--- ... -�" 'BOOVEIIYR- OF_¡ 'TIm'··'·"
DEDICATION OF
ST. JOSEPH'S CHURCH
SOUVENIR
OF THE DEDICATION OF
sr. JOSEPH'S CHURCH.
PUBLISHED FOn THE CO�GREGA'l'IO� BY WILLIAM P. O'NEILL.
MI�HAWAKA. I�DIA�A. SU�DAY, OCTOBER �2�¿, l�!n.
VERY OECHTERING,
RECTOR AND DEAN OF ST •. JOSEPH'S CHURCH.
2
DEDICATION SOùTENIR.
J3I001n1\PHI@j\L.
VERY REVEr-END A. B. OECHTERING.
THERE could be 110 more appro­
priate introduction to a book
designed to illustrate the growth and
prosperity of Sb. Joseph's cong rega,
tion, than a sketch of the life of the
pastor, who, for more than a quarter
{If &.(!ent¡ll�y, has shared the struggles
,...: b_.lJ· i�it�n:ph� of his congregation,
�cÍ to ·\�Trlôsè\i.nceasillg and unselfish
]ihir� tU; :p:resent flourishing con­
(lÙim; ��t �he congregation is at-
,,/': Olt>·: triblli�¡e�: ·'�1¡op�' to whom honor is
" .,� -. : due)¿ i£ ¡ �'o�,la� �¡�xim, and in con­
templating the splendid results
achieved by this humble priest in the
vineyard of the Lord we say, without
hesitancy, that he, indeed, is a
steward who will be able to render él
good account to the Master.
Very Reverend August Bernard
Oechtering, the youngest son of
Gerhard H. and Theresa (Benning­
meier) Oechtering, was born in the
province of Westphalia, Prussia,
September 8, 1837. In early life he
showed a special inclination for the
priesthood, and his early education,
which was obtained in the place of
his birth, was a matter of deep con­
cern to his parents, His collegiate
studies were completed in the College
of Rhein in 1858. A few months
after his graduation he came to this
country and immediately sought out
the late R t. Rev. Bishop Luers.
Having applied to the bishop for ad­
mission to his diocese, he was sent
by the right reverend gentleman to
the Seminary of Mt, St. Mary's ofthe
'Vest, to complete his theological
studies, which he did in May, 1861.
On the 17th day of the same month
he was ordained priest by Bishop
Luers, in the cathedral at Ft. Wayne,
Two days later he celebrated Iris first
mass, and on May 2Gth, he was sent
to Delphi, this state, to take charge
of St. Joseph's congregation and at­
tend several missions in the out-lying
districts. T he presence of just such
a man as Father Oechtering was all
that was needed at Delphi, to give
St. Joseph's a prominent place among
the prosperous congregations of the
diocese. When he began his labors
at Delphi that mission was in a very
much neglected condition. When
he left, a substantial church and
school house bore evidence of the
zeal that characterized his labors.
It was while he was attending the
country missions, near Delphi, that
there sprung up the close bond of
friendship which unites Father Oech­
tering to the Rt. Rev. Bishop Rade­
macher. They had been friends be­
fore this time, but the fact that
Father Rademacher's mission ad­
joined that of Father Oechtering led
to their meeting frequently and ex­
changing views as to the best means
DEDU/A TION 80 UVENIR.
3
to adopt to spread the Truth. In while in Rome, he had an audience
May, 1864, Father Oechteriug accom- with the Pope of tIle Immaculate
panied Bishop Luers to Europe. Conception-the saintly Pius IX.
He remained in the Old World six A few years after he returned from
months, and the following year was this second trip to Europe, Bishop
appointed to St. Mary's church at Dwenger tendered him the pastorate
Avilla. He began his labors in his of the church at Huntington, but he
new field two clays before Clnistmas, preferred to remain in :Jlislwwaka.
1805. He remained at Avilla but :Jlay 1 �)th, 1886- the same y{�ar that
eighteen months, hut during that preparations were hegull for the
time he greatly improved the con- Luilcling' of the Hew church-Father
ditiou of St. l\Iary's congregation, Oecht.eriug celebrated w lia.t, next to
erected a new church at Water loo and his ordi uatiou , was the happiest
rebuilt the one at Kendallville be- event in all tlie years of bis priest­
sides fiudiug time to (leliyer a n um- hood. It was the occasion of his
bel' of lectures on religious subjects. Si lver Jubilee, and two bishops, fifty­
In June, 1867, he took charge of St. seven priests and a large number of
Joseph's parish, of this cif.y. The f'rieuds from abroad joined the cou­
condition of the congregation at the gregation in making the occasion a
time of his coming here is explaiued meuroruble one. Up till the Summer
in the article which follows. To of 1885 he enjoyed good health, but
what extent the subject of this sketch he 'was Ilot to escape the inevitable
is responsible for the remarkable consequences of overwork, and in
prosperity of St. Joseph's congrega- May, 18DO) his coud ition became so
tion, may be j uJged from the results serious that a trip to Europe was ad­
of his labors elsewhere. To one not vised by his physician. He sailed
familiar with the affairs of the con- l\Iay 5th, and after spending five
gregation, the fact that he was ap- months in recuperating, he returned
pointed to his present charge, after in perfect health. For the past nine
having labored successfully in two years he has been president of the
important congregations, would in- school board of the diocese. He is
dicate that his ability and progressive one of the consulters of the bishop,
spirit were appreciated by his su- and as dean of the fifth district it is
peri or, the bishop; to the members of his duty to preside at the semi-annual
his congregation his work is too well meetings of the conferenee, and visit
known to need eulogy here, and that the schools of the diocese,
he enjoys the confidence and hearty The writer of the above has en­
cooperation of his parishioners in deavored to give a brief sketch of the
the great work he is accomplishing, life of one who may be termed appro­
is evidenced by the beautiful temple priately, "a model parish priest."
-dedicated to God, today. In 1875, No further eulogy is necessar}'.
4
DEDICATION SOUVENIR.
RT REV. JOSEPH RHDEMHCHER,
THE THIRD BISHUP OF 'fHE DIOCESE OF FT. \VAY:NE.
pIGHT Hoverend Bishop Joseph
1 � Rademacher, who officiates at
the dedication, today, is well known
to the members of St. J oseph's con­
gregation, having officiated here on
various occasions. He part.icipated
in the celebration of Fut h=r Oecbt.er­
ing's silver jubilee, May 1 Ü, ] 88ß.
It was he who blessed the comer
stone of the new church, Bishop
Dwenger being too ill to officiate.
Again, on account of the continued
illness of Bishop Dwenger, he was
called upon to administer the Sacra­
ment of Oonfirmation to a class of
about one hundred, May 7tb, of the
present year. He bas been a very
close friend of Father Oechtering for
Dp_J'DICATION SOUVEl'·lIT�.
5
·a numher of years. A brief sketch Wayne. To the fact that he was so
of his busy life follows. well and favorably known to the
Rt. Rev. Joseph Rndcmacher was clergy and laity of this diocese, may
born in Westphalia, Clinton county, be att.r ibut.ed the royal reception
Micbigan. His parents resided on a which was accorded him at Ft. Wayne,
Iarrn and they sent Joseph and the several weeks ago, on the occasion of
other children of the family to the bis installation as bishop of this dio-
Catholic schools of Westphalia. He cese.
studied for the pr iesthood at St. Vm- BIshop Rademacher is a m an of
cent's College and St. Michael's Sem- deep learning and wide practical ex­
inary, Pennsy 1 vania. He was or - perience. He is an orator of con sid­
dained priest August 3, 18ß:-3, and erable ability, speaking the English
said bis first mass on the feast of the and German languages equally well.
Assumption of the Blessed Virg�n Like bis predecessor, the late Bishop
Mary, August] 3, I Sß3. His ti r st Dwpnger, he is a devoted champion
missions were in this state. Tbey of tbe canse of christian educat ion,
were at Attica, Covington, State Line and takes a deep interest in the prac­
and Marshalfield. His next station tical workings of the parochial schools.
was at Columbia City, where he had Taking the result of bis labors in the
charge of a congregation and also see of Nashville as a criterion by
looked after the spiritual welfare of which to form an opinon of the future
the Catholic residents of several of the church in this diocese, we feel
neighboring SEttlements. He then no hesitancy in saying that the high
took charge of St. Mary's parish, Ft. place tbe Diocese of Ft. Wayne holds
Wayne, wbere he labored industri in the church, in America, will not
ously until July, 1880, when he was be lost under bis able direction.
sent to Lafayette, by the late Bishop On his arrival in this city, yester­
Dwenger. Here he officiated at St. day, the bishop received an enthu­
Mary's church for three years, at the siastic welcome from the members
end of which time he was called of St. Joseph's congregation. It is
upon to preside over the Diocese of tbe first time since being placed in
Naehville, Tennesee. He was conse- charge of this diocese, that the rev­
crated bishop by the Most Rev. Arch- erend gentleman has honored us with
bishop Feehan of Chicago, wbo was his preseIlce, and the occasion long
Bishop Hademacher's predecessor in will be remembered by Bishop Ra­
the see of Nashville, The solemn dvmacber and the congregation as
ceremony took place in the cathedral a mutually happy one. The two
of Nashville, June 2-t., lS�¡�, and be hundred and twenty-five scholars of
remained in charge of that diocese, the St. J oso ph schools will pay their
constantly, until transferred to Ft. rt-spects to the bishop, tomorrow.
6
DEDICATICN SOUVENIR.
H 18�POf\I@j\L.
BY VERY REVEREND A. B. OECHTERING.
fOR the benefit of those who will
receive this souvenir and who
are unacquainted with the location
of Mishawaka, it may be stated that
the beautiful town is situate in
Northern lndiana, on both banks of
the St. Joseph river near the most
southern portion of that river. It is
five miles distant from that world­
famed Catholic educational institu­
tion, Notre Dame University. The
name "Mishawaka" comes from the
Indian dialect and signifies "Swift
Water," or as it is sometimes ren­
dered, "Tbickwoods Rapids." As
the river is very swift at this point,
and both banks are covered with a
heavy growth of timber, either name
would be very appropriate to the
locality. The population of t he town,
proper, numbers about 4,000 son Is.
Catholicity in Mishawaka dates as
far back as 1833. At that time the
Catholic families residing here were
those of John McErlain and Edward
Mulligan and, a little later, Patrick
Moan. The spiritual wants of these
patriarchs of the Uhu rch in Misha­
waka, were looked after by the cel­
ebrated Father Bad9r1. Fat her
Baden was the first priest ordained
in America, and though nominally a
resident of Bardstown, Kentucky, he
spent most of his life traveling through
t he forests of Indiana, Ohio and Ken­
tucky, saying mass in every small
hamlet where Catholics resided, and,
administering the Sacraments to the
pioneers of the Chu rch. It was in
1844, a year after the arrival of Very
Reverend Sorin, at Notre Dame, that
a regular service was established for
the few Catholics of this town. We
find that Father Sorin said mass in
the houses of the several members of
the congregation, generally at the
home of Edward Mulligan. Reverend
Father Cointet, who was one of
Father Sorin's companions, also of­
ficiated here a number of times, and
generally offered up the Holy Sac­
rifice at the home of George Smith,
who resided near the Poppendick
property, or at J ereruiah Luce's home.
It was between the years 184ü-'48
that. a permanent place of worship
was established, in a room of what
now is the residence of James MQ­
Michael, on the north sirle. This
little chapel received the title of
"Holy Angels' Church." The first.
baptism recorded by Father Cointet
was that of Mr. Samuel Black, on
December 10, 18-18. Mr. Black was
the father of Mrs. John Feiten and.
Mrs. Mary Haubert. In 1855, a
small frame building was erected on
the lot where Mr. Thomas Bless' house
now stands, and this served the con-
DEDICATION 80UVKVIR.
7
gregation as a church, until March, Father KŒnig proceeded to collect a
1860, when it was destroyed by fire. portion of the eight thousand dollars
The priests who had officiated here necessary to build the church, from
previous to 1t)57, were all mernbers Catholics in Ohio. The congregation
of the Congregation of the Holy at this time was made up of the fo1-
Cross, and none of them had taken fowing families, whose names appear
up a residence here. 'I'hoir names on the church record up till 11:):)7:
follow: Very Hev. Father Sorin, John JIcErlain, Patrick :Jloan, Edwarù
Reverend Fathers F. Cointet, J. .Mulligan, JOhil Ar m s t ro r g , Jaco!> He<:her,
Guas�:3e, R. A. Shortis, W. Master- Philip Mulligan, 11iehael Kleill, I'u t ric k
son, C. Schelling, A. Fourrnont, M. �::I:�i,g���l'lnP�::;'�e, Bll):��l�i'ek:Jl���:;:::.\., �;���r�
P. Rooney, B, J. Force, Alexis Donahue, Juco h Zahm, (whose SOIl i s n o w
Granger, E. B. Kilroy, Thomas tite h on o rcd president of Co n isi u s College,
Flynn and M. Prendergast. The -.I esuit - Buffalo, X e w York, l .J n c o h
Rev. B. Mager came here as perma- Klaer, Samuel Black, John Hn u p ric h s,
nent pastor of the congregation, in J crvm iuh Becher, Thomas Hu).dll'S, .Iuh n
Kurtz, Joseph Kurtz. B. Bcesillj.!'vr. Ed wu rd.
1857, and after spending eighteen Dow í ing, Peter Klcin, Henry Cu sov , Ber-
months here, he went to Chicago, nurd Rcy n ic rs, (;eol'ge )1. Schmidt, Xich­
where he erected the beautiful o l as Klein, Peil'!' Klein, Joseph Zl'igel', F.
St. Peter's, on Clark and Polk streets. X. Krantz, Martin Myers, John l{ll'ill a n d
(;eorge Klotz.
He died in Uhicago, ten years later.
In 183U Reverend Father Henry
Kœnig was appointed pastor of the erected by Father Kœnig, and an
congregation, and upon assuming illustration of which IS given here­
charge, he at once began the work of with, was determined by the large
soliciting funds for a new church. number of Catholic farmers residing
The difficulties that had to be sur- south of town. These families threat­
mounted by Father Kœnig before he ened to build a church out in the
could procure the means necessary to country in case they were obliged to
begin the erection of a new church, drive to the north side of the river to
will be understood better when it is attend services. The church was
recalled that a short time aíb.sr he built, therefore, on the property pur­
came here the civil war broke out chased by Father Kœnig, at the corner
and the congregation, already very of Third and Spring streets, The
poor, was further im poverisbed by corner stone was blessed by R t. Rev.
the prevailing high prices for the Bishop Luers, the first bishop of this
necessaries of life and the scarcity of diocese, in June, lSß l, and the dedi­
work, and therefore was unable to cation took place December S, of the
contribute much toward the su pport same year. The name of the con-
of the church. Nothing daunted, gregation having been changed to
The location of the brick church
8
DEDICATION SOUVENIR.
THE OLD ST •. JO�EPII':-; CIIUl('IL
"St. tI oseph's."
During the years referred to, above,
the education of the children had not
been neglected. Although the re­
muneration for her labor was very
small, a French lady, from Notre
Dame la FaHey, taught the few
Catholic children, in a builàing on
the south-east corner of Main and
Fi rst streets, for about six months.
This was in 1854, and some time later
the Sisters of the Holy Cross located
in Mishawaka and wonld have estab­
lished here St. Mary's Academy­
now an institution that is known
throughout the country -but for the
persiston t persecution which tLey
suffered from unprincipled fanatics
DEj)ICATION SOUVE.NIR.
9
who made a practice of breaking the building of the pastor's residence was
windows of their house and otherwise hegun, on a portion of the ground
injuring their property. Classes purchased by Father KŒnig, and was
were taught in the vestry room of St. completed in September, 1878. The
Joseph's church, by different gentle- <lebt owed by the congregation was
men, until IHß4-, when the little brick very large, and no further improve­
school building was erected in the ments were made until 1878, when
rear of the church. The ground for the erection of another school room
the Catholic cemetery was purchased was nececpssary to accommodate the
in 18ß3. When I arrived here JUay constantly increasing number of
17, 18ß?, there were forty-five pupils children. In November, 1878, the
attending the scLool, 'which was Sisters of the Poor Handmaids es­
taught by 1\1 r. J acob Zahn. Among tablished a hospital in this city, and
the teachers who have held positions their services as nurses have been in
in the schools, since I came here, we dernaud nearly as much by }>Totest­
find the llames of Messrs. H. Pœhl- ants as by members of the Church.
man, C. Weiman, August Volkenrath, 'I'hoy tr ok charge of the parochial
H. Winkler, H Theisen, August schools in August, 1880. In Novem­
Hœrstmann-the present. organist- ber, IS83, the first steps were taken
and Miss Marie Oechtering-now towards the erection of a new church,
Mrs. William Schindler. It may be and the next y ear the "building fund"
mentioned that at the time I came was started.
here there was a debt of more than In the old St. J osepb 's church there
three thousand dollars OIl the church were eighteen hundred and twenty­
and its scanty furnishings. A large six baptisms-this number includes
portion of the debt was paid off during many converts to the Faith. Two
the first two years of my pastorate in hundred and eighty-four conples were
Mishawaka, and in 18ß9 we purchased united in the holy bonds of matri­
the property at the corner of Fourth many and the Iuner als numbered five
and Mill streets, paying therefor the hundred and eighty. A number of
exorbitant sum of thirty-two hundred missions were given in this church.
.dollars. This property -adding the The first was by Rt. Rev. Bishop
'sum of the interest that accrued, to Luers, assisted by Rev. Father Smar­
the purchase price-cost the congre- ins, S. J. The next was in 18ßß, by
gation a little less than six thousand Rev. Father Weniger, S. J. In Oc­
dollars. The school house fronting tober, 187?, the Rev. P. P. Cooney,
on Fourth street. was built in 1870. C. S. C., Miss. Ap., gave a mission
The following year the church was for the Engli�h speaking portion of
frescoed, a pulpit and two large hells the congregation. This was followed
purchased. In March, 1873, the a few months later, by a German
10
DEDICATION SOUVENIR.
mission given by the Rev. Fathers Austin, Texas, and Father Demerse,.
Pottgiser and Bœhmer. The Rev. chaplain at St. Joseph's hospital,
Fathers Korst, of Coldwater, De- South Bend. A procession through
Greyse, of Detroit, and Buysse, of the principle streets of the town and
Jackson, Michigan, gave missions at an entertainment in the evening­
various times for. the Belgian mem- closed the exercises of the day. The
bers of the 00ngregation. The last golden jubilee of the same Pontiff
mission in the old church was given was celebrated with much solemnity,
by the Rev. Godfried Schlachter, C. and on the occasion of the golden
P. P. S., in 1887. The number of jubilee of the reigning Pontiff, His
children who received their first Holy Holiness, Leo XIII, another grand
Communion during the years inter- demonstration was made by his spir­
vening between 1862 and 1871, was itual children in Mishawaka. The
was about nine hundred. 'I'hey silver jubilee of the pastor, Very Rev.
were confirmed by the Rt. Rev. A. B. Oechtering, was celebrated in a
Bishop Luers. (Bishop Luers died fitting manner, May lU, 1886. The
while walking along a street in Cleve- late Rt. Rev. Bishop Dwenger was
land, Ohio, June �U, 1871.) The late present on that occasion as also was.
Bishop Dwenger, who was conse- the Rt. Rev. Bishop Rademacher,
crated bishop April 14, 1872, con then bishop of Nashville, fifty-seven
firmed seven hundred and fifty five priests and a large number of laymen
First Communioants during the time from Laporte, Elkhart and South
he presided over the diocese. The Bend. The twenty-fifth anniversary
present bishop confirmed one hun- of the beginning of Father Oechter­
dred and fourteen person�, this ing's labors in Mishawaka also was
Spring. Among the many joyous celebrated in a worthy manner, by
festivals celebrated in the old church, every member of the congregation
the following may be mentioned as offering np his prayers and Com­
having been celebrated with particu- munions of the month of May, for
lar solemnity : June 17, 1870, was the welfare of t he pastor. The fol­
the silver jubilee, as Pope, of Pius the lowing priests said their first mass in
Ninth, of blessed memory. On this St. Joseph's church: Christmas,
day the Catholics of Mishawaka 1872, the Rev. Father Metzger, a.
showed their love and veneration for relative of Jacob Buchheit, sr., (de­
the Holy Father in a celebration, the ceased). He now is pastor of a
grandeur and solemnity of which is church at Pittsfield. diocese of Alton.
unsurpassed in the history of the con- July, 1878, the Rev. C. M. Romer,.
gregation. Solemn high mass was who bad spent several vacations here
celebrated by the pastor, assisted by with the rector. He has charge of
the Rev. Father Peter Lauth, now of the church at Delphi, this diocese.
DEDICATION �",'OUVENIR.
11
In October, 1878, the Rev. NicholC'os time, Holy Communion. Father
Stoffel, C. S. C. He is pastor of St. DeGroote is vice-president of Rt.
Joseph's church, South Bend, and Edward's College, Austin, Texas,
professor of Greek at. the University diocese of Galveston. Several young
of NotreDame. _ In Apr il, 1�82, the _ men of the congregation are prepar­
Rev. C. A. Ganser, sen oí Joseph ing for thé Sacrament of Holy Orden",
Ganser, sr., of this city. Now pastor while a number of young women have
of the church at Kentland, this dio- entered the order of the Poor Haud­
cese. In July, 1889, the Rev. Simon maids of the Lord, and are doing
M. Yenn, son of County Treasurer active work, either as teachers in
Yenn, of this city, having returned parochial schools or as nursing Sisters
from Rome, where he was ordained at the bedside of the sick and dying.
priest, celebrated solemn high mass. The above is, we believe, a faithful
He now is pastor of the church at history of the progress of Catholicity
Goshen, this diocese, On the 23rd in this city, during the past sixty
day of July, of the present year, tho years. The dates given were com­
Rev. Father John DeGroote, LJ S. C., pile-I from the best information ob­
celebrated his first mass in St. Joseph's tainable from those who were mem­
church-the church wherein he had bers of the congregati0n at the time
received the sacraments of Baptism of the occurrence of the events re­
and Confirmation, and, for the first corded.
n l\IONG those who Lave been
1 � special beuefuctors of tle
church, and whose gifts H re not
mentioned elsewhere, a r. ,hf-> follow­
ing: Very R"v. Fat lu-r Sorin,
who, with the R�v. J. H. Oechter
ing, of Fort Wayne, gave the window
near the Blessed Virgin's altar.
This window represents the Angt:'l
announcing to Mary j hat she is to
become the Mother of God. The
large winnow, next to the above, was
donated hy the children WhO were
prepared for their First Holy Com­
munion by Father Oechtering, from
1808 to the present time. Tbis
Fair aud will be placed in position at
the close of the Exposition. It is a
representation of Christ instituting
t.h 8 Blessed Sacrament at t he last
supper. Directly opposite this win­
dow, and in the west side of the
tr anscept, is the one donated by the
children of the late .\Irs. C. Auer, in
memory of their mot her. In the
foreground is a boantiful reprosenta­
tion of the Holy Family at Nazareth.
The wi udow near St.. Joseph's altar
was donated by St. Joseph's Society.
It represents Joseph with the Child,
J e-sns. iustructinjz . Tile pews were
donated by the Children of Mary
window is on exhibition at the World's Sodality of the congregation.
VERY REV. EDWARD SOR1N.
Founder of Notre Dame, and Superior-General of the Congregation of the Holy Cross.
THE PIONEER:::JPRIEST OF NORTHERN INDIANA.
DEDICA T'I()N S O Y-VENIR.
13
ONE year from the day of the matter. On May Gth, 18U1, the
first collection for the building contract fur building the church was
of the new church, there was $l,ßOO awarded to Mr. John Suelzer, of Ft.
in the church treasury for that pur- Wayne, his being the lowest of four
pose. This fact had the effect of in- bids that were submitted. The
spiring the members of the congre- amount involved in the contract was
gation with confidence in the ultimate $:-33,320. This did not include pay­
success of the project and thr-ir con- ment for the windows, furnace, freR­
tributions became larger aud more coing nor any of the furnishings.
regular, with the result that at the Several slight deviations from the
end of the year 18UO, $2'2,000 had plan increased the amount of 1\1r.
been collected and loaned out on Suelzer's contract several hundred
interest. At this juncture it was doJlars, but it must be said that he
deemed proper to appoint a '"Builcl- did everything in his power to ac­
ing Committee," and the following commodate the committee and make
members uf the congregation were his connection with them an agree­
selected to serve in that capacity: able one, and he succeeded admirably.
Andrew Hintzherger, Joseph Gerst- After a high mass had been offered
bauer, Sirnon Yenn, J acob Eckstein, to Almighty God to obtain His
Adolph Kamm, Peter VanHuffie and blessing on the undertaking, the
William N. Schindler. The latter excavation for the basement of
acted as secretary of the committee, the church was begun April 20tb,
and the rector, Fatber Oechtering, when the pastor turned the first
was elected president. When 1\1r. shovelful of earth, and each member
VanHuffie removed to South Bend, of the Building Committe followed,
Mr. George X. Philion was appointed according to their respect ivo ages.
to his place on the committee, but the \V ork on t.lie foundation was begun
vacancy caused by the death of Mr. June 16tb. The stone work on the
Jacob Eckstein was not filled. cburch was clone by Keller & Braun,
Messrs. Donaldsun & Meier, archi- of Ft. Wayne, and Evans Brothers
tects, of Detroit, were selected to of the same city did the brick work.
draw the plans, and the beauty of They had the foundation sufficiently
the edifice and the convenience of the far advanced for the laying of the
arrangements show the wisdom of corner stone, which solemn ceremony
the committee's seleetrou in tbis took place on August 30th, 18m, in
14
DEDICATION SOUVENIR.
the presence of ten thousand people. the interior, with its delicately fres­
Rt. Rev. Bishop Hademacher (then coed walls and high, vaulted ceilings,
of Nashville) who honors us with his the rich altars and Communion rail­
presence, today, was the officiating ing, the beautiful windows and
bishop. After celebrating pontifical statues awl the still more beautiful
high mass, the bishop delivered a inscriptions above the altars, have an
short address of congratulqtion to the awe-inspiring effect upon the VIsitor.
congregation. In the afternoon, the The slate roofing was furnished by
ceremony of blessing the corner Thomas Welsh, of Ft. Wayne. The
stone was preceedad hy a procession Isaac D. Smead system of heating will
of all the local and visiting Catholic be used in tbo church. The stone
societies. The Engli8h sermon was steps were furnished by Messrs.
delivered by the late president of Johnson & May, of South Bend, (the
Notre Dame University, Very Hev. firm that donated the corner stone)
Thomas E. Walsh, whose theme was at a cost of about $800, and are a
"Faith." Commenting on Father donation to the congregation from
'Walsh's sermon, The llfisha11.}oka Mr. Adolph Kamm and wife, The
Democrat, of September 4, 18m, said: frescoing was done by A. Liebig &
"It was a gem of eloquence, spark- Co., of Milwaukee. The frescoing
ling with who 1 e s o m e truths and of the sanctuary walls and ceil­
noble sentiments, and it has en- ing receives particular praise from
deared Father W" alsh to many who visitors to the church. The pews
never before had the pleasure of were fu rnished by the Auhurn Church
hearing him." After the English Furniture company, of Auhurn, In­
sermon, the corner stone was pI aped diana. The windows were furnished
in position, and the Rev. B. Wormers, by the Wells Glass company, of Chi­
of Detroit, then addressed the con- cago. All of the windows were do­
gregation in German. The church nated. The names of the donors
has a seating capacity of eight hun- are as follows: Very Rev. E. Sorin,
dred. It is pure' Gothic in sty le, Notre Dame, Rev. J. H. Oechtering,
built of white brick, with limestone Ft. Wayne, St. .J oseph's Society,
trimmings. The d i m e n s i o n s are: children of Mrs. C. Auer, Gustav
Length, 151 feet; width, 60! feet; Schellinger and wife, William
height of main ceiling, 50 feet, side Schindler and wife, AuguRt Herzog,
ceilings, 40 feet. The spire rises 163 sr., John Schindler and wife, Michael
feet from the ground and is sur- Thallemer, Jacob Becher, the First
mounted by a beautiful cross, do- Communicants in the old church,
nated by Brother Frederick uf Notre from the year 1868, to date, John
Dame. There are three entrances to Feiten and family, George Kaupert,
the church. From the main entrance wife and son, Theobald Yenn, (now
DEDICATION 80UJT_ENIR.
15
deceased) Simon Yenn, Andrew There are three inscriptions above
Schindler of Chicago, V. Brunner, each of tbe sieb altars. Above the
Caspar Brunner, Lorenz and .Iose- Blessed Virgin Mary's altar they are:
phine Eberhardt, Mrs. Mary Eck- "Heart of Mary Conceived without
stein, George Philion, l. V. Roy, Sin, Hai]!" "Mary, Mother of the
Peter Klein, -Iohn Landgraff, Nicho- Holy Rosary, Pray for us !" Mary,
las Schellinger and wife, Adam Kril- Mother of Mercy, Pray for us!"
leuberger and Andrew Hintzherger Above St. -Ioseph's altar, the inscrip­
and family. The three pictures tions read: "Hail, Father of the
which are being painted for the sane- Saviour! Hail!" "Hail J o s e ph,
tuary will be illustrations of events in Thrice Amiable! Hail!" "Hail Jos­
the life of the Patron of the church, epb, Protector of the Redeemer!
and his crowning in heaven at death. Hail l" Various appropriate inserip.
Tbe picture on the east wall ropre _ tians have been placed above tue en­
seuts the espousal of J osaph to Mary. trances to the church, abov s the Or­
Above is the inscription: "Blessed gan and the entrance to the baptistry.
the Man that Feareth the Lord." A number of incandescent electric
The donor is Mrs. Appolonia Becher. lamps, placed in the vaulted ceiling,
The picture above the main altar was above the altar, add much to the
donated by M. Rumely, of Laporte, beautiful appearance of tbe sanctuary
and represents the death of Joseph, on the occasion of solemn services.
in the arms of Jesus. Above is in Tbe baptistry is at the entrance to
scribed: "Sweet in the Sight of the the church. The church is lighted
Lord is the Death of a Good Man." throughout by electricity.
The crowning, in heaven, of Joseph
as Protector of the Church Univers­
al, is depicted on the wall, to the right
of the main altar. Above, the in­
scription reads: "With Honor and
Glory Thou hast Crowned Him, O
Lord!" It was donated by John
Adam Klein. The altars and pulpit
are of the Gothic style of architecture
and are painted white and gold.
Busts of the four Evangelists-Mat­
thew, M ark, Luke and John-stand
in relief against the pulpit, and full­
sized statues of Saints Peter and
Paul stand in niches in the high al­
tar, on either side of the tabernacle.
pEVEREND J. H. Oechtering,
1 � of Ft. Wayne, is deserving of
the thanks of the congregation for the
valuable assistance, he has rendered
the rector and the Building Com­
mittee in the work they have accom­
plished. The experience gained by
Father Oechtering in building the
beautiful St. Mary's church, Ft.
Wayne, was imparted freely to the
Committee and helped to solve many
of the knotty problems that came up
while our church was in process of
construction. Father Oechtering
will deliver a sermon in the German
language, this afternoon.
!
.. -----
_-
711;);
DEDICATION SOUVENIR.
17
Bellows Signal,
'I'rcrn u lo,
Mo to r,
IT was intended, originally, to pur- 21
2�)
chase a new pipe organ for the 2:�
church, but, upon investigating
the matter, it was found that by ;2
making some alterations and ad­
ditions to the excellent instrument
used in the old church, Mr. Van
Dinter could furnish the con-
gregation with an instrument that
would be just as satisfactory and
far less costly than a new organ
would be. The organ was built
by Mr. Louis Van Dinter - now
a member of the congregation­
eleven years ago, before he removed
his factory from Detroit to Misha­
waka.
Following are the specifications of
the instrument:
It has two Manuals and Pedals.
Compass of manuals CC to A:3 5t:; notes
of pedals eco to D 27 notes
GREAT ORGAN.
No.
MATERIAL
I-Hi-ft Bourdon wood
;2-8-ft. Open Diapason, metal
[Lar-g est pipes in f'ro n t.]
:{-8-ft, Gamba, metal
4--8-ft. Dolce, metal
5-8-ft.. Mel odia., wood
6-4-ft. Flute Harmonic, metal
í'-4-ft. Principal, metal
8-;2;'3-ft. Twelfth, metal
9-�2-ft. Fin e.n t h , metal
SWELL ORGAN.
IO-8-ft. Geigen Principal, wood & metal r>H
11-H-ft. Stopped Diapason, wood 58
1;2-H-ft. Dulciana. metal 58
1:�-4-ft. Flute a Ohimenee,wood & metal 5H
14-4-ft. Fugara, metal 5tl
I5-8-ft. Oboe, metal 58
PEDAL ORGAN.
Hi-16-ft. Bourdon,
I7-t:;-ft. Violon,
18
19
20
MECHANICAL STOPS.
COlI pl e r (treat to S well,
" Pedal to Great,
Pedal to Swell,
PEDAL ;VIOY E}I r�NTS.
Fo rt.o Co m lii nat io n , Ur. OrgaIl.
Piano " (�r. Organ.
Balalleeù Swell Pedal.
The case of the old organ was ten
feet wide. It was of ash, trimmed
with walnut, and in the Gothic sty le
of architecture. The pedal part of
the organ stood behind two pillars.
In order that the full powür of the
instrument might be utilized it was
necessary to bring the pedal part for­
ward. This was done by dividing it
and making an addition six feet in
width on each side of the great or­
gan. This makes the present width
of the case twenty-two feet. The
material used and the style of arch­
itecture being in perfect harmony
with the old. The usual height of
a pipe organ, of the capacity of this
PIPES one, is twenty-two feet, and the
4G builder has made this Olle but four-
58 teen feet high, in order Dot to ob-
58 struct the view of the beautiful
58 window which is placed above
58 the front entrance to the church.
58
5H It may be mentioned here
�� that one great point in favor of
building an organ on this plan is the
fact that it effectually does away with
the dark organ loft, that we find so
often marring the beauty of the in­
terior of Catholic churches. An-
wood
metal
other improvement applied to the
;27 organ is one that is especially désir­
;27 able where the organist also officiates
as director of the choir. Where the
key-board is immediately in front of
the organ, the operator is constantly
18
DEJJICATION SOUVENIR.
at a disadvantage in directing the paid for by the St. Aloysius Society,
choir, owing to the fact that the of the congregation. Mr. August
singers are behind him. Mr. Van Hœrstmann will continue as organist
Dintel' has overcome this difficulty and director of the choir.
by extending the key-board six feet Mr. Van Dinter has attained an en­
in front of the organ, thus enabling viable reputation as an organ build­
the organist to have the choir con- er. Among the many Catholic
stantly before him. churches which he has furnished
The principal addition made was with large pipe organs, the following
one stop to the pedal organ. Viz:
may be mentioned:
An eight-foot Violon, metal, twenty-
St. Mary's church, Fort \Vayne.
seven pipes. These pipee are richly
decorated in gold and colors and " John, Baptist," New Haven,
form the decorated front of the 01'- Indiana.
gan, thus taking the place of the "Vineent's
" Peter's
" Albert's
Sacred Heart
Our Lady of Help "
St. John's " Jackson
metal "dummy pipes," very often
employed for the latter purpose.
Another addition is two pedal move­
ments, operating on the great organ
stops. One for Piano and the otl.er
for Forto. These enable the organ­
ist to change the volume of the or­
gan, without removing his fingers
from the- key-board. The power for
operatiuc the bellows is supplied by
a Tuerk hydraulic wheel motor, with
automatic attachments- A patent
wil1<�-gauge, near the key-board, en­
ables the organist to know continu­
ally whether the bellows is supplied
with sufficient wind, so that, in case
Elkhart, Ind.
Laporte, Ind.
Detroit, Mich
Sacred Heart "H udson,
St. Peter's Cathedral, Marquette,"
" Mary's church, Sault Ste
[Marie, Mich.
Immaculate Conception church,
[Niles, "
Holy Cross church, Marine City, "
Church of the Immaculate Concep-
tion, Louisville, Ky.
Sb. Catherine's church, New Haven"
" Francis'
an emergency should arise find the
supply of wind be cut off from the " John Baptist "
bellows, he can govern his playing Sacred Heart
accordingly. St. Hedwülge's "
Tbe rebuilding of the organ was "Mary's
Hollamltown,
[Wis.
Joliet, Ill.
Peru, Ind.
South Bend, "
Chicago, in.
DEDICATION SOUVENIR.
19
THE Communion railing was built an image of the Saviour, and also the
by Mr. August Erb and his SOIlS Lamb. Below, the inscription reads:
of this city. The material used is "Behold the Lamb of God Who
butternut wood and the style is pure 'I'akest Away the Sins of the World."
Gothic. At each end of the railing Tho conter piece of the railing is a
is the figure of an Angel holding a small wooden image of an Anw�], in
candlestick. There a r e twenty six whose hands is a scroll Oll which are
niches in the front of the railing and the words "Sanctua, Sanctus, Sane
these are occupied by the following tus." The other niches in the railing
statues and inscriptions: Statne of are fil lad with the following inscr ip­
Melchisedech; inscription, "I am the t.ions and carvingH in the order given:
Bread That Came Down From Heav- Statue of St. John, as he is relating
en;" a wood carving, representing the the promises of Christ; tablet on
Loaves and Fishes; an inscription, which is carved a pelican, feeding its
"Whosoever E a t s My Flesh and young', representing the love of God
Drinks 1\1y Blood, Abides in Me and for man-feeding him as He does
I in Him j"� a statue of Moses with with His Own Precious Blood; carv­
the tables; a statue of Solomon; ing or the bruznn serpent in the des­
tablet WIth water cruets-v-encircle-d ert; statue of David with the harp;
with grapes-carved thereon, repre- statue of Elias as ho is being fed
senting the miracle by which water miraculously by a raven in the des­
was changed into wine; the temple ort.: an inscription, "If any Man Eat
of the old law, surmounted by a chal- of this Bread, he Shall Live Forever,
ice. 'I'he next two niches are filled and the Bread which I will Give is
with a panel, the carving of which is :My FIesh for the Life uf the World;"
very beautiful. In the background statue of 1\J alachi prophesying th e
are tasseled grain, and grape vines, Sacrifice of the new law; an inscrip
while in the foreground is u scroll on tion, "Hut let a Man Prove Himself,
which is the inscription "The Bread and so let him Eat of that Bread and
of Angels Becomes the Bread of Drink of that Cup" The carving
Man." (One-half of this inscription on the railing required several months
ifi! on this panel and the other on a constant labor on the part of 1\1r.
corresponding panel on the other Erbaud his sons, and it is one of the
side of the sanctuary gates.) In the most beautiful furnishings in the
niches of the sanctuary gates there is church.
20
Arch bishop Ireland,
of SG. Paul.
Archbishop Rva.n ,
of Philadelphia.
nEnICATION SOUVENIR.
Arch bishop Feehan,
of Chicago.
Cardinal Gibbons,
of Baltimore.
Archbishop Riordan, of San Francisco.
Archbishop Corrigan,
of New York.
Archbishop Elder,
of Cincinnati.
DEDIC4TION SOUVENIR.
Archbishop J aussens,
of New Orleans'.
Archbishop Hennessy,
of Dubuque.
21
Bishop Phelan,
of Pittsburg.
, HE IS, indeed,' a narrow-minded man the Cat.h o l i c church bells began to ring
who does not feel a jp,st pride in contem- out-joyous Christmas nutes. The effect on
plating the success: of Very Reverend the assembled Preshyterians was wonder­
Father Oechtermg and h'is congregation f'u l. They loudly applauded the Ch risf­
in their laudable efforts to erect to God a mas chimes, but the effect was quite the
temple that is unsurpassed, bot.h in the reverse on their pastor, one :McChord.
beauty of its exterior and the richness of He could see no cause for a jub il at ion , and
its furnishings, by any parish church in the Hext day he drew up a remonstrance
this section of the state. And, while it is against the ringing of the Catholic church
true that outside show counts but little in be ll s, inasmuch as they had disturbed his
'a matter of this kind, it also is true that meeting, and cit ed the fact that the con­
the pastor and his flock necessarily must stitution of the United States gnarantees
have the love of God in their hearts, to "civil and religious Iiber ty to all m cn .'
persevere in their worthy endeavor, under The other ministers of the town signed
c ir-cu m st an ces that at times were most dis- the remonstrance and when it was pre­
couraging.-Mishawaka Democrat, Friday. sented to Father Oechtering he replied
-If * that inasmuch as the constitution grants
AN INTRRESTING chapter in the history of religious liberty to every citizen, he there­
St .• Joseph's congregat.ion would bè fore would cause the church bells to be
omitted, did we fail to mention the cir rung whenever such action would redound
cumstances connected with the procuring to the greater honor and glol"y of God.
of funds for the purchase of the third bell. When St. Joseph's congregation learned
Christmas eve, 11:572, an entertainment was of the Presbyterian minister's action, they
gi ven by the Presbyterian congregation of raised money to purchase the th ird .bel�,
this city. While a child was declaiming within one hour.
Bishop Scannell,
, of Omaha.
Bi s h op Keane,
of W:a�hJn,gton.
Bishop Watterson,
of Columbus.
DE1nCA TION SOtJVENtR.
AUEURN
Ghúmh rúrnitúrB Gompanu,
AUBURN, INDIANA.
MANUFACTUHERS OF
fEWS, fULfITS,
ALTAR RAILS,
� COMMUNION
RAILS, ETC.
ll\lRITE F0R C�T�LOGUE,
Send FlooT Plan When an Estimate is Wanted.
A. L�IEBIG & oo ..
(SUCCESSORS TO LIEBIG & LOEFF LER,)
r��8tG P@illDt�Jf� �J Dßt®J?0J!)Î@�8�
107 WISCONSIN STREET, ® ® ®
Rooms 22 and 23,
@ @ @ Wilwaukee, Wis .
. , .. 6stiDlatQS @l�QQrfu]] �-J FUPllisllQd.
If You Rre Going to Build a New
. -Cl1urcft, Write Us.
F\oSQ & ellsworth,
===== RET�ILERS OF =====
DRY GOODS, @
111\ CARPETS, CLOAKS
(I and MILLINERY .
113-115
N. Michigan St·
. . . . 80utll ßgr�d, Illd.
DEDICATION SOUVENIR.
Santa Clarra College,
... California.
Directed h v the Fathers of the Society
of Jesus. Founded in lH51; incoqwrated
in 1 H:>5, with a full staff of Professors and
Tutors, Cl a.ss i cul , Scientific and Co m mc r-
cial. Also a preparatory Department.
For further i n fo rm ation or for catalogue,
apply to REV. JOSEIW W. H,IOHDA�,
Pre sidcn t.
We are very desirous of haying
the clergy investigate the medís
of this excellent su hst it ut c for the
costly stained glass generally
used for church windows.
FROST OR HEAT
.... DOES NOT EFFECT IT.
It positively will not fade. Do
Ilot confound this with the cheap
i m m i t.at.ion now heing pushed on
the market. Samples and price
list Oll application to
YRRDRHIßK 8fKRHK
275 WABASH AVE�CE,
Philadelphia, Pa., and Vicinity.
Rents, l n e 'e,.,t and Claims
of all kinds col lcct e d. EI"­
t at es settled and n t t e nd e d
to. Copies of W il1�, Deeds,
Deaths, ctc., furnished.
Thomas M. Carlin,
ATTORNEY-AT-LAW,
608 CHESTNUT ST., PHILADELPHIA, PA.
"éhnplain We in tgB Artmg."
Full in format ion
furnished regarding
ST. :JE�a1YlE'S c::a1:.1:.EGE,
BY YERY REY. WM. CORBY, C. S. c. Berlin, Ontario. ON G. T. R'V.
Is a book that should he in the homes -, Commercial, Classical and Science
of every Catholic family. A limited num_j' ... Courses. Terllls, i n clud iug all
LeI' of copies are still on sale at ..•.. IlCCCSR:lI"V cxr'.�IlSèS except bOOk. s,
THE DEMOCRAT OFFlCE, •...••. *1-1-] .00 per' annum.
Mish awaku, Ind. I HEV. THEO. Sl'ETZ, e, IL, D. D., President.
DE DICA'.rION SOUVENIR.
JASPER COLLEGE.
�1111!'�lru!��!!III�!il!i�¡���III;II.J FOUNDED I N 1889
INCORPORATED 1890
-lllllj-
Conducted bv the Benedictine Fath­
ers. Full' Prepá�atory, Commercial
and Scientific Courses. Direct.ly ac­
cessible by the L. E. St. L" (St.. 'Louis
Air Line) R. H. Hetired, ben u tiful
health y location. Staff of experienced
pro l'esso r« and disciplinarians. Thor­
ough lv nrr:'J,Ilged home and scho ol ,
Terms per session of five months:
$:)0.00. Telegr a ph y, Short-hand Type­
writing. Inst.rumental Mu s ic are op­
tional st ud ies. Empo wer ed to confer
the usual collegiate degrees. For
further part icu l ar s and catalogue, ad-
dress Rev. PrefectJasperCollege
JASPER, INDIANA.
�TI. MatiY'$ Acadeg}ic In$uinuue, St. Mary's: Academy,
FOUNDED BY T�E SISTERS
OF PROVIDENCE, IN 1840.
St. Mary of the Woods, Vigo Co., Ind.
The pupils of t.h i s spacious and elegant
Institute enjoy, at very low rates, eve r e ad­
vantage conducive to pleasure and health,
with u n r iva ll cd facilities for a thorough
course of study. The object of the Ln st.itu te
being the higher education of young ladles.
a curriculum founded o« the ancient c l a s­
sics is especially arranged with a view to
the development of a refined and elegant
English stv lc to w h ich the closest atten-
tion is paid. Address, ,
SISTER SUPERIOR,
St. Mary's, V igo Co., Ind.
AUMER'S
CELEBRATED
BB8wax
, , , GandlBs,
For Sale by all Dealers in Church Goods.
ONE MILE WEST OF NOTRE DAME UNIVERSITY.
The 77th academic term opened Monday,
September 4th.
The academic course is thorough in the
preparatory, senior and classical grades.
Mus ic department, on the plan of the best
co nscrva to r ies of Europe, is under charge
of a complete corps of teachers. Studio
modeled on the great A rt schools of Eu­
rope. Drn w iug and painting from life and
the antique. Phonography and t vpew r i t­
iug t- ugb t. Buildings eqnipped with fire
escapes. A seper ate d epa rt m cn t for child­
ren under] 3. Apply for catalogue to
Directress of the Academy,
St. Mary's Academy, N otre Dame P. O.,
E:t J o se ph Co., Indiana.
�ú. .'. EdWBJ1d'$ .'. dollege,
AUSTIN,. TEXAS.
Commercial and Classical.
Location
unsurpassed and in the e, Health Belt" of
Texas where now thousanès of northern
people spend the Winter months.
Address, REY. P. J. HURTH, C. S. C.,
President.