedicated the building, with a large number of the laity in attendance. On the following day, March 4, the doors of the school were opened to 105 children. The first four grades were taught by the Sisters of Providence who resided at St. Augustine Academy. Volunteers con- veyed the Sisters to and from the school. Sister Marie Louise taught the 3d and 4th grades, Sister Dolores Marie the 2d, Sister Mary Grace the first grade.
The parish was formally established as such on April 12, 1929, with the appointment by Bishop Noll of the Rev. John A. Dapp as its first pastor. Upon the arrival of Father Dapp, work was started on the altar and pews, preparing the chapel for divine services. On Sunday, April 21, Holy Mass was offered for the first time. There were two Masses, one at 7 and another at 9. Frank Wemhoff, Jr., and Thomas Carroll, Jr., served at the 7 o'clock Mass, John Stinerock and Robert Lee at the 9. At 7:30 in the evening of this same Sunday, a Novena in honor of St. Jude, the Patron of the Parish, was begun. The attendance throughout the nine days was inspiring. By evening of the 21st of April, practic- ally all the furnishings for the chapel were donated by members of the parish, the Cathedral parish and by other friends. On May 6th, Father Dapp, who from the day of his arrival in Fort Wayne on April 12 had resided at the Catholic Community Center, took up his resi- dence at 209 Jacobs Avenue.
On May 26th, 32 boys and girls received their first Holy Communion. The attendance at the first card party on May 27 taxed the capacity of the assembly room and the entire first floor of the school. On June 21 the first picnic was held on the church grounds. Al Zickgraf was general chairman of this very successful event which was concluded in the evening with a fine display of fireworks. During July and August of 1929 a campaign was carried on for the construction of a rectory on the northwest corner of Pemberton Drive
and Forest Avenue. The general contract was let to Ankenbruck and Son for $13,500.00. Ground was brok- en on the 12th of August. With the opening of school in September the eight grades were taught. 293 pupils were enrolled, and five Sisters comprised the teaching staff, with Sister Eileen Therese the first Superior. In November another school room was equipped, and the sixth teacher added. The limited capacity of the chapel now made additional Sunday Masses necessary. On September 15, four Masses were begun, a Capuchin Father from St. Felix Monastery at Huntington assist- ing on Saturdays and Sundays. The past summer also saw the formation of an Ushers' Organization, with Frank J. Wemhoff as Captain.
On October 6, the Rosary Sodality was canonically erected with a membership of 222. Msgr. Charles H. Thiele preached the sermon for the occasion. First of- ficers elected were: President, Mrs. Mary Foohey; Vice- president, Mrs. John Woulfe; Secretary, Mrs. J. Donald O'Brien; Treasurer, Mrs. John Hilker, Sr.
On October 13, the Holy Name Society was organ- ized with a membership of 177. Father Thomas M. Con- roy preached the sermon. First officers elected were: President, Matthew C. Drennan; Vice-president, Carl J. Weber; Recording and Corresponding Secretary, Ed- ward C. McBride; Financial Secretary, Clem J. Mettler; Treasurer, Henry G. Allgeier.
On November 17, the Blessed Virgin Sodality was established with a membership of 65. Rev. George Has- ser preached the sermon. First officers elected were: President, Agnes Foohey: Vice-president, Irma Hart- man; Secretary, Margaret Deppen: Treasurer, Mildred Kinstle.
On October 28, the patronal feast of the parish, Rev. M. J. Chapman preached the sermon for the clos- ing of a Novena in honor of St. Jude.
During the month of December a male choir was organized which sang for the first time on Christmas Day. Original members of the choir were: Carl J. Weber, Fred Potthoff, William Meyers, James Foohey, Martin Draths, Jr., George Jaeger, Lawrence Anken- bruck, Fred Parnin, Charles Bilskie, Clem Didier, Henry Ueher, John Hilker, Sr., John Deppen, Sr., Steven Reed, Hubert Berghoff, Henry Rager, Alfred Brown. Carl J. Weber was its first director. Miss Agnes Foohey, who had been playing the organ on week days since April, continued as organist until February of the following year when her sister, Florence, succeeded her.
In January 1930, the first parish trustees were chosen : Bernard Schele, Carl J. Weber, A. C. Birkmeier, Thomas F. Carroll, John A. Berghoff. From February 16 to March 2, a two weeks' Mission was conducted by two Capuchin Fathers, the Rev. Gilbert Heuel, O. M. Cap. and the Rev. Fabian Fetha, O.M. Cap. Father Dapp moved into the new rectory which had been completed
8
TWENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY
MONSIGNOR CHARLES F. GIRARDOT PASTOR
Born in Fort Wayne on September 11. 1894. Attended Cathedral Grade School and Central Catholic High School. Pur- sued Ecclesiastical Studies at St. Meinrad Seminary. Ordained at St. Meinrad Archabbey Church on November 13, 1918 by Bishop Chartrand of Indianapolis. Ap- pointed assistant at St. Mary's, Michigan City on November 30, 1918, serving at the same time as chaplain at St. An- thony's Hospital, and at the Indiana State Prison until January 29, 1926. Pastor of St. loseph's, Bluffton from January 29, 1926 to April 12, 1929. Pastor of St. Joseph's, Fort Wayne, from April 12, 1929 to November 13, 1946 when he became pastor of St. Jude Church.
REV. JOSEPH A. JACOBS FIRST ASSISTANT PASTOR
Born at Mishawaka on February 6, 1914. Attended St. Joseph Grade School, Mishawaka. Pursued high school and college studies at St. Joseph's College, Collegeville, Indiana; Philosophy and Theology at St. Gregory's and Mt. St. Mary Seminary, Cin- cinnati. Ordained by Bishop Noll on May 18, 1940. Assistant Pastor at St. Jude Parish since June 28, 1940.
REV. DENNIS DENNIHAN SECOND ASSISTANT PASTOR
Born at Elkhart on November 20, 1925. Attended Elkhart High School, Sacred Heart Seminary at Fort Wayne, and concluded studies for the Priesthood at St. Meinrad Seminary. Ordained by Bishop Noll at Notre Dame, Indiana, on June 7, 1950. As- sistant Pastor at St. Jude Parish since ordination.
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ST. JUDE PARISH
by this time. On March 3d the school Sisters moved into their apartment which had been arranged for them in the south portion of the second floor of the school building. For cooking and dining, the parish kitchen in the basement was made available to them.
On May 12, 1930 Bishop Noll confirmed the first class of 108 children and 14 adults. His Excellency described the Confirmation service as "very interesting" -what with the chapel filled beyond capacity, a large crowd in the rear hall, both sides of the chapel lined with parishioners on the outside looking in through the open windows, and some boys finding even the window sills a suitable seat.
On June 16, the first class to graduate from St. Jude school held its exercises in the Catholic Community Center auditorium. It numbered 11 boys and 11 girls: James Deitschel, John Garvin, Francis Gibson, Fred Larson, Edward Moeller, Richard Parrot, John Pequig- not, Joseph Reed, Henry Reichle, John Shovlin, Victor Springel, Mary C. Bresnahan, Wanda Carl, Muriel Gillie, Mary C. Griffith, Geraldine Harmeyer, Gertrude Kasi- mier, Mildred Kalhoff, Noreen Koehl, Mary Ellen Met- tler, Rosemary Nagelson, Ida Marie Rager. In his ad- dress that evening Father Dapp stated, "I say, without fear of contradiction, that this is the best class ever graduated from St. Jude school- but it is the first one." On September 8, school reopened with 305 pupils. There were now seven rooms, another having been furnished during the summer. Sister Marie Aloysius was Superior, with a staff of seven teachers.
The growth of the parish now required the services of a second priest, and on June 26, 1931 Bishop Noll appointed the Rev. Clement S. Ewald, newly ordained, as regular assistant to the parish. In the summer of this year, extensive improvements were made on the school grounds. Concrete walks were built, landscaping and planting were done, all at a cost of about $3,000.00. This was a gift to the parish by William Spaulding, a parishioner and convert to the Church. He engaged Argel L. Pion, a graduate in Landscaping Engineering, to supervise the work.
On September 18, 19, 20, the Rev. John A. Bapst, pastor of St. Joseph Church at Bluffton, conducted the first, and largely attended, Forty Hours Devotion. In the fall, Carl J. Weber was forced by failing health to relinquish his duties as director of the choir. He was succeeded by Fred Potthoff, an original member of the group.
1932 was uneventful, parishwise, except for the death of Trustee Carl J. Weber, charter member and pioneer worker in the formation of the parish. But it was a year of anxiety, and hope for recovery from the economic depression which had fastened itself upon the country. Charles J. Michel was selected to succeed Carl Weher as trustee, and Bert Fagan to replace on the
Board John A. Berkhoff who had moved away.
On the 19th of January, 1933, the St. John Berch- man's Society for Altar-boys was organized for the pur- pose of promoting and instructing worthy boys of the parish for the privilege of assisting at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass and other divine services. The vacancy in the number of trustees, caused by the moving of Ber- nard Schele, was filled by John Dehner. It had become apparent that the increasing school enrollment would necessitate the opening of another class room by fall. So in September the eighth room and the eighth teacher were provided. In December John Dehner pre- sented the parish with a church bell in honor of his parents and grandparents. It was hung in the south tower of the school, and rung the first time for the An- gelns on Christmas Eve. An interesting sidelight in connection with this bell, originally costing $1500.00, is that it was first donated, in 1870, by the grandfather of John Dehner to St. Anthony Church at Dehner, Indiana, near Fowler. When that parish, many years later, was discontinued and the church razed, the bell was ac- quired by the John Dehner family. In this year nearly the entire indebtedness of the parish had to be refin- anced. A new bond issue was floated, and, thanks to God, it was completely sold by the end of the year.
During the summer of 1934, after five strenous years, Father Dapp enjoyed a well earned vacation by way of a trip abroad. Upon his return the pastor discovered that, under the direction of Father Ewald, the interior of the rectory had been entirely redecorated, and the cost thereof defrayed by voluntary contributions of parishioners. The fall of 1934 saw the birth of the Catholic Youth Organization in Fort Wayne. Forma- tion of a parish unit along the lines of this movement was begun and carried over into 1935. Sister Catherine Mary came in September as Superior of the school. In December a most welcome change was effected, serving the convenience of the Sisters, in that a kitchen and dining room were provided them in connection with their apartment on the second floor of the school build- ing. Economic conditions were improving slowly-re- luctantly the depression was losing its grip upon the nation.
The year 1935 is memorable in the annals of the history of St. Jude Church. It marked the end of one era and the beginning of another. The parish had grown rapidly. With a school enrollment of 345 chil- dren, the inadequacy of the chapel, seating only 260, made immediate consideration of larger church quarters imperative. This matter was first discussed at length at the January meeting of the trustees. The large par- ish indebtedness, however, and the none too favorable economic conditions, ruled out the possibility of erecting a separate church unit as originally contemplated. The building of a church to the east of, and adjoining, the
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TWENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY
MONSIGNOR JOHN A. DAPP
Born at Summit (Waterloo) on Feb- ruary 5, 1892. Pursued Ecclesiastical Studies at Mount Calvary, Wisconsin, and St. Meinrad's Seminary. Ordained by Bishop Alerding on June 16, 1916. Assis- tant at St. Peter's, Fort Wayne from June, 1916 to June, 1922. Assistant at the Cathedral until July 1, 1927. Pastor of St. Joan of Arc, Kokomo until April 12, 1929 when he became the first pastor of St. Jude Parish, Fort Wayne. Appointed Rector of the Cathedral of the Immacu- late Conception on November 13, 1946.
+
REV. CLEMENT S. EWALD
Born at South Bend on December 21, 1906. Prepared for the priesthood at Orchard Lake, Michigan, and Mount St. Mary's Seminary. Ordained on May 30, 1931 by Bishop Noll. Assistant at St. Jude Church from June 26, 1931 to June 16, 1937 when he was transferred as First Assistant at St. Mary's, Lafayette, and later to St. Matthew's, South Bend. On July 4, 1940 appointed pastor of St. Paul of the Cross at Columbia City. Due to failing health, Father Ewald had lived in retirement at South Bend from 1951 until his death on March 5, 1954.
REV. ALOYSIUS PHILLIPS
Born at Michigan City on September 19, 1912. Attended St. Mary's Grade School, Michigan City. Pursued his studies for the priesthood at St. Joseph's College, Collegeville, and at St. Meinrad's Seminary. Ordained on May 22, 1937 by Bishop No!l. On June 16, 1937 appointed assistant at St. Jude Parish. Trans- ferred June 28, 1940 as assistant at St. Joseph's, Hammond. Later assistant at Sacred Heart, Whiting. Chaplain in the United States Army during World War 2. Pastor of St. Joseph's, Bluff. ton, and pastor of St. Aloysius, Yoder, since June, 1951.
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ST. JUDE PARISH
present school, with entrances on Randalia Drive, seemed a practical solution. On April 29, upon sub- mission of the proposed plan to the more than 200 parishioners attending a mass meeting, the construction of the new church was overwhemingly approved. And with the parish pledge to raise half the cost, the Bishop's permission to proceed was readily obtained. Nearly $5,000.00 had accumulated in the building fund started two years previous. A canvass of the parish during May netted cash and subscriptions amounting to $13,595.00. The parish trustees were asked at the mass meeting to act as the building committee. A. M. Strauss was re- tained as architect. In June the general contract was let to Shinnerer & Truemper for $30,453.00; the plumb- ing and heating to Schwegman-Witte for $5,134.00, and the electrical contract to the Henry Electric Company for $758.00. On July 1 ground was broken for the new church. To conform with the school building, it is of beautiful Spanish architecture in exterior design as well as interior appointments, with a seating capacity of 750. The altar from the former chapel was installed in a niche of its own, with the statue of St. Jude over it, constituting a shrine to St. Jude. Thus the devotional atmosphere of the original chapel was carried over into the new church, and St. Jude, the forgotten Apostle for so long, receives the recognition and veneration due one of the great Apostles of Jesus Christ. A spacious basement auditorium, with stage and excellent kitchen facilities, now adequately served the social needs of the parish.
On Thanksgiving Day, November 28, 1935, the new church was dedicated by Bishop Noll, with many priests and a great number of parishioners in attend- ance. A procession to the church by the clergy and the Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus in full regalia, as a guard of honor to His Excellency, enhanced the solem- nity of the dedicatory program. Father Dapp was celeb- rant of the Mass, Father John A. Bapst, deacon, Father H. J. Miller, sub-deacon, and Father Ewald, master of ceremonies. The Bishop delivered a sermon appro- priate to the occasion. Following the Mass, a dinner was served the attending clergy in the auditorium by the ladies of the Rosary Society. It was the end of a perfect day. The generous contributions in time and money toward the erection of the new church, and the numerous gifts of furnishings and equipment by parishioners and friends, stand as a splendid commen- tary on the spirit and character of a people which built a House of God.
And so a new chapter begins in the life of the par- ish. Space will not permit a detailed account of its activities from the time of the dedication of the new church to the present day, but a review of the main in- cidents of the intervening years will graphically illus-
trate the needs, the progress, and the ambitions of a growing parish.
The customary routine, spiritual and social, ob- tained during the year 1936. The new church and auditorium seemed sufficiently large for any and all events. At Christmas the male choir was augmented by ladies of the parish for the singing of the Christmas carols. They were: Sopranos- Mrs. Edward Morken, Mrs. Fred Potthoff, Mrs. William McDonald, Eileen O'Brien; Altos- Mrs. John Hilker, Sr., Mrs. George Geerken, Aletha Foohey.
On June 16, 1937, Rev. Clement Ewald who had served as assistant pastor since June 26, 1931, was trans- ferred as first assistant to St. Mary's Church, Lafayette, Indiana. A "going away purse" was presented to him by the parish. The Rev. Aloysius Phillips, newly or- dained, was appointed assistant to succeed Father Ewald. In September, Mrs. Florence Foohey Evard, faithful and efficient organist for the past seven years without remuneration, asked to be relieved and was succeeded by Miss Frieda Winegart. In the fall of this year the addition to the rectory of a second public of- fice room, a sorely needed improvement, was made without cost to the parish by John Dehner.
On May 3, 1938 Confirmation was administered by Bishop Noll. The following day the pastor left for New York enroute to the International Eucharistic Con- gress at Budapest, Hungary. There he read a paper by Bishop Noll, who, unable to go to Budapest, had gone to Rome instead .. Paid for principally by a number of large donations, padded kneelers were installed in the church for Christmas. On the Feast of the Nativity, the boys' choir, trained by Father Phillips, and the male choir combined to sing in an inspiring fashion the Christmas carols and Mass.
The year 1939 stands out significantly in that it witnessed the ordination of the Rev. William Voors, the first son of the parish to enter the Holy Priesthood. On June 4 Father Voors celebrated his First Solemn Mass, followed by a public reception in the auditorium. The year also marked the outbreak of war in Europe, with resultant increase of world tension.
1939 hurried on to 1940 when on June 28 Rev. Joseph A. Jacobs, newly ordained, was appointed assist- ant pastor to succeed Father Aloysius Phillips, trans- ferred to St. Joseph's Church, Hammond, Indiana. School opening was delayed two weeks in September by an epidemic of infantile paralysis. None of our children was afflicted, but Carl Pequignot an adult member, was fatally stricken.
At a meeting of the parish trustees in January, 1941, it was decided that plans and specifications be prepared for the construction of a Sisters' convent. Examination of the bids received by midsummer re- vealed the cost prohibitive, which coupled to the un-
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TWENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY
certainity of procuring suitable materials, due to world conditions, led to a postponement of building opera- tions. In September a new Superior, Sister Catherine Angela, took charge of the school. The United States entered World War II in December of this year. By the end of 1942 more than 60 of our boys were in military service. Our country was now on an all-out war econ- omy, with temporal prosperity at a new high. But with it came many restrictions. The summer picnics and fall festivals, sponsored annually by the United Parish Societies, gave way to "cash picnics and festivals" with excellent results.
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