USA > Indiana > History of the Catholic church in Indiana, Volume I > Part 40
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On the 7th of February, another meeting was held, the Rev. Fintan Mundwiler, O. S. B., presiding. At this meeting arrange- ments were made to purchase the present piece of property and erect upon it a church, school and parochial residence, in which later on they succeeded.
St. Boniface's Building society was organized June 5. This society took great interest in so important a matter and God blessed its efforts and zeal, for in a short time, October 2, 1864, on the feast of the Holy Rosary, the corner-stone for St. Benedict's church was laid, and in the following year (1865) the edifice was formally dedicated to the services of God. Also a school and parochial residence were erected shortly after. Thus the German-speaking Catholics of Terre Haute acquired their own church, school and rectory, a reward of the untiring zeal of the Benedictine Fathers and of their own efforts and energy.
The Benedictine Fathers at this time still lived at the rectory of St. Joseph's church, South Fifth street, and continued yet for a short time to administer the affairs of St. Benedict's church, when Rev. Casper Doebbener was appointed its pastor in December, 1865, and continued in his position until January, 1867.
In April, 1867, the Rev. Edward Faller took charge of the congregation ; he, having means of his own, spent considerable on the church and property. His successor was Rev. N. Gaellweiler, who was pastor of the church from March, 1871, to February, 1872.
The next to take charge of St. Benedict's church were the Franciscan Fathers, of the Order of Minor Conventuals, whose motherhouse and novitiate are located in Syracuse, N. Y. The first Franciscan who arrived here was Rev. Pius Kotterer, O. M. (448)
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C. Under his direction the congregation remained from March, 1872, to October, 1877. During his administration the church and school were enlarged.
Rev. Father Conrad Elison, O. M. C., was the successor and continued to administer from October, 1877, to January, 1880, when, on account of ill-health, he was obliged to resign his posi- tion. For the same reason his successor, Rev. Fidelis M. Voight, O. M. C., resigned in July, 1880. For a longer period Rev. Clemens Luitz, O. M. C., held the position of pastor of the con- gregation, viz: From July, 1880, to November, 1883. Rev. Maritius Bierl, O. M. C., followed and continued the administra- tion until April, 1885, when Rev. Avelinus Szabo, O. M. C., was appointed and remained in charge until November, 1886. Rev. Bonaventure Zoller, O. M. C., was appointed as next pastor and remained in charge from November, 1886, to January, 1889. It was during his administration that the handsome school-house, corner of Ninth and Walnut streets, was built, at a cost of $26, 000, the corner-stone of which was laid June 12, 1887. The following gentlemen constituted the building committee: Messrs. Herman Hulman, Sr., Franz Prox, John F. Brinkman and Joseph Frisz. Not less than 200 children, under the direction of the Sisters of Providence, receive careful instruction in the English and German languages. The school is considered the finest parochial school in the city, and is another monument to the energy and zeal of the German Catholics of Terre Haute.
The successor of Rev. B. Zoller, O. M. C., was Rev. Leonard Reich, O. M. C., born in Bavaria, April 17, 1847. He made his classical and theological studies principally at the university of Wurzburg, Bavaria, was received into the Order of Minor Con- ventuals of St. Francis, made his profession August 2, 1873, and on the 31st of the same month and year was ordained to the priesthood. Having faithfully discharged the office of guardian of the convents in Syracuse, N. Y., and Utica, N. Y., and of assist- ant provincial, he was appointed pastor of St. Benedict's church, in which capacity he remained from January, 1889, to November 20, 1892.
His successor was the Rev. Peter W. Scharoun, O. M. C.,
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the present pastor of the church. He received his appointment November 12, 1892. Having settled and closed the accounts and books of SS. Peter and Paul's church, Camden, N. J., and preached a farewell sermon to his congregation, of which he was three years pastor, he made preparations for his journey to Terre Haute, his new field of labor.
The necessity for a more spacious church had been apparent for some years. Notwithstanding that the members of the con- gregation were willing to subscribe liberally for this purpose, the undertaking, owing to hard times, had to be postponed. When the prospects were apparently more encouraging, a church fair was held for one week, beginning on the evening of November 4, 1895. The net proceeds, $4,050.93, were very encouraging, and were set aside as a building fund. After mature deliberation, the pastor called a meeting for December 3, 1895, of the following gentlemen: Messrs. Herman Hulman, Sr., Franz Prox, John F. Brinkman, Joseph Frisz, Sr., Ernst Bleemel, John Dommerschau- sen, Anton Haring and August Fuchs. The meeting was very enthusiastic and all present unanimously concurred in the opinion that a new church was a necessity. It was decided to build after the Romanesque style of architecture. At this meeting a building committee of the above gentlemen was formed with the following permanent officers: H. Hulman, president; J. Frisz, vice-presi- dent; J. F. Brinkman, treasurer, and Rev. P. W. Scharoun, secre- tary.
Some few days after, when the building committee was anxious to begin work earnestly, an unwelcome visitor arrived at the paro- chial residence in the form of illness. Father Scharoun was stricken seriously and was obliged to put himself under the care of his phy- sician, and, in consequence, all progress was retarded until March 10, 1896, when the pastor's condition was so far improved that he was able to call the committee to his residence for further consulta- tion. At this meeting it was decided that a committee of three, consisting of the pastor, H. Hulman and A. Haring, be appointed to visit and inspect churches in large neighboring cities and gather such information and ideas that would enable them to proceed intelligently in the building of the new church. When the day (450)
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(March 16) for departure had arrived the reverend pastor's condi- tion and strength were not sufficiently restored to undertake the journey, hence J. Frisz was appointed as a third member of this committee. These gentlemen went to Quincy, Ill., thence to Chi- cago, Ill., where they visited many churches and made the per- sonal acquaintance of A. Druiding, architect. Having seen several churches which had been built under his supervision, they made known to him their errand. Having returned home, they reported to the pastor, who called a meeting of the entire committee for March 31, at which it was definitely decided to erect a new church, with two front towers and cupola over the transept, and that A. Druiding be engaged to make plans, drawings and specifications for the same; it was furthermore decided to begin work at once, with removal of the old church The altars, confessional, pipe- organ and all other church furniture were removed from the old church to the school hall, where divine services were held during the erection of the new church. The work of tearing down the old church was commenced April 27; the corner-stone was discov- ered in the northwest corner of the foundation the 6th day of May. It contained a brass medal of the Immaculate Conception of B. V. M., a picture of St. Benedict and a nickel cent dated 1862. The document was in a poor state of preservation and had fallen to pieces, so that the writing could not be deciphered. June 10, 1896, all plans, details and specifications for the new church were received. The pastor and building committee examined and criticized them thoroughly and accepted them, subject to some changes. Mr. Hul- man, imbued with genuine Catholic spirit and zeal for the new house of worship, went to Chicago to consult with the architect concerning these changes, also, in company with the pastor, visited other cities, such as South Bend, Fort Wayne, etc., to gather other useful information and ideas. June 25 the building committee assembled to open the different bids of contractors. The lowest bid was that of P. M. McCormack, of Columbus, Ind. The gen- eral contract was therefore awarded to him. The cut-stone con- tract was awarded to E. J. Edwards & Ward, of Chicago, Ill. July 21 the work of excavation was commenced, the reverend pas- tor throwing out the first shovel of ground from the spot over
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which the high altar was to be erected. After a bed eighteen inches deep of concrete had been deposited in the trenches the rev- erend pastor, with the assistance of Mr. Hulman, laid the first stone in the northeast corner of the foundation, August 10; work was then continued by the contractor and progressed satisfactorily. On the 23d day of September, 1896, a joint meeting of the officials of all the Catholic societies of the city was held in St. Benedict's. school in order to make arrangements for a parade on the day of the corner-stone laying.
On Sunday afternoon, October 4, 1896, it being the feast of the Holy Rosary and that of St. Francis of Assisi, founder of the Franciscan order, the corner-stone of St. Benedict's new church was blessed and laid by the Rt. Rev. Francis Silas Cha- tard, D. D., bishop of Vincennes.
Previous to the ceremonies there was an immense street parade, headed by a platoon of police and two brass bands. Having marched through some of the principal streets of the city, the line of march was next directed to the Union depot to meet the right reverend bishop and escort him to the new church; at 2:45 P. M. his lordship arrived, and in a few minutes the soci- eties began their return march toward the church in the following order:
Platoon of police in command of Capt. Charles Hyland; grand marshal and aids; Ringgold brass band; St. Francis' soci- ety of St. Benedict's church; Hibernian Benevolent society; St. Joseph's Temperance society; Ancient Order of Hibernians of Vigo county, divisions Nos. 1, 2, 3 and 4; Catholic Knights; Oriental brass band; Young Men's institute; St. Patrick's Young Men society; Young Men's Literary union of St. Joseph's church; St. Anthony's Young Men's society of St. Benedict's church, who formed the escort for the right reverend bishop; the right reverend bishop's carriage, drawn by four white horses; carriages with vis- iting and local priests.
Having arrived at the parochial residence, the bishop was received by the local and visiting clergymen. The bishop and clergy being vested, the procession, at 3: 15 P. M., began to move toward the new edifice, where the ceremonies were performed as
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directed in the Pontifical Romanum. The preliminary ceremonies being over, the massive stone was lowered into position, guided on the north side by the benefactor, Herman Hulman, whose gen- erous donations had made it possible to undertake the erection of the new church on so elaborate a scale. The ceremonies being ended, Rt. Rev. Bishop Chatard, with the clergy, mounted the large platform which had been erected and preached an eloquent sermon in English, and Very Rev. Hugolinus Storff, O. S. F., in the German language. In conclusion, the pastor intoned the Te Deum (Groszer Gott wir loben Dich), in which he was joined by the entire congregation, accompanied by the Ringgold brass band. This ended the ceremonies. The day itself was a most delightful one, and thousands of people had thronged the streets to wit- ness the event.
Work on the new church was again resumed and continued until cold weather necessitated a suspension until the spring of 1897, when work progressed uninterruptedly, so that the con- tractor was able to deliver over the building and keys of the same to the pastor and trustees on the 12th day of March, 1898.
St. Ann's Parish, Terre Haute, was organized in 1866. Rev. M. Quinlan was its first pastor. It comprises the northern portion of the city, and has about 100 families besides the 110 inmates of St. Ann's Orphan asylum. The parish was created to accommodate the few families residing north of Chestnut street-the pastor say- ing one mass at the asylum each Sunday morning and one for the small congregation at the church. The situation has changed somewhat since then, as St. Ann's parish is now large enough of itself to keep its pastor busy; nevertheless he is the chaplain of the asylum also.
The present St. Ann's church, a frame structure 35 x 75 feet, was built in 1866. About the same time the greater part of the present pastoral residence was erected. It has since been added to and much improved. A debt of considerable magnitude, of course, was occasioned by these buildings, and Father Quinlan relinquishing the charge, the church was attended by the pastor of St. Joseph and his assistants. This state of affairs continued
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until February 1, 1878, when Rev. John McCabe, just ordained, was on that very day placed in charge of St. Ann's congregation as its second pastor. He continued his labors until about July, 1885, when, on the third day of that month and same year, its present pastor, Rev. John Ryves, was commissioned by the Right Rev. Bishop Chatard.
Father Ryves, with the experience of one year and a half at New Castle, where he paid off a debt on the church, and of twenty- three months at Richmond, where he also paid off another parish debt, took hold of St. Ann's with the knowledge that there, too, he had to wrestle with a financial obligation. He applied himself to the work, and has succeeded in paying off $1,000. Since his taking charge he has remodeled and frescoed the interior of the church, improved and refurnished the parsonage at an outlay of more than $1,000, and to the parish grounds has added an extra lot for school-house purposes, thereby making the enlarged lot 300 by 136 feet. This new lot fronts on Locust street, and cost $1, 000.
The value of the property is considerably over $10,000. This value is sure to increase, as the city is fast extending its improve- ments not only up to and around St. Ann's, but also beyond. Dwellings are being erected and real estate in the vicinity is now in demand, whereas the same property was not heretofore consid- ered either desirable or valuable. With this fact in view, and also the willingness and efficiency of the pastor considered, the future of St. Ann's congregation is certainly bright with promise.
The systematic working of the congregation in the matter of trustees, societies, choir, etc., is about the average, except that the choir is remarkable for the youth of its members, and also their talent and good will. They volunteer their services, a thing which is greatly appreciated, not only by the reverend pastor, but by the entire congregation as well.
The hours for the Sunday masses are 8 and 10 o'clock in the morning, with catechism at 2 in the afternoon, followed by ves- pers and benediction.
The parish school has about 100 boys and girls in attendance, with three Sisters of Providence as tutors.
Rev. John Ryves, of whom a biographical notice is given on (454)
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page 872, Vol. II, is a debt payer but not much of a debt creator. He believes in paying as you go, or, at least, in coming as near to so doing as possible.
The youthful pastor here mentioned is noted for quite a num- ber of traits and capacities besides his financial ability. With Tennyson's Merlin, he might say: "Use gave me fame at first, and fame, again increasing, gave me use." He is an apostle of temperance, is among the ablest advocates of the cause, and is doing great good among his own people as well as occasionally in many other parts of the diocese. As a pulpit orator and popular speaker he has few equals for his years. His address is most pleasing, his manner modest, while his personal appearance is up to the standard. He is notably unassuming, and seems to be unaware of his powers, or else to have attained to a degree of modesty far beyond that of the average young clergyman.
St. Patrick's congregation was set apart or organized in 1881, as much with a view to accommodate the people of the southeast section of Terre Haute as to establish a Catholic school there. Rev. Thomas X. Logan was placed in charge, and began at once the erection of St. Patrick's church, a Gothic structure of large dimensions, which is among the finest church-edifices in the city. The parish grounds are at the southeast corner of Thirteenth and Poplar streets. The church is on the corner, and to the east is the parish school-building erected and conducted by the Sisters of Providence. This is a spacious brick structure, and is attended by 200 children. In the rear of the church, and fronting on Thir- teenth street, is the home of the pastor.
St. Patrick's church was built when prices were high and infla- tion was upon the land. It cost $22,000, and perhaps is a good value for the money, especially if we include the elegant furnish- ings, the fine altars and other improvements. There are 260 zealous families in the parish. The church societies at St. Pat- rick's are numerous and prosperous and the choir is especially praiseworthy. To assist at vespers at St. Patrick's is to be delighted with the service. The pastor, in unison with the altar boys, chants the psalms in alternate verse with the choir and entire
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congregation. The musical ear can detect some very good voices, notably among the sopranos and altos, while the compact and sweet baritone of the pastor is clearly distinguishable. The congre- gation is in very good condition, and, while composed of no wealthy members, it is nevertheless harmonious and united in its efforts to do its whole duty. There are comparatively few drones among the busy bees of St. Patrick's, and among the most active and best disposed are the following gentlemen, who act as trustees: Dan Lynch, Dennis Barret, Michael Burke and John James.
Rev. Father Logan founded the parish, and Rev. D. J. McMullen, now of Richmond, Ind., succeeded him and was the immediate predecessor of the present very reverend pastor. He remained in charge of St. Patrick's from July 20, 1883, until July 1, 1885. Very Rev. Victor A. Schnell, the present beloved pastor of St. Patrick's church, is a genial and scholarly gentleman. He is certainly a cosmopolitan of the most approved type; being a Frenchman by birth, and an American by adoption, a German in language, an Irishman by association, a Catholic by the grace of God, and a priest without doubt by divine vocation. On page 918, Vol. II, will be found a brief sketch of his life and labors.
Father Schnell has zealously devoted himself to the spiritual and educational interests of his people without at all neglecting their material interests. Since his advent at St. Patrick's he has not only paid off considerable of the crushing debt which he found on the church, but has even made some improvements beside, one of which, the frescoing of the church, is certainly a very com- mendable work. He is devoting himself to the parish schools and, being a musician, his choir is not neglected, for he takes consider- able pride in its success.
He is an able and practical preacher, the possessor of a good voice and all the effective requisites of the pulpit. He is a man of excellent judgment, his zeal is tempered with prudence, and his being a member of the bishop's council is a fitting recognition of his work. Few men have borne up under the trials of twenty years of severe missionary life as resolutely and cheerfully as has plain Father Schnell, the soldier, priest and cosmopolitan.
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TIPTON, TIPTON COUNTY.
St. John the Baptist Church .- Prior to 1856 there were but five Catholic families in Tipton county and no priest visited the community, the worshipers attending mass at Kokomo. The first mass celebrated in Tipton county was at the home of Daniel Mor- gan, who resided two miles east of Tipton, and Father Maloney was the priest present. He ministered to the wants of the people but a short time, when he was succeeded by Rev. Father Force; next came Rev. Father Bernard Kroeger, now of St. Bridget's church, Logansport, during whose charge the first church property was obtained, one lot being donated by Cornelius Barlow, and one lot being purchased. The present church occupies this first acqui- sition. Father Kroeger was succeeded by Father Mougin, and he in turn by Rev. L. Lamour, who had charge in 1865. In 1867 came Rev. M. Haly, and in 1869 Rev. F. Borg. He was suc- ceeded by Rev. J. O'Brien, who, in 1871, was followed by Rev. P. M. Frawley. In 1872 Rev. J. Grogan officiated and he was suc- ceeded, in 1873, by Father Lordemann. In 1874 or 1875 the first church was built; there were up to this time only about fifteen families in the parish, and the treasury contained only $3. How- ever, a comfortable frame church-edifice was erected. Father
Lordemann held divine service once each month, as the greater portion of his time was consumed at Kokomo, the main parish. It was during this time that the right reverend bishop sent an assistant to relieve Father Lordemann of the Tipton charge, and also to attend the extra charges at Boxley and Buscher's, which are now attended from Elwood. In 1876, Rev. F. G. Lentz arrived as the first resident priest. It now became necessary to have a residence for the pastor, and the members set to work with a will, raised a subscription, lent willing hands, and soon a comfortable home was completed. A pastor being a permanent fixture, new members located in the county and the church soon assumed a more healthy and flourishing condition, and the congre- gation so increased that an addition to the church-building was erected, so as to increase the seating capacity. It now became
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necessary to provide a school for the children, and in August, 1885, the corner-stone of a handsome two-story brick was laid, but before the building was completed the church (December 14, 1885) was destroyed by fire, and one of the halls of the school-building was devoted to church purposes. This room was used until the completion of the present church, the corner-stone being laid June 16, 1889. Father Lentz was succeeded, June 5, 1890, by Rev. A. J. Kroeger, the present pastor, who is beloved by all who know him.
The present church-edifice was dedicated August 30, 1891, and visitors were present from LaFayette, Fort Wayne, Logans- port, Kokomo, Muncie, New Castle, Indianapolis, Connersville, Frankfort and other places, various societies from said towns com- ing in a body. In the absence of Bishop Dwenger the services were conducted by Rev. J. H. Brammer, vicar-general of the Fort Wayne diocese. He was assisted by Fathers J. H. Guendling, of LaFayette, B. Biegel, of Elwood, and Lordemann, of Kokomo, the sermon being delivered by Father Brammer. The choir of Mother Gertrude, of the Sisters, rendered Haydn's Imperial (No. 1) mass. The church-building is of Gothic architecture, with eighty feet frontage and 130 feet in depth. It is provided with all modern church conveniences, including gallery, cloak and ante- rooms, etc., and the frescoing is equaled by that of but few churches in the state. The windows are rare works of art, two of them costing $800. In one of the windows is a representation of the Madonna, with the words "Ave Maria, Gratia Plena." The other represents a vision of the Redeemer. In every part of the building the artist, F. B. Kendrick, of Fort Wayne, has displayed his skill. The present church-edifice is an imposing structure and would do credit to a much larger congregation. It has a seating capacity of 800, and is valued at $35,000. In 1897 a new two- story brick residence for the pastor, Rev. A. J. Kroeger, was erected, costing about $4,000, but as the members of the Tipton parish are always ready to assist in labor, the cash outlay on any building erected by them is much less than the value of the property when completed.
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TROY, PERRY COUNTY.
St. Pius' Church, at Troy, was erected in 1849, is of brick, and is 48 x 33 feet in dimensions. It has been attended as fol- lows: Revs. J. Contin, from 1849 to 1851; Henry Peters, Jan- uary 10, 1851, to August 3, 1853; P. Bede O'Connor, O. S. B., until September 4, 1854, from Ferdinand; Michael Marendt until September 25, 1859; Joseph Kaufmann until February 2, 1863; Ferdinand Hundt until February 6, 1864, from Tell City; Martin Marty, O. S. B., until October 1, 1865, from St. Meinrad; Wolfgang Schlumpf, O. S. B., until December 10, 1865; Fred. Friedinger until June 10, 1866; P. Fintan and P. Benno, O. S. B., until December 23, 1866; Andrew Michael until August 4, 1867; B. H. Kintrup until November 14, 1869; P. Benno Gerber, O. S. B., until August 1, 1871; F. Mueller until October 20, 1873, resident; Henry Hug, O. S. B., until May 4, 1875; P. Placidus Zarn, O. S. B., until May, 4, 1876; P. Conrad Ackermann, O. S. B.
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