USA > Pennsylvania > Adams County > Conewago in Adams County > Conewago : a collection of Catholic local history : gathered from the fields of Catholic missionary labor within our reach. > Part 6
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When the Society of Jesus was reorganized under its rules in this country, a number of Jesuits from Europe joined its ranks. In Russia the Order was protected and it existed there when more or less suppressed and expelled from the other countries. "That good Franciscan of the Vatican," said Frederick the Great of Pope Sixtus V., from whom the brief of suppression had been wrung,-(compulsus feci ! com- pulsus feci !) -- " leaves me my dear Jesuits, who are persecut- ed everywhere else. I will preserve the precious seed, so as to be able one day to apply it to such as may desire again to cultivate this rare plant.'
Cone wago received a part of this precious seed. Fathers Adam Britt and Michael Joseph Byrne were priests from White Marsh, Russia, and were among Father De Barth's assistants. Father Britt was stricken with paralysis while on the altar, and was carried to his room. He died July 8th, 1822, in his SIst year, after receiving all the rites of the church. Father Byrne died March 28th, 1823, and was bur- ied on the 30th. He was a missionary in the city of Lancas- ter, and was aged forty-six years. Fathers Larhue and Divin were also assistants about 1822, but of them we know noth- ing more.
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FROM FR. LEKEU TO FR. ENDERS.
There is never any rest for man in this world, no matter how long his life nor how successful his works. We are speaking of laborers, those who have been brought up busy and active at any employment. If old age or infirmity com- pels rest and retirement, it turns into weariness and unrest that betokens approaching dissolution. So with the Fathers who had grown old in the service of the church at Conewago. They always found something to do, and were ever planning some means of temporal and religious improvement for the community. Not one of them but what he had to be pur- suaded that it was necessary he should be relieved of his active duties and take the rest which age demanded, and even then compliance was only in response to authority, sacredly and religiously observed for a life-time. Poor Fathers, they loved their household as parents love their family, and their only desire was to care for it to the end. )
The people of the valley at present would be surprised could they see Conewago as it was yet in 1830, and along there. Dense woods extended all around. These furnished timber for all the improvements that have since been made. The large tract of woodland reaching back to the Keagy property, and about the last belonging to the Chapel farms, was cleared out some years ago and used in the building of O'Bold's large barn, and in the new house and barn of the third church farm, on the Hanover road. We can only guess at the dates when the farm buildings were erected and the church improvements made. The old stone house, torn down when the present dwelling of James Devine was built, was probably the work of Father Pellentz ; as also the old brick barn ; for this can be called the homestead on the church property. There stood several small houses along the hill, that were built in the beginning of this century. Father En-
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ders, in his time, removed an old briek house and built a new one, in which Henry Kaehler lived, now occupied by his widow and sons. Henry Kaehler was a "faithful servant " at the church for a number of years, and his sons, especially Joseph, sneceeded him, attending to the stables, the grape arbor, and such work. The brother attends to the garden. Father En- ders also tore down an old log house at the foot of the hill and built a new one, now used by the Fathers until the re- pairs of their house adjoining the church are finished. The house and barn on the second church farm, occupied by the Smalls for a number of years, were probably built by Father Lekeu, or near his time.
Father Matthew Lekeu received power of attorney from Father Neale, to manage his estate at Conewago, July 24th, 1828, just about the time Father De Barth left. He must then already have been acting as Superior of Conewago .- Father Lekeu is still well remembered by many people who went to instructions to him in their childhood. The missions grew and prospered during his management, and substantial improvements were made at Conewago, in the church and on the farms. In many respects he was " too good and easy," and when he was taken away, Father Lilly was sent on to straighten up business matters and adjust accounts. Father Matthew Lekeu was a native of Belgium, born 1788, entered the Society in 1816, and became a priest about 1823. About 1843, he was stationed at Newtown, Md. Shortly after that he sailed for his native land, where he died some years later. His name is pronounced "Leck-eu ;" the German element pronounced his name short, " Leckie." He wrote his name Lekeu.
The sketch of the church written about this time, between 1828 and 1830, says Father Lekeu was assisted by Fathers Kohlman and Dougherty, S. J., " under whose administration the congregation appears in the following truly prosperous and flourishing condition : If we look at the natural advan- tages which the beautiful valley of Conewago presents, in re-
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gard to fertility of soil, healthfulness of climate, profusion of all kinds of produce. and the artificial improvements of towns, villages, mills and other water works, together with a ready market, we cannot but place it among the most prosperous settlements in the Union. Yet gratifying as these advantages may appear, when the congregation as a body is taken in a religious point of view, it must afford matter of still more sin- cere and edifying congratulation. The number of communi- cants at Conewago Church is supposed to be about 2400, and taking into consideration the number of infants [children], the whole number of Catholics may be estimated at between 3000 and 4000. This congregation was originally composed of the adjoining places of Littlestown, Gettysburg, Mountain Church, Carlisle, York and Brandt's in Pigeon Hills ; but as small churches have been erected in each of the above places, they may now he properly considered as branches emanating from the principal or parent congregation of Conewago,- more especially as three of said places still resort to Conewa- go on great festivals, York and Carlisle having been allowed a separate priest, and also Pigeon Hills-Brandt's Chapel,- they may now be considered as separate congregations, under the pastoral care of Rev. Mr. Dween (probably Divin,) and Father Beschter."
Of the assistants of Father Lekeu, little is recorded. C. Paulus Kohlman, S. J., was a brother of Anthony Kohlman. They were distinguished priests. Father Michael Dougherty was born in Ireland, and made great sacrifices to enter the Society. The Provincial particularly recommended him to the care and kind treatment of his Superiors. He was a val- uable laborer at Conewago, and at the neighboring missions. He was born Aug. 15th, 1791 ; died Aug. 27th, 1863, at Con- ewago. Ferdinand Helias, S. J., labored several years at Conewago, and was then sent to Missouri. The name of Rev. J. Randanne appears about this period, but he was probably among the priests called to Conewago by the Sulpitian Semi- mary at the Pigeon Hills, near New Oxford. Priests also came
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down from Mount St. Mary's, and during vacation some priests and students would make the trip on foot ; thus we find such names as Brute, Dubois, Gildea, Elder, O'Brien, and others connected with Conewago.
During the latter part of Father Lekeu's ministry, he was assisted by Fathers Barber, Kendler, Steinbacher, Besch- ter, Zacchi, Tuffer, Gibbons, Villiger, Hatting, Cotting, and others. Father Virgil II. Barber has a very interesting per- sonal history, and we shall give a fuller account of his life further on. In the history of the other mission churches we shall find some particulars regarding the labors of these priests. Father Cotting built the church at Gettysburg, and attended Paradise and Littlestown a while. Fathers Beschter and Zacchi served Paradise church for a time. Rev. John W. Beschter died there Jan. 6th, 1842, and he was buried at Conewago. He was for many years a zealous missionary in Pennsylvania and Maryland; a man of a kind and good- natured disposition, and was much esteemed by all who knew him.
July 19th, 1844, an ordination was performed at George- town, D. C., by Archbishop Eccleston, at which Messrs. Michael Tuffer, Milesins Gibbons and George Villiger, of the Society of Jesus, received the sub-deaconship. On the day following they were ordained deacons, and ou the 22d were promoted to the dignity of the priesthood. Conewago was their first field of labor.
While Father Lekeu was Superior he had pews placed in the church, of a more comfortable make than the old-time seats. He made other improvements around the church and on the farms. He had some friends in France who were in good circumstances, and they sent him a number of valuable presents, among them a fine set of vestments and a rich chime of bells. Father McElroy had at the same time procured a bell for his church, at Frederick. His bell and Father Lekeu's chimes were taken together from Baltimore to Frederick. Mr. John Lilly was sent with his wagon from Conewago to
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Frederick for Father Lekeu's bells. When he arrived there Father McElroy had them already in use, and the single bell was sent to Conewago. It is said that Father Lekeu did not like the exchange, but this old bell has rendered much valu- able service, and from its lofty place in the belfry of the new spire it may call the faithful to the service of the church for a century or more to come.
Father Nicholas Steinbacher, S. J., succeeded Father Lekeu as Superior of Conewago, about 1843. He is said to have been a man of great determination of purpose, and a very pious priest. He made considerable improvement in the interior of the church. He had it painted by an artist from Philadelphia, Mr. Monaschei, who also painted some of the beautiful pictures still on the walls, and made paintings for some of the mission churches. A brother of Father Stein- bacher was building a church at Lancaster at the same time, and called upon him for help at Conewago, but this Father told him he had all he could do to pay for his own under- takings. Father N. Steinbacher was afterwards pastor of St. Mary's Church, Erie, Pa. The pleasure of writing a history of old Conewago is turned into regret, for the want of fuller records. Many of the priests have to be passed by with the mere mention of their name, for there is nothing to show where they came from or where they went to, and no dates to go by. Rev. Joseph Enders succeeded Father Steinbacher as Superior of Conewago, in 1847.
THE WORK OF FATHER ENDERS.
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People who become dearly attached to a man, through personal friendship or on account of successful accomplish- ments in whatever interests them, are apt to think that after
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him, no more such able leader and great and good man can be found. This is a pleasing delusion, but the grandest tribute that friend can pay to a friend, or inferior to superior. His- tory is filled with such delusions, and the world has learned by many a sad lesson that no matter how great and eminent the man in any profession, work or calling in life, there is always someone to take his place and continue what he may have begun. Soldiers, statesmen and rulers ; learned prelates of the church, men of fame in the arts and sciences-all have shared but the common end of nature, yet the world moves on as fast and unconcerned to-day as if the whole universe was the work of its hand for time and eternity.
On the same principle, the good people of Conewago from time to time are favored with a Superior so kind and well beloved, such an able manager and successful laborer, that surely they say his equal will never again be had. How little did the dear friends of Fathers De Barth and Leken ex- peet Conewago to be blessed with such good old priests again ! The young carpenter priest who was appointed Superior in 1847, became not only such a blessing, but a greater benefac- tor, and as noble a father and kind a pastor as any found in the annals of the church. Father Enders ! Go from one end of the extensive parish of Conewago to the other, and from old and young, rich and poor, nothing will be heard but words of praise and fondest expressions of remembrance for Rev. Joseph Enders, who was truly a father to all. The work of his hands will attest his love and devotion for Conewago when the generations now springing up shall have passed away and be known no more. The congregation is larger and more prosperous than ever ; the church farms are better cultivated, and improved with substantial buildings; the Church of the Sacred Heart is well preserved and greatly enlarged, with handsome spire, marble altar and rich interior adornments ; but better than all this perishable work was the saintly life, - in patience, humility, charity and resignation, -- of this faith-
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ful servant, which we may hope has brought him into his eternal reward. In that communion of saints which reaches to the throne of the Most High, we trust to be remembered in the prayers of those who only lived, labored and prayed for these entrusted to their charge here below.
The want of a larger church was already felt at Conewa- go in Father De Barth's time. There is a drawing of a pro- posed improvement preserved from 1828. It contemplated additions on each side of the main building, crowned with turrets and centre spire, like many of the great churches of Europe. The first thought of Father Enders when he came to Conewago was to enlarge the church or to build a new one in some other part of the parish. There was no church then at Hanover, New Oxford nor Bonneauville. Meetings were held at Conewago and at the principal surrounding points .- The Rt. Rev. Bishop and the Very Rev. Father Provincial were consulted, and their opinions announced to the congre -. gation. Their views were the same as those of the Superior himself and the largest part of the congregation, all agreeing that it would be best to enlarge the Conewago church. Hav- ing thus decided what to do, Father Enders made every pre- paration to begin the work. At a meeting of the congrega- tion, it was decided to appoint a building committee, and the appointment was left to Father Enders. He selected Jacob Dellone, Jacob Smith, Henry Reily, Charles Will and John Busbey, representing the different sections of the parish ; they met and elected Father Enders Chairman and Treasurer .- Subscription papers were drawn up on the 10th day January, 1849, and from that time the work went on successfully to its completion in 1851. The enlargement was in cross-form, 45 feet wide to transept,-which is 85 feet, -- 125 feet in depth and 38 feet high. The Sanctuary and part of the old church had to be removed. The new part then covered the oldest part of the graveyard, where several of the priests had been buried. Thus of the eight or ten Fathers buried there, there is no mark left, except of those buried since the enlarge-
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ment, whose remains were placed in vaults, and inscriptions added. When the foundations for the furnaces were dug, parts of some priests' vestments were discovered. The heat of the furnace now almost necessitates the removal of the vaults from under the altar.
The church was consecrated by Rt. Rev. Bishop Kenrick, of the Diocese, Aug. 15th, 1850, assisted by seven priests and some scholastics. The sermon was delivered by the Rev. President of Mt. St. Mary's College.
The old church having been adorned with rare paintings, it was necessary that the new part should be made to corres- pond in interior decorations. Francis Stecher, a young Ger- inan artist who had already gained some reputation as a painter, was engaged, and to his skill and taste Conewago is indebted for the beautiful adornment of its walls. The artist returned to Europe to further prosecute his studies, and visit his parents, but died there soon after his arrival. He certain- ly gave promise of great fame as an artist, and Conewago may well hold his name in grateful remembrance.
Father Enders continued Superior until 1862, when he was sent to Leonardtown, St. Mary's County, Md., where he acted as Superior and built a church. There were a number of priests at Conewago while Father Enders was Superior, but no dates can be given, and only such names as memory hands down to us. Rev. F. X. Deneckere came with Father Enders and spent the greater part of his life on the Conewago missions. Fathers Enders, Deneckere and Manns, constituted a happy family, and labored together for many years. Father Manns survives, and is still at Conewago. He came in 1862. Fathers Villiger, Cotting, Dougherty, Kreighton, Dietz, Rieter, Ilaller, and others, served from time to time at Conewago.
Rev. J. B. Cattani succeeded Father Enders as Superior about 1860 or 1862. His death-record says he was a Bavar- ian, born Aug. 30th, 1805, and died at Conewago Ang. 31st, 1865. Father Burchard Villiger probably succeeded him as Superior, assisted by Fathers Deneckere, Mauns, Domperio,
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Tuffer, and others. Rev. J. J. Bellwalder was Superior about 1869. There is nothing special to record during these years. The church-work was carried on at home by several of the Fathers, while others were out on the missions on Sundays and holidays, and whenever duty called them.
FATHER ENDERS RETURNS.
In 1870 or 1871, Father Enders was returned to Cone- wago as Superior. He was then beginning to suffer from the infirmities of increasing years, especially from an ulcerous sore on his leg, which caused him great pain to the end of his life. Though getting old in years, his mind and energy were as vigorous as in former days, and he began the work of church improvement at Conewago with his characteristic ear- nestness. In 1873, he had the old cupola removed and the present attractive spire erected. It is 80 feet in height from the comb of the roof, and is surmounted by a beautiful gilt cross, that can be seen for many miles around. The builder was Elias Roth, of New Oxford. From the upper windows of the spire a wide view of the country may be obtained .- Many of the neighboring towns are visible, and the country extending into Maryland and along the mountains to the north and west. On a clear day late in the fall, Father Den- eckere was sure he could see some of the Mt. St. Mary build- ings. He had a small telescope, and took great pleasure in viewing the valley from this high ground.
Father Enders made many improvements around the church. He built the two school houses, one on each side of the churchyard, when he was here the first time, and had the iron railing erected. He also enlarged the kitchen buildings, had the water brought up from a spring at the bottom of the
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hill, and put hot and cold water through the house, supplied from a large tank on the kitchen attic. The water was first forced up by hydraulic pressure, then by a system of water works, and now by a patent wind mill, which also grinds the mill feed and saws the wood. He planted a large vineyard after his return, and made great quantities of wine. Father Enders hardly knew an idle moment.
From the time the church was enlarged by Father En- ders, he never gave up the thought of one day erecting in Conewago Chapel a marble altar. The church was otherwise a model of architectural beauty, but in this particular there was a noticeable want. This last object of his life was accom- plished in 1877, when he himself went around through the parish soliciting contributions towards its payment. It is a beautiful piece of art and workmanship, and cost about $2000. The contractor was John Barth, Bel Air Avenue Marble Works, Baltimore, at one time a marble cutter in one of the school houses at Conewago. Its architecture corresponds with that of the church, being of the Romanesque or Com- posite order. The altar is seventeen feet in width, and thir- teen and a half feet in height. The ante-pentium is formed in a crypt, supported by four columns. The marble used is Italian, Spanish, Portuguese and Tvrolese, and in its combi- nation taste and skill have brought out the work in all its grandeur. The Tabernacle is of Carrara marble, with col- umns copied from those found at the ruins of Palmyra. At each end of the altar there is a pedestal, surmounted with a capital, having on its face the head of a cherub, and on each side of the Tabernacle is placed a worshiping angel.
At this period, Father Enders had a new roof put on the church, the pews repainted, and statues placed in the niches in the walls, vacant since the building of the new part. SS. Ignatius and Aloysius are on the side of the Blessed Virgin's altar, and St. Francis Xavier and Blessed Peter Claver on St. Francis' side. The church was also re-painted about 1880, and the outside walls repaired by pointing, to keep out the
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rain which had begun to show through on the inside and dam- aged the paintings.
Father Enders was assisted principally by Fathers Den- eckere and Manns up to 1880. Father Deneckere attended Paradise, Oxford and Littlestown until his death, Jan. Sth, 1879. Father Manns attended the schools, the Sisters in Mc- Sherrystown and St. Joseph's Church, Hanover. Father Emig took charge of the Hanover church sometime before 1880, and is still its pastor. Father George Villiger succeeded Father Deneckere at Littlestown in 1879. He died at Cone- wago Sept. 20th, 1882. and was succeeded by Father Renaut ; shortly after that the Littlestown church, founded by Father Pellentz and Gallitzin, was given over to the Bishop of the Diocese.
. In 1880, Rev. Peter Flannigan was at Conewago, and Father Archambault attended Oxford and Paradise : Father Richards is now pastor of these places. Fathers Jamieson, Casey, Dufour, and others, were at Conewago for a short time about 1880 and after.
The crowning point in the religious life of Rev. Joseph Enders, was the celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of his priesthood, at Conewago, Aug. 15th, 1881. He himself was the celebrant of a Grand High Mass, with Father Casey as Deacon, Father Brennan Sub-Deacon, Father Archambault orator, and Father Emig master of ceremonies. The church was filled even to the aisles. The altar was specially decor- ated for the occasion, and the music prepared for the same. It was a happy day for all, and Father Enders received a number of presents to commemorate his golden jubilee, be- sides the congratulations and well wishes of thousands of his loving children. He was right feeble then already, and had to be supported by a chair on which to rest his afflicted leg, and more or less attended by the Brother while on the altar. He went to the hospital several times, but could only obtain temporary relief. He continued to say Mass to the last, though the book and everything had to be arranged for him.
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He was removed to Frederick in Feb., 1884, where his declining days could be made more easy. He could not reconcile himself to the change, except in obedience and resignation which he had followed all his life ; but his nature wanted active work and duty to which it was accustomed by years of labor. He complained that now he was of no use, and seemed ready and willing to be dismissed in peace like the servant of old. He died at the Novitiate, Frederick, Sept. 10th, 1884, in his 77th year, full of merits and good works. To the last his thoughts were of his old home at Conewago, where he hoped to die and be buried, but alas ! the measure of his reliance upon the will of God had to be full. Conewago ! Conewago ! you have lost the best of Fathers, who only lived for God and His children. Gratitude should have prompted you to have gone to the very gates of the Society and begged the remains of your faithful Superior, carried them home like bereaved sons and daughters as you are, deposited them where his feet loved to stand, and kept his life and virtues in grateful remembrance, unto succeeding generations.
Father P. Forhan succeeded Father Enders as Superior of Conewago in June, 1883. He came from Frederick, and was stationed at Washington, Baltimore, and other places in Maryland during his former ministry. He is assisted at Conewago by Fathers Mans and Haugh; Father Richards at New Oxford and Paradise ; Father Emig at Hanover.
Here we leave the Conewago Chapel history. It might have been much fuller had we not been compelled to write it while conducting other business, and away from Conewago ; or had there been sufficient interest elsewhere to aid us in the work. Sketches of the Fathers, and scraps of local history which the want of time prevented a record in their proper place, will be given hereafter just as they come.
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