Jasper County Democrat, Volume 19, Number 47, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 9 September 1916 — TO DEDICATE NEWLAND CHURCH [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

TO DEDICATE NEWLAND CHURCH

Services at Opening of St* James Catholic Church to Be Held Sunday. For many years some few families belonging to the Catholic faith were living in or about Newland. These few came to Rensselaer to worship. In the spring of 1914, on account of the activity of real estate men, about sixty persons of the same faith came to this new country to engage in truck farming. Up to this time the land about Newland was owned and controlled by B. J. Gifford, but after his death much of this ground changed hands, being sold by real estate men in small tracts of from ten to forty acres. Most of these newcomers came from our larger pities, bringing with them their small savings, hoping to find their fortune in this land of promise. But there they missed what .was nearest and dearest to their heart, the church. Not having the means of travel they could not attend services of the neighboring parishes. Upon a visit by Rev. Chris-

tian Daniel, pastor St. Augustine’s church, Rensselaer, he realized that if these people are to be retained ih the true fold something must be done and that, too, in the near future. He, therefore, requested the Rt. Rev. H. J. Alerding, blsnop of -Fort Wayne, to grant him permission to celebrate mass in the public school building. Thi3 permission he cheerfully granted and connected Newiand as a mission to St. Augustine’s parish. The first mass was celebrated at Newiand in the public school building on June 7, 1914, and once a month thereafter by one of the reverend fathers of St. Joseph college until May, 1915. Being encouraged by the ideal spring of 1915' they felt that they could build their own little mission church and therefore began preparation at once. Their desire of possessing their own little building was assured by the generosity of Thomas M. Callahan, who donated one block of ground, besides a very substantial donation In money. Others who gave very generously in time and money were: J. J. Brehm, Herman Knoerzer, Mrs. Altfllish, C. Hoeferlin and family, O. N. Faber, J. Wilson, in fact all members of the mission assisted in the same spirit according to their means. Many nonmembers about Newiand and Rensselaer contributed liberally towards this good cause. Members of St. Augustine’s church, Rensselaer, and its different societies will not be forgotten for the splendid help given. The sisters of the school furnished the sacred vestments. The children of the parochial school the sacred vessels, the Holy Name society pays part of the expenses each month of the attending clergy, etc. In May, 1915, the building was partly completed and the first services were held in the unfinished building on the second Sunday in May. The very wet summer following nearly proved the failure of their wishes. Most of the families seeing their crops ruined by continuous rains and realizing that there was no other way of earning a living left for other parts of the country. The remaining famines, twelve in number, being discouraged, did nothing more to their mission church until the latter part of this summer. They are now completing the building and are equipping it with the necessary furniture. Although the mission church is a very humble building it is the realization of the fondest hopes of the members. Upon the invitation extended to Ft; Rev. Bishop Alerding to bless t ie mission church, the following re'Ty r ' ■ .3 received: ‘ Fort Wayne, Ind., Aug. 80, 191 C. My dear Father Daniel: “I am much pleased and edified to learn that in spite of many obstacles you have the church at Newiand now in readiness to be blessed and formally dedicated to the service of Almighty God. “Not in condition to attend to this most interesting ceremony for the edification and encouragement of the good people 1 of Newiand, I must request you to kindly ask the'Rev. Hugo Lear, C. P. P. s., president of St. Joseph college, to accept this duty from me and to bless that mission church on September 10, the date fixed for its blessing. I trust the good father can and will perform this function on the date stated and present to the few but good people of Newiand my heartfelt congratulations in having provided a home, for our Lord, who will bless them and accept this gift from their hanrts as an evidence of their lively and active faith.

“Devotedly yours, "H. J. ALERDING, "Bishop of Fort Wayne.” In accordance with the wish of the bishop the dedication will take place on Sunday, September 10, at 11 o’clock. The high mass will be chanted by the Rev. Rudolph Stlotz, C. p, P. S. Rev. I. Rapp will preach the sermon. The college choir will sing the mass. After the dedication the ladies of the mission will serve a chicken dinner. The Foresters band will furnish the music. All are most cordially invited to attend this celebration.

Medaryville Honors Centenarian. The citizens of Medaryville are planning to celebrate the state centennial Thursday, September 14, with an all-day celebration in especial honor of her venerable citizen, William B. Nicoles, who will on that day observe the one-hun-dredth anniversary of his birth. The citizdns of Medaryville wish to extend an urgent Invitation to all the friends of “Uncle Billy,’' wherever they may be, to be present that day and take part in the festivities in recognition of the useful life of-this grand old man. xx Scotch tweed and hosiery manufacturers have opened schools tot the Russian language, in order to do more business with Russia.

PERTINENT PROBLEMS FOR TAXPAYERS OF JASPER COUNTY—NO. 5.