USA > Indiana > St Joseph County > An Illustrated historical atlas of St. Joseph Co., Indiana > Part 6
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HISTORY OF NOTRE DAME - CONCLUDED.
If the presidency of Father Sorin was a time of struggle and |he conferted upon the university is the student's circulating Hence we may say that Notre Dame never was a foreign institu- of triumph, and that of Father Dillon one of great business activ- library, now know as the Lemonnier library. The design of sep- ity ; that of Father Corby, the longest except Fathet Sorin's, was atating the collegiate department from the commercial, though one of earnest devotion to learning, during which the standard of originally entertained by Father Dillon, was finally carried out by education was materially elevated at Notre Dame. During this Father Lemonniet ; one of his last acts being the removal of the collegiates to the pleasant room now occupied by them.
time the societies of the college, in which so much of its life cen- ters, showed a marked increase of activity. To Father Granger the religious societies owe everything; he was theit founder, and he still infuses into them the spirit of his own holy life. The literary and dramatic societies are almost equally indebted to Father Gil-
tion, but one in which every American felt himself a home. In illustration of this, it may be noted that of his two reverend nephews, who hete joined the order, one, the eldest, seeming to remain too much a Frenchman to suit the taste of his uncle, was, although an excellent priest, sent back to France. While, with . Of the presidents of Notre Dame, Father Lemonnier has gone his French good humor and his cosmopolitan sentiments, Father to a better world, as Father Dillon went before him; Father Sotin could happily adapt his own character to that of any nation- Corby is laying the foundations of a new Notte Dame in Water- ality, still he would not keep around him any one who did not town, Wisconsin ; and Father Sorin himself, now superiot general shate his ptedilections for the American people. This was a het-
lespie, Father Lemonnier, and Professor Lyons. During the ad- of the Congregation of the Holy Cross, remains still blessed with esy which he could not forgive.
ministration of Father Corby, the Association of the Alumni was health and strength, though venerable with years. Of the com- formed; and, in 1869, Notre Dame celebrated, with much rejoic- panions of his youth, who laid with him the foundation of Notte ing, her silver jubilee, an event fully described in the book of the same name published on the occasion.
In the summer of 1872 there convened at Notre Dame, an as- sembly, which from its unique character, merits special remark. There for the first time since the discovery of Columbus, a gen- eral chapter of a religious order was held in the New World. At
this chapter were present representatives not only from the United States and the Dominion of Canada, but also from France, Algiers, the East Indies, and even from Rome itself, where these meetings
Before bringing to a close this brief sketch of Notre Dame, it seems well to advert to a peculiar feature, which has contributed greatly to its development and success. Although by birth and are usually held, and which in this instance had given special per- education a Frenchman, Father Sorin, from his first advent to our mission to hold the chapter at Notre Dame, as a peculiar mark of shores has been distinctively American, in the best sense of the word. favor to the United States, and perhaps also as a compliment to An American by adoption, he is one in mind and heatt, having Father Sotin, the only American general of a religious order.
It was at this chapter that the gifted and well beloved Father | tet and American institutions. In Paris and in Rome, he has in- Lemonnier was selected as president and local superior at Notre variably advocated the same, and to such an extent that he is known as, and called the American, even by the Pope himself. When, in 1868, the General Clfapter of his Order, presided over by Cardinal Barnabo, elected him Superior General, his Amer- Dame. It would scem that his presidency came to add grace and beauty to what was already so laborionsly and so substantially constructed. There is hardly a science or an art in which he was not well versed; and, as Jolinson said of Goldsmith, there was nothing which he touched which he did not beautify. Under him all the sciences and the arts flourished, and Notre Dame be-
in the United States whose hospitality is more provetbial, and Father Sotin not only gave his best affections to his adopted where friends and visitors ate more congenially received and en- came indeed a university. One of the most signal benefits which country, but instilled the same into the heatts of his associates. tettained.
HISTORY OF ST. JOSEPH'S CATHOLIC CHURCH AT MISHAWAKA.
dedicated for divine service, by the Rt. Rev. Bishop of Fort Wayne. because, as he said, it disturbed them in their meetings. A protest The first organization of anything like a congregation dates Many objections to such a large church wete made by different back as far as December, 1848, when the first regular church edi- members, believing that it would never be filled; but it is safe fice on the north side of Mishawaka was dedicated to the service to say, that these very grumbling members must soon put their of the Most High. Previous to this the few Catholics living in hands once more in theit purses, and open them liberally, either Mishawaka and south of the town, were occasionally visited by for a new building or for the enlargement of the present one. different clergymen from Notre Dame, through whose energy the first church was also built.
to this end was signed by all the Protestant ministers of the different denominations, but the citizens genetally had nobly con- tributed means for theit purchase (among whom we will mention Messrs. H. Dodge & Son, Mr. Thomas Milburn, and Dt. O'Con- nor), and manifested a deep sense of liberty and religions tolera- tion. Thanks to God, these days are gone forever from St. Joseph County.
During September the church received an entire new garment. It has been beautifully frescoed, pews grained, windows neatly A. Shortis, and the Superior of Notre Dame, Very Rev. E. Sorin, families, and inost of the pews are occupied by from three, four, frosted and the magnificent pulpit just put up stands unsurpassed now General of the then young order of the Holy Cross. There even five families, and still many are asking for a pew or seat. It is plain, therefore, to see how unreasonable the grumbling was at was, however, no regular pastor placed in charge of the congrega- tion until July, 1857, when Rev. John Mager was appointed pas- tor, who, in September, 1859, moved to Chicago and was placed as pastor over St. Peter's church. such a large church in that time; but, we think, the plan which was so common in other places, and especially in such places
by any we have ever seen in the United States ; and now entirely finished, is one of the finest in any Catholic church within the United States. A new and beautiful altar was put up in June, 1872, and blessed by the newly consecrated bishop, Rt. Rev. Jas. where the prospect of a large congregation was so easily seen, Dwenger, on his first episcopal visit to the congregation. It In December of the same year, Rev. H. Koenig received the should have been adopted here, and it would have been of a was mainly procured by the ladies of the congregation, who thus appointment of pastor of the Catholic church of Mishawaka, by great advantage for the future welfare of the congregation; the erected a lasting monument of their generosity and true Christian the then newly-consecrated bishop, Rt. Rev. John H. Luers, of plan, namely, of building a large school, of which the upper part faith. Fort Wayne.
would have served as a chapel, and the lower room as a school, or
A beautiful Way of the Cross, pictures representing the four- some purpose of that kind. Then the congregation could have teen principal scenes of the passion and death of our blessed Lord, waited a few years, until they would have been able to build a have just been donated to us by a wealthy and truly liberal Catho- more substantial church, large enough for many years to come. lic family, thus erecting a lasting monument for that family. By As the case is now, we have not a good school building and the the way, Catholics do not pray to these pictures, but merely med- church is altogether too small. Sontething, in the course of time, will have to be done.
Many improvements were made under the charge of Rev. H. A substantial wall was also put up at a great expense, to make Koenig, such as the purchase of a fine organ, of the lot and house not only the church edifice safe, but add and improve consider- adjoining church property for pastoral residence, and in 1865 the building serving as a parochial school was put up. The interior of the church thoughi was not forgotten, and many articles used
ably to the looks of the streets thereabout. Our street commis- sioners, or city fathers, began the work of leveling and grading streets; we say began, for they made (or had made) some ugly holes on these streets, and then left the work because the railroad In May, 1867, a change took place, and A. B. Oechtering placed in charge over the congregation. Seeing the good-will of the members, and animated with a zeal for improvements, spiritu- ally as well as materially, he prosecuted the work thus begun. was coming, and they had to get out of the way. Well, be it so. Our next city fathers will no doubt have an eye to these uncom- fortable little holes. These little uncomfortable holes have not been mended yet, though very near three years have passed. Satisfying some old debts first, the four vacant lots adjoining What is the reason for it, we would ask the street commissioners ? In September, 1872, at a meeting of the congregation, a reso- ing and making a fine church property. The need of these lots lution was passed unanimously to begin the Spring of 1873 with was not at first very plainly seen, but to-day there is no doubt as to their being of good use for the congregation, and none would part with them.
the building of a new pastoral residence, which had become a great necessity. Accordingly, the building was commenced in March, 1873, and completed in September of the same year. It is one of the finest residences in the town, and speak> volumes for the liberality of the congregation - Mr. James O'Connor, of Canada, having the contract for the carpenter work, and also supervised the building generally. It cost nearly $7,000, of which $3,000 was paid cash by members of the congregation. The ladies of the congregation desetve special mention in fur-
In July, 1871, two fine bells were bought, to which many days were almost necessary; the members of the church were [ of our leading citizens gave most liberal contributions; and who nishing the new house with elegant furniture, carpets, etc .. ac is there in Mishawaka that is not charmed by the sweet and cording to the rules of Catholic churches in this country, viz .; that not the pastor himself, but the congregation furnish the rest- river of St. Joseph? A third bell was added to the two in March, dences of their pastors. Thus, then, we have shown, how, in a 1872, the impulse of procuring the same being given by a Presby- few short years, what the united efforts of many can and are able In January, 1861, it had thus far progressed that it could be |terian preacher, who undertook to stop the ringing of these bells, to do, and we sincerely hope that they may not stop here, but
itate upon the sufferings of our Divine Master and his infinite love for poor mankind.
During the charge of Rev. H. Koenig, the rather small con- gregation improved materially, and the best of hopes for a large and well organized congregation were entertained ; but inet, how- ever, with a severe loss in March, 1860, the church being destroyed by fire ; and whatever had been gathered together by hard work and liberal contributions as a church property, was by one severe blow taken from them. Then the congregation was as poor as it had been on the first day of its organization.
Rev. H. Koenig and the congregation were, however, not dis- couraged by this sevete trial. By a united effort of the Catholics, most liberally assisted by several of our wealthier citizens (of whom George Milburn deserves especially to be mentioned), the for divine worship were procured. erection of a new and more substantial building was at once com- menced.
The old site was given up, and after much debating and some few bad words between the people living in the town, and those living in the country, especially tuose south of Mishawaka, a point more in the center of both was selected, the church property were bought at a very high price, thus secur- and two lots of the present location of the church purchased, and in 1860 the corner-stone, in presence of a large concourse of peo- ple, was laid by the Rt. Rev. J. H. Luers, assisted by many clergy- mien from Notre Dame and other places. The plans were pre- pared by Mr. A. Kellner, who labored with an enduring patience Though the present church property is one of the finest in the Diocese of Ft. Wayne, the pastor firmly believes that too much to complete the work as early as possible. He was effectually assisted by a building comminee, of which Mr. Joseph Wachs could hardly be doue towards its improvement, and hopes for the was president ; while Rev. Mr. Koenig, with his superior's per- same noble assistance in the future that has characterized all past undertakings for its advancement. mission, visited several wealthy congregations in Ohio, collecting means for the new edifice. These outside collections in those few in number, and they mostly poor, struggling hard for their own existence, or just beginning to settle down for themselves; harmonious music these bells cast upon the banks of the saintly and it is therefore almost astonishing how the congregation under took such a building, 92x41, 25 feet high, steeple 90 feet.
Dame, but three remain. Father Granger, now provincial of the Holy Cross in the United States, the venetable Bro. Vincent, and Bto. Francis, the sexton. Long may they remain to counsel the younger generation, under whose guidance, as we trust, the uni- vetsity is destined to attain to a still greatet . prosperity and to reach out to a still wider usefulness.
To the mind of Father Sorin the American character is best represented in Washington, for whom he has always manifested a great venetation. Washington's birthday is always a gala day at Notte Dame, even when neglected in other places, and the name of Washington Hall will always remind us of that pleasant even- ing in February when this festive room was named and anpro- ptiately dedicated by Father Sorin, and when it was adorned with the benevolent portrait of the Father of his Country.
We think that we have now indicated one source, perhaps the chief source of the popularity of the order of the Holy Cross through- out the land, especially as represented here at Notre Dame. We are naturally drawn towards those who love us. When we speak of the popularity of this institution we know that its neighbors, above all the citizens of South Bend, will bear us out in our assertion. from the beginning manifested his love for the American charac- How often have we not heard at Notre Dame expressions of gratification on the part of visitors at the kindly dispositions with which they feel themselves received ? No better proof can be given of the popularity of Notre Dame than is shown at the an- nual Commencement by the multitude attending its interesting exercises, and at which fifteen hundred dinners have been fre- ican sympathies and principles, far from unfitting him for the trust, quently served on the same day. Indeed there is no institution seemed the sooner to secure him the required apostolic sanction.
{Written by the Rev. A. B. Oechtering, present pastor of St. Joseph's Church.]
Special mention should be made of the Rev. Father Cointet, Rev. W. Zevers, Rev. J. F. Gonesset, Rev. W. Masterson, Rev. R.
When the congregation at first met in the new church, there was more than room enough for all, and each family could procure a pew for themselves, there being in all 72 pews in the main body. At present, the congregation numbers 250
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W.H.BEA
PROPRI
INDI
2
R. R.
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PROPŞ
W. H. BEACH E.W. HENRICKS. J.A. HENRICKS. J. H. KEEDY.
Br Beach. DE.
SEMENT
CAPACITY 30 TONS PER WEEK, WITH 12 ENGINES 500 lbs. EAOH & 3 MACHINES, VIZ: ONE FOURDRINIER & 2 DO
23
22
W. H.BEACH & CO.
PROPRIETORS
INDIANA
1869
ESTO
R. R.
PROPS
W. H. BEACH. E. W. HENRICKS. J.A. HENRICKS J. H. KEEDY.
PROPS [ W.H. BEACH Pi J. H. KEEDY
W
CAPACITY 30 TONS PER WEEK, WITH 12 ENGINES 500 lbs. EAOH & 3 MACHINES, VIZ: ONE FOURDRINIER & 2 DOUBLE CYLINDERS
ERECTED 1870, ENLARGED 1871. AGAIN ENLARGED 1972 CAPACITY 12 TONS PER WEEK.
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CHURCHES IN SAINT JOSEPH COUNTY.
continue the work so nobly begun vigorously until a good sub- progress and condition. Though there are evil and unruly | different purposes. A library, under the charge of St. Alois Lite- stantial school building, with an excellent hall for exhibition pur- Christians among them, the greater nutuber are surely an honor to rary Association, numbers 600 volumes. The two schools, under poses and general amusements, and a church large enough to our holy religion, which bids us to lead a good, exemplary Chris. excellent teachers, number 180 children. Their regularity and. contain all who wish to come, and offering comfortable seats. tian life; of them we cannot speak in too great terms of praise faithful attendance deserves speclal meution. While we have thus spoken of the material welfare and progress [ and honor.
In conclusion, we hope and pray, that God may continue to
of the congregation, we should make due mention of its spiritual
There are six different societies connected with the church, for | bless and protect the good people of St. Joseph's Church.
CHURCHES IN SAINT JOSEPH COUNTY.
BAPTIST CHURCH.
There are five Baptist churches in St. Joseph county. The following is a brief statement concerning them :
SOUTH BEND BAPTIST CHURCH.
Among the early citizens of South Bend, Ind., there were those who held Baptist views of faith and practice. By these on the 13th and 14th days of Sept., 1836, meetings were held which then resulted in the organization of the first Baptist church in the county, with the following constituent members :
Rev. James M. Johnson, William H. Patteson, James W. Nun- nally, Jonathan Hardy and Rebecca Hardy.
Rev. James M. Johnson served as pastor for abont six months. Following him Rev. M. Price, of Cassopolis, Mich., preached two or three times a year. In fact Bro. Price preached the first Bap- tist sermon cver delivered in St. Joseph county.
Brethren Johnson, Nunnally and Hardy moving away, the church maintained a visibility in that round "hitching post " in South Bend Bro. Patteson with Mother Skinner was for a time the only Baptist people to listen to Bro. Price, although he had a respectable congregation of outsiders.
In March and April, 1842, thirteen others were added by letter to this little band, when the Rev. Alexander Hastings was chosen pastor. He was succeeded by the following pastors :
Rev. A. Hastings April 1842 to Jan. 1844
William Pratt
Jan. 1844 " April 1845
L. H Stocker
May 1845 "
14 E. T. Manning .April 1846 " April 1847 by Benjamin Coquillard, a Catholic, and preached, after which he
S. L. Collins Sept. 1847 " Sept. 1849
11 D. Thomas
Jan. 1851 " Sept. 1852
A. S. Ames
May 1853 " Dec. 1855
Ira Corwin
Aug. 1856 "" May 1863
C. Ager.
June 1863 '' . April 1866
1 T. P. Campbell
May 1866 " Dec. 1870
= M. Muleahy
May 1871 1 Aug. 1872
11 J. I .. M. Young. April 1873
They have done good work forthe Master, and although feeble
at first and unable to support the preaching of the gospel contin. mission is found in the general minutes for 1832, Illinois Confer. nously, yet from the above, there has been but two or three years ence, Crawfordsville District, South Bend Mission, N. B. Griffith,
since 1842, that they have not had a settled pastor. The church at present numbers about 200 members, and Bro. Young is an earnest, active worker in his Master's vineyard.
THE BAPTIST CHURCH AT MISHAWAKA.
There was a Baptist church organized at Mishawaka at an early day in its settlement, before, we think, 1840, but lost its vis- ibility.
May 7, 1867, the present church was organized; the consti- tuent members being as follows :
Brethren-D. J. Bloomer, Charles Crouch, Jacob C. Snyder, P. C. Perkins, John Merriman, A. J. Ames, and L. W. Davis. Sisters-Betsey Bloomer, Martha Crouch, Catherine E. Snyder, Caroline L. Smith, Martha Wiley, Rosanna Bloomer, Elisa Per- kins, - Merrington, - Merriman, - Ames, and Addie Davis.
The first deacons were A. J. Amnes, John Merriman, and J. C. ing this year a house of worship was erected for the Methodist Snyder.
The first pastor was the Rev. A. M. Buck, who was settled the southeast corner of Pearl and St. Joseph streets, was fitted np
May 26, 1868, and resigned Nov. 5, 1870. Rev. F. Moro .. Dec. 1870 to Nov. 1871 = H. H. Lipes .Sep. 1872 " Sep. 1873 B. P. Russell . . Jan. 1874 " The valuation of church property is over $5,000. The present membership 72.
THE BAPTIST CHURCH AT SUMPTION'S PRAIRIE.
This church was organized Feb. 22, 1846, by elders Sammel Miller and Hummer. The latter, in connection with deacon Reaves and other brethren, secured the means and erected the present church building. The constituent membership was but ten, the present number about forty- five. We have been unable to se- cure the names of the pastors who have preached at this church. Bro. Finch is the present pastor.
THE BAPTIST CHURCH AT WALKERTON.
Elder Hummer built the Baptist church at Walkerton in 1870. It was organized with a constituent membership of about thirty, 1835-6 : LaPorte district, R. Hargrave, P. E., South Bend circuit ; J. present members twenty-seven. Bro. Hummer builds the hres, lights the lamps, rings the bell, keeps the church in order, and Wolf; members reported, 291. Wolf left before the conference does the preaching. No salary. year was up.
1836-7:
South Bend and Mishawaka; Richard S. Robinson ; members reported, 211.
1837-8 :
South Bend and Mishawaka; R. S. Robinson ; members re- ported, 145. This decrease was mainly owing to the great emigration to Wisconsin.
1838-9 :
LaPorte district, A. Wood, P. E .; South Bend, James S. Har- rison ; members reported, 195.
1839-40 : South Bend station, David Stiver; members reported, 276. l'his included two or three appointments in the country.
1840-1:
South Bend station, William M. Faley ; members reported, 122.
1841-2 :
South Bend circuit, G. M. Boyd, P. E .; W. Griffith ; mem- bers reported, 581.
I842-3: La Porte district, William H. Good, P. E., South Bend cir- cuit ; Zacharialı Gaines, William T. Huffman ; members reported, 581.
1843-4 : LaPorte district, €. M. Holliday, P. E .; South Bend circuit, E. Holstrick, S. B. F. Crane; members reported, 300. Part of the circuit was set off.
1844-5 :
North Indiana Conference, LaPorte district ; C. M. Holliday, P. E .; South Bend, John H. Bruce; members reported, 144. I845-6 :
South Bend, John B. DeMotte; members reported, 185. 1846-7 :
LaPorte district, John Damel, P. E., South Bend, Milton Ma. hon; members reported, 164.
I847-8 : South Bend, John P'. Jones; members reported, 180. 1348-9 :
South Bend, Jobn P. Jones, but was taken sick, and after six weeks' illness, gave up the charge, and T. C. Hackney filled out the year ; members reported, 140.
1849-50 :
South Bend, Henry C. Benson ; members reported, 150; pro-
1850-1 :
LaPorte district, John L. Smith, P. E. ; South Bend, E. S. Preston; members reported, 153; probationers, 33. In this year A brick church, 48x72 feet, was built on the corner of Main and Jefferson streets, and was dedicated by Dr. Berry and John L. Smith, on the 17th of August, 1851, the basement having been
1851-2:
South Bend, James Johnson ; members, 173; probationers, 8. 1852-3:
Northwestern Indiana conference, James C. Read ; members, 147; probationers, 20. 1853-4 :
South Bend, James C. Read ; members, 150 : probationers, 8. This year the trustees of South Bend station built Portage Chapel.
1854-5 :
South Bend district, Luther Taylor, P. E .; South Bend, A. A. Gee; members, 165 ; proharioners, 5.
1856-7:
South Bend station, C. S. Burgner ; members, 201 ; probation-
1857-8 :
South Bend station, James Johnson ; members, 225; proba- tioners, 25. - 1858-8 :
South Bend station, William Wilson ; members, 244 : proba- tioners, 13.
THE BAPTIST CHURCH AT PLEASANT VALLEY.
There is a Baptist church at Pleasant Valley, but we have been unable to get any statistics concerning it. At one time it had over fifty members. Their present pastor is elder Finch.
HISTORY OF THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, SOUTH BEND.
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