USA > Kansas > Marshall County > History of Marshall County, Kansas : its people, industries, and institutions > Part 30
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CHURCHI AGAIN DESTROYED.
At 7:30 o'clock, on the evening of Sunday, May 3, 1908, the church was struck by lightning, and church and residence were burned to the ground -a complete loss. Disaster and misfortune had blighted the hopes of the brave, good people of the parish for the second time within two years, but far, indeed, from destroying them. Plans were immediately prepared, and funds raised to rebuild better and safer and more beautiful than ever. The buildings were to cost eleven thousand dollars with an additional cost of from four to five thousand dollars to complete them in every respect. The corner stone of this fourth church was laid in August, 1908, Rev. Father Orr presiding at the ceremony. The church committee at this time was James Gregg, Jeremiah O'Leary and James Kennedy, and the building com- miittee consisted of the rector, Father Orr. William Gregg and Henry Ken-
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nedy. The construction work progressed without interruption, and on the morning of February 22, 1909, the beautiful church was solemnly dedicated by Rt. Rev. Thomas F. Lillis, bishop of the diocese.
The present editice is a magnificent buikling of clearest white lime- stone, designed in the Roman style of architecture, with slate roof, orna- mental stained glass windows and stately bell tower. The interior and its appointments are complete, rich and tasteful, yet withal, calculated to inspire religious fervor and devotion. In every respect the church stands a model of beauty and strength, and reflects greatest credit on both the builder, Father Orr, and the noble, generous-hearted parishioners, who sacrificed much to insure its completion.
Father Orr continued in charge of the parish until June, 1911, when he was appointed as pastor of St. Peter's parish in Kansas City, Kansas. Rev. Father C. A. Bradley was then appointed by Rt. Rev. Bishop Ward. as pastor, and entered upon his duties on the last Sunday of June. 1911. Since that time various improvements have been made, most important of which was the frescoing of the church during the summer of 1912. The base- ment of the church has also been fitted up into an assembly room. Despite the fact that many of the early pioneer members of the parish have passed away, and the parish roster contains a changed order of names, its strength and vigor have increased, and the membership now numbers seventy-five families. There is no debt or incumbrance on the property or buildings.
ST. GREGORY'S PARISH, MARYSVILLE.
The two localities where Catholics settled in early days and formed colonies were Irish creek in the southeast and St. Bridget in the northeast of the county. However, there were Catholic families located in every township in the county. Some of the first Catholic families who came in early days, and located within the present limits of St. Gregory's parish were: Nic Koppes, Jacob Morbacher, Sr., with thirteen children; Patrick Haynes, John Reiter, Thomas McCoy, Louis and Frank Hanke, John Joerg, Sr .. John Kirch, Mathias Schmitt, James Grey, Peter Koppes, Joseph Ellen- becker and others.
The first Catholic priest that held divine service among the scattered Catholics around Marysville, was Rev. Father Thomas Bartel. O. S. B. His presence was hailed with joy by the handful of Catholics. Father Bartel was succeeded by Rev. Theodore Heinemann, of St. Mary's, Kansas, in 1862.
During the Civil War many men joined the army, the farms were
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neglected, crops failed and business was poor. The good priest made his appearance about every two or three months. In 1863 and 1864 service was conducted several times by Father Jones, of St. Mary's, Kansas. Father Suitbert De Marteau, of Atchison, had charge of Marysville in 1865. From 1865-67, Marysville was regularly visited by Fathers Fitzgerald and Fogarty, both being stationed at St. Bridget and Irish creek in Marshall county.
GATHERING THE FLOCK.
In 1867 Rev. Father Riemele took charge of this locality and services were conducted more frequently. Traveling on horseback from St. Mary's, the good priest would halt at every pioneer's cabin door to ask if any Catho- lic lived there. If he found any, he would tell them when and where mass would be said the next morning. Sometimes, Catholics living fifteen miles away would be notified and summoned to come to service. For nine or ten years the Jacob Mohrbacher home, south of Marysville, was the resting place of the poor priest in the days of pioneer life, and mass was generally celebrated there. Rev. Father Riemele was again succeeded by Father Suit- bert, who attended this mission from St. Bridget for more than two years, until 1874. Father Suitbert tried hard to build a church and had several meetings to bring the Catholics together, but failed. He collected some money in 1871 and 1872, but when the farmers even charged. for hauling rock, he felt disappointed and dropped the undertaking. The "salary" of the priest in those days consisted of the few nickels that were thrown into the collection box; many a time the amount did not reach the sum of fifty cents.
EFFORTS TO ERECT CHURCH.
Services were now held in the town of Marysville in a vacant carpenter shop, at the west end of Broadway. Rev. A. M. Weikmann was next in charge of the place. He was stationed at Parsons creek, now Palmer, Washington county. He made an attempt to build a church and laid a part of the foundation, when he was succeeded by Rev. John Pichler, of Hanover, in 1875. During Father Weikmann's time, a mission was given by Father Timothy Luber and Father Peter Kassens, at the close of which a class of ten received their first holy communion. The mission lasted four days- the first day at the public school house, the three following days over Wat- terson's store.
Perry Hutchison offered to give three acres of ground on the west
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side of the river near the mill for the building of a Catholic church, but the offer was not accepted. Had a church been built there and the postoffice removed to the west side, the town of Marysville might be today on the west bank of the Big Blue. Mr. Schmidt and Charles F. Koester gave a block of ground east of the present standpipe to the Catholics for the loca- tion of a church. The location. however, did not suit the membership, as it was too far out of town. The foundation was started but never finished, and a more suitable location was picked out by the consultors. About eighty dollars had been spent on the foundation, when the idea to build a church there was given up.
The place chosen for the new church was block 36 in Ballard's & Mor- rall's Addition, in the town of Marysville. Father Pichler now set to work and built a neat little brick church, twenty-four by fifty feet, on the new site. The building was never plastered inside, and was used only a few years for services. The altar of the church was made out of a dry goods box. No pews were set up in the church and the farmers used to bring their chairs along to church service. On account of the steep bank of Spring creek, nearby, many were dissatisfied with this location. As the building and lots could be sold at an advantage, the property was disposed of and another site, near the present depot, where the Hartwick lumber yard now stands, was selected by Father Pichler. A new frame church was erected on these lots in the year 1877-78. Here services were conducted until 1886, when the building and lots were sold.
From 1870 to 1880 the number of Catholic families increased greatly. The newcomers, however, were poor, and drought, hot winds and the grass- hoppers in 1874 were calamities that befell them and gave the state a bad name. "Ad Astra per Aspera" is the Kansas motto, and those settlers who went through the hardships and stayed on their farms are today wealthy.
On December 1, 1883. Rev. John Pichler was followed by Father Meile. who became the first resident pastor of St. Gregory's congregation. . 1 house was rented for the pastor near the church. Father Meile stayed until the end of August, 1885. He was a noble priest, loved by all the Catholics and non-Catholics of Marysville. Being a convert to the Catholic church. he knew how to handle both classes. He occupied his time in instructing the children and looking after the spiritual welfare of the flock. The church being again too small to accommodate the growing congregation. the buikdl- ing of a new church was again considered. Many were of the opinion that the present location was not a suitable place for the new church. The com-
FATHER MEILE, First Resident Priest at Marysville.
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mittee, consisting of Jacob Ring. W. Dougherty, Nic Schmitt. Jacob Mohr- bacher and John Tracy, headed by Father Meile, selected the present bcanti- ful site.
NEW CHURCH COMMENCED.
On the 30th of August, 1885, Rev. Father Meile gave place to Father Hartmann, during whose administration the foundation of the present church was laid, but not quite completed. On November 16, 1885, Father Hart- mann held the first Catholic fair in Marysville; proceeds, one thousand five hundred and twelve dollars, of which one thousand two hundred and forty- six was net. The account books of Father Hartmann, on August 15, 1886, show a cash balance on hand of six hundred and eight dollars and four cents; notes from pew rent, thirty-seven dollars and fifty cents ; notes from new church building, seven hundred and fifty-six dollars and seventy-four cents : in all, one thousand four hundred and two dollars and twenty-eight cents. This statement was signed by the pastor and the following committee- men : Jacob Mohrbacher, Nic Koppes, Jacob Ring. The records of baptism go back to December 23, 1883. Previous records are found at Atchison, St. Mary's, St. Bridget, Irish creek and Hanover.
On August 15. 1886, Father F. J. Hartmann was replaced by Rev. M. J. Schmickler, who completed the foundation of the new church. The corner stone was laid by Rt. Rev. Bishop Fink on October 9, 1886. The great ambition of Father Schmickler was to see the church completed and to erect a building that would be a credit to himself and to the good people of Marysville. The dimensions of the church are fifty by one hundred feet, with a ten-foot projection of the tower. The foundation and basement of the church cost four thousand nine hundred dollars. As the crops failed for several years, the church could not be built as soon as the pastor would have liked, but, in the meantime, money was collected and fairs were held, so that on January 1, 1892, about four thousand dollars was on hand. From the sale of the old church, near the depot, one thousand eight hundred dol- lars were realized. With this money, together with a new subscription, the church could be brought under roof and almost free of debt. From the year 1892-93, eight thousand forty-eight dollars and sixty cents were expended for the new church. W. Dougherty got the contract for all the brick work for three thousand nine hundred and twenty-nine dollars; M. Treinen, the carpenter work for three thousand eight hundred dollars. The church was, however, not completed until the year 1894. The contract to
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plaster it was given to J. F. Webb at one thousand and twenty-five dollars ; the finishing carpenter work, to M. Treinen at three hundred and thirty-six lollars.
CHURCII DEDICATED.
All these years divine services were held in the basement of the church. There was as yet no furniture in the church, no pews, no altars, no com- munion railing. Mr. Bauhaus, of Leavenworth, agreed to furnish pews. altars and railing for the sum of one thousand four hundred dollars, excluding the statue of St. Gregory, which cost eighty-five dollars; St. James, sixty- eight dollars: St. Barbara, sixty-eight dollars. The two vestment cases in the sacristy cost sixty dollars. Many beautiful vestments, albs, candlesticks, etc., were then bought. The day of the dedication, for which the pastor and people had so earnestly longed, at last came. October 24, 1898, was a gala day for Marysville, and for St. Gregory's parish especially-one that will long be remembered by the young and the old who took part. The Rt. Rev. Bishop Fink, of Leavenworth, dedicated the church and administered the sacrament of confirmation. Rev. John Hurley, of St. Bridget. delivered the dedication sermon in English, and Rev. W. Schellberg of Hanover, in German, whereupon the Rt. Rev. Bishop congratulated the pastor and the people upon the completion of the beautiful church. The following assisted at the ceremonies: Rev. W. Schellberg. Rev. J. Hurley. Reverend Schwamm, Reverend Groener, Reverend Grootaers, Reverend Kamp, Rev- erend Leidecker and Reverend Cihal. At two o'clock p. m., some one hundred persons were confirmed by the bishop, after which the day's festivities closed with vespers and benediction. A special train from Hanover and Seneca conveyed many visitors to the dedication services. More than four hundred and fifty people came from Hanover.
THE SKY FOR A ROOF.
In early days the lodging place of the priest was generally some pio- neer's cabin, but he was often obliged to sleep outside, with nothing but the canopy above him. Conditions became better the more the country was settled. The first resident priest, Father Meile, had rented a house near the church: afterward he lived in the old stone house south of the present parsonage, which was torn down in July, 1906. Father Hartmann and Father Schmickler also lived in the same quarters in the okl stone house on the hill. When the basement was built in 1886, Father Schmickler reserved
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two rooms in the southwest part of the church, where he lived until the year 1898. In the year 1891 he bought the south half of block IO1, on which the parsonage now stands, together with the old stone house, for the sum of one thousand four hundred and twenty dollars. On March 6, 1895, Mr. Michael Kimmish died, leaving to the church about four thousand dollars. It was no more than right that the pastor who had completed the church, should now consider the erection of a new parsonage. Hence, plans were drawn up by Mr. Grant, of Beatrice, Nebraska, and the contract was let in the spring of 1898. The brick and stone work was awarded to W. Dough- erty for one thousand three hundred and seventy-five dollars. Hayward & Ivers, of Axtell, agreed to complete the building, including all the material, for two thousand one hundred and forty-five dolars. The beautiful Catho- lic parsonage is one of the finest dwellings in the city of Marysville, a credit to the town and to the Catholic people.
In May, 1903, Rev. Aug. Redeker succeeded Father Schmickler. A debt of two thousand four hundred and fifty-four dollars resting on the church was paid off. The same year he procured three sisters from Atchison to teach the parochial school.
In 1904 three new bells were bought for the church and blessed by Rt. Rev. Bishop Fink on February 28th. On August 8, 1905, the first ground was broken for the foundation of a new parochial school and society hall. The school house was built at a cost of nine thousand dollars all complete. It was dedicated by Rt. Rev. Bishop Lillis, October 20, 1906. The sidewalks to the west were laid in 1895. but those to the southeast and north not until 1913. In 1911 lightning had struck the tower and it was decided to finish the spire of the church, which was done in that year. At present a new addition to the church is talked of and will be finished during the year 1917.
The congregation is out of debt and has a membership of one hundred and twenty-five families, and all the usual auxiliary societies.
ST. GREGORY'S MID SOCIETY.
St. Gregory's Aid Society was founded on April 9, 1893, by Father Schmickler. The membership at the present time is fifty. It is an organ- ization of men of the church and is slightly beneficiary. The present officers are : President, Ferd. Viering ; vice-president, Henry Bramlage : financial secretary, Frank Meier ; treasurer, B Wassenberg: recording secretary, James Barlow.
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CATHOLIC MUTUAL BENEFIT SOCIETY.
This is a fraternal insurance society, and St Gregory's branch, No. 18. mas instituted on October 13. 1808. The present officers are: President. F. Viering : financial secretary. J. Barlow ; recording secretary. Frank Meier : treasurer, B. Wassenberg: trustees, J. Dwerlkotte, Clement Voet and John Armstrong.
ALTAR SOCIETY.
This society was organized on March 10, 1884. by Father Meile, with a membership of forty-two ladies. The present officers are: President, Mrs. James Barlow : vice-president, Mrs. Frank Nieberding: secretary, Mrs. John Cooper : treasurer, Mrs. John Cavanaugh.
YOUNG LADIES SODALITY.
This society was organized by Rev. Father Redeker. December 8. 1903. The present officers are: President, Nora Reiter : secretary. Helene Klein : treasurer, Minnie Wassenberg: sacristan. Romona Meier.
ST. WENCESLAU'S CHURCH.
Eight miles southwest of Irving. on the Riley county line, stands a neat little church dedicated to St. Wenceslaus, the great Bohemian saint. The congregation was organized and a frame church, twenty by thirty feet. erected by Father Klaus in the year 1884. Father Klaus was at that time stationed at Frankfort. The church grounds and cemetery, on the south- east corner of section 32 in Blue Rapids township, consisting of two acres, were donated by the Frank Forst family.
The early Catholic settlers of this section were the Katopish. Forst. Osner, Smutny, Duchek, Zeleny. Nedvid. Kropacek, Karek. Kratochvil. Nerad and Hnat families.
For a number of years the congregation was attended by the following priests: Reverends Klaus, Dragoon, Chial, Kulizek, and Father Alphons, (). S. B .. from Atchison.
In the spring of 1906 Father Kulizek, who was stationed at Frankfort. built a new church to replace the old one, which had become too small. The church was dedicated on September 28, 1906, by Father Kulizek. In August, 1909. the Rt. Rev. Bishop sent Father Francis Elast to Waterville, with the
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St. Wenceslaus congregation as a mission. In 1910 a church bell was pro- cured and blessed by the pastor. Father Elast was followed by Father O'Leary, Father Hall and the present pastor, Father Thomas McInerney.
The congregation is regularly attended once a month from Waterville and, although small, has a substantial growth.
VERMILLION.
A Catholic church was built about 1870 and services held once a month for about one year, Rev. Father Butler having charge. Later, the building was sold to F. W. Watson, the members transferring their membership to Axtell, Coal creek and Lillis, where there were prosperous church organiza- tions.
CHAPTER XVI.
FRATERN.M. ORDERS, SOCIETIES AND CLUBS.
INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ODD FELLOWS.
The Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Blue Rapids, was organized October 10, 1893, with the following charter members: William H. Hill. noble grand: J. B. Miller, vice-grand: D. O. Munger, secretary, and H. R. Meyer. Z. T. Trumbo, J. E. McIntosh, D. F. Casey, W. L. Griffith, M. F. Davis, J. H. Siebert, G. M. West, G. H. Heathman, H. G. Fowler, W. H. Hewitt and J. H. McRae.
The officers for 1917 are: C. N. Badger, noble grand; B. Shaw, vice- grand: Harry Craft, secretary-treasurer.
Pawnee Lodge No. 108, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Waterville, was instituted October 15, 1873, with the following members: S. M. Wil- hite, George Bancroft, F. Damour, J. W. Sharrard. R. Smith, A. H. Snyder. First officers: AA. L. Johnson, noble grand; George Bancroft, vice-grand; J. W. Sharrard, secretary, and F. F. Damour, treasurer. Present officers: L. .A. Larson, noble grand; A. D. Henderson, vice-grand; Il. C. Wilson, secre- tary, and J. R. Edwards, treasurer. Present membership, one hundred and twenty-one. Lodge meets every Monday evening in Fraternity Hall.
Joseph Van Allen, a charter member of this lodge, has the extraordinary distinction of holding the honorable veteran jewel of the order, which repre- sents fifty years of continuous membership. He was initiated into Odd Fel- lowship on November 9, 1866, at Burlington, New Jersey. Mr. Van Allen is a veteran of the War of the Rebellion.
Vermillion Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, was organized in 1897, with the following charter members: W. P. Mesmer, Matt. Mc. Atec. Ernest Hill, Herbert Williams. W. S. Domer, David Bislan and the Steven- soon brothers. Dr. John Clifton located in Vermillion in 1899 and gave much time and effort to strengthen the lodge, but, finally, for lack of funds the charter was surrendered in 1906.
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Axtell Lodge No. 221, meets every Monday in the Odd Fellow's hall. H. C. Barnes, noble grand: Frank A. Werner, recording secretary.
Odd Fellow's Lodge No. 110, Frankfort, was organized on October 14, 1874. The charter members and officers were: F. B. Taylor, Sr .. George F. Poor, Henry Sleigh, T. H. Gibson, Granville Sleigh, J. L. Davis and J. R. Voorhees. The officers for 1917 are: J. J. Brooks, noble grand ; James Chandler, vice grand; Charles Kelley, secretary.
Oketo Lodge No. 344, Independent Order of Odd Fellows was organ- ized on July 6, 1888. The charter members were: Samnel Bentley, noble grand; F. W. Bartlett, secretary; Dell Stowell, vice-grand: D. B. Knight, treasurer, and R. B. Brewer, N. Brooks, H. P. Benson and R. T. Baldwin.
The membership at the present time is forty. The present officers are : Walter Howes, noble grand : James Ebright, vice-grand : T. J. Suggett, treas- urer : W. B. Shafer, Jr., secretary.
Otoe Lodge No. 85, Independent Order of Odd Fellows was instituted at Marysville under dispensation on February 14. 1872. A charter was granted on October 8, 1872, with the following members: J. Doniphan, noble grand: W. H. Richardson, vice-grand; J. A. Broughton; P. H. Peters, financial secretary; G. D. Swearengen, treasurer; F. F. Thompson, J. S. Magill, J. Donahue.
This organization, which was prosperous for a number of years, at the present time has a membership of fourteen. Present officers: John IL. Throm, noble grand: J. B. Logan, secretary; E. G. Draheim, treasurer.
REBEKAHS.
Blue Rapids Rebekalı Lodge No. 337, was instituted on December 29. 1897. with thirty-two charter members.
The first officers were: Noble grand, Laura B. Fouler ; vice-grand. Adell G. Plehn: secretary, Ella I. Heathman; treasurer, Lottie Brown; con- ductor, Nellie Thompson ; warden, Minnie Hill ; inside guardian, Allie Aller- dice : outside guardian, J. H. McRae : chaplain, Nettie Coulter ; right sup- porter to noble grand, Florence Ulsh: left supporter to noble grand, Rachel Siebert; organist, Mildred Edinborough: right supporter to vice- grand, Jessie Allerdice ; left supporter to vice-grand, Nellie Boling.
The present officers are: Noble grand, Julia C. Hewitt ; secretary and treasurer. Ella Heathman ; vice-grand, Molly Scott.
The membership at January, 1917, was fifteen.
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The Rebekahs at Frankfort were organized December 27. 1807. The officers were: Ophelia Bliss, noble grand; Emma Poor, vice-grand : Jennie Piatt. secretary; Alie MeMinimyy, treasurer; Minnie Parks. conductress ; Belle Lefler. warden. The officers for 1917 are: Mary Warnica, noble grand : Edith Myers, vice grand: Adah Fladd, secretary; Minnie Cook, treasurer : Ella Wray, conductress: June Bliss, warden. The present membership is fifty-six.
Axtell Lodge No. 144, meets first and third Tuesday in the Odd Fellows lıall. Myrtle Rush, noble grand: Rowena Livingston, secretary.
KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS.
Blue Valley Lodge No. 182, Knights of Pythias, at Marysville, was instituted March 4, 1880. on the evening of the day that Benjamin Harrison was maugurated President of the United States. Sam Kimble, deputy grandi chancellor, of Manhattan, Kansas, was the instituting officer and he was ably assisted by members of Knights of Pythias lodges from his own and other towns in this vicinity.
The membership of the new lodge comprised William Barks, past chancellor : E. L. Miller, chancellor commander ; E. D. White, vice-chancellor ; Robert Campbell, prelate: A. M. Billingsley, keeper of records and scal; John B. Logan, master of finance: E. G. Draheim, master of exchequer ; Frank A. Arand, master at arms: G. Philip Schmidt, inner guard; Nickolas Grauer, outer guard: L. W. Libby. Andrew Fluhrer and Dr. J. K. Julian, trustees The others were Herman Selz, Clark M. Stewart. Samuel Forter, John Lonergan. Henry E. Wiedemeyer, Max Schreiber, John Luedders. . 1. J. Becht. F. B. Gatchell. Ed. E. Tracy. G. Messall. E. J. Fehrenkamp, Robert J. Jordan. W. T. Ecks and Charles D. Schmidt.
Of these, E. D. White. Frank A. Arand, Clark M. Stewart. Samuel Forter, Henry E. Wiedemeyer, John B. Logan, John Luedders, E. G. Dra- hemm, Nickolas Graner. and G. Phihp Schmidt are still members of this same lodge. The others have either moved away or have passed to the great beyond.
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