Decatur Daily Democrat, Volume 36, Number 197, Decatur, Adams County, 20 August 1938 — Page 6

PAGE SIX

St. Mary’s Church Celebrates Centenary Sunday August 1®

Paulist Choir To Sing At Centenary Mass Here Sunday

Internationally Famous Paulist Choristers 01 Chicago To Sing Mass Sunday Morning. FAME IS WIDE The singing of the mass by thf Internationally famous Paulist Choristers, which, since its organ ization in 1904 has gained wide repute as America’s greatest boy choir, will undoubtedly be one ot the features of the Centenary mass here Sunday, commemorative ot the first mase said in the St. Mary’s church 100 years ago. Father O'Malley, of Chicago, now conducts the choristers. It was first organized in 1904 by Father Finn and remained under his direction for 14 years. It has been heard in every important musical center of this continent and first gained national repute when awarded first prize in the division of boy choirs at the national contest in Philadelphia in 1910. In 1912 the organization made n sensational tour ot Europe and was given a private audience before Pope Pius X. In the same year it gained fame by being awarded the prize in the division of honor in the international competition at Paris. In 1918 the boys toured the United States and Canada, singing 238 concerts in 113 cities for the benefit of stricken France. The group has donated its services to both federal and civic projects. including the Century of Progress at Chicago, the President’s Birthday Ball at Chicago in 1935. Sang For Soldiers During the World War the lads sang for the soldiers and sailors in many training camps throughout the country. It has become generally recognized by competent critics to be one of America’s foremost choirs and one of the world's greatest boy choirs. The choristers are coming to Decatur from a summer camp in Wisconsin and will arrive in the city Sunday morning early, after staying in Fort Wayne overnight Saturday. The mass here was especially written for the Paulist Choristers and was sung by the organization on the European tour in 1912. The group will leave here Sunday evening for Fort Wayne, from where they will leave at 6 p. m. by train to return to Wisconsin. o * List Os Pastors At St. Mary’s Church I From 1838 To 1938 | 1838—Rev. Louis Mueller 1840 — Rev. Joseph Hamion 1841 — Rev. Joseph Rudolph 1842 — Rev. Alphonse Mttchlna (remained but a few months) 1843— Rev. E. M. Faller (built the the first church in 1846) 1852—Rev. B. H. Shulties (first resident pastor) 1856 — No pastor. Fathers Rudolph and Faller again took charge 1857— Rev. Sebastian Gontez 1858— Rev. M. Schneider (here but a short time) 1858 —Rev. Jacob Greyer 1862— to Jan. 1865—N0 pastor Fathers Meyer and Heickman ot St. Mary’s Ft. Wayne attended 1865—Rev. Julius Becks (remained one year) No pastor for eight months

Assistant Pastor a ahbi o. Rev. Father Alvin Jasinski has been assistant pastor of the St. Mary’s Catholic church since late 1937.

: LOCAL PARISH • IS ACTIVE IN RELIGIOUS FIELD Many Men And Women 1 From St. Mary’s Parish e y In Religious Work if a The congregation of the St. if Mary’s Catholic church has not only been a great spiritual asset , to this community but has offeri ed its young men and young woy men that other communities might r also be served. The first priest to be ordained was the Rev. Julius Heffner, C. P. :] P. S. 1 The first young women to take ■ their vows were Sister M. DePazzi 1 and Sister M. Kostka. both entering the Sisters of Providence Com9 munity. Sister M. Kostka. still 1 living, is in her ninetieth year. 9 The complete list of those who t have entered religion from the St. 9 Mary’s parish is: I Priests t Rev. Julius Heffner, C.P.P.S. (the first to be ordained) Rev. Vincent Ehinger, C.P. ’ Rev. Leo Faurote 9 Rev. Leonard Deininger (deceased) R?v. Simeon Schmitt Rev. Ambrose Kohne f Rev. Thomas Durkin Brothers I I Bro. Robert Case, C.P.P.S. Bro. Fred Heiman, C.P.P.S. Bro. Maurige Wertzberger, C.S.C. 9 Bro. Theophane Schmitt, C.S.C. 1 j Bro. Borromeo Malley, C.S.C. 1 Bro. Marinas Ulman. C.S.C. Sister of St. Agnes Sr. M. Aldegundis, (Steigmeyer) Sr. M. Frederica, (Spuller) 1 Sr. M. Isadore, (Schurger) Sr. M. Cleta, (Berling) Sr. M. Odelia, (Nesswald) Sr. M. Anthony. (Lengerich) Sr. M. Linus. (Meyer) Sr. M. Ancilla. (Lengerich) Sr. M. Hildegarde, (Thomas) Sr. M. Veronica. (Heiman) Sr. M. Juliana, (Kohne) 1 Sr. M. Christine, (Schultz) Sr. M. Corrin- (Heiman) Sr. M. Theodora, (Lengerich) Sr. M. Antoinette, (Ehinger) Sr. M. Alexine, (Tanvas) Sr. M. Grace, (Holthouse) Sr. M. Virginia. (Eiting) Sr. M. Celeste, (Schultz) Sr. M. Catherine Marie, (Gase) Sr. M. Carol Marie, (Malley) Sr. Mary Theodore, (Lengerich) Sr. M. Octavia, (Lengerich) .Sr. M. Laurine,. (Smith) Sr. M. Patrice, (Malley) Sr. M. Virgene, (Metzger) Sr. M. Anita, (Eiting) Sr. M. Frances Clare, (Kohne) Sr. M. Dolores, (Holthouse) Sr. M. Etheldreda, (Miller) Sr. M. Ernestine, (Geels) Sr. M. Basilla, (Miller) Grace Miller Sr. M. Angelica, (Smith) deceas- ! ed ‘ Sr. M. Bernadine, (Lengerich) deceased Sr. M. Bertrand, (Laurent) deceased Sisters of the Holy Cross Sr. M. Clara Ann, (Rumschlag) Sr. M. Rose Monica. (Weber) 1 Sr. M. Gabrielita. (Holthouse) Sr. M. Ambrosfne, (Braun) Sr. M. Ligorius, (Heiman) Sr. M. Linus, (Kintz) ’ Sr. M. Redempta, (Lengerich) Sr. M. Eymardine, (Lengerich) Sisters of Providence Sr. M. De Pazzi, (Schurger) Sr. M. Kostka, (Schurger) Sr. M. Ann de Lourdes, (Haefling) Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ Sr. M. Joan. (Schaefer) Sr. M. Carollta. (Bogner) The Poor Clares Sr. M. Paula, (Case) Sisters of Mercy Sr. M. Mechtilda, (Gase) Benedictine Sisters Sr. M. Antonia, (Holthouse) Catechists Eva Alberdlng Mary Dorothy Lengerich Rosella Lengerich 1866 —(in fall) Rev. John Wemhoff 1872—Rev. F. Von Schwedler. 1877—Rev. J. Nussbaum 1880 —Rev. H. Theo. Wilken » 1914—Rev. J. A. Seimetz 1932—Rev. J. J. Seimetz

Present Catholic Church Completed In 1873 -tX I t H *iSnpaflßSbgwßW ■ ,■ U j fr hi 1 liM WER Moir ST ~ j’eSPs IB M "IS- KES' i |r Sir Ml J ■/**. ww . v KB as* ■ 11IW I— i mr.'Hriii 11 hi JWI — m i im i iwi mu • i«himii .■■ —■ —.i ■■■■n. —-i. ■ i iyW* i ■“ irrnMßl . . it? ' - —

The St. Mary's Catholic church of Decatur as it appears today, from the view on fourth street.

St. Mary’s Catholic Church Pioneers Wrote History In Faith, Inspiration, Not In Words For Self Commemoration

In 1936 Decatur celebrated its Centennial. In 1938 the St. Mary's Catholic church celebrates its Centennial. That only two years were necessary in a primitive civilization to - found a congregation which would flourish 100 years is proof of the kind of pioneer stock which has made America great. Twelve men and their families composed the first congregation., Today there are 357 families and 1.595 members. In 1838 there was no church. Today there is a large church, fine school, pastor's home, sisters’ home, playground and cemetery. But the history of the Catholic church isn’t written in number of members or the amount of imposing buildings of brick and concrete. 1 The first members are all dead. The first buildings have made way for larger, better ones. The first cemetery gave place to a more adequate one. The story of the St. Mary’s parish is one of faith — faith in God and men. It was faith that brought; the first settlers to the community and faith which compelled them to band together to found a congregation. Through the years when there was no regular pastor, faith held the original band together and brought more into the fold. Later when the congregation had in-

HIICU me CftatlUll uau *»• J VVUVU nmvn ” . — -— Early Landmarks In Parish History

'J U- iX fl L

(Left) First church and school built in 1946. (Upper right) First rectory built by Father Schulties and third home of Sisters. (Lower right) Sec ond Sisters’ home.

DECATUR DAILY DEMOCRAT SATURDAY, AI'GI’ST 20. 1938.

creased, faith was necessary to build the new churches, schools and cemeteries and perform the many services required by a spiritually progressive congregation. From 1838 to 1938 faith inspired a i long line of outstanding pastors to offer their best to a congregation which raised itself from a wilderness to one of the best I church organizations in the country. Bacause the congregation was more interested in giving service to God and man than in keeping accurate and detailed records for the perpetuation of their own fame, it is impossible to learn many of the facts of the early days of the church. Even the exact date of the saying of the first mass is unknown, it occurred sometime in the Spring ! i of 1938 and was said by the Rev. i Louis Mueller, of Fort Wayne. Credit is due to the dozen men' w’ho with their families formed the nucleus of the present St. I Mary's Parish. These men were Henry Derkes, Henry Minter, Josi eph Smith, Anthony Kohne, Bernard Holthouse, George Fettich, l John Mueller, George Spuller, Timoth Coffee, Daniel Coffee, John Closs and Henry Will. The mass was said in the home of George Fettich which was located where 1

i the Lee Hardware company now ; stands. Other settlers coming to this part of the country located in or near Decatur because of the faith and inspiration of these dozen men who established a church. Others followed, each adding more or less to the spiritual assets of the church. Members left the congregation to carve out high honors for themselves and their homes. Those who remained offered distinguished public and civic service to their community and brought honor to their church. The faith of the first dozen men was no greater than that of the congregation today which is courageously facing a new century with new problems. o High School Students In Spiritual Council The Spiritual Council is composed of all members of the high school. It has monthly meetings at which the little office of the Blessed Virgin is recited. I At these meetings a paper is read on some item of interest pertaining to the church and its history. It has provided and supplies a pamphlet rack with pamphlets of 1 latest interest.

17MC1 St. Mary’s Catholic Church K Will Observe Centennial 0| Saving Os First Mass Sundß

Centennial Program SUNDAY. AUGUST 21, 1938 Solemn High Mass 10:00 O’clock A. M. (C.S.T.) Coram Eplscopo MOST REV. JOHN FRANCIS NOLL. D. D. Bishop of Fort Wayne Sermon REVEREND THOMAS J. TRAVERS Pastor St. Mary’s Church. Anderson. Ind. Choir THE PAULIST CHORISTERS Chicago, Illinois Rev. Eugene F. O'Malley, 0.5. P.. Director 1 Ecce Sacerdos Magnus J- Lewis Browne (Written for the Paulist Choir and sung by this organization on the European tour in 1912) 2. Asperges Me ® Brien 3. Proper of the Mass 4. Ordinary of the Mass a Kyrie (Missa Brevis) Palestrina b. Gloria tMissa Brevis) — Palestrina c. Credo (III) Gregorian d. Sanctus. Benedictus and Agnus Dei (Mass of St. Gregory) Sir Richard Terry 5. Offertory Motet. Emltte Spiritum Tuum Sehuetky c>. Motet at the Last Gospel, Ave Maris Stella Farrant 7. Hymn to Christ the King Congregation 8. Recessional Hymn. The Son of God V, hitney SUNDAY EVENING Benediction of Blessed Sacrament. 7:00 P. M. Program and Reception After Evening Service, in School Auditorium Monday, August 22, 1938 Solemn Requiem High Mass, 8:00 A. M. (C.S.T.) for Deceased Members and Benefactors Tour of the City by visiting Sisters Noon basket dinner of visiting Sisters and members of the parish at Sunset Park.

CHURCHES GROW WITH PROGRESS OF COMMUNITY Rev. J. J. Seimetz Is Rei ligious Leader In Community The growth ot the churches of i the community has been progressing hand in hand with the progress of the community. Since the St. Mary’s Catholic | church, which was organized here shortly after the city of Decatur, was founded, it has kept pace step by step with the city and ityMaintenance of this cooperative growth is made possible by a blending of thv church into community life and a melting of the heartbeat of the community into the activities of the church. As for the Rev. Father Joseph J. Seimetz, who has not only led his parish with an unmatched zeal and fervor, since he was first assigned here, it can be said that he found time from his abundance of duties to aid in the furtherance of social and civic life in the community. Father Seimetz is known throughout the city and county as one of its public spirited citizens. Father Seimetz was one of the local leaders, who worked feverishly for months previous to the celebration to insure the success of the Decatur Centennial in 1936. commemorating the 100th birthday ot the city. He has been active in the Holy Name society and in the Knights of Columbus. It was he who established the annual St. Mary’s pic-' nic at Sun Set park, which has rapidly grown each year, and attracted hundreds from the county, including those of all religious faiths and professions. At all times thinking of thei spiritual well-being of the congregation, Father Seimetz has not forgotten the recreational needs of its families and the feeling of fellowship and companionship that is so essential to the growth and prosperity of each community. The Centenary mass of the St. Mary’s Catholic church has long been one of the foremost amblotlns of Father Seimetz and for him it is expected to carry an added feeling of satisfaction and a thought of work well done in administering to the spiritual needs of the community. o Vital Statistics Os The St. Mary’s Catholic Church ♦ ♦ Baptisms 3465 First Communions 2568, Confirmations 2496 Marriages 675 Funerals — 1153 Families 357 Souls 1595

Assistant Pastors Who Have Served At St. Mary’s Church | 1896-1900 —Rev. John Blum 1900-1904—N0 assistant i 1904-1905 —Rev. L. Eberle 1 1905-1906—Rev. John Steger 1906-1910 —Rev. Geo. Angermaier 1910-1912—Rev. Wm. Flaherty ( 1912-1914—Rev. E. J. Freiburger i 1914-1920 —Rev. Anthony Kroeger 1920-1926 —Rev. Otto Peters 11926 —Rev. Theo. Fettig 1926- —Rev. Francis Liebert 1926-1930 —Rev. Joseph HesTion 1930-1937—Rev. Joseph Hennes 1937 —Rev. A. Jasinski o SINGLE LADIES IN SODALITY St. Agnes Sodality Has Present Enrollment Os 125 Members The St. Agnes Sodality of the St. Mary's Catholic church today includes in its membership every single girl and lady of the parish, who after leaving school, is no longer a member of the Children of Mary Sodality or the Students Spiritual Council. The Sodality has an enrollment of 125 members, five more than in 1921 when the first records were kept in the order. Each member pays yearly dues, which are used to establish a fund tor furnishing flowers for the alI tars and pay for the altar breads , used at the Holy Sacrifice of the ? Mass and Holy Communion. Vestments have also been donated. Mary Alberding was the first president in 1921; Marie Gass the first secretary, and Rose Nesswald the first treasurer. The St. Agnes Sodality is now headed by Miss Rose Steigmeyer as president, Miss Helen Colchin as secretary and Miss Annette Lengerich as treasurer.

Former Catholic School Heads ' * ‘ V k \ ® (Left) Sister M. Aloysia, Superior 1881 to 1919. (K*.- 11 Vera, Superior from 1920 to 1926 and 1928 to 1934.

-— — (hitdo.-.r Held Sunday In < First Mass. H TO SIS .. i .r ur i-; i. a ..... - coniplcii il tuilav. Bl Th " = th1 Ta .)! ■ Tin- i-t.--liers nf thi , . ti'p I . , been ordained to the pr:«H The members of the I Columbus ami the alur ■ form the L-Uani -f ir I fl ‘ morning services. BM Sunday Dinner Sunday noun ladies church will serve dinner to SB iting clergy an 1 choir in the scliool hoasSunday evening a short JerS consisting of the ii-t. Blessed Sacrament will be ' the church at 7 p. m., and 1 followed at S p. ni. by a ■ and reception in the the Catholic high school. IB A solemn high mass will Monday morning in the 13 o'clock. At 9 o'clock a tourM 1 city is to be made by the Sisters. Monday noun a baskM iiier will be served at Sun for the visiting Sisters anlM i bers of the congregation. ■ I Committee In Charge ■ The committee in I the Centennial is headed M I Rev. J. J. Seimetz, pastor ■ , church, and H. I’. Iman of the laymens Other members are: ■ I Finnace committee; chaM the late H. F. Ehinger; T. FJ 9 ker. Joseph Laurent. M- A KB y August Heiman and J. L '-J f ! Publicity committee: ArtW I Holthouse, chairman; R.CEB Arrangements committee. ■ ’! Baker, chairman; Herman ■ 9 Cornelius Geimer, Leo Kohn« s cellus Miller and Frank C.mß Decorations committee, rfl t Niblick, Clayson Carroll. Be .■ Francis Wertzberger. B 1 ” I ' Pupils In Children J Os Mary bodß The boys and rls of I t to the eighth grades indue | > members of the chll r - Sodality. At the mon’hl of the Sodality, parts of tne j t of the Blessed Virgin are J j ! Each month one of the g I I . charge of the program I I meeting. . 1 ' i Its main work is to 1 • the needs of the choir. 1 . it supplies the s books and music. It has < ■ other