Decatur Daily Democrat, Volume 36, Number 197, Decatur, Adams County, 20 August 1938 — Page 7

Door Service To Be Feature Os IQOth Anniversary

■ o Jern Catholic School Far ■fry From Frame Building Os ■ The Early Days In This City

Regarded One <>! important Phases Religi'Hi' laic 1° Parish. K-hool histoid ML... » :m» lh-h«‘S hard Hf-.,' i-i Detain’ 1,1 " ll " 1 MK: ■R -■ " ", taught W" diiU'h I'UI4H» ill TN' 1 mln'' 1 ! "- ,s li’ i'l , liun c >S73 tin old frame UJ . :;?•-! ill,pl ot the parish. ,!!iM w '" !d IK,. in I's il' al l. tl"' carp.; n LS’J »!;••• |K.,. . aa.iis 1K:..„ •• - t'i'ifirs! teachers of the old IHg. : K-r:,- J-!;:: U '.i- k and |Kc ' |Kp.. iV. z■K fwt School In 1880 M' ( ,1 ~ ll|b> '■ Ao s i 'v ' tjk. . I.me- of the ■r ’. two robins Mas-. ■ » .i'll’ ' .. . when the Rev. J. A. ■ » was aibb d t.. cut —’ h 1. el ■’ offered only a grade MkN'M'i In 191 U the four al Mie: : lie n.'idort'. school ■ and ready for oc■KJ.Ttesihoo! had previousMm affiliated with the Cathol■weyy 11 Ann ri< a. Washing- ' ■ d Cm 1922. school term. the. ■nr Catholic high school had | ■«t>llment of 104 and the St. , ■pi grade - ho 1 an enrollment ■f The present teaching staff K** 0114 Sisters. In 1935 the 1 K granted a continuous ‘ ■ttiMi by the state. the history of the 1 ■>!' special mention of Mother ■toysia is always inscribed as part in its growth and HF*' She guided the school as Mor from ISSI to 1919. Sr. I Pera is also accredited with for the prestige kti by the high school. ■*? the school offers religious, I t business and '-locfal training, | ,e| l as varied forms of recre- * and sports to the scores who, each year. Thus from the. • ‘lass in the frame church, I •“me the present institution I in ? among the children of Parish

upon tb'

' — — ", —.——— — St. Joseph’s Cemetery A Beauty Spot — % . -J afetajMa t>i ** 1 idk mw kuiMft' jwA : Az'aTsSSL* —— “-—" bi /. — l iirrt^'iiffiinw i EjftS ■»••■»' T k ’1 —K» t isu?HC ,^a.^r^'‘, *' r .*t3ty jT 1 jJ■ *B.'«. *« I i Cruci, 'xlon Scene and Outdoor Altar Graves of Father Wilken and Father J. A, Seimetz

’ 247 MEMBERS OF K. OF 0. Decatur Council Os i Knights Os Columbus I Founded In 1905 — The present Decatur council of ' the Knights of Columbus has an 1 enrollment of 247 members. The council was first organized in May, 1905 by District Deputy Ewing of 1 South Bend. ' The Rev. J. A. Seimetz, then 1 pastor of the church here, preached the morning service. The charter members of the 1 Knights of Columbus were: F. H. Barthel. D. D. Clark, J. 11. Starost. Peter Gaffer, H. H. BremLmerkamp, C. N. Christen, John Lose, Sr., Frank Heiman, P. M. ‘ Oldigus, C. D. Meibers, A. H. Brernmerkamp. R. J. Holthouse. E. L. Carroll, J. C. Morgan, E. ' X. Ehinger. H. J. Yager, Leo Yag--1 er. Jr., S. J. Hain, D. M. Niblick. ’ Lawrence Meyers. C. P. Ehinger, C. J. Voglewede, B. J. Smith, C. S. Niblick, C. V. Connell. ' H. F. Costello, John Baker, Leo 1 Yager, Sr., Thomas Haefling. J. R. Niblick, M. J. Mylott, A. Schurger, H. E. Keller, D. D. Coffee, W. ' A. Kuebler, D. Schmitt, P. J. Hyland. L. A. Holthouse. John Smith, Nicholas Miller, Oswald Wemhoff. Ed Meyers, Albine Smith, D. P. Yager, T. C. Corbett, L. F. Martin. J. F. McKenna, P. K. Kinney, J. 11 Yager. Fourth Degree The Decatur assembly of the Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus was organized March 17, 1912. Forty-four members are enrolled in the order today. The first members were: H. F. Costello. Dynois Schmitt, E. X. Ehinger, M. J. Mylott, J. J. Berling, H. J. Yager, C. H. Christen, D. M. Niblick. B. J. Smith, C. J. Voglewede and D. D. Clark. OYO GROUP IN PARISH ACTIVE Catholic Youth Organization First Organized Here In 1936 The Catholic Youth Organiza-, . tion today has membership of 112. It was first organized in 1936, com- j posed of young people no longer at-1 tending school. Its alm. in keeping with the program of the national organization, is to keep in touch with the youth : and hold the interest above all in ithe church. For this purpose it fosters religious, cultural, social and athletic , programs. James Murphy. Jr., was the first president of the CYO. Other offi-' cers were : Fern Bierly, vice-presi-1 dent; Mary Margaret Voglewede, 1 secretary; John Schurger, treasur-

DECATUR DAILY DEMOCRAT SATURDAY, AUGUST 20, 1938.

er and the Rev. Joseph J. Hennes, spiritual director. The present organization is headed by Charles Omlor, Jr., as president; Rosemary Miller, viceI president; Mary Martha Terveer, secretary; Patrick Murphy, treas- . urer and the Rev. Alvin Jasinski, i spiritual director. CREDIT IS DUE :| TEACHING STAFF fl Sisters Deserve Honor 1 For Progress Os St. Joseph’s Schoo! J - Much of the credit for the pro- . gress of the St. Joseph’s school is ’ due to the sisters who have labor--1 ed long hours for the advancement • of their pupils. Following is a list of the superiors of the school: 1881-1919—Mother M. Aloysia, ' C.S.A. 'I 1919-1926 —Sr. M. Augusta, C.S.A. •' 1920-1926—Sr. M. Vera, C.S.A. ■ [ 1926-1928—Sr. M. Roberta. C.S.A. 1928-1934—Sr. M. Vera, C.S.A. ’| 1934—Sr. M. Rosemary, C.S.A. Present Teaching Staff The present teaching staff is: i I High School ’! Sr. M. Rosemary, C.S.A., princi- i pal. mathematics. • I Sr. M. Agnes Terese. C.S.A., I ' chemistry, biology. Latin, health. Sr. M. Agnes, C.S.A., ■ German. Sr. M. Fidelis, C.S.A., social ‘ studies. Sr. M. Albertonia. C.S.A., com-, mercial subjects. Sr. M. Patricia. C.S.A., music. Grade School 1 ! Eighth grade— Sr. M. Lucile, C.S.A. | Seventh grade—- ■ Sr. M. Winifred, C.S.A. Sixth grade— Sr. M. Letitia, C.S.A. Fifth grade— Sr. M. Angelus, C.S.A. Fourth grade— Sr. M. Carissa. C.S.A. j Third grade— Sr. M. Dominica, C.S.A. Second grade— Sr. M. Henrita, C.S.A. 1 First grade— Sr. M. Helene, C.S.A. Rapid Growth Is Made By C. L. C. The Catholic 1-adies of Columbia is composed of women ot the parI ish for the cultivation of sisterly I love, friendship, fellowship and to I give its members substantial and I safe insurance. i The local council was organized in 1915 with Mrs. Mary Holthouse as the first .president. The Rev. Julius Seimetz was the spiritual adviser until his death in 1922. The council was among the first to furnish a room when the local hospital was built. The organization now has a total ! enrollment ot 123 members. Thta i clearly defines its rapid growth 1 from the group organized in 1915 with 39 charter members.

New School Building Dedicated In 1925 UH**- ifi r — 9HKKI

St. Joseph's Catholic high and grade school, dedicated in 1925, was constructed at a cost ot $390,000.

Church Chronology

1838 —The first Mass in Decatur celebrated by Rev. Louis Mueller. 1841 —First Catholic marriage— Timothy Coffee and Margaret Mueller. ■ 1841—First baptisms — Minnie i Holthouse (Mrs. Conrad Brake) | and Mary Closs (Mrs. Peter HoltI house.) IS42 —Cemetery purchased southi eastern part of the city. 1846 —First church was built. 1848—First church bell bought costing $60.00; shipped by canal from Cincinnati to Fort Wayne, then overland to Decatur. 1852—Rev. B. H. Schulties first resident pastor and built first reci tory. 1857 —First mission in Decatur, preached by Rev. Andrew Kunkier, C.P.P.S. 1859—Second mission in Decatur, preached by Rev. F. H. Wenniger, S. J. 1865 —Plans made for new church by Rev. John Wemhoff. 1871—Foundation for new church completed by Rev. Father Wemhoff. Mr. Conrad Brake hauled stone for this foundation from Bluffton, furnishing his own team and received 37c a day. 1873 New church completed by Rev. F. Von Schwedler. 1879— Stations of the Cross erected by Rev. Joseph Nussbaum. 1880 — Rev. H. Theodore Wilken came to Decatur. 1881 — New school built by Father Wilken. 1885—New rectory built by Fath-

Former Assistant To Give Sermon

J"? ■ ’ - ; ''W >\ Uw 1L l\ TTrofc ' w Svs ■ z '■■■ ~ ■ ■

Rev. Father Thomas J. Travers, pastor of the St. Mary's church j at Anderson. and a termer assistant at the Decatur church, will deliver the sermou at the Centennial service Sunday mormug.

• er Wilken at a cost of $7000.00 1888—Decatur made an irremov- • able rectory. ; 1893—Annex to school and Sisters’ home erected. i 1894—Forty acres purchased for a new cemetery west of the city. 1895 — Church frescoed at a cost <*f $900.00. 1896— Rev. John Blutn the first assistant appointed to Decatur. 1898 —New pipe organ purchased at a cost of $2500.00. 1903— Heating plant for the ■ the church, school, parsonage, and I ~ Sisters’ home installed at a cost I | of $5400.00. 1904— .Electric lighting installed ' in all of the buildings costing S6OO.I 00. 1905 — Father Wilken celebrated ' his twenty-five years pastorate at Decatur. 1907 —Another addition added to | the school adjoining north side of | • the Sisters’ home. 1913 — Death of Father Wilken, j October 20. I 1914 — Rev. J. A. Seimetz appointed to Decatur. 1915— Commercial course added to school curriculum. 1919—Commercial course supplemented by a fonr year high school course. 1921 —New home purchased for the Sisters. 1923—New school begun costing $300,000.00. 1925 —School dedicated. 1932— Death of Father Seimetz, December 28. 1933 — Rev. J. J. Seimetz appoint-

MANY MEMBERS IN HOLY NAME Total Os 445 Members Now Belong To Holy Name Society The Holy Name Society of the St. Mary's Catholic church, which now boasts a membership of 445, was first organized as the St. Joseph’s l school society for the married men. ' Later the St. Aloysius society for ! young men was joined with the ' older organization in 1916, and the i two formed the present organiza- ' tion. Ct continues to carry out under ; the name of the Holy Name society !he aims of the original St. Joseph’s school society, including the sup- ! port and advancement of the paro- | chial school. In addition, the society sends I each year to the laymen’s retreat I at Notre Dame, with all expenses 1 paid, a boy of the graduating class receiving the highest average. To further the interest in the high s -hool, it offers a scholarship to the boy in the eighth grade receiving the highest average. The Rev. Joseph J. Seimetz. is spiritual director of the society. The late Charles J. Voglewede was the first president of the society. Theodore Graliker was the first vicepresident; the Rev. A. J. Kroeger, first secretary and C. S. Niblick, first treasurer. G. Remy Bierly. county clerk, is the present president of the organization. Other officers are: Herbert ed to Decatur, January 28. 1934— rooms painted. 1935— School corridors painted. 1935 School receives a continuous commission from the State.

Recent Pastors Os St. Mary’s Catholic Church

V >; • -. Rev. J. A. Seimetz

Most members of the St. Mary's I Catholic Church remember the. Rev. H. Theodore Wilken, pastor ; from 1888 to 1914 and the Rev. J. !A. Seimetz, pastor from 1914 to I 1932. Rev. Wilkeu came to the Decatur church in 1880. Eight years lat;er in 1888, the congregation was raised to an irremovable rectory jby the Most Rev. Bishop Dwenger j and Father Wilken became the i first irremovable rector. It was during bis pastorate that gjteat progress was made in the school

La Fountain, vice-president; Leonard T. Meyer, secretary-treasurer; Cyril iHelmtuiu, Lawrence Beckmeyer and Charles Miller, consultors. o Women Os Parish To Serve Luncheon The women of the parish will, serve a noon luncheon Sunday,' following the Centenary mass Sun-1 day in commemorating the first mass of the St. Mary s Catholic church 100 years ago. The dinner will be served to members of the ; parish and the Paulist choristers. LOCAL CHURCH ORGANIZATIONS Three Organizations Contribute To Parish Activities Three prominent organizations i of the St. Mary’s Catholic church are the Third Order of St. Franj cis, the St. Vincent de Paul socie'ty and the National Council of I Catholic Women. The Third Order of St. Francis was organized during the mission held in 1923. It is affiliated with the St. Joseph's province, Detroit. The present membership is 183. The St. Vincent de Paul society has for its object the assistance of the poor, regardless of religious belief. There are at present 100 active members. Mrs. A. Gass is the president, Mrs. H. Daniels the secretary and Mrs. D. Cook, treasurer. The local chapter of the National Council of Catholic Women has 67 active members and seven active study clubs. Regular meetings are held at the Knights of Columbia hall. The officers are: Mrs. Hugh Daniels, president; Mrs. L. A. Holthouse. vice-president; Margaret Rumschiag. secretary - treasurer ; and Mrs. George Stults, study club chairman. CENTENNIAL TO CLOSE MONDAY Tour Os City, Basket Parish Dinner To Feature Monday The Centennial celebration of the St. Mary’s Catholic church here Sunday in commemoration of the first mass, said 100 years ago, will continue over to Monday for many. A solemn requiem high mass i will be held at 8 o’clock Monday ; morning in the church for the deI ceased members and benefactors. Following the mass, the visiting Sisters, their families and friends will be taken on a tour of

i system by the erection of a new 5 building and the obtaining of the • Sisters of St. Agnes, of Fon du . Lac, Wisconsin. The present par- > sonage was built and a Sisters’ , home was constructed. The inter- - ior of the church was improved - and the new cemetery was openi ed. Among improvements made to r the church were the installation r of a new pipe organ and electric 5 lights. i Rev. Seimetz followed Rev. Wilt j ken as irremovable rector. Durl; iug his pastorate the present S3UO,-

SDCIETFAIDS CHURCH WORK St. Mary’s Society One Os Most Active In Church Parish One of the oldest and most active organizations in the St. Mary's Catholic church is the St. Mary’s Society, which has grown steadily from year to year until it now boasts a membership of 275. 1 It was in the early years of the church that the ladies worked together in caring for altar linens, decorating and cleaning the church, helping one another tend the sick and comforting bereaved families. It was these small services that formed the nucleus of the present society. In 1880 there was a reorganization of the society and its memb- , ership was restricted to married ladies. The society grew stronger. i It sponsored picnics and tairs. Proceeds of a bazaar bought | chairs for the present school auditorium. Much has been done by the society in furthering the work of the church. While there are no records of the early officers in the society, Mrs. Cornelius Rademacher was president in 1883, the first year records were kept; Mrs. Dan Donovan was secretary and Mrs. Henry McLean, treasurer. Mrs. Joseph Wolpert is the present head: of the society. Mrs. Edward Keller is vice-president, Mrs. Adrian Wemhoff is secretary and Mrs. Arthur Myers, treasurer. There are 14 members of the I society who have belonged 50 years or more. They are: Mrs. John Henry Bremerkamp, Mrs. Gerhart Berling. Mrs. Peter Colchin, Mrs. Mathias Miller, Mrs. ■ Charles Kurber, Mrs. Ulrich Dein- ! Inger, Mrs. Nicholas Colchin, Mrs. John Lose, Mrs. Margaret Mylott, Mrs. John Voglewede, Mrs. Peter Snyder, Mrs. Catherine Meyer. Mrs. Gerhard Kohne, and Mrs. J. H. Tettman. the city in a caravan of autos. The caravan will stop at Sun Set park at noon for a basket din- ' ner. The dinner will also be lu the i form of a reunion, with friends of ' the Sisters extended a special in- • vitation to attend. Coffee and Ice cream will be served free at the picnic, and it has been announced that automobiles will meet at the Catholic school on Fourth street Monday morning at 9 o’clock to furnish transportation for those who wish to go on the tour. Visiting Sisters from all parts of the country are expected at the reunion, with many of them arriving early this week to visit at paternal homes.

■ ' : ': *■" j^HHßE<''•• Rev. H. Theodore Wilken

• 000 school building was built and ■ the John Tyndall house to the. 1 west of the school was purchased . for a Sisters’ home. He was in- - strumental in encouraging five 1 young men to enter the priesthood - and 26 women to enter the sister- > hood. Two missions were held durt ing his pastorate and great im- ■ provements were made to Hie St. Joseph's cemetery. Following his - death, the Rev. J. J. Seimetz, a • nephew, succeeded hitu as the ■ third irremovable rector iu 1933.

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