USA > Michigan > Bay County > History of Bay County, Michigan, and representative citizens > Part 34
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ST. JAMES CHURCH .- When it was found desirable to divide St. Joseph's congregation, ground was selected on the present site of St. James' Church, and before the close of Septem- ber of that year the new church was dedicated under the patronage of St. James the Apostle. The church continued under the charge of Fa- ther Schutjes until June, 1873, when he was called to Detroit to assist the bishop in the af- fairs of the diocese. His place was filled by the appointment of Rev. Thomas Rafter, a native of Monroe County, Michigan. On December 12, 1884, the church was burned down, and as soon as possible the building of the present house of worship was commenced. The struc- ture is 150 by 75 feet, except the transept, which is about 90 feet wide. The church, which seats about 1,400, was dedicated on Christmas Day, 1886. Its cost, completely furnished, was about $60,000. The present beautiful and commo- dious parochial residence was commenced in 1901 and completed in 1903. Its cost was $12,- 000, exclusive of furnishings. There are about 400 families in St. James' parish. Connected with the parish is one of the largest and best parochial schools in the city, having an attend- ance of 380 pupils. The contract has been let for a new school house to be built of brick. This will be located in the block just south of the church, and will cost about $13,000.
ST. STANISLAUS KOSTKA CHURCH (Po- lish) .- By 1847 the Polish population had grown to such proportions that it became nec- essary to provide for them a separate place of worship. This was especially desirable as few of them had any knowledge of English. Will- iam D. Fitzhugh gave a site for the church, consisting of eight lots at the corner of Farra- gut and 22nd streets. A house of worship cost- ing about $4,000 was erected, and served the church until the spring of 1889. At that time a parochial meeting was held at which it was. decided to replace the frame building with a substantial brick structure. To meet the ex- pense, it was decided that each family of the parish should contribute $50; later this was found to be insufficient and the amount was raised to $60. Work on the new edifice com- menced in 1890, and the church was blessed on July 17, 1892. The structure cost $61,000. The parish at that time was under the charge of Rev. M. Matkowski. He was succeeded by Rev. Anthony Bogacki, who was here only a few months. His successor, Rev. Joseph Le- wandowski, also served a few months as tem- porary pastor.
On January 6, 1900, Rev. Edward Koz- lowski assumed charge of the parish. During his pastorate the debt of $5,000 which he found hanging over the church has been paid; the Sisters' house has been raised to two stories and entirely remodeled; the parochial residence has been raised and put on a stone foundation and renovated and repaired; extensive repairs have been made on the parochial school; electric lights installed in the church at an expense of over $1,000; a new pulpit has been built at an expense of $900; a beautiful main altar with over 800 electric lights has been built at a cost of $4,500, also two side altars at a cost of $2,000; two new confessionals have been built at an expense of $350, and a baptismal font at
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a cost of $400. The towers of the church, which are 175 feet high, have been repaired and strengthened, the outside of the church painted and the crosses regilded with pure gold leaf. The cost of the outside repairs upon the church reached a total of $2,000. In 1904, Father Kozlowski had a new cement walk laid around the entire block. This cost over $1,000.
At present there are in this parish, not counting the missions, 1,300 families. It has therefore been decided to divide the congrega- tion. The old Kinney farm at the corner of Cass and Michigan avenues has been purchased as a site for the new church. The property which measures 600 by 272 feet cost $2,500. Plans are being prepared for the erection of a school and church combined, the cost of which is estimated at $30,000.
A new congregation of Poles has also been organized on the West Side, comprising about So families, and they contemplate erecting a church next year.
During the first three years of Father Koz- lowski's pastorate he had for his assistant, Dr. V. Wiszniewski, who subsequently died on the Island of Trinidad, whither he had gone for his health. His successor was Rev. Joseph S. Kaminski, who was appointed April 17, 1903, and who still remains. He is a young man full of zeal and an earnest worker.
There are about 800 children in the paro- chial school connected with this parish, and be- sides these over 400 attend the public schools for lack of room in the parochial school. There are at present 12 teachers employed in the school. Funds are being collected to build a $30,000 school for this parish.
In 1887, Father Kozlowski, who was then stationed at Midland, started a mission in Beaver township. At that time St. Valentine's Mission, as it was called, comprised 29 families. A school was built, and in this divine services
were held once a month. At the same time he started a mission for Poles in Auburn, and school was held alternately three months in. Auburn and three months in Beaver. In 1889 Father Kozlowski was transferred to St. Jo- seph's Catholic Church in Manistee, and these. two missions were attended by the various pas- tors who were in charge of St. Stanislaus par- ish in Bay City.
When Father Kozlowski was returned to this parish on January 6, 1900, he proceeded immediately to reorganize the Auburn mission. A building site was purchased in Fisherville, two miles west of the old location, and a nice stone and brick church, with accommodations for a school in the basement, was erected. This church was dedicated as St. Anthony's Church, on September 7, 1902. The church is beauti- fully furnished and frescoed. It has three al- tars. The cost of the building was about $10,- 000. Here divine service is held the second Sunday and the last Tuesday of every month. The parish comprises about 75 Polish families. School is held alternately six months in Fish- erville and six months in Beaver. At present there are a few more than 100 children en- rolled in the schools. The Beaver mission has also been reorganized. Plans have been pre- pared for the erection of a new church, larger than the one in Fisherville. It is expected that work on the new house of worship will begin during 1905, the cost of which is estimated at $15,000, including furnishings. It will be of brick and stone.
At Auburn there is also a Catholic mission for those who speak English. This is in charge of Rev. D. Malone, of Midland. The English mission at Pinconning is in charge of Rev. Edward Rasette, and the one at Kawkawlin is ministered to by Rev. Eutrope Langlois, of Linwood.
ST. BONIFACE CHURCH (German) .- The:
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year 1874 saw the organization of St. Boniface parish. The German Catholics of Bay City, believing themselves sufficiently strong in pop- ulation to form an independent parish, set about the work and succeeded.
Up to this time the German population of Bay City, with the people of other races, wor- shiped in St. Joseph's Church. St. Joseph's be- coming too small to accommodate the mixed congregation, the German citizens attended, for a time, St. James' Church. In the year above referred to they organized an independent pa- rish, as suggested by the diocesan authorities.
In 1874 Rev. Presser, D. D., took charge of the new parish. Forty families constituted the population of the parish. At the close of the year Father Presser resigned, and was succeed- ed by Father Rochowski. In 1878 Rev. Jo- seph Ebert was appointed pastor of St. Boni- face Church. This priest labored incessantly to improve the parish and clear off indebtedness. He built the Sisters' Home, Birney street and McKinley avenue. After a pastorate extending 10 years, Father Ebert resigned in 1888, and went south, leaving a great portion of the par- ish debt cleared off.
Rev. John A. Wyss, the present pastor, was appointed February 21, 1888. He rebuilt the interior of the school house, and the Sisters' home was also rebuilt through his energy. A lot at Lincoln and Mckinley avenues was pur- chased by him to enlarge the school grounds. Subsequently he bought another lot on Lincoln avenue to secure increase of ground for the church and parochial residence.
As the old church was being crowded by the increase of the congregation, in 1879, steps were taken to erect a new building and St. John's Benevolent Society was formed to secure funds to help the project. This society, with a determination that is commendable, kept, for 15 years, the purpose for which it was organ-
ized before the people. In 1896 the construc- tion of the new church began, the corner-stone being laid October II, of the same year.
For three years work on the new building continued, and on June 4, 1899, the church was solemnly consecrated. Among those who at- tended were Bishop Richter, of Grand Rapids; Very Rev. Joseph Benning, V. G., and a num- ber of Saginaw and Detroit priests.
At the time of consecration the church was clear of debt, and has the distinction of being the only Catholic Church in the Saginaw Val- ley to be consecrated.
The internal decorations of St. Boniface Church are of a high order. Among the paint- ings representing scenes in the life of Christ and the Apostles are the "Last Supper," "SS. Peter and Paul" and others of the saints. A number of donated windows enhance the cathe- dral-like aspect of the interior.
In 1904 Father Wyss completed a handsome parochial residence, which cost $8,000. The school of the parish of St. Boniface has about 150 pupils in attendance. Father Wyss being superintendent and Sister Alberta of the Do- minican Order, principal. The corps of teach- ers is made up of four Sisters, the principal and the superintendent. English courses are taught as well as German.
After the destruction by fire, in 1904, of the Holy Rosary Academy in Essexville, it was decided to rebuild in the parish of St. Boniface. Accordingly nine lots of land were purchased on Lincoln avenue adjoining the church and parochial residence, and work was commenced at once on a building 100 by 100 feet in di- mensions, to be five stories high, the material being stone and pressed brick. The corner- stone was laid in 1904. The structure will have accommodations for 150 boarding stu- dents, while the class rooms will seat 300 pupils. The academy is exclusively a school for young
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ladies, and besides those who make it their home, it is expected there will be a large at- tendance of pupils living nearby. The struc- ture will cost, it is estimated, $60,000. It will have every modern convenience, including an elevator, and no expense will be spared in adapting it perfectly to the uses for which it is designed.
ST. MARY'S CHURCH (West Side) .- In November, 1873, the building afterward used as a school house was dedicated as a church. The erection of the present house of worship was begun the latter part of May, 1881, and was dedicated on the 30th of November, of the same year, by Rt. Rev. Casper H. Borgess, bishop of the Diocese of Detroit. A very large share of the credit for the erection of this costly and beautiful church is due to Father Schutjes. The parish was set off from Bay City in 1873, and the first pastor was Rev. M. G. Cantors. Father Schutjes was made pastor of this church in the summer of 1880. On March 1, 1888, Rev. Jolin Sanson became assistant pastor, and continued in this capacity until Father Schut- jes returned to Europe, when the former be- came pastor. His successor was Rev. Joseph Schrembs, who was here II years, and was suc- ceeded in October, 1900, by the present pastor, Rev. Edward A. Caldwell. There are about 350 families in the parish. When Father Cald- well took up his duties, he found the present parochial school in course of construction. It is three stories high, and contains eight school rooms, a nice chapel in the basement and an auditorium on the third floor capable of seat- ing 500 people. The school is attended by 390 pupils.
NOTRE DAME DE LA VISITATION (West Side) .- In the early "nineties" the congrega- tion of St. Mary's had become so large that it was decided to divide it, and to organize the French members into another church. Land
was secured at the corner of State and Smith streets, West Bay City, and in the fall of 1895. the work of building the basement of the church was completed. This is of stone. For the past. IO years services have been held in this base- ment. The completed church will cost between $50,000 and $60,000. Of this amount, $10,000 was contributed by St. Mary's Church in ac- cordance with the custom which requires that portion of a divided congregation which retains the property to contribute an equitable share of its value to the new church. When the new French church was organized, Rev. John San- son was appointed its priest, and remained in charge until September 22, 1904, when he was succeeded by the present pastor, Father Poulin. The present fine parochial school building was completed in the early "nineties" at a cost of $10,000. There are now about 500 families in the parish.
ST. JOHN'S CHURCH (Essexville) .- In 1884, Father Rafter started a mission in Es- sexville. At that time he built the present pa- rochial school building, but used it for a tem- porary place of worship until the present St. John's Church was ready for occupancy. Work on this edifice was commenced in 1889, and the church was dedicated in 1894. The church has a seating capacity of about 700. There are about 365 families in the parish. The parochial residence was built in 1888. Rev. Cornelius Roche was the first priest appointed to this par- ish, and he remained until his death by drown- ing, in June, 1901. He was succeeded by Rev. Peter Bresson, who was pastor for two years and nine months. Rev. R. G. Van Rooy, the present priest, became pastor on March 27, 1904.
The Holy Rosary Academy, a boarding school for girls, which is presided over by the Dominican Sisters, was built by them in 1898. This was destroyed by fire on March 12, 1904,
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and on its site a beautiful brick residence for the Sisters is being erected. The building is two and a half stories high and will be completed during the summer of 1905.
In connection with St. John's Church there is also a parochial school in which are enrolled 265 pupils.
SACRED HEART CHURCH (Kawkawlin) .- In 1891 a mission was started here by Father Sanson, and later was continued by Father Schrembs. The parish at that time comprised about 75 families. At first divine services were held in halls. When the mission came under the charge of Rev. Eutrope Langlois in 1894, a frame church was in course of construction. This was completed in 1897, and soon after was destroyed by fire. Father Roche of Essex- ville was next given charge of the mission, and he laid the foundation for a church edifice. After his death, Father Langlois was again ap- pointed to this charge, and he completed the present church which is of brick, and 55 by 85 feet in dimensions. The structure cost be- tween $8,000 and $9,000 and the congregation now has in hand a fund which will nearly pay for a parsonage.
LUTHERAN CHURCHES AND SCHOOLS.
ST. PAUL'S GERMAN LUTHERAN CHURCH (Frankenlust) .- In 1848, when Germany was in the throes of a revolution, Councillor Fred- erick Koch assured the employes of his smelters in Carlshuetten, Province of Franken, Ger- many, that he would secure their future by land purchases in far-off Michigan. His son- in-law, Rev. Ferdinand Sievers, Sr., of blessed memory, led the first flock of emigrants from Franken into the wilderness of Bay county in 1848, creating the colony of Frankenlust. On June 22nd of that year, St. Paul's congrega- tion was organized by Rev. Mr. Sievers and 14
colonists. These pioneers of Bay County erected and joyfully dedicated their first church building the following year. A few years later the log structure was found to be insufficient for the needs of the congregation, and in 1857 a frame church building, in dimensions 70 by 30 by 22 feet was erected and dedicated. This church has been a landmark in Bay County for many years. From the beginning the congre- gation has always maintained a parochial school. Rev. Ferdinand Sievers, Sr., the be- loved father of this congregation, died Sep- tember 9, 1893, having served faithfully for 45 years. His successor was Rev. J. J. Trink- lein, who remained with the congregation un- til the end of 1902. In the spring of the fol- lowing year, Rev. P. Andres, the present pas- tor was called. From time to time many of the younger members of the congregation left to organize new churches at Amelith, Kawkaw- lin, Monitor and Salzburg. St. Paul's Church, which has always belonged to the Lutheran Synod of Missouri, Ohio and other States, numbers 109 voting members. At present the congregation is building a fine brick house of worship at a cost of about $20,000. The cor- ner-stone was laid on April 30, 1905; Rev. J. F. Schinnerer and Rev. L. A. Wissmueller officiated.
ST. JOHN'S GERMAN LUTHERAN CHURCH ( Amelith ) .- In 1850 Councillor Frederick Koch, of Carlshuetten, Province of Fraken, Germany, visited the colony of Frankenlust, sent out by him two years before under his son-in-law, Rev. Ferdinand Sievers, Sr., and arranged for the purchase of all the govern- ment lands adjoining Frankenlust on the south, 80 acres to be set aside for church purposes. This spot was named Amelith, in honor of the birthplace of Mrs. Koch, and on July 25, 1851, the colonists of Frankenlust erected a rude but massive block house at Amelith, to
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serve the double purpose of lodging house for the coming immigrants as well as school and church. The Stengel and Link families came from Rostall in Franken that fall, and erected the first log house near the church. In June 1852 came the Eichinger, Lutz, Schnell, Schmidt, Stephan, Daschlein, Rueger, Burk and Heumann families, who lived in the church until they could erect log houses of their own. On June 24, 1852, Rev. Mr. Sievers conse- crated the little congregation and their house of worship. Eighteen families came from Franken in 1853, and for the next 15 years more colonists settled about Amelith. The older children attended the parochial or dis- trict school at Frankenlust, while Rev. Mr. Sievers taught the little ones, in addition to looking after the spiritual welfare of three widely scattered and growing congregations. Cantor Mueller (1856-57), Guenther ( 1860- 65), Becker ( 1866-68), Kuch ( 1869-71), Taesch (1872-75), J. G. Winterstein ( 1875- 94). J. D. Barthel ( 1894-1901) and Ernst Rolf ( 1901-05) have presided in turn and with splendid results over the parochial school.
Rev. Mr. Sievers served Amelith for 15 years, with short intervals of local supply, but by 1867 the venerable colonist and preacher was obliged to give up this additional charge, and Rev. J. F. Mueller was installed in De- cember, 1867, and for nearly 32 years con- tinued his ministrations. On Trinity Sunday, 1899, he preached his farewell sermon amid the congregation he had served so long and well. Rev. J. F. Schinnerer ; was installed September 15, 1899, and is the present pastor, beloved and esteemed by his congregation. Thus in over 50 years this congregation has had but three pastors, a living evidence of useful cooperation.
In the winter of 1869-70 the colonists gath- ered the material for their present commodious
church, costing $5,000, in addition to the labor of the parishioners, and on November 10, 1870, the new edifice was dedicated. In 1901 the congregation built a new school house at a cost of $1,500. During the 50 years just passed, 925 children were baptized, 562 were confirmed, 183 couples were married, 280 parishioners died, and 24,275 attended communion. This congregation now numbers 740 souls, 450 com- municants, 155 school children and 150 voting members. The annual outlay is $1,500 locally, and $350 for missionary work and the synod. The development of the early colonists and their children's material interests have kept pace with their faithful devotion and their spiritual welfare. On April 30, 1905, this congregation in a body assisted in laying the corner-stone for the new church of their sister colony at Frankenlust.
BETHEL GERMAN LUTHERAN CHURCH was organized October 31, 1852, with 21 members, by Rev. J. Ehrhardt, who was the first pastor. H. C. Hage, I. T. Wespinter and H. Moeller were chosen and ordained presid- ing elders. Until 1855 the church held its services in various halls; but in that year a small house of worship was erected on Wash- ington avenue between Seventh and Eighth streets. This was dedicated in March, 1856, by Rev. C. Volz, who was pastor at that time. This structure was soon enlarged. Rev. Mr. Volz continued as pastor until 1859, from which time until 1861 the church was without a settled pastor. Rev. F. W. Spindless then became pastor and remained with the church two years. His successor was Rev. John Haas, who remained with the church until June, 1865. The church was then without a pastor until September IIth of that year, when Rev. Wil- liam Reuther became their minister. In the spring of 1866 a new church edifice was erected, and the old building was removed to
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the rear and behind the parsonage. The new church was dedicated June 16, 1867. The old church was used as a parochial school building. In June, 1871, the church was supplied with three bells. On October 25th of the same year, church and school house were destroyed by fire. It was then decided to sell the old church ground and to purchase their present site, which comprises three lots on the corner of Madison and Mckinley avenues. Their pres- ent beautiful house of worship was erected in 1872, and was dedicated on November 25th of that year by Rev. William Reuther, and officers of the Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Michi- gan, of which body the congregation is a mem- ber. The church is of brick, 95 by 42 feet, with a steeple 150 feet high, in which two fine- toned bells are hung. On July 22, 1888, a pipe organ costing $1,000 was installed. The pres- ent parsonage, which is the third one the so- ciety has owned, was built in 1891, and at the same time a house for the teacher of the parochial school was built on Farragut street between roth and IIth streets.
In 1883 Rev. Mr. Reuther was succeeded by Rev. O. W. Wuest, who remained with the congregation until April, 1884. In 1884 the church connected itself with the Synod of Wis- consin. The pulpit was then supplied by a student from the seminary of that synod, named E. Steimke. He remained with the church until June, 1885. On March 22, 1885, the church called Rev. J. G. Oehlert, who be- gan his pastoral duties on July 4th of that year. In 1891 he was succeeded by Rev. F. Stromer, who served the church until October, 1900. Rev. E. Klingman was next called, and he took charge in the fall of 1901 and was here until April, 1904. From that time until the last of July, Rev. A. C. Haase of South Bay City supplied the pulpit, and on July 31, 1904,
the present pastor, Rev. F. Thrune, assumed his duties.
It was not until 1887 that the congregation felt able to call a teacher for their parochial school, instruction, in the meantime, having been given by the pastor, as is the custom of this denominatioin. The first teacher was D. Fogel, who was succeeded in 1898 by Prof. F. Siegler, who is still principal of the school, and has one assistant, Miss Bertha Diehl.
EMANUEL GERMAN LUTHERAN CHURCH dates back to the year 1854, six years after Rev. Ferdinand Sievers, Sr., the pioneer of Lu- theran ministers in this county, founded the colony of Frankenlust. By him the little flock in Bay City was served, in connection with his labors for St. Paul's society at Frankenlust, for II years. In 1865, Rev. I. C. Himmler took charge of the society, then numbering about 20 voting members. When he resigned, in the autumn of 1867, there were about 25 voting members in the society. Its property consisted of the lot on the northwest corner of Sixth street and Madison avenue, with a small church building 18 by 30 feet in dimensions and a school house. In July, 1868, the church hav- ing been nine months without a pastor, Rev. J. H. P. Partenfelder, a graduate of the Lu- theran Concordia Seminary at St. Louis, began his ministrations to the congregation. In 1873, the house of worship having become too small, an addition 22 by 30 feet in size was con- structed. The society grew and prospered so that in 1889 it became necessary to build a new church. At that time the present fine structure was erected at a cost of $18,000. The first services were held in the new church in the fall of 1889. The census of the church shows 1,275 souls, 848 communicants and 141 voting members. Rev. Mr. Partenfelder's pastorate was brought to a close by his death on Deceni-
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