People's Pilot, Volume 5, Number 27-25, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 2 January 1896 — CATHOLIC CHURCH. [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

CATHOLIC CHURCH.

The early history of Saint Augustine’s church is wrapped in obscurity and it would require time to ascertain the details of its inception. Yet it is remembered by pioneers that at fixed times priests visited Rensselaer from Michigan City, Lafayette and Reynolds, service being held in the private house of Mr. Baden on Washington street. About the year 1867 the Rt. Rev. Henry Luers erected an asylum one and one half miles south from the town. The land had been purchased from Mr. S. Spitler. A circular letter adressed to the clergy of the diocese by the Ordinary at this time, shows that the erection of the asylum was accompanied with many difficulties and hardships. Yet in spite of all difficulties the asylum was erected and became a place of refuge for poor children, who found a true home under the paternal care of such priests as Fathers Joseph Stephan, (now Mgr. Stephan,) F. C. Callahan, Henry Rensen and the Rev. August Young, now Rector of SS. Peter and Paul’s church. Garret, Ind. The asylum served at the same time as a house of worship for Catholics of the surrounding country. Rev. August Young was appointed superintendent of the asylum in 1870 and the tact and prudence he evinced in managing the affairs, induced the Rt. Rev. Bishop to turn to a better account the learning and prudence of such an exemplary priest. Thus he was appointed to the missionary work in eastern Indiana. He was succeeded by the Rev. B. Kroeger, who was superintendent of the asylum from 1871 to 1875. He is at present pastor of St. Bridget’s church, Logansport, Ind. He was succeeded by the Rev. B. Hartman, whose name is familiar to every Catholic, being the author of the book entitled, ‘ Religion or no Religion in Education.” The Rev. M. Zumbuelte succeeded as pastor, to whom Providence assigned the task of erecting a church which should be a credit to the Catholics and an ornament to the town of Rensselaer. Up to this time the people were obliged to attend divine service at the asylum, and although Bishop Luers had purchased lots in the town, with the intention of founding a congregation, he did not have time to carry his project into execution, Providence having decreed it otherwise. In the midst of his active career he was suddenly called away from his place of labors and

toils on this earth to hiseternal rewards. In 1882. the Rt. Rev. Jos Dwehger, successor to Rt. Rev. Henry Luers of . Ft. Wayne, urged the Catholics to carry out the design of the deceased bishop and promised to donate the lots, provided work would begin on the church at once. The Rev. M. Zuinbuelt at once called a meeting of the Catholics, and they unanimously decided in favor of accepting the bishops offer. On January the 22. 1882. the congregation elected Messrs. Peter Hordeman. Michael Halloran and Sylvester Ilealy to coin pose the board of building society. Busy hands at once set to work; material was purchased; farmers began to haul, and soon the foundations rose above the earth’s surface, under the supervision of the experienced mason, James Malov. The work however was retarded, owing to some misunderstandings, so that the church was dedicated only after a lapse

of three years. The anxiety with which the people looked forward lo the time when they could hear mass within the new edifice, erected in the center of their homes, increased their joy, when it was announced that the 18th of January, 1885, was the day set apart for the dedicatory ceremony. The Rt. Rev. Joseph Dwenger whose presence was rendered impossible by sickness, was most ably represented by the popular and beloved priest, the Rev. J. Guendling, superintendent of St Joseph’s Orphan Asylum, Lafayette, He dedicated the church to the honor of God under the patronage of St. Augustine. Rev. J. Guendling was ably assisted by the late Very Rev. E. Walters and Rev. M. Zumbuelte as deacon and subdeacon. The late Very Rev. E. Walters preached a most eloquent sermon on the‘‘Truth and Mission of the

Catholic Church." Although the weather was extremely cold, and the roads were blockaded with drifted snow, the church was nevertheless filled to its utmost capacity. The church is 27 by 80 and is located in the heart of the town on a beautiful elevation. It was erected at a cost of 8501)0 devoid of everything except the_ most necessary to be used for the celebration of the divine myster ies. But Providence provided and God evidently blessed the efforts of the good people of Rensselaer. At that time the indebtedness amounted to 81.673, undoubtedly a heavy debt to be liquidated by 30 families who had previously almost drained their coffers in erecting the church. This how ever did not discourage the energetic pastor, the Rev. W. Zumbuelte. but on the contrary, these straits rendered him ingenious in devising ways and means of raising funds to pay part of tfte standing debt and to defray the current expenses. In

the years 1885 and 1886 fairs were held in the opera house which proved very successful financially, so that in the year 1887 the debt had been melted down lo 8500. In 1888 the Rev. M. Zumbuelte obtained permission from his bishop to visit his native home in Eutope, and this beloved pastor, who still lives in the hearts of the Catholics of Rensselaer, and is most kindly remembered by them, departed from his flock, leaving the church in a flourishing condition. He was succeeded by the Rev Anthony Dick, a priest of the Community of the Most Precious Blood. Father Anthony Dick’s pastorate was marked by zeal and energy for the betterment and progress of the congregation. He reduced the debt to 8258. erected side alters, painted the gallery and pews, regulated proportionate dues for members for the maintenance of the church, and

brought order out of chaos. He was succeeded in 1892 by the Rev. Stanislaus Neiberg, the present pastor. The congregation numbers about one hundred families, or live hundred members. The various societies are the Altar. Foresters, Aloysian and St. Rose. The Altar Society is composed of the married ladies of the congregation. Their object, is to meet occasionally to exchange ideas and views on the means and ways of making home most attractive and pleasant, and to acquaint one another with methods employed in the rearing and educating of children. Another object in view is the beautifying of the altars and the purchase of necessaries for the same, by monthly contributions, hence the name Altar Society. * The Order of Foi’esters is a mutual aid society, and at the same time has in view the pro motion of religion, the diffusion of paternal charity and the betterment of the congregation. The order is in a flourishing condition.

Another excellent society is the St. Rose or Young Ladies Society. This society has for its aim the mutual edification of its.members, shunning bad company and amusements, and striving for purity of morals. The St. Aloysian Society iscomposed of young men, whopledge themseives to lead an honest, sober and pure life, to be practical Catholics and to do all in their power to cause their holy religion to be respected by all. The Stanislaus Literary Society is composed of young men and young ladies, being members either of the Catholic Order of Foresters or St. Rose society. This society has for its aim the elevation of good morals and the diffusion of general knowledge, particularly in the interest of history, Christian etiquette and literature. Another feature of great interest and most intimately connected with the progress of St. Augustine’s church is the choir bearing the same name. Mr. William Meyer, the good old organist who organized the choir, can now look with pride at the success of his efforts.. The members have been trained under his direction, with the exception of two members. Two years ago Mr. Meyer resigned and was succeeded by ’ Prof. Carl Hemmersbach and Prof. Carl Haas, who have successfully presided at the organ since that time. Miss Mary Meyer, the reliable and accomplished musician. never fails to preside at the organ in the absence of the above mentioned professors. The choir is composed of the following members: Soprano, Misses Anna Meyer, Amzießeck’ Maggie Warden and Mrs. Katharine Owens; alto, Misses Mary Meyers, Annie Nagel, Tilly Ramp and Etta Donnely; bass, Mr. E. P. Honan; tenor, Prof. Carl Haas; violin and cornet accompaniment, Messrs. Jno. and Jerry Healy. The choir furnishes excellent musiq and well may the congregation be proud of their organists and choir

RESIDENCE OF JAMES DONNELLY, FARMER, (SEE SKETCH.)

RESIDENCE OF J. F. WARREN. (SEE SKETCH.)

INTERIOR OF AUGUST ROSENBAUM’S SALOON. (SEE SKETCH.)