Wright County, Minnesota - Chapter with an unread heading (no. 17 of those read), 1915

Story of the Earnest Endeavors Since the Earliest Days to Maintain Piety, Devotion and Education in This Portion of the North Star State - Wright County Under Catholic Monarchs - Traversed by Catholic Explorers - First Settler a Devout Catholic - -Catholic Pioneers - History of the Individual Parishes - By the Rev. Mathias Savs.

Catholic monarchs exercised at least a nominal sway over Wright county for centuries. The monarchs of Spain claimed North America by virtue of the discoveries of Columbus and others, and this claim was confirmed by the Papal grant of Alexander VI, May 4, 1493. Thus Wright county was once included in the domains of Their Catholic Majesties (a title conferred on Spanish rulers since the expulsion of heathen Arabs, 1492) Ferdinand and Isabella.

With the beginning of French explorations of the Northwest, however, Wright county was included in the realms of His Most Christian Majesty (title of French kings since the latter part of the reign of Charles V) King Louis XIII, who in turn was followed as monarch of France and French possessions by His Most Christian Majesty King Louis XIV.

In the meantime Catholic influences were approaching Wright county. In June, 1680, Father Louis Hennepin, accompanied by two other Frenchmen, Michael Accault and Anthony Auguelle, all unwilling prisoners of Dakotah Indians, camped with the Indians on a buffalo hunting expedition at the present. site of Anoka. No doubt they all made an excursion to the opposite shore of the Mississippi, the county of Wright. Father Hennepin was a monk and member of the Reeollect Franciseans. Duluth, the intrepid coureur de bois, passed through or near this county on July 25, 1680, while visiting Hennepin and his companions. LeSueur and Charleville, both Catholics, were of the first white men who have left a record of having passed this county. Many other early explorers were also of the Catholic faith.

From the time of Hennepin and DuLuth explorations to the reduction of Canada by the English in 1760, France claimed to rule over the Upper Mississippi territory. However, formal assertion of sovereignty was not made until 1689,

February 10, 1763, under Louis XV, the French claims to lands west of the Mississippi were acknowledged by Great Britain, and in accordance with a previous secret treaty with Spain, France turned over to Spain all her North American possessions,

March 13, 1801, Spain ceded the land west of the Mississippi to France, then governed by Napoleon Bonaparte, first consul, who made no effort to rule over his new possessions. March 10, 1804, there was a formal transfer at St. Louis, Mo., from Spain to France and from France to the United States of America.

Wright county in olden times was known under the telling name of the Big Woods country. As such it did not look inviting to the settlers before 1850. It was the undisputed hunting ground of the red man.

Edmund Brissett, the first white man to establish himself within the limits of Wright county, was a Catholic, a man of edueation far above that of the other pioneers. It is said, that he had been educated by priests in Canada, and his services as a scribe were often employed by other traders. It was he who gave the present site of St. Paul the poetic name of Pig's Eye, which it bore for several years, before the present name was adopted in honor of the Chapel of St. Paul, which the pious Catholics had erected there. In 1850 Brissett came to Wright county from Hennepin county, where he was then located, and established a trading post at the west end of Lake Pulaski. In 1851 he and his associates eut a road, the first in Wright county, through the woods from Lake Harriet and Lake Calhoun in Hennepin county to the present site of Buffalo, and thence to Lake Pulaski, where his post was located.

The first Catholic settlers in Wright county began to arrive in 1855. They followed the rivers Mississippi and Crow. Most of them were of the German and French descent. Railroads, as they were built, brought mixed nationalities on their wake and spread them west. .

The first priest visiting Catholics in this county was Father Francis X. Pierz (properly Pire), the famous missionary of Stearns county. He traveled on the Mississippi and Crow rivers to find scattered bands of Indians, then living in Wright county. In the winter of 1854-55 he visited a band of them camping on Indian Point of Fountain Lake, five miles west of Delano. It came to his knowledge, that his red children obtained a casquet of fire water from white traders, and he was bound to get it away from them. Arguing with their chief, he insisted, that fire water was the greatest enemy of the red man and a product of hell, and as such, though seemingly water, would burn, like everything else in hell. The Indians allowed him to prove it by an actual experiment. Whereupon Father Pire opened the bunk and applied a match to it, and fire water went up in flames. The Indians

Regular visits to Catholic settlers were made by the Benedictine Fathers from St. Paul and later from St. Johns, Collegeville. They also followed the flow of the Crow river. Well known are the names of Benedictines: Demetrius de Marogna, Clemens Staub, Bruno Riss, Cornelius Wittmann, Ansgar Frauensdorfer, Eberhart Gahr, George Scherer, Magnus Maria Mayer. The settlers remember them just by their first names, as Father Demetrius, Father Clemens, etc.

The extent of the Benedictine Fathers' work may be seen from the following inscription I find in annotations of Rev. Magnus Maria Mayer, then pastor of St. Michael, Frankfort township, near Crow river, in 1863: °

"To this mission are attached the following stations: St. Isidor, Dayton, Hennepin county; Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Osseo, Hennepin county; St. Walburga, Corcoran town, Hennepin county; St. Thomas, Corcoran town, Hennepin county; Pelican Lake, Wright county; Maple Lake, Wright county; French Lake, Wright county; Greenwood, Wright county; Waverly, Marysville, Wright county; Patnodes settlement, Hennepin county; Sieglake, Beck settlement, Hennepin county; Forest City, Meeker county; Bear Island, Monticello, Wright county and Benton county; Rockford, Wright county' ' - in all fourteen stations to be looked after from the mission of St. Michael.

With the completion of the St. Paul and Pacifie railroad (Great Northern) through the southern townships of Wright county in 1868, and the ''Soo"' line running through the middle townships of the county in 1886-87, Catholics came in in larger numbers, some to see the Big Wood country, others as working men of the two roads. Seeing the excellent soil they at once deeided to take up land and stay, cheerfully expecting and hoping a bright prosperous future for all kinds of farming on such a rich, virginal soil.

German Catholics settled mostly on and near the Crow river: St. Michael, Pelican Lake, Delano. Somewhat later we find them in smaller numbers interspersed at Buffalo, Waverly Mills and sporadic families along both railroad lines.

Polish Catholies settled down in a rather compact mass in the western part of Franklin township and Woodland township. The Catholic church in Czenstochowa is about im the midst of the **Polish settlement.''

Trish and English-speaking Catholics had no special choice of townships. We find them in predominant numbers in and near Buffalo, Waverly, Maple Lake and Annandale,

Of course, at present Catholics of all nationalities are much intermixed both by contact and intermarriage, so that specific lines between them cannot be traced any more. The English language is generally spoken by all.

The organization of Catholic newcomers into parishes was the work of years after 1855. Benedictine pioneer Father-missionaries were in time succeeded by secular pioneer priests of Minnesota, who visited the scattered Catholics in Wright county. Among them I name Revs. Gregory Koering, Joseph Schaller, Augustine Ravoux, M. McDermott, John Treland.

A very interesting incident of early Catholic days is related by Archbishop Ireland, then a common missionary Father Ireland. He happened to be on the road from Waverly Mills to Watertown and got lost on crosspaths and trails of the Big Wood country. Going on and really not knowing where, he began to feel rather perplexed and stood still in the midst of a cool, shady wood. Wiping his brows and trying to find his bearings, he thought he heard the tune of a church song. He listens and listens, not daring to breathe, so as not to lose the strain of the distant sweet sounds. Why, are angels singing psalms and eanticles of praise in the deep of Minnesota forests? It comes from the air, through the thickets; it fills the woods, it is real French chureh psalmody, well known to him from his years of study in France. Musie never sounded sweeter to his ears, it never magnetized him more. Eagerly he steps through the woods, led by the angelic sounds, and soon stands before a newly erected church. Wondering in joyful anticipation he listens at the chureh door, Yes, there was a Catholic congregation gathered together without a priest, praying and singing psalms. It was the Feast of Corpus Christi in 1866, and the French Catholics near the present Delano celebrated it like in the old country in Elsatia and Bavaria, The archbishop enters, a surprise to the congregation, stays with them for a while, preaches to them and conducts the services to the end.

Organized Catholic parishes with resident priests are today ag follows: Albertville, Otsego tewnship; Annandale, Corinna township; Buffalo, Buffalo township; Delano, Franklin township (two churches and two resident priests); Maple Lake, Maple Lake township; Monticello, Monticello township; Waverly, on line of Woodland and Marysville townships. The following stations are attached as missions: Chatham to Maple Lake; Clearwater to Monticello; Czenstochowa to St. Joseph's parish of De~ lano. Catholic parishes in Wright county belong te the jurisdietion of Most Rev. John Ireland, archbishop of the archdiocese of St. Paul, Minn.

Education of the youth always received the most tender and conscientious care of the Catholic church. To have a wellinstructed, educated membership in the church was and is the constant solicitude of the Catholic clergy. The ideal, of course, is to impart to the child in school both the secular and religious education, so as to educate mind and heart, the whole man, not only intellectually but also morally. Wherever this ideal cannot be obtained, the next best has to be provided for by private instruction and private schools. Following the later plan in this eountry, the Catholie church gives individual private instruction in religion and morals in organized Sunday schools, and still more efficiently in parochial schools.

St. Peter's parochial school in Delano, besides being a very efficient eight grade school, gives a special opportunity to all pupils in its newly added music department. The eighth grade and high school at Waverly is just now the peerless leader of schools in Wright county, having an excellent teaching staff headed by Father Moore, a well-known experienced man in school matters, a former member of the teaching staff in St. Thomas College. The addition of a commercial department to the usual grade subjects is a further credit to the wide-awake Catholics of Waverly.

Social organization within the parish is another efficient means for mutual benefit and help. In every parish there are some strictly church societies organized for spiritual benefits to its members and also for promoting special work for the benefit of the local church. Beside these there are branches of Catholic social and mutual insurance societies, affiliated to state or national organizations. I mention the council of the Knights of Columbus (over two hundred members strong) in Waverly; Catholic Order of Foresters courts in Delano, Waverly, St. Michael, Albertville and Maple Lake. The German Catholic Benevolent Association of Minnesota has branches at Delano, St. Michael, Albertville and Maple Lake. The Polish Union of America has a branch at Delano.

In politics Catholics as a body do not belong to any party; they are perfectly at liberty to choose for themselves according to their own conscience and liking candidates of any political party.

Delano - 8St. Peter's Church. In early fifties the site of Delano and its neighborhood were but a wild, virginal forest pervaded and inhabited by numbers of wild birds and animals, and en-

Near Fountain Lake, as one of the very first, we find Joseph Leiter and his wife, Catherine, with two or three white neighbors a few miles away. Mr. Leiter could tell me yet personally how he used to admire the enduring energy of the red aborigine trailing the deer, running after it, gliding like a shadow between brush and stream, leaping over a creek and rivulet, ultimately bringing it down with his never failing arrow. More exciting were the stories of his wife, who was every now and then frightened by the sight of a red face skulking around the log house, curiously looking through the windows, if perchance there should be something desirable within easy reach to take. Once she actually had to pack her things and a child and run with her husband to Shakopee to escape the blood-thirsty red man, made the wilder for tasting the blood in the massacre at Howard Lake. Both Joseph and Catherine are now sleeping the sleep of the just, and even their old home, on the southwest shore of Fountain Lake, was removed a few years ago.

In 1856 Joseph Matter and some of his brothers and countrymen arrived and settled on the land between one and three miles west of Delano. He could never tire telling how he and his brothers and his old friend Mathias Schaust used to cut the stoutest oaks, elms and maples, roll them on a pile and burn them, so that for weeks and months a smoky, hazy atmosphere enveloped the old thick woods, prophesying to them their ultimate destruction. But in the midst of all this fire and smoke these hardy settlers felt contented and happy, lcoking hopefully into future, knowing that they selected a rich country for their home.

In 1864 the two-year-old baby, Joseph, son of Joseph Matter, died. The father did not like to take him to Chaska or Minneapolis for burial, so he decided to bury him on an elevated knoll in his wheat field, and thus, not knowing, started the present eemetery of this congregation.

Joseph Matter and his neighbors were in the Civil war. Returning in 1865 they made up their minds to build a church. These pioneers were men of word and acts, not losing much time with plans and style of architecture. Joseph Matter, with his brothers, Louis, Philipp, John and Anthony, and Mathias Schaust, Joseph Baumann, Andrew Oehrlein, John Kuchenmeister, John Muckenhirn, Joseph Stolz and Mike Brenner, started with the work and erected the first Catholic church building on our cemetery. In 1869 they bought a bell, paying $200 for it.

I was filled with sentimental thoughts when in 1901 I had te tear down the old venerable structure and so to obliterate a monumeut of the early religious zeal of our pioneers. But I could nat prevail against myself to remove the belfry with its sweet-sound- ing bell. So, let it stay there. Let the old bell welcome with its old tune the few remaining pioneers; let it bid them to rest the weary wanderers, its old friends, and let it lull them to sleep, there to await in peace the sounding trumpet for resurrection on the last judgment day.

The first Catholies in this district were taken care of by the Benedictine Fathers Eberhard Gahr, Anthony Capser, Magnus Maria Mayer and others; then by Revs, Gregory Koering and J, Schaller, of St. Michael, and Rev. Father Steinacker, of Watertown. They held services in the houses of Mathias Schaust, Joseph Matter and in Val. Eppel's (the old Bruggeman corner) in Delano, and later in the cemetery church, completed in 1865, A frequent visitor to them was also Rev. John Ireland, now the archbishop of St. Paul.

In 1868 the St. Paul and Pacific Railroad Co. (Great Northern) began to lay tracks through Wright county and had something of a headquarter on the eastern shore of Crow river, Naturally, general stores and other business undertakings essential to early settlements sprung up, and thus the present village of Delano came to stay. John Borseh and Val. Eppel had general merehandise stores, John Haffner engaged in hardware business.

In 1874 Catholics of Delano began to think how to build a new church in the village and not have to walk to ''the country'' to hear mass. Ou March 1, 1874, a meeting was ealled in the store of Val. Eppel in the town of Delano for the purpose to organize and build a church, The meeting elected James Finegan for president, Val. Eppel for treasurer, Fred. Brandes for secretary, adding to them Charles Eppel, William Dunn, Charles Stein, John Borsch, Joseph Craemer and John Kuchenmeister as a building committee. A committee of three (Joseph Kuban, Charles Eppel, Fred. Brandes) was appointed to see and confer with Bishop Thomas L. Grace, of St. Paul, and obtain from him the permission to build a Catholic church in the town of Delano. They were also to see the proprietors of the land selected and secure a deed to it. Of course, the original ereetors of the church in the cemetery did not like the idea of a new church near by and did all they could to prevent it. Bishop Grace though was in favor of the town ehurch and sent Rev. Father Steinacker, of Watertown, to announce this official decision at a meeting held on April 6, 1874. Lots for chureh purposes were obtained from Mr. Breed; he also donated all logs and stones necessary for the church. The work was started at once.

Among the persons rendering the first help in breaking the grounds I find a generous willingness in persons of all ereeds and nationalities then existing in Delano. Alive as yet and able to tell us all about it are: James Finegan, Fred. Brandes, Charles

The cornerstone of the church of St. Peter of Delano, Minn., was laid on June 15, 1874. The ceremonies were performed by Rey. Father Steinacker, of Watertown, assisted by Rev. J. Schaller, of St. Michael. Among the first pew holders I find the following, still living and belonging to this congregation: Charles Eppel, Fred. Brandes, John Otto, George P. Schaffer, Val. Kuchenmeister, Peter Theisen, Michael Brenner, Charles Stein.

Catholies were enthusiastie in their suecess. Their congrega-~ tion was growing fast. All ''French'' Catholics (from the old church on cemetery) joined it, landably submitting to Bishop Grace's decision. Besides the village all German and Polish Catholics residing in townships of Franklin and Rockford, many from Woodland and Hollywood, also from Greenwood and Independence, Hennepin county, joined in. The church had te be enlarged. It was done at a cost of over $1,000 by the addition of a gallery and belfry. The church with all its contents represented a total expenditure of $7,500.

In 1884 a spirit of separation began to brew in this congregation and caused the Polish church of St. Mary, of Franklin township to be built - today, Czenstochowa. Some fifty Polish Catholic families joined the new-formed congregation; they erected a church at the cost of $3,000.

The first parochial school of this congregation was built by Rey. D. Socha in 1876. It was a one-room, frame-hall building. The elementary branches and catechism were taught by Josephine Michaels. It soon became too small and was replaced by a real school building in 1888, the present St. Peter's school. The school sisters of the order of St. Francis, from Rochester, Minn., were summoned, and a regular and efficient schooling began. At present there are four teachers employed, teaching the usual eight grade subjects. A department of music ig added, with a special Sister teacher in charge of it to give specific training both in instrumental and voeal music. The school building and contents called for an expenditure of over $7,000. The present parochial residence was built in 1891 at an expense of $2,500. In 1896 two lots south of the ehureh on River street were bought for $130 and added to the church property.

On June 25, 1902, Archbishop Ireland confirmed at Delano 244 persons. For some years it was an acknowledged fact, that a new church must be built, because there was no possible accommodation for 1,181 members belonging to the congregation, and the church having a seating capacity of but 225. The archbishop, after a thorough deliberation, decided that a new church for Polish Catholics in Delano should be erected. He charged the pastor, Rev. M. Savs, to start with the work at once, It was so done. On July 5, 1903, Rev. M. Savs blessed and laid the cornerstone for the new Catholie church of St. Joseph for Catholic Poles of Delano and vicinity. He addressed a vast multitude of people in English and Polish, setting forth the meaning and purpose of the new church. January 1, 1904, Polish Catholies were formally and practically separated from the old mother parish of St. Peter, and on May 1, 1904, the church being completed at a cost of $14,- 000 and ready for services, Rev. Joseph Smiech arrived to take charge of the Polish parish, while the writer of these lines remained at his old post in the parish of St. Peter. Some sixty families and twenty-seven bachelors, old maids, widows and widowers - in all 376 members - joined the new Polish parish, leaving in the old St. Peter's parish 102 German and English families and 17 single men and ladies of age and self-support; in all 805 members.

Ever since the organization of new St. Joseph's parish in Delano the question of a representative Catholie church for St. Peter's parish was much discussed. Finally on February 25, 1906, at an open meeting in the church the congregation unanimously decided that ''it is the will of the parish of St. Peter of Delano, Minn., to build a new church within ten years from date,"' A committee of fourteen members was elected, who, with the pastor in charge presiding, should organize and start business towards erection of the desired church. Articles of incorpartion of ''The Building Association of the Church of St. Peter of Delano, Minn.,'' were drawn up and recorded in the county seat on June 4.1906, The incorporators are: Rev. M. Savs, president; John E. Borsch, vice president ; Simon Weldele, treasurer; Ernest Otto, secretary ; L. P. Probst and George P. Schaffer.

Generosity and good will of the congregation made it possible that the cornerstone for the new church was blessed and laid on June 15, 1912, by Rev. John Seliskar, Ph.D., and professor of philosophy and biology in St. Paul's Seminary. Same church was dedicated for divine service on November 9, 1913, by Bishop J. J. Lawler, of St. Paul, Minn.

The new church of St. Peter's congregation is a brick and stone building with a full concrete basement, twelve feet high. The dimensions of the church are 158 by 71 feet in transept, eight feet less for main longitudinal wall, and inside 36 feet high. Six hundred seating capacity. Style of architecture, new classic; severe but proportionate on outside, strietly Roman classic on inside above pillars below pillars all ornamentation is in Renaissance. An artistie gem in the church are the altars and the windows. On the day of dedication the chureh was pronounced by the Bishop and visiting clergy as ''the nicest and most artistic they have ever seen,'' Since then many finishing touches have been added.

The new church as it stands today costs in eash $45,800, not including a great deal of labor performed and donated by members of the congregation,

On April 7, 1915, the old church of St. Peter, of Delano, was damaged by fire. It was at once remodeled into ''Columbus Hall,"' and as such it is now used for meeting of church societies and school entertainments.

The first priest attending the spiritual needs of St. Peter's congregation was Father Steinacker, of Watertown, and a few times Rev. A. Capser, of St. Paul. In August, 1875, Rev. Damasus Socha arrived and remained here until 1884. He was the last one to say Mass in the old cemetery church. Rev. John Rynda was his successor for eighteen months and was succeeded by Rey. J. B. Wenning who was somewhat sickly, retired soon and gave place to my predecessor, Rev. Lawrence Zawadzki. He took charge of the parish in September, 1887, and did not leave it until called away by his long and troublesome sickness (Bright's disease), from the effects of which he died November 7, 1896, in St. Mary's Hospital, Minneapolis. His resting place is in our cemetery in the midst of his spiritual children. His successor, the writer of these lines, was sent straight from the school bench of the seminary to attend the needs of this parish. Having arrived at the place of my duty on April 16, 1906, I fell so much in love with it and the people that I am still acting in this my first and only charge, and the end of my stay here is not as yet in sight.

The first trustees of this congregation were Fred. Brandes and Val. Eppel. Mr. Eppel soon resigned and John Haffner took his place. On Father Damasus' suggestion three new ones were chosen, one from each nationality: William Dunn, Barth. Fautz, George P. Schaffer. Changes were in quick succession; it is my opinion, that at times there were no trustees at all. I find names of trustees: Mat Schaust and B, Fautz, after them again George P. Schaffer and Ign. Gutzwiller, then Hermann Otto and Mat. Schaust. During Father Lawrence's administration George P. Schaffer, treasurer, and Louis P. Probst, secretary, were elected trustees, and have been regularly re-elected up to the present time.

St. Peter's congregation is at present 127 families strong, not counting single old gentlemen and ladies also with us. Strictly church societies are: Holy Rosary Society, 102 members; Young Ladies' Sodality, 62 members; Sacred Heart League, 82 members; UI Order of St. Francis, 12 members. Catholic Benevolent and Insurance Societies: St. Anthonius Verein, 96 members; St. Anna's Verein, 839 members; Catholic Order of Foresters, 124 members; Knights of Columbus, 18 members. In the parochial school we have an enrollment of 182 pupils in the eight grades and 38 in the department of music.

St. Peter's congregation owns church property in a well rounded up quadrangular piece of land, consisting of lots 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 - all in block 3, Riverside addition No. 2, having a frontage of 275 feet on River street, 320 feet on Rockford street, 255 feet on Second street - 20 feet south of lot 10 were deeded to the village of Delano for road purposes in lieu of the alley closed. The church also owns south 8 feet of lot 10, block 2, Riverside addition No. 2, and school lots 1, 2, block 1, and lot 1, 4, block 2, Lyles' addition. (By Rev. M. Savs, pastor.)

Delano - St. Joseph's Church. The Catholic Chureh of St. Joseph of Delano, Minn., historically branched off St. Peter's congregation on June 25, 1902, when Rev. M. Savs, pastor of St. Peter's church, was charged by the Archbishop Ireland to build a separate church for Polish Catholics of Delano and vicinity. The cornerstone for the new church was blessed and laid by Rev. M. Savs on July 5, 1903. As a separate parish they began practically when, at the completion of the chureh on May 1, 1904, they obtained a resident pastor in the person of Rev. Joseph Smiech. He built the pastoral residence at an expense of $3,200, and started in 1906 the parochial school with one teacher. Father Smiech was sueceeded on September 3, 1907, by Rev. A. Szezukowski, and he in turn by the present pastor, Rev. Stephen Zdechlik. The church building is a brick edifice trimmed with Bedford stone, and has a seating capacity of 450. The main altar is a beautiful Renaissance carving in hard quarter oak. All windows are in stained glass with pictures and emblems, The value of all church property, lots, buildings and contents is not below $25,000. At present 480 members of Polish nationality belong to St. Joseph's parish, or in all 76 families. The parochial school has an enrollment of 65 pupils. Strictly church societies are: Rosary Society, 140 members; Young Ladies' Sodality, 31 members; III Order of St. Francis, 30 members; Sacred Heart League, 42 members. Catholic Benevolent and Insurance societies: Catholic Order of Foresters, 45 members; St. Michael's Society, 62 members; St. Hedwig's Society, 29 members. Present trustees: Frank Kittock and James Gabriel.

The Church of St. Mary of Franklin, a mission, is attached to St. Joseph's Church of Delano, This mission church is known under the name Czenstochowa. It started a separate organization in 1884, branching off the parish of St. Peter, of Delano. Polish Catholics of the western part of Franklin township and eastern Woodland belong to it. It has no chance for a resident pastor, therefore it is intimately connected at present with St. Joseph's parish, of Delano, whose pastor is also the administrator of Czenstochowa.

took steps to rebuild it. He succeeded admirably, considering the few families contributing towards the support of Czenstochowa. He built for them a brick church trimmed with Bedford sandstone and a full conerete basement. As it stands it éosts over $18,000 and is certainly a credit to the pastor's zeal and a magnificent monument of the living faith of the 45 families belonging to the congregation. Cornerstone for this new church was blessed and laid on June 21, 1914: church ready for services and first mass said in it on January 17, 1915. Seating capacity, 300, Present trustees: Frank Gallus, John Nalewaja.

St. Michael - The Church of St, Michael. St. Miehael's parish is really the mother church of all Catholic parishes in Wright county. Its missionaries and pastors extended their fatherly care to the Catholies of the whole county and even beyond its limits.

The first Catholic settlers at and near the present St. Michael came from St. Louis, Mo., from MeHenry, Ill., and from points of Wisconsin. They were all of the German nationality. At onee 'steps were taken towards organization and building a church. Active in the project were especially Peter Scheyrich, John Zachmann, Edward Aydt, John Dehmer, Felix and Xavier Reyling. In 1856 a log edifice, 18 by 32 feet, was erected on twenty acres at Berning's mill, near the bank of the Crow river, in the N. E. Y% of section 18, township 120, range 23. It soon proved to be too small and was replaced by a frame chureh, which, in the fall of 1866, was moved two miles west, near the location of the present church. From this church the community, the postoffice and later the village took their name of St. Michael,

The first priests attending the spiritual needs of this settlement were Benedictine Fathers from St. John's Abbey. Traveling through here to St. Anthony and St. Paul they stopped, as needed, and held services more or lek regularly. They were as follows: Rey. Fathers Demetrius de Marogna in 1856-57-58-59; Clemens Staub, in 1857 and 1862; Bruno Reiss and Cornelius Wittmann, in 1858; Ansgar Frauensdorfer, in 1859, 1861-62; Eberhard Gahr, in 1859-60; George Scherer, in 1860-61; Benedict Mainal, in 1861-62,

In the latter part of 1862 Rev. Magnus Maria Mayer arrived as the first resident pastor and remained until 1865. On November 6, 1865, Rev. Gregory Koering became the resident pastor. It was in his time that the southwest corner of section 12, township 120, range 24, was selected for a permanent location of the ehurch. Father Koering remained until November 9, 1869, and was succeeded by Rey. P. Maurer (then pastor at Dayton) until July, 1871. From July, 1871-October, 1877, Rev. J. Schaller administered St. Michael very successfully.

Schaller headed a committee, consisting of Anthony Berning, F. T. Aydt, John Zachmann and Ign. Gutzwiller, Jr., which was to solicit funds. Not much encouragement was met with, and most of the money was furnished by the members of the committee. A brick-veneered building, 34 by 48 feet, and two and a half stories high, was erected during the spring and summer of 1876. On September 12, 1876, three sisters of Notre Dame arrived from the mother-house at Milwaukee. School was opened on September 29, 1876, with an attendance of fifteen pupils, and by the end of the year 158 pupils were enrolled. The first parochial school building was also used for Sisters' residence until 1897, when the present new brick and stone school was built, and the old school entirely turned over to Sisters for their residence. In 1904 a separate new Sisters' residence of solid brick was erected, and the old first school building removed from the grounds. There are at this time seven Sisters on the teaching staff, teaching in eight grades the usual grade subjects, and besides German and catechism, Two hundred and ten pupils are under their immediate fave and instruction.

Father Schaller was succeeded in October, 1877, by Rev. T. A. Schroeder, who remained in this place until November, 1889. He erected a new frame parsonage, the first one having been sold to Z, Barbeln, who still uses it on his property. Rev. Rud. Deustermann became pastor of St. Michael in November, 1889, and stayed until March, 1904. Two magnificent monuments of his zeal and energy are the result of his exceedingly successful pastorate: the grand new parochial school and the majestic gothic church. He eompleted the new church in 1890; it was dedicated to divine service by the Rt. Rev. Bishop James MeGolrick on St. Michael's day, 1890. The imposing, well-proportioned and balanced front of this strueture is a very pleasing feature, while the purity of style in the interior practically forces you to kneel down and pray in this house of God. The seating capacity is 600,

In the month of April, 1904, Rev. William H. Blum was a temporary pastor, sueceeded in May, 1904, by the present pastor, Rev. Anthony Miks. The mutual confidence and affeetion between Father Miks and the people of his parish already had its sweet fruits in an entire renovating of the interior of the church in 1906 for the oceasion of the golden jubilee of St. Michael's parish. He also built the new Sisters' residence and chapel in 1904, and a new pastor's residence in 1913, each a solid brick structure trimmed with stone. The parsonage is undoubtedly the most modern and up-to-date building of its kind in the diocese of St. Paul, and a great credit to the co-operative spirit of the generous parishioners of St. Michael. Father Miks is also the dean of St. Michael's deanery.

The first baptism recorded is: Theresia Ackermann, born February 27, 1857, of Charles Ackermann and his wife, Julia (Aydt) ; baptized on May 17, 1857, by Father Demetrius. First marriage: 1857, August 24, Henry Aydt married to Anna Maria Marx. Witnesses: Felix Reyling, George Hackenmuller. Marriage solemnized by Father Demetrius. First funeral: Andreas Marx, 22 years old, killed by his enemy, John Brenner; buried May 2, 1857. First confirmation: 1864, June 26, on the sixth Sunday after Pentecost, 5 p. m., Bishop Thomas L. Grace eonfirmed 24 males and 23 females.

Still alive and present at the golden jubilee of the parish in 1906, were the following pioneers: John B. Marx, Simon Kasper, Henry Aydt, John Igel, Thomas Zachmann, Anthony Durr.

Church Societies. Christian mothers - for married ladies, III Order of St. Francis, for men and women; Young Ladies' Sodality for girls. Catholic Benevolent societies: St, Joseph's, for men; Catholic Order of Foresters, St. Michael's court for men; St. Mary's for ladies; St. Joseph's for boys.

Albertville - The Church of St. Albert. The Church of St. Albert had its beginning early in the year 1902. The location for the church was pointed out to the assembled Catholics by the Very Rey. John N. Stariha, vicar general of the archdiocese of St. Paul, and the preparatory work began at once. The tract of land for the new church was donated by John Zachmann, of St. Michael, On April 15, 1903, Rev. William H. Blum was appointed pastor of Fletcher and also put in charge of the Catholics of St. Michael's station, now ealled Albertville. He finished the foundation and basement for the church at an expense of $1,100, In September, 1903, the church of St. Albert was legally incorporated.

Some of the first, more active members are: J. P. Eull, John Roden, Adam Roden, Peter Jaeb, Theo. Aydt, P. F. Heekelmann, Peter Zimmer, Thad. Martin, Fr. Marx, Theo. Schirmers, Joseph Dulac, Steve Roden, James Tiernan, Ign. Vetsch, Ign. Thelen, Nie. Mayer, Joseph Jacob, Andr. Milan, M. J. Schiertz, Mike Niesen, L. Vetsch, Mike Bloberger, F. H. Herman, L. E. DeMars, Severe Deshaul, Nie. Valerius, George DeMars, N. H. Tylen, Math. Psyek, Tom, Trunt, S. File, Jac. Redmann, John Servaty, Bernard Duffy, Ed. Bukowski, Mike Jaeb, H. Dick, Mike Spielmann, A. W. Praught. Before the church was completed mass was celebrated in the store of J. P. Eull - the first time on November 1, 1903, On same day Mary Bloberger was baptized.

Miks took care of Albertville up to July 12, 1906, when Rev. Joseph Jagermann was appointed pastor. He took residence in a house, owned by the Farmers' Lumber Co., rented by the parish. In 1908 a new suitable parsonage was built, on which over $3,000 was spent. On October 20, 1908, Rev. M. J. Duhr, the present.pastor, arrived to continue the spiritual work in the parish. He was quite active right from the start in encouraging the parishioners to build a parochial school, the real foundation and hope for a healthy development and increase in the parish. His effort was crowned with success, when in 1912 a beautiful structure, costing $15,000, was dedicated for parochial school purposes of the parish of Albertville. Up to now lay teachers were in charge of the ten grades. Beginning the next school year, in fall of 1915, the school shall be in charge of the school sisters of Notre Dame, of Mankato, Minn. Enrollment, 105 pupils. There are at present 110 families in the parish. One-half mile east of the church the parish owns a cemetery of three acres.

Besides the usual church societies, there are also two Catholic benevolent insurance societies: a branch of the German Catholic Association of Minnesota and a court of the Catholic Order of Foresters.

Monticello - The Church of 8t. Henry. In records of Rev. Magnus Maria Mayer, pastor of St. Michael's church, near Crow river, in 1863, I find that he also attended Bear Island, Monticello, Wright county. I cannot say that it was on site of the present village of Monticello.

We are on sure grounds from spring 1903, when Rev. William H. Blum, pastor of Fletcher, was also looking after the spiritual welfare of the few Catholic families in and near Monticello. The first Mass though was said by Rev. Joseph F. Busch (at this time bishop of St. Cloud) in the house of Mrs. Arthur Cook. There were twelve Catholic families at Monticello in 1903. Father Blum was appointed pastor to Buffalo in April, 1904, and had Monticello attached to hig new place as a mission, driving over once a month on a week day, and holding services at the residence of John MeEachern. On one of these visits Mr. MceHachern discovered that there was no bell. He quickly solved the diffieulty by going to his stable and cutting one of the bells from the harness used in sleigh riding. It did serve the purpose, and was used by the altar boy during the celebration of the Mass. This bell is treasured by Mr. McEachern as a relic of the pioneer days of Catholicism in Monticello.

Father Blum had charge of Monticello until July 12, 1906, and was succeeded by Rev. Joseph Jagermann, pastor of Albertville. Father Jagermann attended this mission once a month on Sunday and used also to come and say Mass on some week days. For the first three Sundays he celebrated Mass in the opera house, later again in John McHachern's house. It was Father Jagermann who bought an old school building for $300, remodeled it for services and moved on a property of three lots, bought for $700. Archbishop Ireland donated $200 towards the first church. Rev. M. J. Duhr, who succeeded Father Jagermann at Albertville, attended Monticello as his mission until June 16, 1909, when Rev. Stephen P, Kinkead was appointed first resident pastor at Monticello. To this place from now on Clearwater was attached as a mission, which hitherto was a mission to Annandale. For a while the pastor stayed at the hotel, later a house at the east end of town was rented for him. Mass was celebrated every Sunday both at Monticello and Clearwater.

On the second Sunday of July, 1909, the parishioners decided to name their congregation and chureh 'St. Henry,'' as a sign of special esteem for their former spiritual guide, Rev. William Henry Blum. The parish was then incorporated under this name. The treasurer was John McHachern; secretary, John Roche.

Father Kinkead stayed in Monticello for two years, and in the meantime bought a parsonage. On June 21, 1912, Rev. Thomas Minogue was appointed pastor of this place and Clearwater mission. He in turn was succeeded on July 12, 1914, by the present pastor, Rev. J. P. Holland.

The tasty structure of the present St. Henry's chureb. is the result of the successful pastorate of Father Minogue. St. Henry's parish at this date numbers upwards of forty Catholic families.

Clearwater - The Church of St. Luke. This place was first attended by Rev. Wm. H. Blum from Fletcher. On account of the distance it was detached from Fletcher and added to Annandale as a mission. From there Rey, Chas. Cavanaugh paid regular pastoral visits to Clearwater, organized the Catholics in a regular organization and succeeded in building a nice brick church for them. This was in the years 1905 and 1906. In 1909 Clearwater was attached as a mission to Monticello, from which place it is administered to this date. Clearwater parish gives every hope for a prosperous future. About forty families belong to the Church of St. Luke of Clearwater.

\ Annandale: The Church of St. Ignatius. - Benedictine Fathers from St. John's Abbey held services at the home of Mrs. Hannah O'Laughlin in the days of the early settlement. In 1863 Rev. Magnus Maria Mayer, stationed at St. Michael, had French Lake as a mission attached to his place. In 1873, the Church of St. Ignatius was organized, and Rev. I. Schaller of St. Michael held services at stated times. Land was purchased from Charles Chevalier in the southeast quarter of section 13, French Lake, and a building was commenced in 1874 and completed in 1875. Father Schaller remained in charge of the parish until 1881 and was followed by Father C. Robert.

The parish was incorporated in October, 1898, Rev. Joseph Darche being the first resident pastor. Under his administration the parsonage was erected in the village of Annandale. On October 11, 1899, Rev. T. G. Plante succeeded Father Darche, and a chapel was erected at Annandale, which is now the vestry and sanctuary of the present church. The corner stone of the church was laid on July 12, 1901, and on Sunday, December 1, 1901, the first Mass was offered, in the new church, which was completed in May, 1902. In October, 1903, Rev. Charles Cavanaugh succeeded Father Plante and his pastorate lasted till July, 1906. In November of the same year, Rev. Wm. Rhatigan succeeded Father Cavanaugh. Following him were Fathers John Byrne, Denis Sullivan and John C. Laventure. Rev. John C. Laventure was appointed pastor November 11, 1908, and came to Annandale the twentieth of the same month. Under his administration the ehurch was decorated and the house remodeled. He left in 1915 and was succeeded for a short time by Rev. D. Domestici and then by the present pastor, Rev. F. J.T. McEwan. The parish of St. Ignatius has about sixty families,

Buffalo: The Church of St. Francis - Edmund Brissett, the first white settler in Wright County, was a Catholic. He settled on the west end of Lake Pulaski as early as 1850. Not many Catholics followed him thither, It,is only after 1861 that we find records of visits of the Benedictine Fathers. The center of Catholicity within the present limits of St. Francis parish was rather Pelican Lake, where even today a neat brick church with its small congregation unwillingly bows to its happier successor at Buffalo.

Catholics in Buffalo in early days attended Mass at surrounding missions. It was attached to East Maple Lake. In 1888 there were not more than eight Catholic families living here. Mass was said by Father Welch in Dudley's Hall. Among the early Catholics were J. C. Fogarty, John C. Nugent, Wm. Gorman, Len Dedrick, John Elsenpeter and a few others. Rev. F. J Swift of East Maple Lake, and Rev. T. Savey of Chatham, looked after them in 1887, 1888,and early in 1889. Both held services on week days only in the O'Connor's Building. A small church about 40 by 40 feet was built in 1890. Father Raquin, the first resident pastor of Buffalo, came in September, 1892, and as there was no special residence for him, lived for one year with J. C. Fogarty. In May, 1893, through efforts of J. C. Fogarty and James Desmond the Brewster house, right behind the church, was bought and furnished for a priest's residence, In November, 1893, Rev. T. G. Plante was appointed pastor. Under his administration the ehureh was enlarged to twice its size in 1894. Father Plante left in February, 1896, was succeeded by Rev. G. Andre to August, 1897, Father Plante returning again in October, 1899, followed by Rev. J. Gmeiner in 1901 and Rey. A. Vanden Heuvel in 1903 to April, 1904. These quick changes did not work for the benefit of St. Francis Parish. A turn for the better is noticeable, when in April, 1904, Rev. Wm. H. Blum arrived and stayed to July, 1912. He succeeded in paying off all indebtedness on church property and even thought of starting to build a new chureh, which was indeed badly needed. To that purpose he bought a very desirable property (Junken property) on Court House Avenue for $1,800. Again, to insure a steady development to Catholics at Buffalo, he persuaded the Catholic settlers at Pelican Lake to join with Buffalo, and with them to build up a self-supporting parish, then numbering about 100 families. His foresight is appreciated by his successor, the present pastor, Rey. Jos. A. Heinz, who is at this very moment busy building the new church, which is to cost $30,000.

The Catholie settlement and Church at Pelican Lake dates back to 1862. The church was built in 1869, the place regularly attended by missionaries and pastors from St. Michael's. But, because Pelican Lake did not favor being ineorporated into St. Michael's Parish at the time, when the grand new church was fnished, Rev. Rud. Deustermann, the pastor, stopped goiug to hold services in the little church at Pelican Duke. Ultimately arrangements were made with Rey. T. G. Plante of Buffalo to have Pelican Lake attached as a mission to St. Francis of Buffalo. If it would not be for the nice church they have, Pelican Lake would even now be absorbed in its entirety by a neighboring parish. As it is though, this unavoidable ultimate fate cannot be postponed very long.

The Catholic settlement at Pelican Lake numbers about twelve families. They are given services once a week, on a week day, by the pastor of St. Francis Parish of Buffalo.

Maple Lake: St. Timothy's Church. - The first services of the Parish of St. Timothy, section 5, East Maple Lake, were held about the year 1862 in the residence of Patrick Connole and were conducted by Rev. Magnus Maria Mayer, from St. Michael's. Next came Father Gregory Koering, from St. Michael's, who conducted services at the residence of Patrick Butler, in the same neighborhood. Then Father Maurer, of Dayton, came and conducted services at the residence of Timothy Desmond. In about the year 1868, the parish was organized and the first church built. It was called St. Timothy, partly in honor of Timothy Desmond. Patrick Butler was most instrumental in building the church. About this time Father Cawley, from Anoka, attended the parish, and then Father J. M. McDermott, also of Anoka.

About 1872 a parish was organized in the township of Chatham called the Parish of St. Charles. In 1877, Father Ign. Schaller came from St. Michael's, and held services at Timothy Daily's. He also stopped at John Moore's. From 1877 to 1880 Father Schaller served the parish of East Maple Lake as a mission to Chatham. In 1880 Father C. Robert was appointed pastor of Chatham, and served Maple Lake for about a year. In 1882 Father Thomas Briody came to Maple Lake and resided at the home of Patrick Butler.

In 1885, Father M. Ryan came and built the first parsonage in East Maple Lake and remained until 1887. In 1888, Father F. J. Swift was appointed pastor and remained until 1880. Then Hast Maple Lake became once more a mission of Chatham under Father F. Savey, who came to Chatham in 1886, In 1890, the East Maple Lake church was abandoned and the church started in the present village of Maple Lake. In the meantime the "*Soo'' line had been built (winter of 1886-87) and a village had been started. In 1892, the present church was built, and Father Savey moved into the village, making Chatham a mission to Maple Lake, as it still remains. Father Savey was pastor until October, 1903, when Father L, Simon was appointed pastor and remained until July, 1904, On July 2, 1904, the present pastor, Father F. C. O'Brien, was appointed and assumed charge. The parish and mission have prospered in every way under his charge and a fine new church is contemplated for the near future.

There are the usual church societies in the parish and two Catholic benevolent societies; Catholic Order of Foresters and a German Catholie society.

Waverly: The Church of Immaculate Conception of Waverly is the ultimate result of two earlier little churches built in two different places in Marysville Township. The first one was built by a few German Catholics on the north shore of the Little Waverly Lake - the Doerfler farm today - in 1861. In 1863 we find them attached as a regular mission to St. Michael's. They were taken care of by the Benedictine Fathers of St. John's Abbey, especially those giving regular services at St. Michael's: Rev. Magnus Maria Mayer and Rey, Eberhard Gahr. On Rev. Gregory Koering's suggestion, the church, now in venerable ruins, was built in 1866. Services were held there regularly until 1872. A small burial ground was laid out in the yard of the church.

French Catholics built a church for themselves on Section 10 in 1868. A neatly kept cemetery is even today kept there as a reminder of Catholic pioneer days in Marysville Township. Rev. C. Robert attended to these countrymen of his native country,

To both these early churches Rev. John Ireland, now Archbishop of St. Paul, paid regular visits, at times walking from St. Paul to Watertown, thence to Waverly Mills (German Catholic church on Doerfler's farm) and to ''French Settlement,'' the old church on Section 10.

With the advent of the railroad in 1868, a new settlement was formed on the south shore of Waverly Lake, about a mile and a half southeast of Waverly Mills. However, nearly five years elapsed between the coming of the railroad and the erection of a church in the new town. Mgr. Ravoux, Vicar General of the St. Paul Diocese, the pioneer French missionary in the Northwest, selected the site. The highest spot in the village was chosen, and the land bought, part from the railroad company, part from Mrs. Schultz.

While the church was being erected Mass was celebrated by Rev. Thos. Cahill and Rey. A. Hurley in the home of Patrick Falihee. By eleven years the founding of St. Mary's Church preceded the incorporation of the village. As the community increased in numbers the necessity for more attention became apparent. In 1874, during the pastorate of Rev. John McDermott, the parochial residence was erected. For two years Rev. Wm. MeGolrick assumed the responsiblities of temporary pastor. After him were Rey. Patrick Kenny in 1880 and 1881, John Swift in 1882, P. S. Dagnault in 1883 and 1884. Thus far Waverly was a mission to Watertown. On August 10, 1884, Rev. Jos. Guillot was appointed resident pastor and remained to June 19, 1896.

For twelve years Father Guillot labored zealously and effectively in Waverly. It was during this time that the greatest progress was made in the parish. The parochial school was blessed on November 10, 1887, having been in use for nearly two years before. Sisters' residence is connected with the school building. In 1890 the cornerstone for the present church was placed in position, and on August 15, 1892, Bishop James McGolrick of Duluth dedicated it to divine service. This new St. Mary's Church is one of the handsomest church edifices in Minnesota. It is 138 by 54 feet, construction of solid brick trimmed with sandstone and an artistic front. Its two spires, 136 and 98 feet high, are surmounted with crosses which are visible for miles. Seating capacity, 650. A new cemetery ground was also acquired by Father Guillot. It is the picturesque shore of the southwest corner of Waverly Lake. Having thus laid the material, intellectual and moral foundations for a successive happy development of his parish, Father Guillot retired to France in 1896.

Waverly was then pastorated in rather a too rapid succession. First came Rev. C. Genis, and later Rev. C. Casey (assisted by Revs. A. Andrzejewski and F. Roemer) in 1897. He had plans drawn for a new parsonage. Another successful administrator and pastor of Waverly was Rev. J. P. Lucey, who for twelve years labored unremittingly for the welfare of the parish. He is to be credited with the work for the splendid appearance of the whole church property; he also completed the new parsonage and removed the old one; he renovated the interior of the church and the sanctuary. In 1910 he was transferred to DeGraff, Minn., and appointed dean.

Rev. T. Moore, the present pastor, arrived in 1910. His exceptional ability in all matters pertaining to education make him an enviable asset to St. Mary's Parochial School. No wonder then that the school has made such progress within the last few years, and there is every indication that even more proficiency is in store for his beloved local establishment of learning. It is now an eight grade and high school with a commercial department. Enrollment in grades over 200, in commercial department 19.

The St. Mary's Parish is about 180 families strong. Church societies: The Holy Name Society, the St. Aloysius Cadet Society, Rosary and Altar Society, Young Ladies' Sodality, Children of Mary, the Ladies' Aid Society. Catholic benevolent societies: Knights of Columbus and the Catholic Order of Foresters.

Watertown and Winsted - There are about 135 Catholics in Wright County belonging to Watertown, in Carver County, and about 250 belonging to Winsted, in McLeod County.