Mercer County, Ohio - Chapter 9: Roman Catholic Institutions and Churches, 1907

Chapter 9: Roman Catholic Institutions and Churches

The first Catholic settlement in this section of Ohio was established, as early as 1830, in what is now Auglaize County, by a Catholic priest named Stallo, who gave it the name of Stallotown. The same year, however, the name was changed to Minster. In 1832 Father Hortsman came to Minster as priest and built the first church building, a large log structure, 40 by 6a feet in dimensions and 16 logs high. Services at this chapel were attended by the Catholic people within a radius of 15 miles. From this year we may date the introduction of Catholicism in Mercer County, for not only did residents of this county attend the chapel at Minster, but missionary services were also conducted in the southern townships of Mercer County by priests from Minster, New Bremen and St. Marys.

The Catholic churches of Mercer County are to-day almost without exception in a very flourishing condition, which fact speaks volumes in praise of the Fathers of the Most Precious Blood, who have built them up. As the history of the churches is so intimately connected with that of the Congregation of the Most Precious Blood, we shall give a history of the society and its institutions, closing the chapter with the history of each church and mention of the leading parochial schools. For the history of the congregation and of St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, as well as for other data relating to the churches, we are indebted to Rev. Paulinus Trost, C. PP. S., rector of St. Charles Seminary. Certain statistics, chiefly relating to the size of the congregations and the officers of the institutions, we have obtained from the Official Catholic Directory of 1906, which statistics we have verified and brought down to date as much as has been possible. We wish also to acknowledge the assistance we have received from the pastors of the churches, who have responded most willingly to our requests for the recent history of their parishes.

And Representative Citizens Origin Of The Congregation Of The Most Precious Blood

In the Catholic Church there have risen from time to time men or women who have made one or the other of the tasks imposed upon the church a special object of their lives. Thus some would gather around themselves men or women, to nurse the sick; others to dispense charity; others to educate the young; others to preach missions, etc. Such associations of men or women are called orders, and according to the special work to which they devote themselves are termed charitable orders, preaching orders, teaching, orders, etc. To those of later origin, however, the title of "Congregation" has been given.

The exercises practiced by the members of such a congregation consist,, besides the general devotions prescribed by the church, of another, namely : A special devotion to one of the mysteries of the faith. From this special devotion the congregation as a rule receives its name.

Thus the initials "C. PP. S." signify the name "Congregatio Pretiossissimi Sanguinis," i. e., "Congregation of the Most Precious Blood," because its members venerate in a special manner the Blood of Christ by which we are redeemed. Moreover, in order to make this treasure of redemption most fruitful, the congregation has made it its special object to excite and spread the devotion to the Most Precious Blood of Christ, by conducting missions and various other religious exercises. Besides this noble work, the priests of the congregation perform the duties of pastors in parishes (at least in the United States), act as spiritual directors in convents or as chaplains in hospitals, and conduct colleges for the education of boys - certainly a wide field wherein a rich harvest may be gained for the Precious Blood.

The congregation was founded by a zealous priest of Rome, Gaspare del Bufalo, an Italian by birth, who died in the odor of sanctity, December 28, 1838. After returning to Rome from a four-years' banishment, which he had suffered because he refused to swear allegiance to Napoleon, the usurper of Rome, and, after having resigned his canonry at the Church of San Marco, Rome, Blessed Gaspare, for such he has been publicly declared by the Church (on the 18th of December, 1904), laid the foundation stone for his momentous undertaking, August 15, 1815.

Rev. Francis de Sales Brunner, a Swiss priest, who had enlisted the small band of zealous priests one year after the death of its founder, introduced the Congregation of the Most Precious Blood into America.

Father Brunner was born in Switzerland in the year 1795. After having absolved his studies, he was ordained priest and shortly afterwards entered the Benedictine Monastery at Maria Stein, Switzerland. Here he was promoted to a professor's chair and did some mission work. Determined, how- ever, to devote himself entirely to mission work, Father Brunner went to Rome, where he affiliated himself with the Congregation of the Most Precious Blood in the year 1838. After a few years stay in Rome, he returned to Switzerland, where he educated eight young men for his co-laborers. With them he set out for America, September 29, 1843, upon the invitation of Archbishop John B. Purcell of Cincinnati, in order to assume the care of the German Catholics who were under the Archbishop's jurisdiction in Northern and Eastern Ohio. Among the young priests who accompanied him were Revs. John Van den Broek and John Wittmer.

The little band made St. Alphonse (near Newark) the center of their work and from there carried their labors to many other places, such as Dayton, Cleveland, Toledo and other towns along the western boundary of Ohio to Union City. In the course of time Father Brunner undertook several trips ' across the Atlantic in the service of his community. He died in Europe in 1859.

The congregation multiplied rapidly. At present it numbers 105 priests, some of whom are engaged in parish work in Ohio, Indiana and Missouri ; some giving missions, and some conducting a college at Rensselaer, Indiana.

A Short History Of St. Charles Borromeo Seminary

Owing to the rapid growth of the community, a place had to be selected and suitable buildings erected for the education of the members who were to serve as missionaries. Rev. Joseph Dwenger, C. PP. S., who later on became Bishop of Fort Wayne, Indiana, found the desired location at Carthagena, Mercer County, where, in 1861, he purchased the old industrial school for colored people, known as Emlen Institute.

Rev. Joseph Dwenger was born at Minster, Ohio, in the year 1837. After his father's death, his mother moved to Cincinnati where Joseph received his first instructions in the parochial school of Holy Trinity parish. When the family after some years returned to Mercer County, the mother of young Dwenger fell a victim to the cholera, in 1849. Rev. Andrew Kunkler,

C. PP. S., then pastor of Minster, to whom Joseph applied, gave him further instructions and later on placed him with the Fathers of the Congregation of the Most Precious Blood at Maria Stein, Ohio, where he completed his classical education. Going thence to Mt. St. Mary's of the West, to complete his theological studies, Joseph was ordained priest in the year 1859.

It was about one year after his ordination that Father Dwenger started St. Charles Borromeo Seminary ; he held the rectorship of the same until the year 1863. In 1871 he became Bishop of Fort Wayne as the successor of Rt. Rev. Luers. He died at Fort Wayne January 23, 1893.

Rev. Bernard Dickman, C. PP. S., succeeded Father Qwenger as rector of the seminary in 1863. In the same year Father Dickman established the parish at Celina, where he built the first Catholic Church. Failing health necessitated this zealous priest to resign his rectorship in 1866. Having, however, recuperated his health. Father Dickman assumed charge of St. Joseph's College. Humboldt County, California. He remained in this position until 1874. when, returning to Ohio, he was employed in parish and mission work partly in Ohio and partly in Missouri. He died as pastor of the Church of Mary, Help of Christians, at Fort Recovery, Ohio, in 1906.

Upon the resignation of Father Dickman, Rev. Henry Drees, C. PP. S., assumed the duties of rector of St. Charles Seminary. Father Drees is a native of Oldenburg, Germany, whence he emigrated with his parents, who settled near Minster, Ohio, in 1836. In 1858 he entered the congregation and was ordained priest in 1861. His first appointment was to St. Mary's parish at Cassella.

During his rectorship, 1866-80, he built the present seminary building proper, 44 by 94 feet in dimensions, three stories high, and at the same time erected St. Alovsius' Church at Carthagena.

Here, it must be mentioned various improvements had been made before his time and different parts had been added to the original building by his predecessors.

Father Drees held his office as rector of the seminary until 1880 when he was elected by his fellow-priests, provincial of the Congregation of the Most Precious Blood, an office he held for 18 years, having been elected three consecutive times. Father Drees is still active and in good health. He resides at present at the Maria Stein Convent, where he acts as spiritual director for the Sisters of the Congregation of the Most Precious Blood.

Rev. Godfrey Schlachter, C. PP. S., succeeded Father Drees as rector of the seminary. Before joining the congregation, Father Schlachter resided with his parents, who were natives of Baden, Germany, at one time near Cleveland and later near Wendelin, Ohio. Having completed his theological course under Rev. Anthony Guggenberger, C. PP. S. (later a Jesuit and eminent historian) , young Schlachter was ordained by Rt. Rev. Joseph S. Alemany, Archbishop of San Francisco, in June, 1876. He was rector of the seminary from 1880 to 1883.

Tike Rev. Henry Drees, Father Schlachter is still engaged in the mission field, wherein he has become very renowned. He makes bis home at the Fort Wayne mission house, the property of the congregation.

After him, Rev. Theopistus Wittmer, C. PP. S., became rector. Father Wittmer, when a mere boy, emigrated with his parents from Switzerland. The family settled near Egypt, Auglaize County, Ohio. In 1864 he was ad- mitted into the community, and, having finished his studies at St. Charles Seminary, was ordained priest in 1872. Before his promotion to the rectorship, Father Wittmer had charge of St. Peter's parish, Winamac, Indiana, 1873 to 1876, and Celina, 1876 to 1883.

Father Wittmer held the rectorship until 1896, when he was transferred to Glandorf, Ohio, and was succeeded by Very Rev. Boniface Russ, at present provincial superior of the American division of the Congregation of the Most Precious Blood. He is a native of Minster, Ohio, and was transferred to Carthagena after having charge of St. Joseph's, Wapakoneta, Ohio. Under him, ground was broken for the large pond (300 by 300 feet and about 12 feet deep), that is one of the beauties of Carthagena.

When a year and half later the confidence of the fathers called him to assume the provincial office, he appointed as his successor Rev. Joseph Uphaus, C. PP. S., a native of Glandorf, who after another year and a half was appointed pastor of Thompson, where he died March 26, 1906.

The next rector appointed was Rev. August Seifert, C. PP. S., a native of New Riegel, Ohio. He had been rector of St. Joseph's College from the time that that institution of learning had been founded (1892) and returned again to the same institution in the same capacity in the fall of 1902, after a two-years' successful administration of St. Charles Seminary. Under him the new graveyard was laid out and the beautiful memorial stone cross as well as the stations, was erected, through the liberal contributions of the Fathers of the Most Precious Blood. He also was the ingenious designer and constructor of the beautiful Lourdes' Grotto.

Father Seifert's successor was Rev. Benedict Boebner, C. PP. S., a native of Wendelin, Mercer County, who, after faithfully managing the incumbent affairs for two years, was promoted to the more strenuous and desirable occupation of preaching and conducting missions, retreats and other devotional exercises for the laity and the religious communities.

He was succeeded by the present rector, Rev. Paulinus Trost, C. PP. S., a native of Baden, Germany, who has made this country his home since 1876, when he was a young man of 20 years. He had devoted his youth to the art of painting under the direction of his father. Being ordained in May, 1885, after a four-years' activity in the ministry he was sent by his superiors to the Royal Academy of Arts, Munich, Bavaria, to acquire efficiency in the modern technique of painting. After three years attendance at that brilliant school of arts, he returned and was then active in St. Joseph's College at Rensselaer, Indiana.

In 1904 he was appointed to his present position. Under his supervision was erected (1905-06) the spacious new chapel, with Sisters' convent adjoining the south elevation of the building. The chapel is 128 feet long, with a width of 85 feet in the transept. The length of the east side of the building is 183 feet. This beautiful Romanesque chapel in basilica style is certainly a credit to the Congregation of the Most Precious Blood, and an ornament to the seminary environs. The exquisitely artistic windows, especially the two large transept group pictures, are admired by all. This new building is the first part of the planned new seminary, forming about one-third of the whole, which will in course of time emerge, as we hope, from the plans on paper into effective reality.

Convent of Mary, Help of Christians, a mile and a quarter northeast of Maria Stein - Motherhouse of the Sisters of the Most Precious Blood : Mother M. Josephine Roetsch, general superior; Sisters in the house, 88; Sisters in the community, 551; novices, 34; postulants, 23. This convent was established in 1844 by Sisters of the Most Precious Blood from Loewenberg, Canton Graubuenden, Switzerland. The Sisters conduct establishments in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati and in the dioceses of Cleveland, Columbus, Fort Wayne, Kansas City, Nashville, St. Joseph, Sioux City and Tucson. In the main the Sisters devote themselves to teaching. They also engage in manual labor, manufacturing ornamental work for churches, and in literary and scientific studies. Connected with the Motherhouse is a normal school, in which novices are thoroughly trained. Rev. Henry Drees, C. PP. S., is chaplain of the convent chapel.

Gruenwald, Convent of Mary, Mother of God, half a mile south of Cassella: Sister M. Veronica, superior; 60 Sisters of the Most Precious Blood. Rev. Casper Schedler, C. PP. S., is chaplain of the convent chapel.

St. John's Church at St. Johns in Marion township is one of the largest as well as one of the oldest Catholic congregations of Mercer County. It was established here by priests from Minster in 1837, the first church erected being a small structure built of logs. Not many years afterward, the population of the parish having been largely augmented, a good brick church was erected at a cost of about $8,000, which was subsequently enlarged so that at the time it was replaced with the present structure it was a building 50 by 10c* feet in dimensions. The present edifice was built in 1888 at a cost of $40,145 complete. Rev. Thomas Eisenring, C. PP. S., commenced the work by taking subscriptions, and Rev. Martin Dentinger, C. PP. S., completed the church. It is one of the handsomest church edifices of the county. A fine, brick priest's residence was built in 1906 on church land east of the church building by Rev. J. Otto' Missler, C. PP. S., who is the present pastor. The congregation numbers 140 families.

St. Rosa's Church at St. Rosa, in Marion township, was established in 1837. A log church was built the following year. Regular services were first held about 1845, when Rev. L. Navarron, a French priest, with Rev. John Wittmer and other priests belonging to the Congregation of the Most Precious Blood, visited the church alternately and performed divine services. Under the supervision of Rev. Andrew Kunkler, C. PP. S., the present church was built at a cost of $6,000, being dedicated in June, 1854. It is a brick structure, 42 by 75 feet in dimensions. On November 24, 1894, the congregation celebrated the 50th year or "Golden Jubilee'' of its foundation. The present parsonage, a pressed-brick building, was erected in 1905, at a cost of $4,700, the work being done under the supervision of the present pastor, Rev. Liberat Schupp, C. PP. S. It has all the modern improvements found in a building of this nature and is lighted by acetylene gas. The congregation has a membership of 67 families. The following priests, all members of the Congregation of the Most Precious Blood, have had charge of the congregation since it was founded in 1844: Rev. L. Navarron, from 1844 to

Austerman, who began his pastorate in 1861 and was succeeded by Rev. Paul Reuter; Rev. Peter Haberthur became pastor in 1866; Rev. A. Kramer, in 1875; Rev- Erharcl Gluck, in 1876; Rev. Francis Biichel, in 1879; Rev. Casper Schedleiv in 1892; Rev. Henry Drees, in 1893; Rev. Aloys Malin, in 1898; Rev. Casper Schedler, in 1905, being succeeded in that year by the present pastor. Rev. Liberat Schupp.

St. Joseph's Church is situated in Recovery township at St. Joseph, about two and a half miles northeast of Fort Recovery. This church is one of the oldest Catholic churches in the county. It was organized in 1838, the first church structure being a log cabin built in that year. The first priest was Rev. John Herzog. Among the earliest members were John Dull and John Weiss and the Kramer, Goecke and Busch families. In 1861 a brick building, 45 by 85 feet in dimensions, was built at a cost of $6,000, which church continues to be used at the present time. A new steeple or tower was added to the church in 1903, during the pastorate of Rev. Seraphim Kunkel, C. PP. S. A priest's residence was built in 1906 of brick veneer at a cost of about $3,000, under the direction of the present pastor. Rev. Theodosius H. Brackman, C. PP. S., who assumed charge of the parish on November 1, 1905. Following are given the names of some of the priests who have served this church during recent years, all being members of the Congregation of the Most Precious Blood : Revs. Aloys Malin, August Seifert, J. Otto Missler, Jacon

Marti, Peter Scherak, Louis Hefele, Seraphim Kunkel and the present pastor, Theodisus H. Brackman. The church has a membership of 49 families.

St. Henry's Church at St. Henry, Granville township. - The early history of St. Henry's congregation dates back into the late '3o's, when there were but few scattered families throughout the southern part of Mercer County. The earliest members were the Hulsman, Hemmelgarn, Romer, Weinart, Wendeln and Bruns families. The first priest was Father Bartels. The first house of worship, built in 1840, was a frame structure and was used until 1854. In 1853-54 the congregation, at a cost of about $7,000, built a brick structure, 48 by 100 feet in dimensions, on the site of the present parish house. It was built under the supervision of Rev. John Van den Broek and was dedicated by Archbishop John B. Purcell in 1854.

In 1895 steps were taken to erect a new church to accommodate the large congregation. The new edifice which was dedicated on July 25, 1897, is a large, handsome building, constructed of brick, trimmed with Bedford stone. It is in the form of a Latin cross, measuring 167 feet 6 inches in length and 88 feet wide at the transept, and in architecture is true Gothic. The ceiling is vaulted and is supported by 12 Bedford stone columns, each

20 inches in diameter and 3(4 feet high. From the floor of the nave to the apex of the vault is 62 feet. The tower is 203 feet above the street level and contains the largest chime of bells in this part of the State, consisting of the old bells and three new ones, in all aggregating 6,600 pounds. The tower also contains an Angelus chime clock, whose 12-foot dials are no feet above the street level. The cornice work, including the gutters and spouting, is of copper. The church will seat 1,100 and the gallery, where additional seats may be placed, will increase the seating capacity. The basement is finished off as a large assembly room for parish society meetings. The furnishings of the church are handsome and appropriate and in keeping with the architectural details of the building. The statuary, stations of the cross and memorial art windows were imported. The artistic painting and frescoing of the interior of the church were done with exquisite taste. St. Henry's' Church is considered by many competent judges to be the most costly church in Northwestern Ohio, $100,000 having been expended to date on the church and the beautiful memorial windows. In its construction the church took one and a half million bricks, which is said to be more than has been used in the construction of any other building in the county. In 1901 a commodious and beautiful parish house was erected on the site of the old brick church at a cost of $10,000. Both the church and the parish house are lighted by acetylene gas and heated by a system of steam and hot water. The church is free of debt and has over 1,100 communicants, representing about 250 families. Rev. Dominic Shunk, C. PP. S., is pastor.

St. Anthony's Church at Padua in Washington township. - The pioneer priests of the congregation of the Most Precious Blood, founded by Blessed Gaspare del Bufalo in Italy in 1815, and introduced into this country in the year 1844 by Rev. Francis Salesius Brunner, C. PP. S., were the first to administer to the spiritual wants of the few scattered Catholics in this territory, now known as St. Anthony's parish.

The first priest, Rev. Joseph Albrecht, C. PP. S., came from St. Joseph's parish, in Recovery township, Mercer County, and held divine services in the house of John Stelzer, in Indiana, and in the houses of Henry Wickelman and Anton Schnett, situated near the present St. Anthony's Church. A movement for the erection of a log church was first started in the fall o 1852 by thei following men : Heinrich Schro'er, Heinrich Wickelman, John Stelzer, John

The timber was hewn and the log church was built by these pioneers themselves, who pledged themselves, moreover, to contribute $4 each - in those days a large sum indeed, when there was no market at all for farm produce unless at a great distance. The little congregation was soon increased by the following members: Heinrich Brinkman, Heinrich Huttenbrock, Y. M. Huttenbrock, Bernard Dennes, Theodore Middendorf, George John, Peter Obringer, Anton Schiirman, Franz Wigand, Louis Greving, Felix Sell, Franz Langenhorst, Sebastian Krieg, Paul Wehrkamp, and Gerhard Homan.

The parish was in charge of the Congregation of the Most Precious Blood under Father Joseph Albrecht, who visited the place about once a month. During his absence the people went to St. Peter's Church, about six miles east. In the baptismal record, which was started in 1853, we find the names also of Rev. Mathias Kreusch, C. PP. S., and Rev. Willibald Willy, C. PP. S.

Rev. Sebastian Gauter succeeded Father Albrecht and was pastor from 1855 to i860. During this time, Fathers John Wittmer, Engelbert Ruff and Rochus Schuly conducted services at intervals. The last named became the regular pastor from i860 to 1863. The next three years, namely, until 1866, Rev. Engelbert Ruff, C. PP. S., had charge of the place. It was during his pastorate that the congregation enjoyed half service every Sunday. The books show nothing of importance all this time, except the usual record of haptisms, marriages and burials. Father Ruff was succeeded by Rev. Peter Wilhelmy, C. PP. S., whose term of office, 14 years, was the longest of any pastor in the history of the parish.

The very limited space of the log church could no longer accommodate the growing congregation, so that steps were taken to build the present brick church. As early as 1873 stone was hauled from New Bremen, Ohio, and brick were made on the place of the new church, to be erected about one-fourth mile south of the old site ; the land, originally two acres, was donated by Gerhard Homan. Preparations went on slowly, as the material had to be hauled over mud roads, at a distance of about 20 miles. Mr. De Curtains was thet architect of the new church, which was about 44 by 80 feet in dimensions, and Mr. Van Oss, of Minster. Ohio, was the builder. The new edifice was completed in 1875, but was really finished and plastered in 1879. In this year the high altar was purchased for $600 from J. Schroeder.

By the frequent signing of their names in the baptismal register, it must be inferred that Revs. Jacob Ringele, C. PP. S., and A. Capeder, C. PP. S., acted at times as pastor of St. Anthony's.

Rev. Ignatius Selb, C. PP. S., succeeded Father Wilhelmy, but remained hardly a year, until 1881. From this time until 1882 we find Rev. Conrad Schneider, C. PP. S., who obtained the privilege to binate, and erected also the way of the cross.

Rev. Ferdinand Walser, C. PP. S., stepped in. Father Walser provided the first mission in the parish, conducted by a Redemptorist Father. He started also the St. Anthony's Young Men's Society, which has since become defunct. Father Walser obtained one acre of land from Henry Mai, on which he built a compartment house to be used by pastor and teacher. But before Father Walser could carry out his design of residing permanently at St. Anthony, he was removed by his superior and succeeded by Rev. Cosmas Maria Seeberger, C. PP. S., who remained 12 years, until 1898, attending to the place from Mary's Home Convent as did his predecessors up to the time of Father Wilhelmy, inclusively. Father Seeberger established the arch-confraternities of the Holy Rosary, Precious Blood and the Apostolate of Prayer, or the devotion of the Nine Fridays. Failing in health, Father Seeberger was replaced by Rev. Felix Graf, C. PP. S., who had charge of the parish not cpiite one) year. In August, 1899, Rev. Maximilian F. Walz, C. PP. S., was appointed pastor of St. Anthony's Church. The people at this time were willing and generous enough to have the church remodeled and enlarged. Accordingly, in the spring of 1900 a sacristy with cloistral aisle, a brick tower from the ground up, to replace the foresteeple, were added to the church. A new roof and flooring were also necessary. The church was frescoed for the first time and further embellished by stained glass windows. The Christian Mothers' Society was established canonically in 1902. The year following, a pipe organ was installed in the church at an expense of $1,150, and an iron fence placed around the premises, costing with Page fence, $536.30. Gerhard Homan, Sr., donated in this year, half an acre for additional cemetery ground adjoining the old one. In 1903 the parish celebrated its golden jubilee, one pioneer member being present, Henry Schroer. Cement walks were laid around the church in 1904. The year 1905 witnessed the erection of both a residence for the pastor and a new schoolhouse. The former cost $3,500, and the latter, $1,200.

The total land of the parish now comprises three and a half acres. The total value of all the church property belonging to St. Anthony's parish at this time (1906) is about $24,000. The congregation numbers 74 families.

On August 9, 1906, Father Walz was transferred to Rome City, Indiana, and Rev. Charles H. Notheis, C. PP. S.. a classmate of Father Walz, took hold of the reins of the parish as resident pastor.

St. Mary's Church at Cassella, Marion township, dates from about 1847, when the first services for Catholic people were rendered here by some of the pioneer Fathers of the Most Precious Blood, who came to the settlement on certain Sundays in order to provide religious services and instruction for the settlers of the Catholic faith. A plot of ground was secured, on which was erected a small frame building, which served as a church until a new brick church edifice, 43 by 78 feet in dimensions, was erected at a cost of $6,000, under the pastorate of Rev. Peter Haberthur, C. PP. S. This building was dedicated in August, 1862, by Bishop Sylvester Rosecrans, D. D. Martin Hierholzer, Bernard Wehrkamp, John Cron and R. Schaeffer constituted the building committee. This church was destroyed by fire in 1889 and was at once rebuilt under the pastorate of Rev. Martin Dentinger, C. PP. S., at a cost of $16,000. A fine pastoral residence, built of brick, was erected in 1905 at a cost of $6,000, during the pastorate of Rev. Charles M. Romer, C. PP. S. Fifty-four families constitute the membership of the church. The financial and spiritual affairs of St. Mary's congregation are in excellent condition. This can be said of nearly all the Catholic churches of Mercer County, which fact 'speaks well for the Fathers of the Most Precious Blood, who have built up all these churches.

served until 1886, when he was followed by Rev. Theobald Schoch, who was succeeded in 1887 by Rev. Martin Dentinger. Father Dentinger was pastor until 1890, when he was followed by Rev. Charles Meyer, who served until 1893. Very Rev. Henry Drees, Provincial of the Congregation of the Most Precious Blood, attended for one year, until 1895, when Rev. Anselm Schmidt succeeded him. Rev. Philip Rist became pastor in 1897 and continued until 1902 when the present pastor. Rev. Charles M. Romer, took charge.

St. Mary's Church at Philothea, Butler township, was established on September 6, 1851, by H. Weiner, H. Wendeln, H. Zumalde, Frederick Albers, H. Spoltman, F. Saalman, H. Phelman and Henry Lennartz. Forty acres of land for church and school purposes were purchased of H. Weiner for $100 and in the following year a small log church was built. This church was used until 1871, when on July nth the present church edifice, 45 by 85 feet in dimensions and costing $7,000 was dedicated. The church was built under the supervision of Rev. James Marti, C. PP. S. A chime of bells was placed in the church tower. A frame priest's residence was built in 1905 at a cost of about $4,500. Since 1880 St. Mary's Church has had the following pastors, all members of the Congregation of the Most Precious Blood : Revs. Casper Schedler, Francis Biichel, Alphonse Lanx, Bernard Russ, John Nageleisen, Peter Kuhnmuench, Willibald Schliemers, George Fleisch, George Hindelang, Xavier Mielinger, Edmund Lohmiller, Gregory Jiissel, Philemon Notheis, Ignatius Rauh and Erhard Fritz, the present pastor. The church has a membership of 55 families.

St. Sebastian's Church is located at Sebastian in the northern part of Marion township. It was formerly a part of St. John's and St. Rosa's congregations and was established by permission of the Bishop in 1852. The pioneers of this congregation were Adam Gerlach, John Will and B. Frohning. The first church edifice, built in 1853, served the congregation until a brick church was built in 1878-79, being dedicated in October of the latter year. It was erected under the supervision of Revs. Peter Kuhnmuench, C. PP. S., and Boniface Russ, C. PP. S., and was at the time considered the* finest church building in all Mercer County. It was 45 by 85 feet in dimensions and cost $8,000. This church served the people as a place of worship until it was destroyed by fire January 12, 1903. A new brick church edifice, 52 by 1 13 feet in dimensions, was erected on the site of the former church the same year, under the supervision of Rev. Seraphim Kunkler, C. PP. S. A brick parsonage was built in 1905 at a cost of about $4,000. The congregation consists of 48 families. Dating from the construction of the second church, the following priests have served as pastors of St. Rosa's Church : Revs. Peter Kuhnmuench, Boniface Russ, Erhard Gluck, Albert Voag, Eugene Grimm, Charles Meyer, Leopold Linder, John Nageleisen, Gregory Jussel, Ferdinand Walzer, Anthony Dick, Seraphim Kunkler and Henry J. Winner, who has had charge of the church since August 23, 1906. All of the priests above named have been members of the Congregation of the Most Precious Blood with the exception of the present pastor.

St. Aloysius' Church, which is located near Carthagena, in Marion township, was established about 1856, when the settlement of Catholics here made a purchase of land from the colored people. In i860 a site for a graveyard was purchased and a school organized. The congregation was organized by Rev. Aloys Schelbert, C. PP. S. For some years the services were held for this congregation in the chapel attached to St. Charles Seminary. In 1875, the membership having increased to the point where a church building was needed, plans for a brick structure, 45 by 85 feet in dimensions, with a solid tower from the ground with walls two feet thick, were made under the supervision of the pastor, Rev. Henry Drees, C. PP. S. The corner-stone was laid and blessed in May, 1877, and through the indefatigable exertions of Father Drees the church was dedicated June 30, 1878, by Very Rev. Bernard Austerman, Provincial of the Congregation of the Most Precious Blood. Among the active and energetic men of this congregation, who constituted the building committee, were: Philip Frey, Frederick Forsthoefel and Peter Knoth.

Large subscriptions from other towns and congregations aided in the erection of this church, which cost $7,500. In the summer of 1905 extensive alterations were completed, which resulted in the complete remodeling of the old church, of which nothing now remains but the tower and three walls. An addition was built to the church, the sanctuary was enlarged, the basement excavated and a steam heating plant installed. The church was further adorned and beautified by very artistic windows. At the present time the church property is valued at $20,000. Rev. Gregory Jiissel was rector during the period when these changes were made. The congregation of St. Aloysius' Church consists of 66 families.

All the pastors have been members of the Congregation of the Most Precious Blood. The first pastor, Rev. Aloys Schelbert, served until 1865. John Van den Broek was next in charge and was followed by Rev. Anthony Guggenberger and he by Rev. Mathias Kenk, who served until 1870. Rev. Henry Drees then became pastor and continued until .1880, when he was followed by Rev. Godfrey Schlachter. The next pastor, Rev. F. Wittmer, was succeeded in 1895 by Rev. William Russ and he by Rev. Philip Hartmann in 1897. The following have since served: Revs. Boniface Russ,

Henry Drees, Felix Graf, Stephen Weigand, Gregory Jiissel, who took charge of the church in 1900 and served until November 1, 1905, when he was succeeded by the present pastor, Rev. Julian Mayer. The priests have always resided at the near-by St. Charles Seminary.

St. Wendelin's Church is located at Wendelin on the western line of Granville township, four miles west of St. Henry. The congregation was organized in 1856 and at that time consisted of eight families. The first church building, a frame structure, was dedicated in 1856. In 1867 a handsome brick church, 35 by 65 feet in dimensions, was erected during the pastorate of Rev. Paul Reuter, C. PP. S. In 1897 a 20-foot addition was built, so that the dimensions of the present church are 35 by 85 feet. In 1905 a frame parsonage was built at a cost of $3,500, since which time the congregation has had a resident pastor. The congregation has a membership of 54 families ; Rev. Jeromie Ueber, C. PP. S., is pastor.

St. Peter's Church, which is an off-shoot of St. Joseph's Church, is situated in Recovery township, about two and a half miles northwest of St. Joseph's Church. The corner-stone of the first church edifice was laid October 6, 1858, by Archbishop John B. Purcell of Cincinnati. It was a brick structure, 35 by 65 feet in dimensions, and was erected under the direction of Rev. John Van den Broek, C. PP. S., at a cost of about $4,000. The first services in this church were held January 1, i860, by Rev. Sebastian Gauter, C. PP. S. During the pastorate of Rev. Philemon Notheis, C. PP. S., it was decided to erect a new church. The corner-stone was laid May 24, 1904, and the church was dedicated on October 8, 1905, by His Grace, Archbishop

Henry Moeller of Cincinnati. This is a brick structure, 46 by 100 feet in dimensions. The church has a membership of 50 families. All the priests that have had charge of this congregation have been members of the Congregation of the Most Precious Blood. Rev. R. Schnely was succeeded by Rev. Peter Wilhelmy, who was pastor from 1868 to 1876. Rev. Aloys Malin served from 1876 to 1879; Rev. Peter Kuhnmuench, 1879 to 1882; Rev. Isidore Hengartner, 1882 to 1886; Rev. Henry Drees, 1886 to 1889; Rev. Willibald Schliemers, 1889 to 1894; Rev. Fred. Baumgartner, 1894 to 1896; Rev. Alphonse Miller, 1895 to 1897; Rev. Gregory Jiissel, P897 to 1900; Rev. Philemon Notheis, 1900 to 1906; and Rev. Robert Mayer, who has served since September 6, 1906.

St. Francis' Church, at the settlement of Cranberry Prairie in Granville township, was organized in 1858 through the efforts of Christopher and Jacob Schunck and Henry Hemmelgarn. A brick church edifice was built in i860, 38 by 65 feet in dimensions, at a cost of about $5,000 and this building continued to be used until the present church was erected. The following priests, all Fathers of the Most Precious Blood, have been in charge of the congregation since i860, when the first pastor, Rev. Paul Reutter, took up the work: Revs. Erhard Gliick, R. Schnely, Jacob Marti, Nig'sch, Sebastian Gauter, Frank Biichel, Ignatius Selb, Peter Wilhelmy, Meinrad Lennartz, Charles Zang, Anselm Schmidt, Eugene Grimm, Conrad Schneider, Charles Notheis, who served from 1893 to 1898; Cosmas Seeberger, from 1898 to 1903; and Edmund John Lohmiller, who has served since 1903. For some years past, the pastors of St. Francis' congregation have resided at St. Charles Seminary, some three miles distant, as there is no parsonage at Cranberry Prairie. During Father Seeberger's pastorate a two-acre plot of ground opposite the old church and cemetery was purchased, on which was erected a frame building, as a residence for the organist and sexton. Soon after Father Lohnhller took charge, he secured, in 1904, the erection of a brick school building, 36 by 50 feet in dimensions, and 30 feet high, with a tower. This structure was built by A. De Curtains and is equipped with a steam heating plant. The building has a basement and is roofed with tile. It is one of the handsomest and best appointed school buildings in the county. In the same year plans for a new church were made by William P. Ginther, an architect at Akron, Ohio. The foundation for this edifice was laid in the fall of 1904. the corner-stone laid May 14, 1905, and the building was completed in 1906, being dedicated with impressive and solemn ceremonies on Sunday, September 30th, by Very Rev. Boniface Russ, Provincial C. PP. S. It is a beautiful edifice and is a credit alike to the congregation and to its able and popular pastor. It is Gothic in style of architecture, 100 by 54 feet in ground dimensions and 112 feet high to the top of the tower, built of brick and with a slate roof. A basement is under the whole of the church, and the foundation walls are taken up to a height of six feet above ground in courses of Bedford stone. The church is equipped with a steam-heating system and is tastefully furnished within with new pews, confessional, communion railing, etc. The tower has three bells. N. A. Ley, an able contractor, of Minster, Ohio, built the church. The congregation has a membership of 52 families.

Church of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mdry at Celina. - The first Catholic resident in Celina was Owen Gallagher, who was alone in his religion until i860. Daniel Mahoney settled here in 1861 and Celestine Gamier, Joseph Briggs, and John Hess, in 1862. The first Catholic service ever held in Celina was performed at the house of Joseph Zenders in 1864, Rev. Bernard Dickman, C. PP. S., presiding, at which time the organization took place. From this time services were held every two- weeks. The society was soon increased by the membership of Christopher, Jacob and Peter Schunck. The congregation increasing, and the Catholics of the adjoining neighborhood desiring to attend service in Celina, it was decided to erect a house of worship, and on August 3, 1864, the corner-stone was laid by Archbishop John B. Purcell, of Cincinnati. A large procession of citizens, composed of both Catholics and Protestants, under the command of Col. Abner Davis, in full uniform, met the Archbishop. He conducted the ceremonies, assisted by Revs. Joseph Dwenger, Henry Drees, Bernard Dickman and John Van den Broek, all Fathers of the Most Precious Blood. Upon its completion, the building was dedicated December 8, 1865, by Father Dwenger, commissioned for the purpose by Archbishop Purcell. It cost $7,000, was built of brick and was 40 by 60' feet in size. An addition, made in 1878, increased the length of the church to 95 feet.

This church continued to serve the congregation for a period of a little over 20 years from the time it was enlarged. It finally became entirely too small for the large and growing congregation and steps were taken to build a larger and more imposing church edifice. The building was begun in 1900 and progressed so far that on Sunday, May 12, 1901, the corner-stone was laid with impressive ceremonies, at which time there was an immense concourse of people present, representing all sections of this part of Ohio. His Grace, Most Rev. Henry Moeller, Coadjutor Archbishop of Cincinnati, was present and conducted the ceremonies. The architects of this magnificent brick and stone church building were the De Curtains of Lima, Ohio, formerly of Carthagena, Mercer County. The contract for the building to be put under roof was let to John Burkhart, of Findlay, Ohio, the priqe paid him being $43,600. The total cost of the structure with the interior furnishings was $85,000. The church was dedicated June 7, 1903, with imposing ceremonies. Great credit is due Rev. George Hindelang, C. PP. S., who had charge of the building of the church from the commencement to the finish and is the present pastor, as well as to other leading members of the congregation who might be named for their untiring work and zeal in behalf of the Church of the Immaculate Conception, namely : Christopher Schunck, C. D. Hierholzer, William Cron, William J. Maehlman, Henry Lennartz, H. J. McKirnan, Joseph Schmitt, J. A. Romer, W. H. Anthony, John E. Hamburger, Charles A. Kloeb, J. B. Pulskamp, Henry Pulskamp, as well as many others whom we cannot mention because of lack of space. The ladies of the church should also be remembered for the zeal and earnestness which they manifested in securing such a magnificent edifice. Mesdames Hierholzer, Schmitt, Dugan, Schunck, Desch, Gast, Kenney, Pulskamp and many others contributed of time and money for the success of the church. The church building is pronounced the finest in Northwestern Ohio and stands as a shining monument to the enterprise of the Catholic congregation at Celina. The congregation consists of 180 families.

Rev. Bernard Dickman, C. PP. S., was the first pastor of the church, serving from 1864 to 1869. He was followed by Rev. Mathias Kenk, C. PP. S., who was succeeded in 1872 by Rev. Th. Wittmer, who continued in charge of the church until 1883, when he became rector of St. Charles Seminary at Carthagena, where he remained from 1883 to 1897; he is at present pastor of the church at Glandorf, Ohio. Rev. Godfrey Schlachter, C. PP. S., who is now on mission work, followed Father Wittmer in 1883 and was himself succeeded in 1886 by Rev. Andrew Gietel, C. PP. S., who served until 1890. Rev. William Russ, C. PP. S., was pastor from 1890 to 1894; Rev. Philip Hartman, from 1894 to 1897; and Rev. Dominic Schunck, from 1897 to 1899. Rev. George Hindelang, C. PP. S., the present pastor, came here in 1899 from Clinton, Missouri.

Holy Trinity Church at Coldwater, Butler township, dates its origin from the year 1868. Three ardent Catholics - H. Kallmeier, H. Baese and ^ Joseph Pohl - having determined that a Catholic Church should he erected at Coldwater, called upon Rev. John Van den Broek, C. PP. S., for his advice. The site was selected and the lot on which the church now stands was deeded by Tom Buxon for the consideration of $1. The work of erecting a frame church building, 30 by 60 feet in dimensions, was begun in 1868, when there were six heads of families in the congregation, viz. : Messrs, Kallmeier, Pohl, Birkmeyer, Gottemoller, Fisher and Tekarnp. The church was built at a cost of $1,900 and was dedicated by Most Rev. John B. Purcell, D. D., Archbishop of Cincinnati. The first baptism in the church was that of Anna Birk- meyer, on July 1, 1869. The first marriage was solemnized by Rev. Henry Drees, C. PP. S., on November 21, 1872, the bride and groom being Alphonse and Anna Sunderhaus. The first death to occur was that of Teresa Tobes, who passed away at the age of one year on September 14, 1869. As the years went by the congregation increased in size an<J the original frame church became too small, which resulted in the building of an addition on the northern end in 1886.

In 1896 extensive preparations were made for building a new church, as it was seen that it was absolutely necessary that more commodious quarters be obtained. On Sunday, June 5, 1898, the corner-stone was laid with impressive ceremonies by Rev. Francis M. Quatman, of Sidney, Ohio. The following year the edifice was finished, being dedicated on October 8, 1869, by Most Rev. William Henry Elder, D. D., Archbishop of Cincinnati. Holy Trinity Church is one of the most magnificent houses of worship in this section of the country. Its high, sharply-pointed arches and clustered drop columns denote the Gothic order of architecture. It is built of pressed brick with blue Bedford stone trimmings. The building is 140 feet long by 54 feet wide, the width at transept being 66 feet. There are two towers, the taller of which is 145 feet high, while the other is 85 feet in height. The church is roofed with slate and fitted with copper cornice and gutters. The groinribs of the vaulted ceiling terminate in drop columns, which contribute a richness of effect and finish, which is one of the finest features of the church. The late John R. De Curtains was the architect and his successors, the De Curtains Sons, the contractors and builders. The church was built during the pastorate of Rev. Lawrence Shirack, C. PP. S., who personally superintended its erection. The building committee consisted of John Hambert, John Hagerman, John Birkmeyer, John Stukenborg, John B. Albers and Herman Knappschaeffer.

St. Paul's Church is located at Sharpsburg, in Gibson township. The frame church building, 45 by 30 feet in dimensions, erected in 1874 at a cost sions at a cost of $14,000. This was during the pastorate of Rev. William Russ, C. PP. S. In 1905 a pastoral residence of brick veneer was built by; Rev. Henry Goldschmidt, C. PP. S., pastor of the church, at a total cost of $4,633. The congregation consists of 65 families. The pastors of St. Paul's Church, all of whom have been members of the Congregation of the Most Precious Blood, have been the following: Rev. Paul Reuter, 1868-70; Rev.

St. Bernard's Church at Burkettsville, in Granville township, was established in 1875. In the same year a frame church, 35 by 60 feet in dimensions, was erected at a cost of $1,700. A 40-foot addition was made to this church in the year 1902 at a cost of $2,500 and at the same time the church received new windows of stained glass, new pews, etc., at a cost of $600, all of these improvements being completed by the present pastor, Rev. D. A. W. Schweitzer, C. PP. S. A brick pastoral residence was completed on November 1, 1906, at a cost of $5,000, also during the pastorate of Father Schweitzer. The first regular religious services were conducted in the church in 1876 by Rev. Aloys Malin, C. PP. S., who served in 1876 and 1877, being succeeded in the latter year by Rev. John Van den Broek, C. PP. S., who was followed in the same year by Rev. Rudolph Albrederic, C. PP. S., and he by Rev. John Frericks, C. PP. S., who served from 1877 to 1879. Rev. Paul Reuter, C. PP. S., served from 1879 to 1882; Rev. William Russ, C. PP. S., 1882 to 1890; Rev. John Frericks, C. PP. S., 1890 to 1891; Rev. Ignatius Rauh, C. PP. S., 1891 to 1893; Rev- Emilius Steinach, C. PP. S., 1893 to 1895; Revs. Joseph Heitz, C. PP. S., and Norbert Groth, C. PP. S., who served short periods in 1895; Rev. Joseph Heitz, C. PP. S., who served from 1895 to 1896; Rev. Joseph Sailer, C. PP. S.', 1896 to 1897; Rev. Anselm Schmid, C. PP. S., 1897; Rev. Charles Notheis, C. PP. S., 1897 to 1898; Rev. Joseph Heitz, C. PP. S., 1898 to 1899; Rev. Hugo Lear, C. PP. S., a short period in 1899; Rev. Joseph Heitz, C. PP. S., 1899 to 1901; Rev. Charles M. Romer, C. PP. S., 1901 to 1902; and Rev. D. A. W. Schweitzer, C. PP. S., the present pastor, who has served since 1902. The congregation comprises 70 families.

the Congregation of the Most Precious Blood purchased of the heirs of Dr. Milligan a tract of 40 acres at Fort Recovery, the consideration being $7,500. The church was organized in 1882, in which year a frame church building was erected, at a cost of $1,500, under the supervision of the first pastor, Rev. August Seifert, C. PP. S., who is at present rector of St. Joseph's College, Rensselaer, Indiana. The priest's residence for a short time was the Dr. Milligan family residence, which is now used by the Sisters. The old schoolhouse was then bought and used for a priest's house until 1885, when a brick one containing 11 rooms, was built at a cost of $3,000. The old frame church lasted until 1902, when the present Gothic, brick church was built at a cost of about $16,000, being dedicated on August 15, 1902. It is certainly a credit to the congregation and to Rev. Bernard Dickman, C. PP, S., who labored enthusiastically in behalf of the work and who served the congregation until his death in 1906. He was succeeded by Rev. Raphael Schmaus, C. PP. S., who is the present pastor. Rev. Louis Hefele, C. PP. S., preceded Father Dickman and Rev. Martin Dentinger, Father Hefele. The congregation is made up of 77 families.

The Church of the Most Precious Blood at Chickasaw, Marion township, is the youngest Catholic Church in Mercer County. The church edifice was built in 1897 ar*d was at first used as a chapel for week-day services. The present parish was formerly a part of the mother parish of St. Sebastian. It was formally separated from St. Sebastian's in 1903 and its history as a distinct and separate parish dates from this year. The first pastor appointed to this parish by Archbishop Moeller, of Cincinnati, was Rev. Anthony C. Tabke, who has continued in charge since 1903. In this year an addition was built to the old chapel at a cost of $4,000 and in the following year a brick parsonage was erected as a cost of about $4,000. The congregation consists of 70 families.

For some years past a mission has been conducted at Montezuma in Franklin township and was formerly in charge of the priest of the Holy Angels' Church at Sidney, Ohio. The Church of Our Lady of Guadaloupe has recently been formed here and Rev. Cosmas Seeberger has been placed in charge as pastor pro tem.

Parochial Schools

The first parochial school at Celina was erected about 1876 by Rev. Th. Wittmer, C. PP. S. A building, 36 by 40 feet in dimensions and two stories high, which at a later date became the parsonage, was erected on the corner of Walnut and Wayne streets. Sister Mary Missler was the first principal.

assisted by a Sister teacher. The school prospered and grew and in 1888 Rev. Andrew Gietel, C. PP. S., built the present, two-story, brick schoolhouse, where about 300 children now receive their education. The teaching force now consists of eight Sisters of the Most Precious Blood. Sister M. Georgina is directrix.

The parochial school at Fort Recovery has an enrollment of 38 boys and 45 girls. It is taught by two Sisters of the Most Precious Blood. Sister M. Lidwina is directrix.

The parochial school at Maria Stein has about 200 pupils enrolled. The directrix is Sister M. Rosalia. The school is taught by two lay teachers and two Sisters of the Most Precious Blood.

The parochial school at Burkettsville has 42 boys enrolled and 40 girls. Sister M. Michaela is directrix. The teaching force consists of two Sisters of the Most Precious Blood.