?\\ \ 8/ cn Hi yh ..^'oy o'- '\^^ WH LlBRARY=ClRCUlAI10Ni DATE DUE ^—umm 'm^^m H? ^^^ ^NEIiffliBiP™"^^* k t )• GAYLOBO PBINTEDINU-S.A. B Cornell University M Library The original of tliis book is in tine Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924012522870 St. Josephs Cathedral Diocese of Columbus The History of Fifty Years * 1868 - 1918 Nihil obstat, JOHN H. O'NEIL, Censor deputatus. Imprimatur, t JACOBUS JOSEPH, Episcopus Columbensis. Feast of St. Francis de Sales, January 29, 1918. i>.'; CI ^, CONTENTS Chapter I . Chapter II . Chapter III . Chapter IV Chapter V . Chapter VI Chapter VII Chapter VIII Chapter IX Chapter X . Chapter XI Chapter XII Chapter XIII Chapter XIV Chapter XV Chapter XVI , Retrospect 1 Foundation of the Diocese 11 , Bishop Rosecrans 37 Bishop Watterson 33 , Bishop Moeller 41 Old Documents 43 , Two Old Letters. 64 Letters of Bishop Purcell 75 , Letters of Bishop Purcell continued 102 St. Joseph's Cathedral 144 Holy Cross Parish 159 St Patrick's Parish .-. 176 . St. Mary's Parish. ^ 187 Sacred Heart Parish 191 Holy Family Parish 197 , St. Dominic's Parish 207 St. Francis Parish 211 St. Peter's Parish . 214 St Paul's Mission, Westerville 217 . St. John the Evangelist Parish. 218 St. John the Baptist Parish .219 St. Leo's Parish 221 St. Thomas the Apostle Parish.... 222 , Holy Name Parish 226 Holy Rosary Parish. _ 229 St Aloysius Parish 231 St. Ladislaus Parish 233 St Cyprian's Parish 236 Immaculate Conception Parish 237 CONTENTS Chapter XVII Chapter XVIII Chapter XIX . Steubenville St. Peter's Parish.. Chapter XX Chapter XXI Chapter XXII Chapter XXIII Chapter XXIV 239 240 Holy Name Parish 243 St. Stanislaus Parish 252 St. Anthony's Parish 254 . Zanesville, St. Thomas Parish 261 Zanesville, St. Nicholas Parish 267 Coshocton, Sacred Heart Parish 283 . Newark, St. Francis de Sales Parish..293 Newark, Blessed Sacrament Parish..295 Johnstown, St. Joseph's Parish 297 Johnstown, Ascension Parish 300 Utica, Nativity Parish 304 Dresden, St Ann's Parish 306 Mattingly Settlement, St. Mary's Parish 307 Wills Creek, Our Lady of Lourdes Parish .308 . Portsmouth, Holy Redeemer Parish..309 Portsmouth, St. Mary's Parish 320 Wheelersburg, St. Peter's Parish 322 Lilly, St. John's Parish 323 . Ironton, St. Lawrence Parish 324 Ironton, St. Joseph's Parish 325 Pine Grove, St. Mary's Parish 327 . Bellaire, St. John's Parish 339 Bellaire, St Michael's Parish 344 NeflFs, Sacred Heart Parish 345 Adena, St. Casimir's Parish 347 . Lancaster, St. Mary's Parish 350 Logan, St. John's Parish 354 Sugar Grove, St. Joseph's Parish 358 Geneva, Sacred Heart Parish 360 . Marietta, St Mary's Parish .364 Churchtown, St John's Parish 375 Waterford, Ave Maria Parish 375 CONTENTS Chapter XXVI Chapter XXVII McConnelsville, St. James Parish 378 Philo, St. Ann's Parish 378 Stockport, St. Anthony's Parish 378 Chapter XXV . . Mt. Vernon, St. Vincent de Paul Parish 38 1 Danville, St. Luke's Parish 391 Millersburg, St. Peter's Parish 394 Glenmont, Sts. Peter and Paul's Parish 395 Spring Mountain, St. Rose Parish 396 Calmoutier, St. Genevieve's Parish....396 Martins Ferry, St. Mary's Parish 399 Dillonvale, St Adalbert's Parish 401 Dillonvale, Sacred Heart Parish 404 . Bridgeport, St. Anthony's Church.— 406 Barton, Our Lady of Angels Church..413 Maynard, St. Stanislaus Church 416 Fairpoint, St. Joseph's Church 419 Flushing, St. Paul's Church 420 Black Oak, St. Peter's Church..... 420 Provident, Sacred Heart Parish 420 , Dennison, Immaculate Conception Parish 422 Mingo Junction, St. Agnes Parish 425 Toronto, St. Francis Parish 427 Amsterdam, St. Joseph's Parish 431 Malvern, St Francis Xavier's Parish..435 . Mineral City, St. Patrick's Parish 437 Marges, St. Mary's Parish 438 Chapter XXIV . . Canal Dover, St. Joseph's Parish 442 New Philadelphia, Sacred Heart Parish 447 Bolivar, St. Stephen's Parish 452 Strasburg, St. Aloysius Parish 454 Sherrodsville, St. Francis Parish 449 Rosswell, St. Elizabeth's Parish 449 Old St. Peter's Parish 451 Chapter XXVIII CONTENTS Chapter XXX . . Athens, St Paul's Parish 456 St. John, Athens County, St. John's Parish .457 Buchtel, St. Patrick's Parish 458 Murray, St. Philip Neri's Parish 459 Nelsonville, St. Andrew's Parish 460 Junction City, St. Patrick's Parish....46i Chapter XXXI . . New Straitsville, St. Augustine's Parish 468 Shawnee, St. Mary's Parish 471 Corning, St Bernard's Parish 472 Chapel Hill, Old St. Francis Parish....474 Glouster, Holy Cross Parish 475 Vincent, St Ambrose Parish 476 Chapter XXXII . . Somerset, St. Joseph's Parish 478 Somerset, Holy Trinity Parish 482 New Lexington, St. Rose Parish 488 Crooksville, Atonement Parish 491 McLuney, St. Dominic's Parish 491 Old South Fork 494 Moxahala, St. Pius Parish .496 Chapter XXXIII . . Circleville, St. Joseph's Parish 498 Delaware, St. Mary^s Parish 501 Galloway, St Cecilia's Parish 505 Groveport St. Mary's Parish 507 Chapter XXXIV . . Cambridge, St.. Benedict's Parish 509 Barnesville, Assumption Parish 513 Temperanceville, St Mary's Parish..515 Byesville, Holy Trinity Parish 516 Caldwell, St. Philomena's Parish 517 Belle Valley, Ascension Parish 519 Fulda, Immaculate Conception Par- ish 520 Harriettsville, St. Henry's Parish 524 Carlisle, St. Michael's Parish 526 Fox Settlement, St. Patrick's Parish..52T CONTENTS Chapter XXXV 'Chapter XXXVI . . Gallipolis, St. Louis Parish 530 Pomeroy, Sacred Heart Parish 532 Minerton, St. Mary's Parish 537 Wellston, Sts. Peter and Paul's Parish 546 Zaleski, St. Sylvester's Parish 548 Belpre, St. Ambrose Parish Little Hocking, St. Mary of the River Parish 550 Jackson, Holy Trinity Parish 551 . Woodsfiel4 St. Sylvester's Parish....556 Burkhart, S't. Joseph's Parish 557 Miltonsburg, St. John's Parish 559 Ozark, Immaculate Conception Par- ish 561 Tiltonville, St. Joseph's Parish 562 Bremen, St. Mary's Parish. 563 Chapter XXXVII . . The Josephinum ....564 Aquinas College _.567 St. Mary's of the Springs 568 St Joseph's Academy 574 St. Aloysius Academy, New Lexing- ton 579 Chapter XXXVIII St. Vincent's Orphan Asylum 583 St. Ann's Infant Asylum 590 The Good Shepherd Convent 593 The Dominican Sisters of the Sick Poor 595 Chapter XXXIX . St. Francis Hospital 597 St. Anthony's Hospital 601 Mt. Carmel Hospital 602 Good Samaritan Hospital, Zanes- ville 606 St. Catherine's Chapel, Ohio Peniten- Statistics .'. 611 tiary FOREWORD The object of publishing this history is two-fold — first, to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of the foun- dation of the Diocese of Columbus — second, to gather for preservation the facts that mark the progress and growth of the Diocese since its foundation. Nearly all the sketches of the parishes, missions and religious institutions , of the Diocese have been prepared by the pastors — or some member of the re- spective religious communities. In compiling the facts concerning the growth of the Church in the City of Columbus — the sketch written some years 'ago by Rev. D. A. Clarke — as well as some articles written for the Catholic Columbian by Rev. L. Wi Mulhane, have been freely used. Much credit is also due Rt. Rev. Msgr. Murray, V. G., of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, for facts furnished. He is today the only priest living who was in the service of the Diocese before it was canonically established — and who was intimately associated with the priests and the first Bishop of the Diocese at the time of its foundation. It may be that some records and statements are not as correct as they should be — but every effort was made to secure reliable information about parishes, missions, etc., from those who were best able to furnish the facts. It is at least a beginning — and at some future time it will be a help to those who are better able to do the work. CHAPTER I. A RETROSPECT. On March 3, 1918, the Diocese of Columbus will celebrate the Golden Jubilee of its foundation. Dur- ing that fifty years it has lived under the jurisdiction of four Bishops — two of whom are dead — a third promoted to be Archbishop of Cincinnati — the fourth being in charge of the Diocese at present. The Diocese has the honor^of being the home of the first Catholic Chapel erected in the State of Ohio. It was built of logs at St. Joseph's, Perry County, and was dedicated to God under the patronage of St. Joseph, on December 6, 1818, by Rev. Edward Fen- wick, O. P., assisted by his nephew. Rev. N. D. Young, O. P. — both priests at that time living under the jurisdiction of Bishop Flaget of Bardstown, Ky. Rev. L. W. Mulhane in his sketch of the Diocese written for the Catholic Encyclopedia states: "The congregation consisted of ten families. An humble convent was built near by, and its inmates were one American, N. D. Young, one Irishman, Thomas Mar- tin, and one Belgian, Vincent de Rymacher." The second chapel erected in Ohio was also in this Diocese, blessed in 1822, near what is now Danville, Knox County, then known as Sapp's Settlement, a col- ony from near Cumberland, Md. — many of its mem- bers direct descendants of the colonists of Lord Bal- 2 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS timore. This chapel was built of logs and was blessed by the Dominican Fathers, and the humble congrega- tion was ministered to by them. The Dominican Fathers were the pioneers in Cath- olic missionary work in the State — and were also the first priests to settle permanently here to care for the spiritual wants of the few Catholics that were scattered in the various growing towns and country districts of the State. The first Diocese in the State was established at Cincinnati in 1821 with Bishop Fenwick, a Domini- can, as first Bishop. ThC second Diocese was estab- lished at Cleveland in 1847 with Rev. Amadeus Rappe, a French missionary priest, as first Bishop. The history^ of the Church in Columbus begins its real activity with a visit of Bishop Purcell in June of the year 1836. It is true that previous to that date the Dominican Fathers came to Columbus from time to time to minister to the few Catholics who were beginning to settle here, and it was on the occasion of one of these visitations that they secured pos- session of a site for the building of a Church — the same lot on which Holy Cross Church stands today. The ground, however, was donated on condition that a church be built thereon within five years from the day it was given. May IS, 1833. In the history of the Catholic Church in Columbus, written by Rev. D. A. Clarke, present pastor of Holy Family Church, for Lee's History of the City of Co- lumbus — and in a sketch written by Rev. L. W. Mul- hane for the Catholic Columbian in 1907 — we are told A RETROSPECT 3 that Bishop Purcell came to Columbus in June, 1836, and on Sunday, June 5th, after his arrival he cele- brated Mass "in the old Paul Pry house on Canal Street, between Main and Cherry Alley, then occu- pied by the family of George Studer." In his sketch Father Mulhane gives an account of this visitation and the other events that led up to the building of the first Catholic Church in Columbus in the following words : "After Divine services, on the occasion above re- ferred to, the Bishop announced the object of his visit to be the consulting with the Catholics of Columbus in relation to the building of a church, and he asked the men of the congregation to meet him at some place in the city during the afternoon. In pursuance of this request a meeting was held and attended by nearly all the men of the little mission. Great inter- est was manifested but the enthusiasm was somewhat dampened when the pecuniary condition of most of the congregation was considered, and it was found that the collecting of the necessary funds to meet the estimated cost of such a building as was needed, would be impossible at that time. The possession of the lot, secured and left by the Dominican mission- aries, was a good beginning, but a comparatively small item in the general expense of the undertaking. "The meeting had about decided to postpone action for a year or two and continue in the meantime the same arrangements as in the past, when Mr. Martin Stafford, superintendent of the masonry of the newly erected penitentiary, extended encouragement and ex- 4 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS cited renewed interest in the project by suggesting a very feasible plan by which the cost could be greatly lessened. He proposed a structure of rough limestone large enough to accommodate the congregation for the present and perhaps for some years to come, and said he was assured most of the material could be ob- tained by donations, the money subscribed to be used for necessary expenses in the process of completion. "This proposition was well received and considered worthy of a fair trial as it involved no risk and met, too, with the warm approval of the Bishop. Sub- scription lists were opened immediately and all at the meeting gave in their names for generous amounts. The sums were to be paid as follows : One-half down or as soon as needed and called for, the other half to be paid when the structure was under roof. At the suggestion of the meeting the Bishop appointed a committee to take charge of the work and receive the money subscribed. This committee consisted of Mar- tin Stafford, chairman, Charles Cross, secretary, Cor- nelius Jacobs, treasurer, George Studer and Jacob Schweringer. "During his stay in the city the Bishop visited the different famiUes and ministered to the spirtual wants of the English-speaking Catholics, and promised to send a German priest as soon as possible to do a like service for the German Catholics, who were not fa- miliar with the English language. "In company with some members of the building committee, the Bishop visited the stone quarries west of the city and succeeded in making very satisfactory A RETROSPECT 5 arrangements with the owner, Henry Nadenbusch, by whom building material was to be furnished at $1.25 per perch, delivered at the site of the new church. Sand was furnished by James Fields from his bank on the east side of the Scioto river, just north of the Broad street bridge, and was hauled by Joseph and Ziriach Wolfel in part payment of their subscriptions. The committee, however, met with much discourage- ment in the collection of subscriptions, and it finally became evident that sufficient subscriptions could not be realized to place the building under cover. "It was therefore determined to postpone operations and settle all bills up to date. In the latter part of August, 1838, Bishop Purcell sent Father Stahlschmidt to Columbus to minister to the German Catholics who had long been deprived of the services of a priest of their own nationality. The priest remained until the 12th of September at the home of George Studer, celebrating Mass in Paul Pry hall. Not until the De- cember following did the devoted congregation again have the privilege of hearing Mass, but on the 23rd of that month, a German Franciscan arrived, and spent the Christmas season with the people. The Paul Pry hall could not be obtained at this time and accordingly services were held in one of the so-called Eight build- ings on West Town Street. From this time until August 4, 1837, there is no record of any Catholic services in Columbus. The Bishop at that time rec- ognized the necessity of a resident priest for Colum- bus and adjoining territory. The Catholics were in- e DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS creasing, spiritual wants were many and pressing, and a church building was in course of construction. "Finally the patience of the congregation was re- warded and the hearts of the people gladdened by the arrival of Dr. Henry Damien Juncker, who came with the authority of Bishop Purcell, as pastor of the Cath- olics of Columbus and Chillicothe and the other ter- ritory contributory to this place. He was entertained at the residence of George Studer. It was announced that Mass would be celebrated on the Sundays of Aug- ust 6th and 13th and every day intervening on the second floor of Henry Weiss's place, south of the Paul Pry hall, which had been engaged for other pur- poses. Father Juncker, the new pastor, imbued with the zeal of a young and fervent priest, applied himself to the task of building a suitable church. "The little congregation, though more or less dis- heartened at the poor prospect of realizing sufficient funds to build such an edifice, rallied around their pastor and united hearts and hands again in the un- dertaking. Many different- plans were proposed, and it was finally determined to get the material placed on the south end of the lot now occupied by the pres- ent Holy Cross school and to erect the church there. The building, it was decided, should be of the fol- lowing dimensions : Fifty feet long, thirty feet wide, fourteen feet high from floor to ceiling with a six foot basement. A small gallery for the choir was also in- cluded in the plans. This it was understood was for the time being only, the ultimate intentions being that as the congregation grew a new church should be A RETROSPECT 7 built on a more prominent part of the lot, and this structure used as a school house. "With renewed activity the building committee be- gan work. New subscription lists were circulated and the good work generally was started going. Father Juncker arrived on August 15, to attend to the interests of his flock in Columbus and Chillicothe. The masonry was contracted for with a local firm of that day, Jacob Schweringer, Charles Cross and Cor- nelius Jacobs being prominent in the general conduct of the work. "On October 13, 1837, Father Juncker returned from a sojourn with the Chillicothe portion of his flock, and on the 15th had services in Bernard Burke's house on South street, now Fulton, between High and Third streets. "Owing to want of suitable accommodations as well as slowness in the completion of the building, the pas- tor announced that no more public services would be held in Columbus until the building was prepared for them. The masons had begun their work without waiting for the ceremony of corner-stone laying. The joy and thanksgiving with which the people saw their lititle church assume shape can be readily imagined. Father Juncker frequently visited the congregation during the building, and on such occasions was usual- ly given hospitality at the home of Charles Cross. The process of construction ran on as rapidly as possible. The middle of December, 1837, found the building under roof, and by the 20th of April, 1838, it was in condition to be occupied, though not plas- 8 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS tered, painted or furnished with seats. On the 29th of the same month Father Juncker held services in the unfinished church, singing high Mass — the first ever celebrated in Columbus, — and placed the edifice under the patronage of St. Remigius who was Archbishop of Rheims, France, and died a holy death in the year 533 after a life of seventy-four years in the episcopacy — the longest on record. "Rev. Stephen Badin, a venerable missionary of the Western States, happened en route in Columbus on the Sunday of the opening of the new church, and learning of the joyous occasion, stopped over, deliver- ing a learned discourse in English at the Vesper serv- ices in the evening. "In a few months the interior of the building was finished and the congregation was happy in the pos- session of a church that realized their fondest hopes. They had a pastor, too, but his time was divided be- tween Columbus and Chillicothe and at intervals he visited the Catholics of Circleville, Waverly, Ports- mouth, Delaware, Marion, and a few other missionary stations. It frequently happened in those days that Mass was celebrated, when the pastor could not be present by priests passing through on their missions. "Father Juncker continued in charge of the congre- gation until February, 1839, when the Bishop trans- ferred him to another mission. Some years later Father Juncker became Bishop of Alton, 111. He was succeeded in Columbus by Rev. Joshua M. Young, who came here in December of the same year. Father Young was a convert who had been ordained only a A RETROSPECT 9 short time. As Columbus had no pastoral residence, the pastor made his home at Lancaster, which, with Logan, Delaware and Marion, constituted a mission- ary field with this city as the center. "On December 8, 1839, Rt. Rev. Bishop Purcell, ad- ministered the sacrament of Confirmation for the first time in Columbus, and in the evening of that day preached a sermon on the Holy Trinity in the Senate Chamber of the old State House, the only hall avail- able at that time. In November, 1840, the Bishop again visited Columbus, and on Sunday, the 21st of that month, celebrated Mass, giving instruction at the Vesper service in the afternoon, and lecturing in the hall of the House of Representatives in the evening. During the week he lectured each evening in the old Court House which had been built only a short time. "On the following Sunday the Bishop and Father Henni, afterwards Archbishop of Milwaukee, preached, the former at the church, and the latter (in German) at the Court House. "Father Young, the pastor, having expressed a de- sire to reside in Columbus if a house were built foi- him adjoining the church, the congregation at once un- dertook to comply with his wishes. Within a year, that is, April, 1843, the house was ready for occu- pancy, but Father Young was not destined to be the first resident priest of Columbus, for on February 25, 1843, the Bishop sent Rev. William Shonat, who had recently arrived in the diocese from Silesia, as assist- ant pastor. A few weeks after Easter, as Father Shonat was about to return to Cincinnati, the congre- 10 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS gation petitioned the Bishop to have him retained as pastor, urging that the mission really required the ser- vices of two priests. The prayer was granted and on May 10, 1843, Father Shonat took possession of the pastor's residence." Rev. D. A. Clarke in his historical sketch thus de- scribes the establishment of the first parochial school in the city of Columbus: "Already the little Church was found inadequate to the needs of the rapidly growing congregation, and Father Shonat was obliged to say two Masses on Sundays and Holy Days of Ob- ligation to accommodate all who attended. The pas- tor was also solicitous for the spiritual condition of the children of his flock, and was anxious to gather them under the shadow of the Church where worldly science would be taught in union with the science of God. One of his first undertakings therefore was the building of a school. His efiforts were heartily sec- onded by the congregation, and in a short time he had a frame building erected on the Church lot. It was the first parochial School in Columbus and was taught by secular teachers." It will be seen therefore that the first Catholic Church built in the city of Columbus was called St. Remigius — and in a subsequent chapter it will be stated how the name was afterwards changed to Holy Cross Church — ^today the oldest parish Church in the city. CHAPTER II. FOUNDATION OF THE DIOCESE. On the first Sunday of October — the Feast of the Most Holy Rosary — in the year of 1866 the Second Plenary Council of Baltimore was coiivoked in the Cathedral at Baltimore — with the Most Rev. Martin John Spalding presiding as Apostolic Delegate. The Council came to a close on the 21st day of Oc- tober — and during the closing days among other im- portant matters it was decided to ask the Holy Father, Pius IX, to establish a new Diocese with the See in the City of Columbus. The new Diocese was to be taken entirely from the Archdiocese of Cincinnati — the boundaries including all that territory of the State of Ohio lying south of 40' and 41" and between the Ohio River on the East and the Scioto River on the West together with the Counties of Franklin, Dela- ware and Morrow. On the 3rd day of March, 1868, the Diocese was canonically established and the Rt. Rev. S. H. Rose- crans — ^at that time auxiliary Bishop of Cincinnati — was appointed the first Bishop of Columbus. The story is told that on one occasion while Bishop Rosecrans was still Auxiliary Bishop of Cincinnati, Archbishop Purcell called him to his room and told him he was thinking about asking the Holy Father to establish a new Diocese at Columbus, and then asked 11 12 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS him what boundaries he would suggest. The good Bishop in an unsuspecting manner walked over to a map of the State hanging on the wall and drew his finger along the lines that seemed favorable to him at the time — saying "I think that would be about right." Afterwards when the division was made the Arch- bishop came to him and said "Very well, your sugges- tion has been followed" and handing him the Papal Brief continued : "You are the first Bishop of Colum- bus." He often intimated afterwards had he known the importance of the moment — his suggestion would have been somewhat different. After Rev. Edward Fitzgerald, who was pastor of St. Patrick's Church, had been consecrated Bishop of Little Rock and left for his new field of labor in 1867, Bishop Rosecrans was sent to Columbus to act as pastor of St. Patrick's Church. The day that Bishop Rosecrans came to take possession of his new charge he walked from the old railroad station, up Naghten street, carrying an old carpet bag in his hand, knocked at the parish house that still stands beside St. Patrick's Church, and to the person who admitted him an- nounced that he was Bishop Rosecrans who came to take charge of the parish. His stay in his new home was destined to be much Jonger than he thought, for in less than a year he was appointed Bishop of the new See. The new Diocese according to the boundaries ap- proved by Rome has 29 counties consisting of 13,685 square miles. The city of Columbus in the year 1868 had a population of 30,000. At this time there were FOUNDATION OF THE DIOCESE 13 only three parish Churches in the city—Holy Cross, St. Patrick's and St. Mary's. The following documents in the handwriting of Bishop Rosecrans were found in an old desk at tne Bishop's house. They are translations of the original documents sent from Rome. The first is the Brief establishing the new Diocese and locating the Episcopal See at Columbus. PIUS pp. IX. The office of Supreme Apostleship entrusted from on high to our humility demands from us to establish at proper times whatever may be advantageous to re- ligion and the eternal salvation of souls; wherefore if at any time we perceive it to be for the spiritual direc- tion and safety of souls that new Dioceses be erected throughout the Catholic world we direct our attention to their erection, and with Apostolic authority decree what seems to be opportune and salutary. Since there- fore the Sacred Prelates of the Second Plenary Coun- cil of the United States of North America held at Bal- timore in the month of October, 1866, have explained to us that it would greatly profit the Catholic Religion if the territory of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati were divided and a new See erected in the city of Columbus, we after consultation with our Venerable Brethren of Cardinals having charge of the propagation of the Faith have resolved on the establishment of the new See. By advice of the Cardinals aforesaid and of the fullness of our Apostolic power, with these letters di- vide the territory of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati in such wise that that part of the State of Ohio which lies between the Ohio River on the East and the Scioto River on the West, with the addition of the Counties of Franklin, Delaware and Morrow as far up as the 14 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS southern limit of Cleveland Diocese belong to the new division and the rest of the State south of Cleveland Diocese, including Union, Marion and Hardin Coun- ties remain under the Archbishopric of Cincinnati. We will also that the See of the new Cathedral be fixed in the City of Columbus and its Diocese be called Co- lumbensis, and possess all the honors, rights and priv- ileges which other Episcopal Sees possess and enjoy. These we will and command, etc., etc. Given at St. Peter's in Rome the third day of March, in the year of our Lord 1868, and of our Pontificate the Twenty-Second. The second is the Brief appointing Bishop Rose- crans the first Bishop. Venerable Brother, Greeting and Apostolic Bene- diction : PIUS pp. IX. The office of the Apostolate committed by heaven to us though unworthy, whereby we attend to the gov- ernment of all the Churches, under the providence of God we are made anxious and watchful that when there is question of providing for the government of Churches we may try to place over them such persons as will know how to guide the people committed to their charge not only by the teaching of the word but by the example of good works, and will both desire and be able to guide healthily and govern happily the Churches entrusted to them. For, long ago we re- served to ourselves the care of Sees when vacant or to become so, decreeing null and void any attempt to rule them whether made in malice or ignorance, or by what- soever authority. But when acceding to the petition of the Sacred Prelates of the Second Plenary Council of Baltimore held in October, 1866, we created by Apostolic Brief of this same date the new See of Co- FOUNDATION OF THE DIOCESE 15 lumbus in the United States of America, for the speedy and happy provision of a Chief Pastor for it — in which matter no one but us has or can have any right to inter- fere — considering with paternal and anxious care, and after consultation with our Venerable Brethren the Cardinals who have charge of the propogation of the Faith about appointing a useful and efficient person Bishop of that See, finally turned our mind's eye to you, Venerable Brother, who have filled the office of Coadjutor of the Archbishop of Cincinnati with great credit. Freeing you therefore from the bond by which you are attached to the Church of Pompeiopolis, with the fullness of our Apostolic power, in virtue of these present letters, and absolving you from all ecclesiastical censures of excommunication or interdict or any other if by chance you have incurred any, for this purpose only, and pronouncing you absolved, by advice of the same Venerable Cardinals of the Holy Roman Church, with our Apostolic authority by these letters do trans- fer you to the said See of Columbus and establish you Bishop and Pastor of said See, and fully commit to you the care, government and administration of it in spirituals and temporals — trusting in Him who giveth grace and distributeth gifts that God directing your acts, the said Church by the care and alertness of your foresight may be usefully and prosperously guided and experience welcome growth in spiritual things. Embracing, therefore, with prompt devotion the yoke of the Lord laid on your shoulders, study to ful- fill the care and administration falling to you so faith- fully that the said Church niay rejoice in having a pru- dent ruler and a fruitful administrator, and that you besides the guerdon of eternal retribution may merit more richly our blessing and favor and that of the Holy See. Notwithstanding, etc., etc. 16 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS Given at Rome at St. Peter's under the ring of the Fisherman the third day of March, A. D., 1868, and of our- Pontificate the Twenty-Second. To Rt. Rev. Silvester Horton Rosecrans, Bishop of Pompeiopolis. The third is the official letter of Bishop Rosecrans to the clergy and laity of the new Diocese. In obedience to the Apostolic mandate, though with unfeigfned regret severing our connexion with the ven- erable Archbishop of Cincinnati, who has been as a father to us since we entered the ecclesiastical state, and profound dread of the new responsibility, we as- sume the charge of the new Diocese of Columbus. The Rev. Clergy will please send in for renewal all the faculties and appointments they stand possessed of, including names of Churches and Stations. The Very Rev. J. B. Hemsteger is named Vicar General, and Rev. G. H. Ahrens, Chancellor. The Statutes of the Diocese of Cincinnati will con- tinue in force as before the division. Venerable Brethren of the Clergy we are no stranger come into your midst. We are familiar with your labors, your self-sacrifice and your zeal. In them and in the pious prayers of the good people is our hope, un- der God to carry out the will of our Holy Father which is the will of God, in the establishment of this new Diocese. Our first undertaking is a Cathedral, of which the foundations are already laid and the work progress- ing. In this undertaking we would wish every Cath- olic of our Diocese to have a share. The Holy Sacri- fice of the Mass will be offered every Saturday for all who contribute to it, and we wish the names of all subscribers to be sent in for publication in a pamphlet to be laid under the Altar, and to be distributed among FOUNDATION OF THE DIOCESE 17 their families. The Cathedral once finished, the lit- tle Seminary, Orphan Asylum and Colleges will with the blessing of God soon follow. We ask your co- operation in this very vital matter. We are few laborers in a vast harvest — few in num- ber, weak in resources — with a great work to be done. Our first care must be to give the necessary Sacraments to the children of the faith — our next to further the religious education of youth, and beyond these cares lies the great mass of unbelief and error to which our Apostolate is also directed. We must do what we can by industry, care, zeal and example, and pray God earnestly to find His own means for doing the rest. Beloved children of the laity you see your faith spreading, and increasing round about you, new Bishops, Sees and new Churches in many places evinc- ing the power of truth when it is free to face error. Let faith spread and increase in your hearts, together with charity which is the bond of perfection. Your lives can preach to unbelievers more powerfully than the clergy. Your faith now is the same as it was when the martyrs died for it. Cherish it as dearly, and obey it as unfalteringly, and the peace of Christ will keep you. f Silvester H. Rosecrans, Bishop of Columbus. Columbus, Ohio, Feast of our Lady of Mt. Carmel, July 16, 1868. The following report of the new Diocese found in the Catholic Directory of the year 1869 will prove in- teresting as it gives a complete list of the clergy, parishes, missions, religious houses and charitable in- stitutions as the Bishop found them after making a visitation of the Diocese. 18 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS DIRECTORY. DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS. Established 1868. Rt. Rev. S. H. Rosecrans, First Bishop, consecrated Bishop of Pompeiopolis in partibus inHdelium and auxiliary Bishop of Cincinnati, March 25th, 1862, transferred to Columbus, 1868. Vicar General — ^Very Rev. J. B. Hemsteger. Chancellor — Rev. G. H. Ahrens. CHURCHES AND CLERGY. Columbus : St. Patrick's— Rt. Rev. S. H. Rosecrans, D. D., Rev. Francis Gouesse, Rev. P. J. Daly, Rev. G. H. Ahrens. Holy Cross (German) — Very Rev. J. B. Hemsteger, V. G. , Assistant. St. Mary's (German) — Rev. F. X. Specht. Chapel of St. Francis Hospital — Rev. B. Hillebrand, Chaplain. Chapel at the Convent of the Good Shepherd — At- tended from St. Patrick's. Chapel at the Academy of St. Mary's of the Springs — Rev. O. M. Clarkson, O. P., Chaplain. Chapel of the Sisters of Notre Dame — ^Attended from Holy Cross. Archers Settlement, Monroe County — Attended from Enoch. Athens, Athens County — Rev. J. E. McSwiny. FOUNDATION OF THE DIOCESE 19 Bellaire, Belmont County — St. John's, attended by Rev. J. M. Jacquet. Bolivar, Tuscarawas County — St. Martin's, attended from Canal Dover. Bremen, Fairfield County — Church of the Sacred Heart, Rev. J. W. Brummer. Canal Dover, Tuscarawas County — St. Joseph's, Rev. B. Wisman. Chapel Hill, Perry County — St. Francis, Rev. Joseph N. Brogard. Cardington, Morrow County — Church being built, at- tfended from Delaware. Chauncey, Athens County — Seven Dolors, attended from Logan. Circleville, Pickaway County — St. Joseph's, Rev. C. L. Pindar. Clayton, Perry County — Dominico, Rev. Lev. Adams, O. P. Coshocton, Coshocton County — St. George's, Rev. J. G. Nordmeier. Danville, Knox County — St. Luke's, attended from Mt. Vernon. Deaverton, Morgan County — St. Barnabas, attended from Chapel Hill. Delaware, Delaware County — St. Mary's, Rev. H. Fehlings. Doherty Settlement, Monroe County — ^Attended from Enoch. Dresden, Muskingum County — St. Matthew's, attend- ed from Coshocton. 20 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS Enoch, Noble County — Immaculate Conception, Rev. D. J. Kluber. Fox Settlement, Washington County — St. Patrick's, attended from Enoch. Gallipolis, Gallia County — St. Louis, attended from Pomeroy. Good Hope, Hocking County — Our Lady of Good Hope, Rev. J. W. Brummer. Groveport, Franklin County — ^Attended from Colum- bus. Hanging Rock, Lawrence County — Attended from Ironton. Jackson, Jackson County — Attended from Zaleski. Jackson Township, Perry County — St. Patrick's, Rev. J. V. Ealen, O. P. Ironton, Lawrence County — St. Lawrence, Rev. Ph. O'Donoghoo. St. Joseph's, Rev. H. Fisher. Kilbuck, Coshocton County — St. Elizabeth, attended from Coshocton. Lancaster, Fairfield County — St. Mary's, Rev. Louis DeCailly. Lick Run, Scioto County — St. Peter's, Rev. H. H. Mayrose. Little Scioto, Scioto County — St. John's, attended from Lick Run. Lodi, Carrol County — St. Francis of Xavier, attended from Canal Dover. Logan, Hocking County — St. John's, Rev. E. Thien- pont. Long Bottom, Meigs County — Attended from Pome- roy. FOUNDATION OF THE DIOCESE 21 Marges, Carrol County — Immaculate Conception, at- tended from Canal Dover. Monroe Furnace, Jackson County — Attended firom Lick Run. Marietta, Washington County — St. Mary's, Rev. M. J. D. Ryan. Mattingly Settlement, Washington County — Attended from Columbus. Meigs Creek, Morgan County — St. James, attended from Marietta. Mt. Eaton, Holmes County — St. Genevieve's, Rev. J. A. Heimo. Mt. Vernon, Knox County — St. Vincent de Paul, Rev. J. A. Brent. Newark, Licking County — St. Francis de Sales, Rev. Louis Cartuyvels. Pine Grove, Lawrence County — ^Attended from Iron- ton. Pomeroy, Meigs County — Sacred Heart, Rev. John Kalenberg. Pond Creek, Scioto County — Holy Trinity, attended from Portsmouth. Portsmouth, Scioto County — Church 'of the Nativity, Rev. F. Karge. Holy Redeemer, Rev. A. O. Walker. Somerset, Perry County — Holy Trinity, Rev. J. A. Rotchford, O. P., Rev. J. S. Collins, O. P. Steubenyille— St. Peter's, Rev. W. T. Bigelow. Stockport — St. James, attended from Marietta. St. Joseph's, Perry County — Rev. J. D. Sheehy, O. P., Supr. Rev. R. V. Keogh, O. P., Procurator; Rev. J. V. Edlin, O. P., Rev. D. H. Noon, O. P. 23 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS St. Dominic's, Clayton Township — Attended by Rev. Lev. Adams, O. P. St. Pius, South Fork — Rev. Lev. Adams. Syracuse, Meigs County — Attended from Pomeroy. Taylorsville, Muskingum County — ^Attended from Zanesville. Taylorstown, Franklin County — Attended from Co- lumbus. Union Township, Washington County — St. John's, Rev. M. Eppink. Wills Creek, Coshocton County— St. Ann's, attended from Coshocton. Wilksville, Vinton County — St. Mary's, Rev. Michael Ahem. Worthington, Franklin County — Attended from Co- lumbus. Zaleski, Vinton County — St. Sylvester's, Rev. J. E. McSwiny. Zanesville, Muskingum County — St. Thomas, Rev. B. A. Brady, O. P. ; Rev. T. J. Cady, O. P. St. Nicholas, Rev. J. J. Rauck. INSTITUTIONS. Dominican Convent, St. Joseph's, Perry County — Rev. J. D. Sheehy, O. P., Superior; Rev. R. V. Keogh, O. P., Procurator ; Rev. J. V. Edlin, O. P., Rev. Lev. Adams, O. P., Rev. D. H. Noon, O. P., with eleven lay brothers. St. Mary's of the Spring's Academy — Conducted by the Sisters of St. Dominic, Mother Rose, 26 Sisters and 80 pupils. FOUNDATION OF THE DIOCESE 23 Convent of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd, Frank- lin, near Columbus — Sister Gertrude, Superior. St. Francis Hospital, Franciscan Sisters of the Poor — Sister Desideria, Superior, 14 Sisters ; Rev. B. Hille- brand, Chaplain. Sisters of Notre Dame, Columbus — Nine Sisters teaching the parish schools; Sister Mary Liguori, Superior. SCHOOLS. St. Patrick's School for Boys 240 Pupils St. Patrick's School for Girls 230 " Holy Cross Parish School for Boys and Girls 400 " St. Mary's Parish School for Boys and Girls 150 " St. Thomas Aquinas Parish School, Zanesville, boys and girls .- 350 " St. Nicholas, Zanesville, boys and girls . . 100 " St. Francis de Sales, Newark, boys. Sisters of Charity 200 " St. Mary's, Lancaster 250 " St. Mary's, Delaware 150 " St. Peter's, Steubenville, Sisters of Charity 250 " St. Lawrence, Ironton 90 " St. Joseph's, Ironton 100 " St. Joseph's, Circleville 100 " Holy Redeemer, Portsmouth 90 " 24 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS St. Mary's, Pine Grove 75 St. Mary's, Beaver 100 Sacred Heart, Pomeroy 180 St. Joseph's, Canal Dover St. Peter's, Tuscarawas County St. Peter's, Lick Run RECAPITULATION. Churches 41 Chapels and Stations 23 Priests 43 Clerical Students 11 Male Religious Institutions 1 Female Religious Institutions 4 Female Academy 1 Parochial Schools 23 Hospital 1 Catholic Population 40,000 The following facts may be observed from reading the report: Not a single priest is living today who was in the Diocese at that time. It is true that the Rt. Rev. Msgr. J. B. Murray, V. G., of Cincinnati, who is still living, was assistant priest at St. Patrick's Church be- fore the Diocese was formed, but at the time it was canonically established he had been made pastor of St. Mary's Church, Chillicothe, in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. FOUNDATION OF THE DIOCESE 35 Ironton, Portsmouth and Zanesville were the only places with two parish Churches. There was a parish school in each of the three par- ishes of Columbus with an attendance of 1020 pupils in all. The names of some of the old missions have been changed — or the Church has been built in a more con- venient location — still retaining its original name, like St. Mary's in the old parish at Beaver, now St. Mary's at Temperanceville, about two miles distant. Very few of the old missions have entirely disap- peared. In nearly every place there are still some few Catholics who reside on the old farms and homesteads of their fathers and journey every Sunday to hear Mass at the new parish location. The little cemetery is still maintained in many country missions where the first chapel was built — and the old tombstones mark the last resting place of those who loved the faith of their fathers better than their own lives — and lived up to its teachings so long as God gave them life and strength. In his sketch in the Encyclopedia Father Mulhane states : "In its early days the Diocese was largely an agricultural district, the first settlers from Penn- sylvania and Maryland being tillers of the soil. Later came the immigrants from Ireland and Germany, who were followed by priests of their native land. At the present time mining and manufacturing have so far advanced as to predominate and control. Immigration has also added to the variety of races among the Catholic population; notably Poles, Hungarians, 26 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS Greeks, Lithuanians and Slavs may be found among the mining population of the Eastern and Southern parts of the Diocese; while Belgians are numerous among the workmen employed in the manufacture of glass, an industry that has risen of late years to prominence in Ohio, owing to the discovery of natural gas which is an important feature of this business." Rt. Rev. Sylvester H. Rosecrans, D. D. 1868-1878 Rt. Rev. John A. Watterson, D. D. 1880-1899 Rt. Rev. Henry Moeller, D. D. 19001903 CHAPTER III. BISHOP ROSECRANS. Many years ago a student of the Diocese of Co- lumbus was walking around the grounds of Mt. St. Mary's Seminary, Cincinnati, when the ven- erable Archbishop Purcell, who was visiting at the Seminary, invited him to sit beside him on an old bench beneath a large shade tree. The Archbishop upon inquiry finding that he was from Columbus, be- gan to talk of the old days — of the conversion of General Rosecrans to the faith, his great piety and devotion to the Church, and through his influence the conversion of his brother, the Bishop, who was at the time a student in Kenyon College at Gambier. Referring to the visit of Most Rev. Archbishop Bedini to Cincinnati — who had been sent by Pius IX as Papal Delegate on a special mission to the United States — he told of the prejudice that hate and bigotry had stirred up against the Delegate, Catholics generally and the Church in particular. Hostile dem- onstrations were worked up against the Delegate wherever he went, and upon reaching Cincinnati a mob was organized to hang the Delegate and destroy the cathedral. The Delegate was staying at the Arch- bishop's house adjoining the cathedral, and when the mob gathered around the building at night smashing the windows with stones, making violent threats, Rev. 27 28 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS Doctor Rosecrans, who was assistant priest at the cathedral, and who had lately returned from Rome where he was ordained, bravely came down the stairs, faced the mob and helped to disperse them. The old Archbishop recalled the scene in a most vivid manner — and having the • two distinguished brothers in his mind — ^the General was still living, and the Bishop had just died a few months before — he made this remark, "It looks as though the General would have made a good Bishop — and the Bishop a good General.'' Bishop Rosecrans was a native of Ohio, being born February 5th, 1827, at Homer, a country village in Licking County. He became a student at Kenyon Col- lege, an Episcopalian institution, and while there re- ceived letters from his brother, W. S. Rosecrans, an officer in the United States army, stating that he had become a member of the Catholic Church. It is re- lated that a little book on Christian Doctrine written by Bishop Challoner, which the General purchased from an old Irish peddler of those early days, who in his own original way told him what the Church was, helped to lead him to embrace the Catholic faith. The young student, Sylvester Horton Rosecrans, left Kenyon, became a Catholic in due time and went to study at St. John's College, Fordham, N. Y., where he graduated with distinguished honors. After mak- ing a retreat he decided to become a priest, came back to Ohio and made his wishes known to Archbishop Purcell, who sent him to study at the College of the Propaganda in Rome, where after he had finished his BISHOP ROSECRANS 29 theological course he was ordained to the priesthood on June 5th, 1853. He was often heard to state that his companion in going to the altar for the ordination ceremonies was a negro. When he returned to Cincinnati he was first sta- tioned at St. Thomas' Church, later made professor at St. Mary's College. When St. Mary's Seminary was opened he was made president. During this time he was also editor of the Catholic Telegraph. In speaking about tljis pcripd of his life Rt. Rev. Msgr. Murray writes the following notes : "His asso- ciate professors in those days were Rev. John Quin- lan, afterwards Bishop of Mobile; Father Barry, Don- ald McLeod, who became a priest; Charles'^O'Leary, who became a doctor and served in the army; Gen- eral Seaman who served with distinction throughout the war, attaining the rank of Major General. "Bishop Rosecrans was professor of dogmatic the- ology. In this he was at his best. He seemed to be a born teacher — in theology his clear philosophical mind made his lectures most entertaining and instruc- tive for the students. By little familiar stories he could clear up all the difficulties of the students and enable them to see answers to objections. Thus the theology classes were a real treat to the students. While he could rise to the heights of theology — he could go into the classes of the boys just beginning to encounter the difficulties of xyz of algebra — and. reach down to the boyish mind and teach it to master mathematical problems. His clear mind made him an adept in condensation. The best exemplification of 30 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS this power is in the terse paragraphs of the Catholic Columbian which he founded. The style which he gave the paper was taken up by his pupils, Fathers Clarke and Mulhane, who were connected with the editorial work for many years." In speaking about his appointment as Bishop, Msgr. Murray makes the following statement: "Archbishop Purcell desired to have a coadjutor to help in the work of the diocese. His choice was Dr. Rosecrans — but Rome would only grant him an auxiliary Bishop — and named Dr. Rosecrans titular Bishop of Pompei- opolis and auxiliary to Archbishop Purcell. "The Archbishop took what Rome gave him, hop- ing in time to see the title Auxiliary changed into Coadjutor cum jure successionis, quoting at the ban- quet following the consecration Qui mihi ministrat me sequatur. "He was consecrated Bishop on the 25th of March, 1863, in St. Peter's Cathedral, Cincinnati, by Arch- bishop Purcell, the assistant consecrators being Bishop Spalding of Louisville and Bishop Luers of Fort Wayne." The notes of Msgr. Murray again continue as fol- lows : "After his consecration he continued as pro- fessor of dogmatic theology in the Seminary. His duties as Bishop seemed never to interfere with his classes. Relieving the Archbishop of the more onerous work of visiting the outlying parishes of the Diocese, and teaching theology in the seminary, made up his routine of life until he was sent to Columbus to BISHOP ROSECRANS 31 act as pastor of St. Patrick's Church and finally to become the first Bishop of Columbus." The Bishop was already familiar to some extent with the conditions of the new Diocese, so he began with apostolic zeal to take hold of the great work that lay before him. Nearly everything was to be done in the way of building up the Diocese; there was no Cathedral, no diocesan institutions, few parishes of any importance; the people scattered here and there over a large territory, and only a few priests to look after their spiritual wants. So day by day he went on as Bishop and parish priest giving aid and encourage- ment in all things wherever he went, so that after a while the Diocese began to assume character and shape. Besides building the Cathedral he also established St. Aloysius Seminary — since discontinued — and St. Vincent's Orphan Asylum. St. Mary's of the Springs, under the care of the Sisters of St. Dominic, and established for many years at Somerset, Ohio, under his protection and encour- agement moved to Columbus where the community has since prospered so happily, and the academy be- come one of the most flourishing educational institu- tions in the country, its pupils coming from near and far. St. Aloysius Academy at New Lexington, Ohio, under the care of the Franciscan Sisters was also established under the encouragement of Bishop Rose- crans and has prospered in every way. From a small 3a DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS beginning it has grown to be a most splendid educa- tional institution. The Catholic Columbian was also started by Bishop Rosecrans, was the property of the diocese, and was edited most ably by him while he lived. He gave it a religious tone and character that made it at once a most welcome visitor wherever it was read. The Bishop always retained his old love for teach- ing; every week found him at St. Aloysius Seminary giving the young students in the various classes the benefit of his great ability to impart knowledge and in- spire love for study. For ten years he was untiring in his apostolic labors throughout the diocese directing everything in a most fatherly way, and no one thought that the end was so near on the very day almost of his greatest joy and triumph, the consecration of the Cathedral which he had labored so hard to build. It was conse- crated on Sunday morning, October 20, 1878, and after a series of hemorrhages that came suddenly upon him that night and the next day, he died Monday night about ten o'clock at the Sacred Heart Convent, then located at the corner of Broad Street and Grant Ave- nue. He lies buried beneath the high altar of the Cathedral. CHAPTER IV. BISHOP WATTERSON. The Diocese of Columbus was without a Bishop < from October 21, 1878, until the 8th of August, 1880, when the newly appointed Bishop, Rt. Rev. John Am- brose Watterson, was consecrated in the Cathedral at Columbus. During the interregnum Very Rev. N. A. Gallagher, now Bishop of Galveston, Texas, acted as administrator of the Diocese. The following sketch of Bishop Watterson's life was written by Father Clarke, pastor of Holy Family Church, for Lee's History of the City of Columbus: "John Ambrose Watterson, second Bishop of Co- lumbus, was born in Blairsville, Pa., May 27, 1844, and was the sixth child of John A. Watterson and Mary A. McAfee Watterson. The children were given the advantage aflForded them by the parochial school attached to the Church of SS. Simon and Jude, then under the pastoral care of Rev. J. A. Stellinger, a most faithful priest, now many years deceased. It was at this school of his native place that the future Bishop at an early age entered upon a primary course of instruction that was destined to lead him up to the altar of God and amongst the hierarchy of the Cath- olic Church in America. In his humble and happy home, about which shone the influence of pious and edifying parents, the youthful John Ambrose experi- 33 34 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS enced promptings of grace that urged him to become a levite to serve God in the sanctuary of His Church. The signs of a vocation to the priesthood were so de- cided that his good father and mother, with the ap- probation and recommendation of his pastor, and Rt. Rev. Michael O'Connor, then Bishop of Pittsburgh, sent him to St. Vincent's College under the direction of the Benedictine Fathers. Four years of the disci- pline and study required at this seat of learning laid the foundation for the exact student life that the young candidate for priestly honors is expected to lead in order to become well versed in the science of sacred things. At the age of 17 he was well prepared to enter the advanced classes in that noted Seminary, Mt. St. Mary's, Emmitsburg, Md., whence have gone forth so many scholars in various walks of life. Step by step was the young student led up to the realization of his hopes and aspirations. The proud day of grad- uation came, and crowned with the honors that an Alma Mater loves to bestow upon worthy sons, he re- ceived the academic degree of Bachelor of Arts. The theological and accompanying studies engaged the earnest attention of the brilliant college graduate un- til he was adjudged by the seminary faculty to be worthy of the crown of the priesthood, which he received from the hands of Rt. Rev. M. Domenec, Bishop of Pittsburgh, of whom Father Watterson was a subject. The ordination took place amid the scenes of his early college life, at St. Vincent's Abbey, August 9th, 1868. Soon after his ordination the faculty of Mt. St. Mary's Seminary, who had knowledge of his BISHOP WATTERSON 35 brilliant attainments, offered the young priest a posi- tion as professor in the college which, with the con- sent of his Bishop, he accepted. Moral Theology and Sacred Scriptures were the subjects which engaged his attention while employed as a professor. "Rev. John McCloskey, D. D., president of the Col- lege, having resigned that office, Father Watterson was selected in September, 1868, by the unanimous vote of the board of trustees, to succeed that learned and much respected officer. Placed at the head of the oldest Catholic College in the United States, an institution too with a prestige most distinguished on account of the eminent ability of its alumni and the fame of its founder. Most Rev. Dr. Carroll, of Balti- more, the first American Bishop and a brother of Charles Carroll of Carrollton, a signer of the Declara- tion of Independence, Father Watterson became known and respected throughout the country. It was during his incumbency of the office of President that Dr. Watterson was called by Pope Leo XIII to the Bishopric of Columbus in March, 1880. From that time on the Bishop's life has been identified with the history of the Columbus Diocese, and everywhere we find evidence of the progress, spiritual and material that characterized the reign of a devoted Bishop. "Doctor Watterson chose Sunday, August 8, 1880, as the day of his consecration. After spending a number of days in retreat and prayer at the Passion- ist Monastery of St. Paul, Pittsburgh, the Bishop-elect was given a most heartfelt reception by the Catholics of the city on his arrival on Wednesday, August 4, 36 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS to arrange for the solemn ceremonies of the ensuing Sunday. Never before was there such a demonstra- tion in honor of any ecclesiastical dignitary witnessed in Columbus. The Bishop-elect was escorted in a special car from Newark, by a large delegation of priests and laymen, who had been several days ar- ranging the reception. At the depot dense throngs of people filled the immense building and the space about the tracks in the immediate vicinity. A proces- sion of all the Catholic societies of the city, headed by a detail of police, marched to the music of two brass bands and were followed by carriages containing Doc- tor Watterson and Very Rev. N. A. Gallagher, com- mittees of reception and arrangements and citizens in general. The route of the pocession up High Street and down Broad Street was densely lined with people. "Arriving at the Cathedral doors, the Bishop was ad- dressed by Mr. J. G. Gilmore on behalf of the laity. The Bishop made a feeling and eloquent reply, where- upon the doors of the sacred edifice were opened and a vast congregation filled every available space. The hynm of praise and thanksgiving, 'Holy God, we Praise Thy Name,' was sung by the choir as the pro- cession of priests and the Bishop moved up the centre aisle. Within the sanctuary the Bishop was addressed in words of cordial welcome to the diocese by the Very Rev. Administrator. Doctor Watterson's re- sponse was characteristic of a minister of God, who felt the responsibility he was assuming on becoming a successor of the Apostles. His words bespoke a fer- vent zeal for the honor of God and the salvation of BISHOP WATTERSON 37 souls. A most favorable impression was made and all expressed admiration for the new Bishop of Co- lumbus. The congregation was dismissed with the benediction of the Bishop." Preparations for the consecration of the Bishop- elect on Sunday, August 8, were on a grand scale, and when the day for the great event dawned everything was in perfect readiness for the imposing ceremonies. Societies from different portions of the diocese and large delegations from various congregations accom- panied by their pastors, who had provided early Masses for the people, arrived by the morning trains and were escorted to their proper quarters. Nearly all the priests of the diocese were present. Precisely at ten o'clock the imposing procession of Bishops and priests moved from the pastoral residence to the front entrance of the Cathedral, thence up the main aisle to the sanctuary where the celebrant vested. The offici- ating minister of the Mass of consecration were : Con- secrating Bishop, Right Rev. William H. Elder, Co- adjutor Bishop of Cincinnati; First Assistant Conse- crating Bishop, Right Rev. William G. McCloskey, Louisville, Kentucky; Second Assistant Consecrating Bishop, Right Rev. John M. Tuigg, Pittsburgh; As- sistant Priest, Very Rev. Nicholas A. Gallagher, Co- lumbus; Deacons of Honor, Rev. Francis X. Specht, Columbus, and Rev. Nicholas E. Pilger, Delaware; Deacon of the Mass, Rev. Francis J. Campbell, Den- nison; Subdeacon of the Mass, Rev. Richard J. Fitz- gerald, McLuney; First Master of Ceremonies, Rev. L. W. Mulhane, Columbus; Second Master of Cere- 38 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS monies, Rev. John C. Goldschmidt, Columbus; Third Master of Ceremonies, Rev. John McGuirk, Columbus ; Acolytes, Messrs. Singleton and Cusack; Thurifer, Mr. James Hartley; Bearer of Book of Gospels, Rev. George J. Montag, Lancaster; Chaplains to Bishop- elect, Reverends William F. Hayes and George H. Ahrens." "The following Bishops were seated within the sanc- tuary rails during the solemn functions': iMost Rev- erend John B. Purcell, D. D., Archbishop of Cincin- nati; Right Reverend Edward M. Fitzgerald, Bishop of Little Rock ; Right Reverend A. M^ Toebbe, Bishop of Covington; Right Reverend Silas F. Chatard, Bishop of Indianapolis; Right Reverend Joseph Dwenger, Bishop of Fort Wayne." "Sixty-five priests and a number of seminarians were present. The Mass and ceremonies proceeded as far as the Gospel, when, after its singing. Bishop Fitzgerald ascended the pulpit and preached elo- quently on the life, duties and responsibilities of the priesthood and its complement, the episcopacy. Bishop Fitzgerald was formerly pastor of St. Pat- rick's Church and as such commenced the foundation of the present Cathedral. After the sermon, the sacred ceremonies continued in all their solemn character, replete with beautiful significance and terminating with the installation of the new Bishop at his throne." "In the afternoon a parade of the Catholic societies, local and visiting, took place, the procession passing through the Cathedral and receiving the Bishop's blessing. Bishop Watterson sang Pontifical Vespers BISHOP WATTERSON 39 in the evening and Bishop Chatard preached learnedly and in a very interesting manner on The True Church. Thus closed another memorable day in the annals of Catholicity in Columbus." "On Sunday, August 15, one week from the day of his consecration, the Right Reverend Bishop cele- brated nis first Pontifical High Mass at the Cathedral. He was assisted in the sacred function by the follow- ing ministers : Assistant Priest, Very Rev. N. A. Gal- lagher; Deacons of honor Rev. J. A. Zahm, C. S. C. and Rev. D. A. Clarke; Deacon of the Mass, Rev. M. M. Meara; Subdeacon of the Mass, Rev. L. W. Mulhane; Master of Ceremonies, James J. Hartley. Father Gallagher preached the sermon." Many and arduous were the labors that lay before the new Bishop as he began the administration of the Diocese. Not the least among these was the debt that still rested upon the Diocese — contracted mostly by the building of the Cathedral and by other dioc- esan interests that required a considerable outlay of money with no great resources to rely upon — in fact nothing but the generous donations of the poor people. Bishop Rosecrans began the organization of the Diocese — ^building . a Cathedral — starting a Seminary — establishing an Orphan Asylum — and providing for all those other things that were necessary to give it the character and dignity of a Diocese. Bishop Wat- terson came to take up and continue the still unfin- ished work — and no man ever brought greater zeal and devotion to the apostolic labors than he did. It is a most difficult thing to face great financial bur- 40 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS dens from day to day, with very few resources to draw upon to meet the obHgations they impose — ^but the good Bishop did it bravely throughout all the years of his administration — succeeding as well as possible under the most trying circumstances. He pur- chased the present Bishop's house, adding much in surroundings and value to the Cathedral property. He was a man of fine appearance, scholarly attain- ments, an eloquent speaker — frequently called upon to preach and lecture in different parts of the United States — always kind hearted, sympathetic and most considerate in his dealings with the clergy and laity alike. During his administration many new missions and parishes were organized — the parish schools es- pecially increasing in number and established where- ever it was possible. Broken down in health with many labors and anx- ieties — although he labored up to the very last day of his life— he died on April 17, 1899, in the fifty-fifth year of his age. He was greatly beloved not only by his own devoted flock — ^but also highly esteemed by the non-Catholic people of the city and Diocese of Co- lumbus. His remains were interred in Mt. Calvary Cemetery. CHAPTER V. BISHOP MOELLER. After the death of Bishop Watterson the Diocese was vacant until August 25th, 1900 — when the Rt. Rev. Henry Moeller — Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati was consecrated Bishop of Columbus in St. Peter's Cathedral at Cincinnati, Ohio. He came well prepared by a long and varied ex- perience for his work. For twenty years he had been the Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Cincin- nati — and being most familiar with all the details of diocesan work, he began in a most systematic way to take hold of the duties that fell upon him in his new field of labor. The priests of the Diocese all rallied to his assistance — and cheerfully assumed the portion of the diocesan debt — amounting to about two hundred thousand dollars — that was as- signed to each parish and mission. Not only that, each priest in the Diocese gave a personal subscrip- tion, and before three years had passed away the whole debt was practically wiped out. Great credit is due to the people of the Diocese for responding in so ready and generous a manner to the appeal that was made to them to bring about this happy result that had been so long desired. The Bishop also held a Diocesan Synod in 1902 in which wise and practical regulations were en- acted for the government of the Diocese. 41 43 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS / The great foreign population coming into tiie Diocese made it necessary to start new missions and parishes in many localities and place priests in charge who were able to speak the different lan- guages. The number of schools also increased in these places, and it has really been inspiring as well as edifying to see the Sisters take up the work of teaching the foreign children, teaching them first to speak the English language, and then leading them on to regular class and grade work. The Bishop was deeply engrossed in all this work and was meeting with most remarkable success, when he was suddenly named by Rome to be Co- adjutor Archbishop to Archbishop Elder of Cin- cinnati. The fruits of his splendid work endure to this day and the clergy and laity of the Diocese with deep regret saw him depart for his new field of labor and will always hold in grateful remem- brance all that he did for them while in their midst. FOURTH BISHOP OF COLUMBUS. On December 10, 1903, a cablegram announced that Pius X had appointed Rev. James J. Hartley pastor of Holy Name Church, Steubenville, Ohio, Bishop of Columbus. He was consecrated on February 25th, 1904, and is still at his post of duty. CHAPTER VI. OLD DOCUMENTS. The sad days that came upon the Church when the great and noble-hearted Pontiff, Pius IX, was de- spoiled of the ancient patrimony of the Church by the royal House of Savoy aided by the Garibaldians, met with the following protest from Bishop Rosencrans, signed by the Catholics of the Diocese of Columbus in 1870: PROTEST Of the Clergy and Laity of the Diocese of Columbus, Against the Sacrilegious Occupation of Rome by the King of Italy. We do not meddle with the politics of foreign nations. But at home and abroad we love justice and hate iniquity. Therefore we protest against, and denounce the late unprovoked assault made by a Kingly Government on a contented people and a kind and just Ruler, under no pretext but that of the highway robber — the right of the stronger. Rome is not a foreign nation to us. It is the Cap- ital of Christendom, and, but for this, would have, ages ago, been a heap of ruins. Its churches, col- leges, works of art, employments, belong to the Catholic world. Therefore we protest against their invasion by any secular person, as an outrage upon us. We protest against the violence which caused 43 44 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS the suspension of the Ecumenical Council, from which we hoped so much advantage to religion : against the imprisonment of our Holy Father: against the interruption of communication between the Head of the Church and its members: against the tryanny which compelled him to publish his first Encyclical since the invasion, in a newspaper of Geneva, instead of the Roman Gazette, and now holds him a prisoner in the Vatican. We denounce these acts of the King of Italy in substance as sac- rilege and robbery: in manner, as cruel, cowardly and liypocritical. We denounce him and his advis- ers as false to God, to truth, to liberty, to every christian and manly virtue. We tender to our Holy Father our filial love, our sorrowing sympathy, and our fervent prayers to God and the Immaculate Virgin in his behalf. Al- ways dear to us as our Spiritual Father, and for his singular virtues, he is now doubly dear; since, like our Lord, he has been delivered over to the power of those who can kill the body ; his enemies — who, uniting the perfidy of Judas to the cruelty of Herod, are now having their day of triumph: and our prayers for him, in public and private, shall never cease until God shall arise and His enemies be scattered — until the Kings who have stood up against the Lord and against His Anointed shall have been humbled to the dust. Again in 1871 when Pius IX lived to see "the years of Peter," Bishop Rosecrans sent the following letter to the clergy and laity of the Diocese : OLD DOCUMENTS 45 CIRCULAR. Rev. Sir — It is our earnest wish that the ap- proaching 21st of June, the day on which our Holy Father, Pius IX, will have "filled the years of Peter," completing twenty-five years of troubled, but glorious Pontificate, be signalized in the most solemn manner possible in every Church in this Diocese. The devotion of faithful Catholics demands it, and the need of infusing the spirit of Catholic faith and piety into the hearts of the indifferent and tepid calls for it. Amid much apathy and worldliness among Cath- olics there is also much fervor and sincere faith. In every congregation besides the slothful, sinful, avaricious, selfish and scheming, there are miany who count their faith their best treasure, their membership of the true Church their dearest privi- lege; who love piety, innocence, truth and justice for their own sake; who give alms to build Churches, support orphans and succor the needy, not to be seen of men, but to obtain the blessing of God. These know that Faith rests on the See of Peter ; that all revealed truth and all Divine Law among men come from the Chief Pastor of the Church, the Roman Pontiff. Hence their hearts are ever turned towards him. As in the Apostolic days when Peter the First Pope was held in prison, prayer was offered without ceasing by the Church for him, so now the truly faithful throughout the whole world 46 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS cease not, day or night, to beseech God to defend, protect and strengthen Pius IX. These will not be satisfied without some mani- festation of Catholic joy at the silver jubilee of the Holy Father. Moreover, it is by siich manifesta- tions of sympathy with the living head of the Church that faith is nourished and enlivened. Catholics who fall away from the practice of their duties, and from their faith do so, by despising, neglecting, and at last opposing the spirit of the Church. They be- come dead members of the living body by ceasing to receive into their souls the current of life which, comiiig from the Holy Ghost descends from the Head of the Church through the entire mystical Body of Christ. Without meaning to apostatize, they surround themselves with other feelings and views than those of the Church ; and those cut off from the source of life fall easy victims to the demon of infidelity. We cannot better check this spirit than by fostering whatever reminds them; that the Church is not only an infallible, but a living guide — that we are bound to the Holy Father and He to us by bonds higher, purer, and closer than ties of blood or human love. The solemnization of the Holy Father's Twenty- fifth Anniversary will be an excellent occasion to revive the faith of those who, immersed in business or pleasure, have forgotten that their faith is their only worthy rule of life. If pastors would find it convenient to instruct the people on that day, they would find plenty of argument in the events of the OLD DOCUMENTS 47 present wonderful pontificate. It has been, as it were, a miniature history of the entire Church. Triumph and humiliation, exile and ovation, have followed each other through the years as they did in by-gone days through the centuries. Twenty-five years ago Pius IX was idolized through the entire world. The next year his friends were assassinated, and himself forced into exile, at Gaeta. Another wave of popular feeling brought him home in triumph the year following. The defin- ition of the Immaculate Conception — the Canoniza- tion of the martyrs of Japan ; the Centenary of St. Peter's; the Great Council of the Vatican, and the final crushing out of the Galilean faction by its definition of Papal Infallibility, are all events of gigantic significance. Pilis IX has seen three forms of government over- thrown in France, two in Spain, and one in Portu- gal. He has witnessed the humiliation of Austria, whose Emperors once threatened and defied the pontifical authority; the growth of Prussia into a colossal Empire; the crushing down of Italy under the heels of a lying and lawless faction. Rob- bed many times, insulted and threatened often, ex- iled once, imprisoned now, he has ever proved for- giving in triumph, grand in his unalterable patience through adversity. Hlis bitterest enemies have nothing to accuse him with, except that he. is the Head of the Catholic Church, and as such, speaks the words of truth as fearlessly to kings and princes, 48 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS and mobs, as to the docile and obedient children of the faith To any one not blind with infidel malice, or self- conceit, the Finger of God is as visible in this pon- tificate as in that of St. Peter himself, and therefore we hope from this celebration a great increase of faith and fervor among the people. The mode of cele- brating we suggest is a High Mass, and Benedic- tion of the Blessed Sacrament, together with the Litany and a sermon, in all those places where it is practicable. The people should be exhorted to offer Holy Communion on that day for the Holy Father. The grace of God be with you. t Sylvester H. Rosecra.ns, Bishop of Columbus. May 19, 1871. ST. ALOYSIUS SEMINARY. In the year 1871 Bishop Rosecrans established St. Aloysius Diocesan Seminary in an old private residence that stood opposite the present Convent of the Good Shepherd on the plot of ground upon which stands today the beautiful school of the Holy Family parish. Rev. N. A. Gallagher was appointed President of the Seminary. Thirty-four students were enrolled in the opening year. In an old book of records we find the following title page : OLD DOCUMENTS 40 Minutes of the Sodality of the B. V. Mary under the title of the Immaculate Conception After stating the object of the Sodality, giving its general rules — order of exercises — the following special rules are laid down : The Spiritual Director shall have entire control of the Sodality and will preside at each meeting if convenient. The Prefect will preside in the absence of the Spiritual Director. The Secretary will take down in writing, in a book kept for that purpose, the proceedings of each meeting. He will carefully avoid all odious or per- sonal remarks. He will receive and keep on file each essay read in the Sodality. He will keep a list of the names of the members which will be read at the opening of each meeting. He will note the absence of any member and read out his name in the minutes of the subsequent meeting. The treasurer will receive all money donated or collected and dispose of it only by permission of the Spiritual Director. The Sacristan will before each meeting put in order the Sodality Chapel, attend to lighting the candles, and prepare whatever may be required in the chapel. (Signed) N. A. Gallagher, Spiritual Director. 50 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS The names of officers for first scholastic year be- ginning September, 1871 and ending June, 1872: Prefect, Mr. J. Sullivan. Asst. Prefect, Mr. M. Meara. Secretary, Mr. L. A. Fletcher. Treasurer, Mr. Spangler. Sacristan, Mr. H. Dues. The speaker and essayist appointed for the first regular meeting were Messrs Dues and Tuohey. List of names 1871 and 1872: Mr. Bethge, Mr. Bergin, Mr. Brady, Mr. Butler, Mr. Cunningham!, Mr. Dues, Mr. Falkenbach, Mr. Fletcher, Mr. Hart, Mr. Hartley, Mr. Hannan, Mr. HIeery, Mr. J. Heenan, Mr. T. Heenan, Mr. Kelly, Mr. McGinnis, Mr. McCarthy, Mr. McGirr, Mr. Mc- Guirk, Mr. McGrath, Mr. McNamee, Mr. C. Meara, Mr. J. Meara, Mr. M. Meara, Mr. Montag, Mr. Mur- phy, Mr. Mutter, Mr. Mulhane, Mr. Nolan, Mr. Orf, Mr. Ruhl, Mr. Spangler, R. LP., Mr. SuUivan, Mr. Tuohy. The above is a complete list of the students who entered the Seminary during the first year of its existence. Many of these were just beginning the classics, some were continuing, others finishing them, while some few took up the study of philos- ophy and theology. The classes were taught by Rev. Fathers Gallagher, Ahrens, and Bishop Rose- crans — some of the more advanced students taught those beginning the classics. OLD DOCUMENTS 51 THE SECOND DIOCESAN SYNOD. The following is a record of the proceedings of the Second Diocesan Synod held in St. Joseph's Ca- thedral on August 27, 1873. It will be observed that all the priests who participated in the Synod are dead, except the following: Rev. N. A. Gallagher, Secretary, now Bishop of Galveston. Rev. E. L. Fladung, retired, living in Columbus. Rev. P M. Heery, Dennison, Ohio. Rev. J. A. Murray, retired, Cincinnati, Ohio. Rev. J. C. Goldschmidt, Columbus, Ohio. Rev. John B. Eis, Columbus, Ohio. After the spiritual exercises, conducted by the Rev. Prior J. V, Bokel, O. P., of St. Joseph's, Perry county, during three days, according to pre- vious announcement, the Second Diocesan Synod of Columbus was convened on Friday, August 22, 1873, in St. Joseph's Cathedral. According to the prescription of the Roman Pon- tifical, the Synod was opened by the celebration of the Mass of the Holy Ghost by Rt. Rev. Bishop Rosecrans, D. D., assisted by the following officers : Assistant Priest, Very Rev. J. B. Hemsteger, V. G. ; Deacon, Rev. F. X. Specht; Sub-deacon, Rev. J. Casella; Deacons of Honor, Revs. L. DeCailly and C. Schelhamer; Master of Ceremonies, Rev. G. H. Ahrens. All the clergy received Holy Communion at the hands of the Rt. Rev. Bishop. After Mass, the prayers, litanies and hymns pre- 52 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS scribed were chanted, and the following officials of the Synod were announced : Promoter, Very Rev. J. B. Hemsteger, V. G. Secretary, Rev. N. A. Gallagher. Master of Ceremonies, Rev. G. H. Ahrens, Chan- cellor. Chanters, Revs. Jos. Jessing and B. Wisman. Notary, Rev. D. B. Cull. The following priests were present : Rev. Fred. Albert, Very Rev. J. V. Bokel, O. P., Rev. J. Brent, Rev. Jno. Casella, Rev. W. T. D'Arcy, Rev. E. L. Fladung, Rev. H. Fisher, Rev. C. L. Grimmer, Rev. W. T. Hawe, Rev. P. M. Heery, Rev. J. M. Jacquet, Rev. Jos. Jessing, Rev. D. L. Kliiber, Rev. Jos. McPhillips, Rev. J. A. Moroney, Rev. J. A. Murray, Rev. L. P. McKiernan, Rev. J. C. Gold- schmidt, Rev. Jno. Gamber, Rev. L. DeCailly, Rev. C. A. Doherty, Rev. Magnus Eppinck, Rev. J. B. Eis, Rev. Aloysius Nonnen, Rev. Wm. O'Reilly, Rev. N. A. Pilger, Rev. J. J. Rauck, Rev. F. X. Specht, Rev. C. F. Schelhamer, Rev. Serge De Stchouleppni- koff, Rev. J. J. Slevin, Rev. W. H. Sullivan, Rev. A. O. Walker, Rev. B. Wisman, Rev. Jos. Zoegel. The following reverend gentlemen were absent, being excused: Revs. E. Thienpont, T. Tuomey, J. P. Brogard, D. H. Noon, O. P., B. Hillebrand and F. Moitrier. The following were also absent, not having re- ceived due notification : Revs. H. H. Mayrose, Ste- phen Byrne, O. P., and P. Steyl. OLD DOCUMENTS 53 The Synodal sermon was preached by the Rev. Joseph McPhillips. The decree De Residentia was read by the Very Rev. J. B. Hemsteger, V. G., after which the pro- fession of faith was made by the following reverend gentlemen : Rev. Fred Albert, Rev. Jno. Casella, Rev. D. B. Cull, Rev. W. T. D'Arcy, Rev. C. A. Doherty, Rev. E. L. Fladung, Rev. J. C. Goldschmidt, Rev. Jno. Camber, Rev. C. L. Grimmer, Rev. W. T. Hawe, Rev. P. M. Heery, Rev. Joseph Jessing, Rev. J. A. Moroney, Rev. Jos. McPhillips, Rev. L. P. McKier- man, Rev. W. O'Reilly, Rev. J. J. Slevin, Rev. W. H. Sullivan, Rev. J. B. Eis, Rev. Jos. Zoegel. After the profession of faith, six committees, pre- viously appointed, were announced, and directed to report on questions referred to them, as follows: 1st. Is it better to impose a tax on the several congregations, to furnish the Cathedraticum and to support the Seminary, or to continue the system of voluntary contributions now in use? Committee — Very Rev. J. B. Hemsteger, V. G., and Revs. A. O. Walker, of Portsmouth, and B. Wisman, of Canal Dover. 2d. Is this the time to establish a Catholic Dioc- esan paper? Committee — Revs. Joseph Jessing, of Pomeroy, Serge De StchouleppnikofiF, of Millersburg, and G. H. Ahrens, of St. Aloysius Seminary. 3rd. Can clerical conferences be advantageous^ established in this Diocese yet? 54 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS Committee — Revs. N. A. Gallagher, Pres't. St. Aloysius Seminary, J. M. Jacquet, of Coshocton, and C. F. Schelhamer, of Marietta. 4th. Can and ought the sacraments of confession and Communion be allowed to Catholic parents who refuse to send their children to Catholic schools ? Committee — Revs. L. DeCailly, of Lancaster, D. J. Kliiber, of Enoch, and N. A. Pilger, of Newark. 5th. Should any special excommunication, with reservation to the Ordinary, be proclaimed in the Diocese against those Catholics who contract mar- riage before an heretical minister or civil magis- trate? Committee — Rev. Prior J. V. Bokel, O. P., and Revs. Magnus Eppinck, of Zanesville, and Joseph McPhillips, of Delaware. The prescribed prayers were then recited, the hour of one P. M. named for the second session, and the Pontifical blessing solemnly given. The Synod met at one P. M. After roll-call, the committees were successively called on to report. Whereupon, Rev. J. B. Hemsteger, V. G., chair- man of the committee on the first question, "Whether it is better to impose a tax on the several congrega- tions, to furnish the Cathedraticum and to support the Seminary, or to continue the system of volun- tary contributions," reported as follows: "That it is better to continue the system of volun- tary contributions ; for the reason, that the disposi- tion of the people is such that more can be hoped for by appealing to their liberality than by imposing OLD DOCUMENTS 55 a tax, which many will look upon as an odious bur- den. But that every pastor shall earnestly en- deavor to make his people understand their duty in this regard, and shall give them timely notice of such collections; and that the pastor himself shall adopt such prudent means as will insure a goodly contribution; among which means, may be service- ably selected for many congregations, that whereby the pastor, in person, takes up this collection in his church; or that where the names of the contribu- tors are written down, with the amount contributed opposite each name respectively, which list is read publicly in the church, or published in some Cath- olic paper. Moreover, it is recommended that some determinate time be appointed for the taking up of this collection." After the conclusion of this report, several of the reverend gentlemen expressed their views on the subject, and agreed more or less with the foregoing report of the committee. The report was received, and the recommendation adopted. The Rt. Rev. Bishop appointed Pentecost Sunday for the Seminary collection, and the Sun- day within the Octave of All Saints for the Cathe- dral collection. The report of the committee on the second question, "Whether this be the time to establish a Diocesan paper," was then called for. Rev. Joseph Jessing, on the part of this committee, made the following report: "It is not expedient to establish a Diocesan paper at present." The report was adopted. 56 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS Then the following report on the third question, "Whether clerical conferences can be advantage- ously established in this Diocese yet," was sub- mitted to the Synod by Rev. N. A. Gallagher, chair- man of the committee: "On account of the incon- venience which many pastors at a distance from the larger cities of the Diocese would suffer in as- sembling, the committee concludes that it is not expedient, at present, to establish clerical confer- ences throughout this Diocese." The report on this question was received and adopted. Then the committee on the fourth question, "Whether the sacraments of confession and Com- munion can and ought to be allowed to Catholic parents who will not send their children to Catholic schools," reported, through their chairman, Rev. L. DeCailly, as follows : "The Holy See and Ordi- nary of the Diocese have emphatically answered this question in the negative, with the exception of those country missions where a Catholic school is an im- possibility, which impossibility is to be decided by the Ordinary of the Diocese and the pastor of the parish." The committee on this question beg leave to sub- mit to the Synod the following questions and an- swers for their approbation : There are many cases arising in which it is an impossibility for the pastor to enforce the general principles of patronizing Catholic schools, and if OLD DOCUMENTS 57 the exceptions are not laid down the law will be- come obsolete and impracticable. 1. Where there is a Catholic school. Catholic parents cannot send their children to non-Catholic schools with a safe conscience. 2. In cases where Sisters teach the girls, there can be no excuse on account of the school being a poor one, experience teaching that young ladies of the present time, not under the direction of the Sis- ters, grow up into very, indifferent Catholics As to the boys who have attained 15 to 16 years of age, really and sincerely cannot find at a Catholic school the finishing grades of education which will fit them for any position in society, the committee woufd suggest that they be permitted to attend any other school not decidedly anti-Catholic, that is, where they are not compelled to read the Bible, sing sec- tarian hymns, etc., under the following considera- tions, viz. : 1st. Their parents will not send them without having them previously subjected to an examination by the teacher and pastor, to see whether they are really more advanced than the other scholars, the teacher being unable or unwilling to spend his time with them, to the great detriment of other more nu- merous and less advanced scholars. 2d. Such children, in order not to withdraw themselves from the control of the Catholic Church, will be required to make their appearance every Sunday, either at catechism or some society that may be established for children of their age, as long 58 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS as they frequent school. With these conditions fulfilled, and the due respect paid to ecclestical laws, those children may be tolerated to attend schools other than Catholic, until such time as the pastor may have a high school for boys, when there will be no excuse. 3d. Where there are Catholic schools — and we would recommend and enjoin every pastor to have one in his parish — no child can be admitted to the first pommunion who has not frequented the Cath- olic school from infancy, or from the time that these regulations are published. 4th. To the foregoing rule we would make two exceptions: I. Where the distance is such that, considering the age and strength of the child, it would be an impossibility to go to such a school. II. When the father of the child is not a Catholic, and insists, under the threat of separation, that his child shall attend the public school, then we have to tolerate the lesser evil and permit that abuse, in order to avoid the greater one of separation of man and wife. In this latter case, however, the Catholic mother will not be admitted to the sacraments un- less she uses every means in her power to send her child to the Catholic school, and conscientiously assures her pastor that she yields only to force. The sincerity of the mother will be ascertained by her fidelity in sending her child to catechism, and in her praising Catholic schools. 5th. It being understood that attending a Cath- olic school is a part of a Catholic education, it must OLD DOCUMENTS 59 be impressed on the minds of those who may con- tract marriage with a non-Catholic, that one of the conditions of such marriage be that the issue of marriages must be raised as Catholics, and in Cath- olic schools. 6th. As to those children who are discontented with Catholic schools, saying they are not respecta- ble, or sufficiently good for them, they are to be de- nied the sacraments until they are corrected. Rev. J. A. Bokel, O. P., chairman of the commit- tee on the fifth question, "Whether any special ex- communication, with reservation to the Ordinary, should be proclaimed in the Diocese against those Catholics who contract marriage before heretical ministers or civil judges," reported: 1st. That those who contract marriage before heretical ministers should be excommunicated, and their case reserved to the Ordinary. 2d. That those who contract marriage before a civil magistrate should be absolved, on manifesta- tion of sincere repentance, the faculty of imparting such absolution being granted by the Ordinary. The acceptance of the recommndations of this committee on the above questions was deferred. There being no more business to be transacted, the Rt. Rev. Bishop addressed a few words to the assembled clergy and imparted the Pontifical bless- ing, and the Synod closed with the solemn chanting of the Te Deum Laudamus. N. A. Gallagher, Sec'y. D. B. Cull, Notary. 60 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS APPROBATION OF THE SYNODAL ACTS. In consigning the record of the Synod to print, I have thought it best to add a declaration of those points which must henceforth be considered as reg- ulations of the Diocese. 1. The approved method proposed by the com- mittee for supporting the Seminary and contributing to the Cathedral building is to be considered a tem- porary arrangement, liable to be changed by the present or any future Ordinary. The completion of the Cathedral building will make some change necessary, and the growth of congregations, with other circumstances, will doubtless bring others. 2. We acquiesce with reluctance to the putting off to a future time the establishment of Clerical Conferences. Sacred studies are too much neg- lected amongst us ; still it does not seem possible as yet to promote them by Conferences. 3. The Catholic school question is one that comes home to us more and more every day. In approving the report of the committee we must add some comments. Lest the expression "the Holy See and the Ordi- nary of the Diocese have answered this question," might mislead someone, we must say that the Ordi- nary of this Diocese has given judgment on this point by simply adhering to the See of Peter. The utterances of our Holy Father have seemed to us clear and unmistakable, and have left us no discre- tion in -pronouncing it to be a sin for Catholic par- ents to use schools in which the Catholic religion OLD DOCUMENTS 61 has no place. But as those who persistently vio- late the other laws of the Church exclude them- selves from the sacraments, so Catholic parents who violate this law make themselves unworthy of ab- solution and Communion, and must be kept away. This is not policy on the part of the clergy, but conscience. If we were to say otherwise, we would betray the souls intrusted to us, and our own to the condemnation of the Judge whose vicar has ren- dered his decision. We must bear in mind, while modestly discussing possible exceptions in the ap- plication of this law, that we are not asked for a law — that is made already — but for our judgment as theologians and father confessors concerning the manner of fulfilling it. The exception mentioned in the report of "Mis- sions where a Catholic school is an impossibility," suggests a grave question, viz., Is it lawful for Catholic parents with families of children growing up, to settle or remain in Missions where a Catholic school is an impossibility? The French and Span- ish Catholics crossing the ocean brought the Church and school with them. The Germans generally gather together and build Church and school-house in the middle of the settlement. The Irish, being stripped of their possessions before their exile, could bring with them only their strong faith, which built churches and founded schools everywhere. But both they and the American Catholics, in changing habitation here, think only of the material advan- tages, or if they inquire whether there is a church 62 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS where they are going, speak of it as a matter of gratification to their feelings, and not of conscience. We speak not here of the lawfulness of remaining without Mass on Sundays, but of peril to faith. One may stay away from Mass to avoid a heavy loss or inconvenience, but can he put the faith of his chil- dren in certain peril for the sake of any material advantages ? Those having charge of these souls ought to see to it that only imperious necessity ever holds a Catholic family far removed from church and school. Our experienc of Catholic children alien- ated from the faith of their fathers, and from salva- tion, by being remote from instruction, for the sake of gain, suggests what we have said upon this ques- tion. The sense of the law that Catholic parents cannot use non-Catholic schools for the education of their children, is that the general compass and drift of each child's education must be under the authority and direction of the teaching Church. It does not make it unlawful for them to be instructed in spe- cific sciences by non-Catholic teachers. Hence we approve of the exception mentioned in the report concerning persons of fifteen or sixteen years of age. We also approve of the restriction there ex- pressed. To be a good Catholic, one must be united to the living Church. There is no ideal Catholic- ity. It was the poison of Jansenism to disobey and calumniate living pastors under the pretext of love OLD DOCUMENTS 63 for dead ones, to vainly war on the Church of to- day out of feigned devotion to the Church of a day gone by. Catholic life is union of prayer and action with the pastor God has set over us now. 4. The levity with which young Catholics in some of the missions of this Diocese have been known to contract marriage before preachers and civil mag- istrates, leads to go farther than the committee on this subject recommended. Those who seek heretical ministers to marry them are excommunicated by the general law of the Church for an act of apostacy — Communicatio in Dimnis cum alienis. And this excommunication is reserved by the same law to the Holy See. All Con- fessors have it in their faculties, however, to ab- solve from this, as from other acts of heresy and infidelity. But we think it best to reserve to our- selves for the future, this case, unless to confessors in time of mission or jubilee. We do reserve it, therefore, and also the case of those who contract marriage before a civil magistrate. We call the attention of the clergy to the fact that the Diocesan statutes are those of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, as they were published in this region before the creation of the Diocese of Columbus. We propose to prepare a new edition, with some slight changes, as soon as the demand will justify its publication. tSvLVESTER H. ROSECEANS^ Bishop of Columbus. Columbus^ September 12, 1873. CHAPTER VII. TWO OLD LETTERS AND SOME NOTES. The two following letters make interesting read- ing. The first is from Rev. Father Klueber, pastor of Enoch, now the Immaculate Conception parish at Fulda, Noble County. He was a splendid type of the zealous and faithful priest who labors day and night in looking after the spiritual wants of the scattered flock entrusted to his care. A Synod had been recently held in Cincinnati, and after reading the decrees promulgated, good old Father Klueber had some doubts, to settle which he proposed to the Bishop in the following letter: "Enoch, January 17, 1866. "Most Rev. Father: "A few weeks ago I have received the Statutes by the kindness of Rev. Pilger. In them are certain points about which I would respectfully request your answer. "1. It will almost be impossible to gather our singers to sing Latin Vespers. If there is by chance a High Mass on week days, will it therefore be allowed to sing German songs on such occasions? Our teacher being otherwise a pious man is not a good singer, neither myself. "2. I got a chalice, sent by Messrs. Benzigers, which they said was blessed by the Very Rev. Vicar 64 OLD LETTERS AND SOME NOTES 65 General. Can I rely on that? (Sit ab Episcopo con- secratus). "3. There is only one chasuble at Fox Settlement; will that one do for all festivals? "4. Our people living so far from the church, at least the greatest part, hence I must commence Mass on Sundays after ten. Now if these singers have to sing the whole Gloria and Credo it will be too late for Catechism and Vespers in the afternoon; and if I commence too late in the afternoon some will not reach home before dark. Will it, therefore, be al- lowed to me to let them sing only a part of both? If that, according to your judgment cannot be granted, I will have to omit instruction in Catechism. On high festivals, where there is no instruction, I may comply with the rule given in the Statutes. "5. Is it of obligation to offer the Holy Sacrifice for the people on Feria Secunda Paschatis et Pente- costes and on the feast of Sts. Peter and Paul, for they are suppressed days of obligation even in this country ? A certain priest tried to explan through the columns of the Wahrheits-Freund that we would be obliged to say Mass for the people on all suppressed holy days which have never been of obligation in this country. "6. I have received some perpetual Masses (Fun- dationes Missarum). The missionary Rev. Weninger exhorted them to it. I have not received your ex- press consent, although I wrote to you about what is to be done with them. I told every one that they had to comply with your judgment. 66 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS "7. There are two places and they are twelve miles from Fox Settlement, this side and the other side, whereto I occasionally go and say Mass, and where there is no confessional, and I do not see how to get one. How is it then with the women when they want to go to their duties? "8. I had every year a procession outside the church on Corpus Christi Day or Sunday within the Octave of it, without your special permission, for my predecessors had introduced that custom. Can I have them in future too on that day and on the opening of the Forty Hours' Devotion (for which devotion I re- ceived your permission) ? "9. There is one rule in regard to those to whom according to the Roman Ritual is denied ecclesiastical burial. In a doubtful case I should ask you, which will be for me impossible, for it takes about two weeks until I receive an answer from you. "10. You grant the faculty to pastors to absolve true penitents who have illicitly contracted a mar- riage, but under conditions? A few days ago a wife came to me for confession, who had for a long time not made her duties, and got married by a squire. Her husband would not allow the children to be edu- cated Catholics. "11. It is your will that a pastor should every Sun- day be in his congregation. Now I would ask you to give me one or two Sundays during a year free, when I have to go to places to see some friends or relations." To the above letter Bishop Purcell made the fol- lowing reply: OLD LETTERS AND SOME NOTES 67 "Cincinnati, 28tii January, 1866. "Rev. Dear Sir: "1. It was not I, but the Congregation of Rites that made the law of the exclusive use of Latin in Mass and Vespers, cantatas. Therefore I cannot change it. No Gloria or Credo at Mass of Requiem. "2. When the Bishop has power to delegate a priest to consecrate chalices, the chalice is rightly enough regarded consecrated by a Bishop. I gave this power to Father Femeding in former years. "3. This is also a decree of the Congregation of Rites. But in Fox Settlement one color may do for all but black. "4. Also a decree of the Congregation of Rites. Now this very day we began at 10>2, had a long Kyria, Sanctus and Agnus Dei and sermon and the prayer for the authorities and Angelus, and were through at 12}i. "5. A priest in this Diocese is not bound to apply the Mass for his people on any day in which they are not bound home sub gravi or veniale to hear it. "6. I do not see what security there can be in any but a Seminary, or Cathedral, or Convent of Monks Collegiate Church for saying foundation Masses. I would not trust church' wardens or committees to have such Masses said; e. g. when a priest dies or goes away. "7. In every regularly established stations there can and ought to be a grate for confessions. It is so easily constructed. At least have a table and a chair for entire separation of priest and penitent. «8 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS "8. Have no out-door processions where irrev- erent people keep on their hats. And in no procession allow church wardens or others to knock hats off. "9. Grant no one ecclesiastical sepulture who re- fused the sacraments on his death bed, who was an unconverted Free Mason or Odd Fellow, who died drunk or of delirium tremens, or in a fight not for self- defense; a suicide, whom you can prudently consider to have been unsound when he committed the act you can bury, if previously he had been a communi- cant. "10. You can absolve a woman or a man illicitly married where signs of true contrition and repent- ance are given. The Catholic party must have the children baptized and educated if possible in the true faith in spite of the husband's opposition. If it is the husband there is no excuse for him if he do not. "11. You can have those two days. "12. Bishop Rosecrans' wounds interfered with the holding of those "quasi" conferences as you think fit to call them. "I believe I have now answered all your questions. Absolve a Catholic woman in a mixed marriage case when she repents and does what she can morally to correct her fault. "Yours truly, t"J. B. PURCSIL, Archbishop of Cincinnati. OLD LETTERS AND SOME NOTES 69 EDITORIAL COMMENT. The following is the last editorial written for the Catholic Columbian by Bishop Rosecrans. It was found on his desk after his death. McMaster was a convert to the faith, and was editor of a Catholic paper in New York City, called The Freeman's Journal. In an editorial in his paper he had made some comment about Diocesan "organs," and intimated that he did not want to be "burthened" "with episcopal approbation. This drew the following comment from Bishop Rosecrans : "Our friend talks a little .too contemptuously of papers that are 'organs.' An 'organ' can make better music than a Scotch fiddle any day. He would not be 'burthened' with the approbation of any Bishop, yet he is a pious soul with an ink bottle full of obedience for the Pope and prelates of the Church." CATHOLIC SOCIETIES. In a Pastoral Letter issued in the month of March, 1881, Rt. Rev. Bishop Watterson spoke as follows of Catholic societies: "If, therefore, in any part of the Diocese there are organizations that do not live up to their rules, but al- low persons to remain as members, who are not ex- emplary in their lives, we cannot permit them to be recognized as Catholic societies, or to take part as such in any ecclesiastical ceremony. Let them if they like, carry a stiff Catholic sail, but at the same time for their security they must have a solid Catholic ballast." 70 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS FIRST MASS IN COLUMBUS. Early in the nineteenth century Catholic services were held in Franklinton, now the West Side, where a number ofl Catholic families had settled. In those days Mass was celebrated in the old court house — ^present location of Franklinton public school — the homes of Vincent Grate, and Henry Nadenbusch, near the stone quarries. In Columbus the Holy Sacrifice was offered in the residence of John McCarthy on Main street, between High and Third. BISHOP PURCELL IN COLUMBUS. In June 1836, when Bishop Purcell came to Co- lumbus for the purpose of consulting with the Catholics in regard to building a church, he stopped at Noble's National Hotel, where now stands the Neil House. On Sunday, June 5, he celebrated Mass in the old Paul Pry House on Canal street, between Main and Cherry Alley, then occupied by George Studer and family. Mass had frequently been said there by missionaries. DONORS OF FIRST CHURCH LOT. The lot upon which the present Holy Cross church stands was deeded to the Dominican Fath- ers, then in charge of the Columbus mission, on May 15, 1833. The donors were O'tis and Samuel Crosby and Nathaniel Medbery. The legal transfer of this property to the diocese was made on May 29, 1869. OLD LETTERS AND SOME NOTES 71 FIRST RESIDENT PRIEST. Rev. William Schonat was the first resident priest in Columbus. Hie was appointed May 10, 1843. FIRST PAROCHIAL RESIDENCE. The first parochial residence in Columbus was built in 1843, and was ready for occupancy by April of that year. It was the home of the first resident pastor of St. Remigius Church — now Holy Cross. ST. REMIGIUS CHURCH. Holy Cross church had first been dedicated to - St. Remigius. When it became necessary to build a new church it was Father Juncker's desire to dedicate it to the Holy Cross. This dedication took place on January 16, 1848, Bishop Purcell officiat- ing. FIRST PAROCHIAL SCHOOL. Shortly after the arrival in Columbus of Father Schonat, in 1843, he had a frame building erected on the lot adjoining what is now Holy Cross church. It was the first parochial school in Co- lumbus and was taught by lay teachers. It would be interesting to learn who those teachers were, but the records do not give their names. FIRST TEACHING SISTERS. In September, 1856, Rev. Casper H. Borgess, then pastor of Holy Cross church, secured the Sis- ters of Notre Dame from Cincinnati to teach the parochial school. They were the first Sisters to teach in Columbus. 73 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS SIXTY-SEVEN YEARS AGO. St. Patrick's congregation was first formed in February, 1851, by Rev. John Furlong, but it was not until Rev. James Meagher took charge that the people took hold of the project with enthusiasm. ITS COST SIXTY-SEVEN YEARS AGO. The ground upon which St. Patrick's church, school and rectory now stand was purchased from Robert E. Neil for $1000 in 1851. THE FIRST CEMETERY. Prior to January, 1845, the Catholics of Colum- bus had no burying grounds of their own. At that time a tract of three acres and a quarter at the corner of Mt. Vernon and Washington avenues, the present site of Aquinas College, was bought for $600. Then it was just within the city limits. Catholics came sometimes a distance of thirty miles to inter their dead there. THE FIRST CHURCH BELL. St. Patrick's was the first Catholic church in Co- lumbus to have a bell. It was bought about 1865. FATHER Meagher's body. The body of Rev. James Meagher, the first be- loved pastor of St. Patrick's church, and to whose indefatigible efforts its erection was due, was in- terred in the old graveyard at the corner of Wash- ington and Mt. Vernon avenues. Some years ago when it was removed to Mt. Calvary, it was found to be in a remarkable state of preservation. OLD LETTERS AND SOME NOTES 73 ENTERTAINED BY GOVERNOR CHASE. Rev. J. Coppinger, who assisted Rev. Edward Fitzgerald at St. Patrick's in 1861-2, came of a prominent family in Ireland. He was an intimate friend of Salmon P. Chase, then governor of Ohio, and was entertained at his home. FLOATED STARS AND STRIPES. During the civil war, Rev. Edward Fitzgerald, then pastor of St. Patrick's Church, Columbus, later Bishop of Little Rock, floated the stars and stripes from the highest point of the church tower. Father Edward, as he was affectionately called, organized the Irish-Catjholic military company, the Mont- gomery Guards. He was a frequent visitor at Camp Chase, ministering to the prisoners, whether union or confederate. A HUMBLE BEGINNING. When the Sisters of the Good Shepherd first came to Columbus, the small band occupied a very humble house on East Spring street. This was furnished for them by some of the charitable Cath- olics of the city, and in a year or two they were en- abled to take up their residence in the old SuUi- vant home on West Broad street, the site of their present large establishment. 74 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS THE GREAT REAPER. The late Bishop Watterson was consecrated Bishop by the late Archbishop Elder, then Coad- jutor Bishop of Cincinnati. Of the sixteen other officers of the Mass on that occasion, ten as well as the Bishop and the consecrator have passed to the great beyond. There were six Bishops present, only one of whom now survive, the venerable Bishop Chatard of Indianapolis. CHAPTER VIII. LETTERS OF BISHOP PURCELL. The following letters written by Bishop Purcell for the Catholic Telegraph of Cincinnati in the early days of his apostolic labors will prove most interesting reading. They bring before us in a vivid manner the true conditions of Catholic affairs as he found them in going about from place to place over the State that is now divided into four dioceses. They were placed in order by Rev. L. W. Mulhane. He tells how he came into possession of them and had them repub- lished in the Catholic Columbian some years ago: Some time ago, a few bound volumes of the Cin- cinnati Telegraph of sixty odd years ago came into my possession and in turning over the pages I find ac- counts of Bishop Purcell's visits through portions of Ohio, evidently written by himself. Thinking perhaps they may be interesting to your readers, I will trans- fer to these columns at least some of them. They may serve the purpose of bringing to mind the difficulties under which the early Catholics of Ohio labored seven- ty and eighty years ago. Bishop Purcell was conse- crated Bishop of Cincinnati, October, 1833, and early the next spring began the visitation of his diocese. In the Telegraph's issue of May 16, 1834, the fol- lowing letter is found : You will recollect that we left Cincinnati Monday, April 21st. On Tuesday morning 75 76 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS we arrived at Portsmouth and were conducted from the steamboat to the residence of the worthy Mr. Keough, who has been during a long term of years an upright and respected citizen and a zealous and fervent member of the Catholic Church. On Wednesday, the Bishop said Mass, baptized some children and preached to a small congregation. The subject of his discourse was the necessity and importance of ascertaining and professing the true faith and living according to its maxims. Before concluding he took occasion to turn the attention of his hearers to the necessity of making steady and persevering exertions to erect at least a small church, where they may have the consolation of meeting together to worship their God, to receive the holy sacraments, be confirmed in the faith of their ancestors and afford an opportunity to the sincere in- quirers for religious truth to hear the doctrines and tenets of the Catholic Church explained and fully rep- resented. It was, he observed, a source of most poig- nant regret to him to learn that there were in and around Portsmouth many families which ought to be Catholic and who now have none or only an erroneous faith; their defection or rather falling off from the religion of their youth, being mainly attributed to the want of instruction. In Chillicothe, the Catholics assembled in the house of Mr. Bauman, where the Bishop offered the sacri- fice and administered the Blessed Eucharist to 25 or 30 communicants. The want of a church is likewise sensibly felt in this place — and it needs but the pres- ence of a clergyman, to have a neat and commodious. LETTERS OF BISHOP PURCELL 77 building speedily erected. The citizens generally, we understand, were anxious for its erection and a con- venient lot has been already offered. The number of Catholics is supposed to be considerable, but at present they are as scattered sheep without a shepherd. The Germans of this congregation have hitherto been at- tended by one of the Dominican clergymen resident at St. Joseph's, Perry Co. ; they sustain the character of their countrymen for honesty, sobriety and industry and are firmly attached to their religion. The Catholic population of Fairfield County is one of the most respectable and enlightened in the State. There are many distinguished converts. The church is a frame building, rather inconveniently situated. It is much too small for the Catholic congregation, who therefore contemplate, as soon as the present pecuniary embarrassments shall have been removed, to com- mence a new and larger building, in a more eligible part of the town. The Bishop had the satisfaction of meeting here with many of the congregation he form- erly served near Emmitsburg, Md., and of seeing them again among the most zealous and edifying members of his flock. There are upwards of one hundred com- municants in the Lancaster congregation. Seventeen persons were confirmed. On the road from Lancaster to West Rushville we stopped at Mr. Wiseman's and passed the night under his friendly and hospitable roof. The next morning, the Bishop celebrated Mass at which there were six communicants. In this vicinity there are a few fervent converts, and their number we found to increase as we approached Somerset. 78 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS On our arrival at the capital of Perry County we found many of the Catholic inhabitants assembled in the church, which is a well finished brick building, 75 by 40 feet. In a few moments, the Bishop, attended by the Very Rev. N. D. Young, Provincial of the Order of Preachers in the U. S., and Rev. Messrs. Martin, McGrady and O'Leary, of the same order, entered the sanctuary and after observance of the cere- monies prescribed in the Pontifical for the episcopal reception, addressed the assembly. The Te Deum was tolerably well executed by the choir, which was cer- tainly superior to our anticipations, and the usual spir- itual favors were granted, with pastoral benediction by the Bishop. In the course of the day we were much gratified by the accounts given us of the piety and fervor of the Catholics of the two edifying congre- gations of Holy Trinity in Somerset and St. Joseph's, which is only two miles distant. In their regularity and peaceful virtues it was not difficult to trace the effects of the untiring zeal and un- ostentatious efforts of Rev. Mr. Young and his relig- ous associates, who sustain their instructions by an ex- emplary life. Much of the happy influence here ex- erted, must Ukewise be referred to the Boarding and Day School conducted by the pious association of Sisters of the Order of St. Dominic. The system of education is judiciously concerted and far more ex- tensive than even flattering report had taught us to expect. The Catholics and the Protestants of the neighborhood, as well as of Cincinnati, Wheeling and other distant towns, appear by the scholars sent from LETTERS OF BISHOP PURCELL 79 those various places to the seminary, to begin to ap- preciate it as it merits. We know of few institutions which more successfully aspire to public patronage. On our way through the study-room, after having had occasion to admire the improvement of the pupils in the various solid and ornamental branches of femak instruction, we were agreeably arrested by the simple, affecting, and if "proper words in proper places" be correct taste, we would add, well written address, spoken by Miss Matilda Pyne of Cincinnati. The Bishop in his answer, alluded to the services which had been rendered to religion by the establishment of schools, such as that he had the happiness to visit, in Georgetown, D. C, St. Joseph's, Maryland, Nazareth, Kentucky, and many other places, and hoped from what he had already witnessed, to see St. Mary's, Perry County, in the course of a few years, inferior to none in usefulness. His protection, he said, would never be withheld. The next letter appears in the issue of May 23rd, 1834, and is dated St. Barnabas, Morgan County, May 14th. It says: On Thursday, May 8th, the festival of the Ascen- sion, there were 61 persons confirmed in St. Joseph's near Somerset. The church was far too small to con- tain the number of persons assembled. It is hoped that a sufficiency of funds will be provided, before a very long period will have elapsed, for its enlarge- ment, so as to accommodate the congregation and their dissenting friends. We regret that this church has not been furnished with an organ. St. Patrick's 80 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS Church, seven miles from Somerset, was visited on the following Saturday. There were none ready for con- firmation. The church is well put up, but it can boast of its bare walls alone — there is as yet no interior decoration but what is found in the devotion and fervor of the small though zealous flock there worshipping. On Sunday, confirmation was administered to 17 per- sons in the Church of St. Lewis at Rehoboth. The church is a well built frame edifice, 40 by 35 feet, remarkably neat and in every respect highly creditable to the Catholics of the town and vicinity. They intend to enlarge and add to it a considerable lot on which a residence for a clergyman may be, in the course of a little time, erected. St. Barnabas, or the church of Jonathan's Creek, is nine miles from Rehoboth. It is an humble log building, like most of the dwellings in its immediate neighborhood. Its bleak situation and unfinished state reminded us of the stable of Bethle- hem, and that the God who truly honored both by His presence loves the poor. Notwithstanding the short- ness of the notice given and the severity of the weather which was really very cold, there was a tolerable con- gregation assembled on Tuesday. There were some first Communions and eleven were confirmed. The Catholics of this place are chiefly emigrants, or mov- ers from congregations formed at different intervals of time and space, by Rev. Messrs. Gallitzin, Zocchy, Debarth and the present pious Bishop of New York. Their simple manners and unaffected piety and virtue are the best eulogium of their once zealous pastors. The Bishop, forbidden by his previous engagements LETTERS OF BISHOP PURCELL 81 to linger among these primitive people as long as we could have wished, left here on Wednesday, accom- panied by the Very Rev. N. D. Young, for Newark, Sapp's settlement and Zanesville, whence you shall again hear from us. The last number of the Tele- graph has not yet reached Somerset. Knowing the punctuality with which your paper is sent on the day of publication to the post office, we are at a loss to account for the frequent irregularity of its arrival at its destination. This is no peculiar grievance, nor the only complaint we have heard against the post office department during our travels." We transfer to your columns this week another letter concerning the early days of the Church in his Diocese. It is dated Zanesville, 1st of June, 1834. Our last letter was dated at St. Barnabas, Mor- gan Co., May 14th. We visited a few families only, on our way to Sapp's Settlement, Knox Co., where our arrival was anxiously expected by a large con- gregation, one of the first which was formed in this diocese. It almost exclusively consists of mov- ers from the "Mountain Church" congregation, ten miles from Cumberland, Alleghany, Co., Md. The names of Sapp, Durbin, and McKenzie, who have been faithful to their God and their Holy Faith, in profession and in practice, notwithstand- ing the difficulties which they had to contend with for nearly 25 years in the wilderness, will not be forgotten in the annals of the first Catholic settlers of Ohio. They have sustained a character free from reproach and above suspicion, conciliating the 82 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS respect of nearly all their dissenting neighbors for the religion which taught them to love God above all things, taught them to be just to all men for His sake. As the Jubilee had not previously been announced here, we had to delay longer than we had anticipated. The anxiety evinced by young and old, Protestant and Catholic, for religious instruc- tion, was truly affecting. The Bishop preached for nearly two hours every morning and evening for three days. Rev. Mr. O'Leary, as long as his deli- cate health permitted, was almost continually in the confessional. On the Feast of Pentecost there were 120 communicants, besides many others on the three following days, and eight were confirmed. The number of children left unconfirmed was con- siderable. This was chiefly owing to their want ot instruction, as the Church of St. Luke, which is the only one to which they have access, is 50 miles from Somerset the nearest residence of a Roman Catho- lic priest. The badness of the roads and the danger and difidculty of crossing several deep creeks in winter, make the visits of a clergyman to a people so anxiously yearning for "The Bread of Life" un- fortunately few and far between. Mr. Woods, a citizen of Danville, which is a little more than a mile from the Church of St. Luke, has generously offered a lot of ground for a church, and three hundred dollars were subscribed or prom- ised by the other citizens of the place towards its erection. A large assembly to whom the Bishop had to preach twice from a rudely fashioned pulpit LETTERS OF BISHOP PURCELL 83 in Mr. Sapp's orchard, expressed great earnestness to proceed with the laudable undertaking. Mean- while, the children of the neighborhood have been directed and strenuously exhorted by the Bishop to attend to catechetical instructions and lessons in reading, to be given on Sundays and holidays in the church, by the zealous Mr. Daniel Durbin and a few pious assistants. At Mount Vernon, eleven miles from Sapp's set- tlement, there are a few Catholic families, likewise anxious, as well as many liberal Protestants, for the erection of a church. Mr. Norton and Dr. Burr have distinguished themselves, among the citizens who do not profess our doctrines, for the zeal with which they have contributed to advance this useful measure. They have, each, offered a lot gratis. That of Mr. Norton, as most conveniently situated, has been thankfully selected. To Mr. Sawyer, not a Catholic, who has offered for this purpose one hundred dollars in materials, our thanks are also given. We had the happiness of offering the Di- vine Sacrifice, at which there were a few com- municants, at the house of the worthy Mr. Morton, a convert to our holy religion. We tarried, on our way to Zanesville, one day at Newark, the county town of Licking County, en- joying the elegant society of Mr. Denman, and ex- periencing much kindness. There were not many communicants, but one estimable convert was con- firmed. The new courthouse at Newark not being completed, the Bishop preached in a large hall. 84 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS temporarily occupied for the administration of jus- tice, to a numerous audience. His discourse chiefly turned on the Rule of Faith and the refutation of the popular objections against the infallibility of the Catholic Church. The next day, we gave church in Jacksontown, six and one half miles from New- ark. The great National Road passes by this town ; and as an eligible lot has been given by Mr. Harris for a Catholic church, and there are many profess- ors of our faith employed at the public works in the vicinity, the Bishop encouraged all those whom he had the satisfaction to address in the house of a zealous Catholic, Mr. O'Kane, to use their best exertions to raise a suitable monument to the Faith of their ancestors and a conspicuous pledge that they had not, themselves, degenerated from its possession. A corresponding interest was felt by all who heard his discourse. We devoutly trust the worthy men whom he appointed as a committee, will vigorously proceed in the prosecution of the good work. Our reception at Zanesville was similar to that at Somerset, which has been described. The same faith, the same gratitude to Almighty God, who continually fulfills His promise not to leave any por- tion of His children orphans, the same zeal for the improvement of the means of giving solemnity and edifying effect to sacred music and to the divine worship generally, were here witnessed. The con- gregation, which numbers from 250 to 300 com- municants, is under the pastoral care of the Rev. LETTERS OF BISHOP PURCELL 85 C. p. Montgomery. The church is a handsome (octagon) brick building, 75 by 40 feet, neatly fin- ished, with a good choir and organ. It was erected by the exertions of the Rev. C. P. Montgomery and was consecrated in 1825, by the late Father Augus- tin Hill. When Bishop Fenwick first celebrated Mass in Zanesville, there were not more than two Catholic families in the place. Subsequently, it was for some years visited, monthly, by Rev. N. D. Young, who was under the necessity of celebrating the Holy Sacrifice in a temporary building, occu- pied as a warehouse, belonging tO' the late lamented Mr. J. S. Dugan. To the zeal of that good man are the Catholics of Zanesville much indebted for their present respectable standing in the place. They were warmly commended by the Bishop, in his ser- mon on Trinity Sunday, for their zealous attach- ment to our Holy Faith, their fidelity and fervor in the reception of the Sacraments and above all, for that union among themselves and charity to their fellow citizens, which are the "fulfilment of the law," and the best mode of honoring the union and love of the three adorable persons, the source of all our good. There were twenty-eight confirmed, some of whom are converts. On Wednesday, May 28th, Mr. J. G. Alleman, Order of Preachers, was ordained subdea- con; on the feast of Corpus Christi, the same gentle- man was raised to the order of deacon, and on the Sunday following, assumed the awful responsibility of the priesthood. The audience, which thronged the 86 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS church, appeared deeply impressed with the scene and were frequently addressed by the Bishop, who ex- plained the various ceremonies, demonstrated the necessity of ordination and mission for the valid exer- cise of the sacerdotal functions, and invoked the fer- vent prayers of his hearers that God might send worthy laborers into His vineyard and sustain by His grace those who were already burdened with the care of souls. The ordination of Mr. Alleman detained us longer than we had intended to remain at Zanesville but, much as we are straitened for time, we can never regret the opportunity afforded us of cultivating a more intimate acquaintance with the excellent Cath- olics of this town and vicinity. We shall not soon for- get them. Forty miles from Zanesville, on Meig's Creek, there is a congregation consisting of about 100 souls who are occasionally visited by Rev. Mr. Montgomery. They contemplate building a church in a short time. There are also Catholic stations at Taylorsville, nine miles down the Muskingum, where, as well as at the Mound, the divine mysteries are celebrated, and again, nearly 12 miles northwest of Zanesville, where several families are afforded the consolation of attend- ing to the duties of religion and having their children instructed by the same zealous and edifying pastor. Our next visits shall be to Guernsey, Columbiana and Stark Counties, whence you shall again hear from us. The Bishop regrets that his return to Cincinnati will be deferred some weeks longer than he had calculated LETTERS OF BISHOP PURCELL 87 on; but as he is aware of the fidelity and zeal of the reverend gentlemen who have charge of the congrega- tions which they have, themselves, so successfully labored to form to every Christian virtue, he cannot withhold from more destitute portions of his diocese those spiritual aids which they have so long expected from his pastoral visit and ministry. He left Zanes- ville, on Sunday, June 1st, attended by Rev. C. P. Montgomery. The reference made in the above letter to the ordi- nation of Rev. J. G. Alleman, May 28, 1834, might be regarded as the first ordination in point of time within the limits of the diocese. No doubt it is his name that appears in the Baptismal register of Cal- moutier, and not that of Archbishop Alemany, whose initials were J. S. and not J. G. Archbishop Alemany was ordained in Italy in 1837. He spent about ten years on the missions in Ohio, Tennessee and Ken- tucky. Another of Bishop Purcell's letters I find as fol- lows in The Telegraph of June 27, 1834 : Hanover, Columbiana Co., O. June 16th, 1834. Having left Zanesville late on the evening of Sunday, June 1st, we proceeded not further than Mr. Andrew Dugan's, where we had the happiness to celebrate the Holy Mysteries on the following morning. Mr. Dugan is brother to the estimable man who was summoned, suddenly, but not unpre- pared, to meet his God, while conveying the late 88 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS Bishop of this Diocese from Washington city to Wheeling. His zeal and aid in the erection of the Zanesville church were but Httle less than those of his episcopal friend. The memory of both will long be preserved and cherished. In Norwich, on the National Road, 12 miles from Zanesville, a lot and $200 have been gener- ously offered for the building of a church by a worthy Catholic citizen, Mr. Taggart. Fifty dol- lars have been subscribed for the same laudable pur- pose by Mr. Noble, a very zealous convert ; and con- tributions from, other sources to the amount of two hundred and fifty dollars, inspire confidence in the effort made by the Catholics in this fast improving and interesting portion of the State for the perma- nent establishment of our holy faith in their vi- cinity. At Cambridge, and near the residence of Mr. McCune, on the same road, there are several Catholic families anxious for an opportunity of prac- ticing their holy religion. A numerous congrega- tion assembles occasionally at Washington, 8 miles from Cambridge, where church is held, at present, in the house of Mr. Lawn, to whose own and his neighbors' strong attachment to the "Faith once de- livered to the saints," we render most willing testi- mony. Would that occasion were more frequently afforded them of reducing its sound principles to holy and edifying practice, in the reception of the sacraments ! In Middletown there are a few Cath- olics, but there is no church. The Bishop preached LETTERS OF BISHOP PURCELL 89 in the schoolhouse at Fairview and administered the Holy Sacrament next day, in the house of Mr. Scott, to a small number of fervent communicants. The distance of this place from the residence of a priest and the want of a church have hitherto es- sentially impeded the diffusion and practice of our doctrines in this section of Guernsey County. From Fairview to St. Dominic's Church 14 miles distant, the road lies through a rough and hilly coun- try, which is almost inaccessible by carriages at any season of the year. The church is a more respectable edifice than we had expected to see in a location so remote. It is of wrought wood and with the addition of a little paint looks, as it should, superior to the habitations of the good men by whom it has been erected. The congregation is said to consist of up- wards of six hundred members. There are about two hundred and fifty communicants. In consequence of a rule adopted by the Bishop to admit none but those who are sufficiently instructed and disposed to make their first Communion and Confirmation, only eight persons were confirmed, four of whom were converts. The want of a resident clergyman is here most sensibly felt, as well as at Malaga, Monroe County, nine miles distant, where a German, Mr. Dorr, who sings in the choir at St. Dominic's, has been induced by his zeal to build a church exclusively at his own ex- pense. When shall we be favored with disinterested and zealous priests in sufficient number to answer such earnest appeals for instruction, to break the bread of life to the hungry, and to correspond with 90 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS such heroic sacrifices? After a late Mass on Mon- day, June 9th, the Bishop left the house of Mr. Gal- lagher, on whose land the church is built, and visited the family of Mr. Jeffers, where he had the satisfac- tion to see ten interesting converts; thence he pro- ceeded, accompanied by Mr. DeLong, who numbers not fewer than 70 relatives, converted, like himself, to the Catholic faith, on the road to St. Paul's Church in Columbiana County, where he arrived on Saturday, the 14th inst., having visited several Catholic resi- dences in the intervening towns. Rev. Mr. Henni, of Canton, had arrived the day previous at St. Paul's and commenced preparing the attending members of the congregation for the Holy Sacraments. The inter- ests of this church had been for some time grievously neglected and the ecclesiastical property attached to it, misapplied. The exertions of the present pious clergyman and the measures taken during the Episco- pal visitation, will, it is hoped, efficiently arrest the two-fold evil. ■ The Church of St. Paul's is a substantial brick edi- fice, recently much enlarged, but still inadequate to the increasing members of the congregation. It is at- a thickly settled territory of 10 or 12 miles around, tended by the Catholics of New Lisbon, Hanover and The Catholics worshipping at the church are variously estimated at from eight hundred to one thousand souls. They have no resident pastor. There were only six reported sufficiently well instructed to be ad- mitted to confirmation and it was truly distressing to observe that many had been suffered to reach their LETTERS OF BISHOP PURCELL 91 20th year without having been imbued with the first elements of a religious education or received any other sacrament than baptism. Canton and the congre- gations in its neighborhood, Norwalk, Tiffin, and Dayton shall be visited as soon as possible. The pas- tors have been apprized of the days on which the Bishop hopes to reach their respective churches. July 3. Continuing the series of letters concerning the early days of the Church in Ohio, which I hope will prove interesting to your readers, especially in those locali- ties referred to, I find the next letter in point of time, written under date of July 3, 1834, and from Mans- field, Richland County, Ohio. The Bishop wrote: Our first station after having left St. Paul's Church, was at Mr. Crevasier's, in Hanover, where a few persons, unable to attend church, received Holy Communion, and one child was baptized. Similar consolations were afforded to the Catholics of Paris, IS miles distant, in the house of Mr. Jas. Cassily. Passing by Osnaburg in the public stage, we had not time to visit several Catholic fami- lies, chiefly Germans, inhabitants of that town and vicinity. Having rendered our accustomed and solemn hom- age to the adorable Sacrament on our arrival in the church of Canton, the seat of Stark County, and knelt in the cemetery by the remains of the once animated temples of the Holy Ghost, destined to rise more splendid from their present ruins, we became uncon- sciously absorbed in reflection at the humble grave of 93 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS tlie Rev. Mr. Hill. How many associations, pleasing and melancholy to the soul, did not that sad memorial awaken ! What consistent testimony did not its peace- ful occupant render to the truth! What a contrast between his and the conversion of certain modern proselytes ! Willingly did he descend from exalted station, relinquish country, debar himself of the pleas- ures of a society which he was so eminently qualified to grace and adorn, and sever the dearest ties, to worship at the shrine of that mysterious Catholic re- ligion, always blackened by calumny, but ever bright with holiness, always assaulted by error, but never overcome, and which is now going forth through the new world as it has gone through the old, "conquer- ing and to conquer." The following epitaph, a tribute of classic as well as sacerdotal piety to the deceased ornament of the American priesthood, is inscribed on a plain white slab placed against the south side of the church. It is, we understand, the composition of the Rev. Mr. Henni, associate pastor of the Canton con- gregation. D. O. M. Reverendus Sacerdos Dominus Johannes Augustinus Hill. Relictis centuris castris, Minervae induit arma* Adscriptis Dominici choro *In the Dominican convent at Rome (supra Minervam) occupying part of what was once the Campus Martius, where Rev. Mr. Hill made his novitiate and assumed the habit of the Order of St. Dominic. LETTERS OF BISHOP PURCELL 83 Patris premit vestigia Patri ignotis in sylvis : - Pius mitisque animo Carus et ore facundus Obiit iii o. Non. Sept. MDCCCXXVIII. Pulveri eheu! fave pulvis Nova dum silet turba. On Sunday, Rev. Mr. Raymacker sang Mass, and the Bishop preached in the morning, and again ad- dressed a large audience in the afternoon. The Tuesday following, feast of St. John Baptist, patron of the church, the sacrament of confirmation was ad- ministered to 105 persons, all of whom received the divine Eucharist on the same day. The order ob- served during the dispensation of the sacred rite was truly edifying. The progress of Catholicity in this section of the State may be estimated from the fact that there are at present upwards of 2000 communi- cants in part of the district, attended by two clergy- men, the only priests in Stark County, where, ten years ago, there were scarcely thirty resident Catholic families. This extraordinary increase will appear from the annexed statement, on whose correctness full reliance can be placed : Canton, 800 communicants ; Beechland, 7 miles distant, 240; Paris, 120; Moreck, 15 miles to the east, 100; Fulton, 130; Sugar Creek, 60; Randolph, in Portage County, 18 miles north of Canton, 120; the remainder are in Medina, Chippewa and Tuscarawas, where there is unfortunately no one to gather the harvest into the barns of the Father 94 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS of the family, but tenacious Catholic faith alone pre- serves the love of our holy institutions, cementing the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace. A few only of these did we find time to visit. Beechland is principally a French settlement. Church is held in the house of Mr. Joseph Menegay, which was formerly occupied as a place of meeting by a Baptist minister and his congregation. Bricks to the amount of 120,000, for a new church, are now in the kiln, and a lot of three-fourths of an acre in an eligible position near a recently laid off site for a new town, has been given by Mr. Lutzenheiser. The ground for a graveyard is the grant of Mr. Bidoan, and 49 acres of prairie land, generously donated by Messrs. James, Richard and Patrick Moffit, to which five others have been added by the good Mr. Mene- gay, are now recorded in the Bishop's name as a pro- vision for the support of a pastor. In Moreck, Carroll County, twelve persons were confirmed, and the new church, a log building, 40 feet by 26, was dedicated to God under the direction of St. Fidelis, the proto-martyr of the Propaganda Fide (Butler, April 24.) The lot, consisting of two acres, was given by Mr. Wagner, a Catholic from Pennsylvania. In the Fulton Church, a log building 50 by 30, built on an acre lot presented by Mr. McCud and not yet dedicated, there were 14 confirmed, of whom five were converts. Messrs. Patton, Boyle, McCaddon and Edington are among the most zealous of his little LETTERS OF BISHOP PURCELL 05 flock, and names which we record with much satis- faction. In Sugar Creek Church, Wayne County, likewise a log edifice, small and inconveniently situated, there were 14 communicants, and four confirmed on the 1st of July. The Arnolds of Allegheny County, Mary- land, have planted the mustard seed and they now cherish its growth in this lonely place. Among the baptized there was one convert. Reaching Wooster late at night, we greatly regret- ted that we could not sojourn, at least one day, with the excellent Catholics near that town. The dreariness of the hour and the stormy state of the weather were in perfect accord with the feelings inspired by the sight of the room in which the late Bishop died for- saken by every one but his God. Filled with the most serious but salutary impressions of the precarious tenure by which we hold to the present life, we left the town, after a short and broken rest, and proceeded over a wretched road, 33 jniles to Mansfield. There are two English and several German Cath- olic families in this town, but many more in the neigh- borhood. They are very irregularly attended. Not- withstanding the briefness of the notice, there were 15 communicants and 4 confirmed, in the house of Mr. William Downey. Deprived, for want of time, of the pleasure of visiting Chippewa, where Messrs. G. Whitman and Peter Marshall, brother to the Rev. Francis Marshall, of Maryland, have lately conveyed eighty acres of good land to the Bishop towards the support of a priest; and unable, for the same reason. 96 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS to see the numerous Catholic families newly settled near Bucyrus, Crawford Co., of whose attachment to their faith and praiseworthy exertions for the building of a church we have heard much that edi- fied, we left Mansfield, on the 3rd of July, hoping to reach Paris by way of Truxville, the same day. In this we were disappointed; and after a costly, dan- gerous and unsuccessful effort to cross the flooded head-waters of the Neohican, were compelled, with well drenched clothes and broken carriage, to return and think of the patience and joy of the apostle in greater labors and disasters, while we enjoyed the fireside of our kind host. Tomorrow, God willing, we shall renew the effort to reach Norwalk by Sun- day, and we hope, with better success. We intend to be in Cincinnati in two weeks." It might be added that the reference by Bishop Purcell to the room where his predecessor died will be better understood when it is stated that Bishop Fenwick died of cholera at Wooster, Ohio, Sept. 26, 1832. His last words were "Come! Let us to Calvary!" His body was buried temporarily by the roadside, but afterwards exhumed and taken to Cincinnati where it was interred in the Cathedral. The last letter of Bishop Purcell's describing his first visitation of his diocese in the year 1834 was written from Dayton, under date of July 23rd. He had left Cincinnati April 21st and hence was absent on the visitation over three months. He says : We shall here conclude our notes of the episcopal visitation. Reports, which, we trust, we shall find LETTERS OF BISHOP PURCELL 87 to have been exaggerated, having reached us, of the re-appearance of the cholera, under alarming circum- stances, at Cincinnati, induce the Bishop to defer visiting the remaining Catholic stations on his route and repair promptly to his see, in order to unite with his reverend and, he fears, overburdened fellow- laborers, in rendering to that beloved' portion of his flock the spiritual consolation and relief of which it may be in need. From Mansfield to Paris there are many scattered Catholics ; we had time to visit none but the numerous and edifying family of Mrs. Trux, residing near the last mentioned, new and rapidly growing town. The number of the professors of "the faith once delivered to the saints," increased as we approached Norwalk, seat of Huron County. Three miles from the town is a well-built frame church, under the pastoral care of Rev. Mr. Tschenhenss, of the Holy Order of the Redeemer, founded by the lately canonized Alphonsus de Liguori, an Italian Bishop. The church, which has been lately erected, was dedicated to Almighty God under the invocation of that Holy Prelate and zealous Patron of Missions. Previously to the cere- mony of its benediction, the Bishop addressed the congregation (to whom the Rev. Mr. Henni, of Can- ton, subsequently delivered an eloquent and impres- sive discourse in the German language), and was obvi- ously much impressed with the necessity of the pray- ers be proffered to heaven being granted, when he besought the Divine Dispenser of every good gift to cherish and mature the mustard seed, thus sown under 98 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS the fostering care of the Redemptorists, and thence to diffuse the blessings of the only true and life-giv- ing faith over an extensive territory where its in- fluence has hitherto been but little felt. Rev. Mr. Tschenhenss is now aided by two pious lay-brothers, and is soon to be joined by a zealous clergyman of his order from Michigan, and a considerable re-in- forcement from Vienna, who are thought to be now on their voyage to the distant and unknown settle- ment in the West. After the dedication of the church, the cemetery was blessed and 19 were confirmed. At the request of several of the citizens the Bishop preached in the court house at Norwalk. The day fol- lowing he was accompanied by Rev. Messrs. Henni and Tschenhenss to Lower Sandusky, where divine sacrifice was offered at the residence of Madame Beaugrand. There are not many Catholics settled in the town, but several families have lately arrived in its vicinity. A lot for a church was promised by es- teemed friends to the holy cause of truth, and pecun- iary assistance will not, it is believed, be withheld when the seasonable time for the commencement of the church shall have arrived. We were much disappointed at finding the church of Tiffin still unfinished. It has not yet been dedicated. On Sunday, 13th of July, there were 100 communi- cants and on the following Tuesday 26 were confirm- ed. Exclusively of the Germans, to whom Rev. Mes- srs. Henni and Tschenhenss frequently preached dur- ing our stay in town, there is a large and fervent congregation from the neighborliood of Emmetsburgh, LETTERS OF BISHOP PURCELL 09 St. Mary's and Westminster, Frederick Co., Mary- land. They are the hope of religion and will long continue, as we fondly and devoutly trust, to enhance their Bishop's joy and pastor's crown in the remote and peaceful habitations they have chosen. Rev. Mr. Qiiinn, who has hitherto attended this congregation, resides at the distance of five miles from Tiffin and has had to minister to the spiritual wants of the Cath- olics of a circumference of nearly forty miles, the roads at any season of the year, but particularly in winter, being of the very worst description. In McCutchenville, 10 miles from Tiffin, a charm- ing lot of 2^ acres has been ceded to the Bishop and his successors in office by Mr. Wm. Arnold and a considerable sum has been subscribed by Messrs. Mc- Laughlin, Berton, Noel and many other Catholics and Protestants for the erection of a church. Two other churches are spoken of and would indeed be neces- sary, for German congregations five miles in dififerent directions from Tiffin. Through the Indian Reserve, there was nothing to break the cheerless dreariness of the wilderness, but the recollection of the immense numbers of the fast disappearing sons of the forest, once the proud own- ers of the soil, converted by the Jesuit missionaries in North America and Canada. Some of the Wyan- dotts, through whose woods we traveled, had had our holy religion taught them by Canadian priests, and we learned, by the way, that the apostolic Bishop of Bardstown, Kentucky, had baptized several of their children some twelve or fourteen years ago. From 100 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS the Scioto bridge, until we reach the little chapel reared by individual piety and prospective solicitude on the estate of Judge Piatt, one mile from West Liberty, there are but few signs of that salvation which it is the will of the Redeemer should over- spread the earth, before the end of time shall come. In this humble but sacred witness to the truth of the promise of an universal and a perpetual sacrifice, the Bishop preached and expressed his satisfaction to record among the first efforts made to provide the means of religious instruction for the wanderer, the donation of a lot consisting of five acres for the sup- port of a school or the maintenance of a clergyman in Logan County. In Urbana there are only two Catholic families. They are deservedly esteemed by their fellow citizens for many excellent qualities and afford in blameless integrity of life the best refutation of the prejudices sometimes not culpably entertained, but too often ma- liciously communicated against Catholics, by those to whom their lives and doctrines are unknown or whose interest crime — it is to misrepresent them. The Bishop preached in the Court House at Urbana and proceeded the next day to Dayton, the capital of Montgomery county in company with an esteemed friend, Rev. Mr. Collins. The new and interesting Catholic settlement on the Auglaize, in Putnam Co. under the superintendence of Rev. Mr. Horstman, and the congregations of Stallostown and Hamilton will be visited at a later period — ^but their interests shall not, in the meantime be neglected, nor any pains LETTERS OF BISHOP PURCELL 101 omitted to complete the building of their respective churches. If, in the course of his visitation, the Bish- op has seen some things to regret and encountered obstacles which it is impossible to remove without the aid of resources which are not at present under his control, he has likewise witnessed much that should console the true friends of religion and induce them, while they pay the just tribute of their gratitude to God, fervently to implore the Patriarch's blessing on the harvest. CHAPTER IX. BISHOP PURCELL's LETTERS CONTINUED. Our last extracts from Bishop Purcell's letters closed with an account of his first visitations — the year after his consecration — 1834. I find for 1835 the following notes of his labors in the early part of that year. February 12th, 1835, he visited Hamilton, Ohio. This visit had been long deferred owing to the multiplicity of duties which required his presence in Cincinnati, and other parts of his extensive diocese; but at the earnest request of some of the citizens and his anxious wish to examine the Catholic chapel which had several years since been commenced under Rt. Rev. Bishop Fenwick, also' to inquire into the spiritual wants of this portion of his flock, he came to Ham- ilton. The church, or rather the skeleton of a church, from its unfinished and long neglected state, appeared at first almost ruinous. It is hoped, however, from the liberal spirit manifested not only by the Catholics, but by many enlightened Protestant gentlemen, that the effort about to be made by the Bishop to repair and finish it will be fully sustained by their co-oper- ation, and indeed their kind and generous assurances of support are a pledge and hearty encouragement to him. The community is well disposed' to see the 103 BISHOP PURCELL'S LETTERS CONTINUED 103 completion of a chapel which will be an ornament to the town and a corrective of the false and injurious views entertained of Catholic doctrines. To accommodate the numerous Catholics at Ham- ilton Place, near Bloomfield, the Bishop visited that station and notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather many assembled to assist at the divine sacri- fice, to partake of the Holy Sacraments and hear the Word of God announced. The Court House having been kindly granted by the Sheriff, the citizens as- sembled there on Sunday evening; and, after the hid- eous pictures which had been drawn of Catholics, in their vicinity, seemed anxious to hear from its own appointed ministers, the true principles of Catholic faith. They listened with marked attention for two hours to the discourse of the Bishop, who vindi- cated in a luminous manner, his traduced and injured Church. The Bishop concluded with expressions of gratitude to the citizens of Hamilton who had ex- tended in the spirit of Christian charity, their liberal aid to the Catholics of Hamilton. He gave them his parting counsel to cherish a feeling of benevolence and a regard for all, whatever might be their religion, and especially to resist steadily and energetically any efifort to ally Church and State, to permit no sect by temporal appliances to domineer over the conscience of their fellow-citizens." Columbus. — In March, 1835, the Bishop published this notice, in which is found the first mention of Co- lumbus : "The Catholics of Portsmouth, Piketon, Frankfort, 104 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS Chillicothe, Columbus, Springfield and Dayton will be visited during the ensuing weeks of Lent, by the Rev. Mr. Henni of Cincinnati. As this zealous clergyman speaks the English, German and French languages, all the Catholics of the districts above named will have an opportunity of attending to the urgent precept of the Paschal Communion, which it is earnestly hoped they will not fail to observe religiously. Chillicothe will be visited on the fourth Sunday of Lent; Colum- bus on the fifth Sunday and Dayton on the sixth or Palm Sunday. The Catholics situated between these towns, on the route, will be duly advised by letter, when they may expect the promised blessings of our holy religion." Rev. Mr. Henni, mentioned in the above, after- wards became first Bishop and Archbishop of Mil- waukee. His visit to Columbus would be Passion Sun- day, 183S, which occurred, that year, on April 5th. The Bishop, in the first week of April, visited a few of the Catholic settlements in the north-west part of the State and the account given is as follows : A colony of German Catholics, flying from the vexations inseparable from the state of society in their native land, or anxious to secure new habitations where no unjust legislation in favor of certain privi- leged classes might be permitted to impose hurtful re- straints on the enterprise and industry of the poor, have located themselves, within the last two or three years, on the borders of Shelby and Mercer Counties, in free and prosperous Ohio. One of their countrymen who spoke the English BISHOP PURCELL'S LETTERS CONTINUED 106 language purchased in the name of the community a section of land on which, by common consent, a town has been laid out, called from the factor's name, Stal- lostown. His death, by cholera, soon after the pur- chase, has made no change in the resolution of the colonists, who are now in number about 150 families and busily engaged in erecting their little city, clear- ing the woods and draining their wet lands for til- lage. Convinced that religion is the only sure basis of of happiness even in the present life and the knowl- edge and practice of the law of God the best founda- tion of the rising town, their first attention has been turned to the erection of a church and school house, where religious instruction may be happily secured for themselves and their children. The church is a substantial log building, sixty by forty feet, skillfully and neatly put together. Near it is the schoolhouse, a small but well-lighted and con- venient structure with its virtuous teacher and happy and innocent pupils. For some weeks previous to the arrival of the Bishop, Rev. Mr. Horstman diligently instructed the congregation on the necessary prepara- tion for the sacraments of penance, confirmation and Holy Eucharist. On Passion Sunday, notwithstand- ing the snow and rain which fell during the preceding night, the candidates for these holy rites assembled at an early hour in the church. When the time for the High Mass had arrived, they advanced in procession to the house occupied by the Bishop and returned with him to the temple of God, making the woods resound with the divine praises. After the gospel, the Bishop 106 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS preached in English and Rev. Mr. Horstman in Ger man. There were 120 communicants and 80 were confirmed, the badness of the roads and the severity of the weather preventing many from leaving home. Not quite two miles from Stallostown, at a place called New Bremen, is another German settlement composed almost exclusively of Lutherans, who have likewise erected a church and made provision for the support of the resident parson. Between their Catholic neighbors and them, the most uninterrupted harmony and reciprocally kind feeling prevails. Unable to procure a horse without loss of time, to which his zeal would not submit, Rev. Mr. Horst- man preceded on foot to St. Mary's, twelve miles from Stallostown toward Wappaghkonetta, which it was our intention to visit. Here, in consequence of the late rains, the roads, at any season miserably bad, were utterly impassable, and after a fruitless effort to make our way through a 'mire,' we were compelled to return. Our course lay next to Piqua, which we reached on the 7th inst. The Catholics in this town are not numerous, not more than forty or fifty assembled at the residence of Mr. Jos. Wilmann, where the divine sacrifice was offered, some infants baptized and the sacrament of penance administered. The Bishop earn- estly exhorted the members of this small congrega- tion to prove their fidelity to the religion of their fathers and admonished them of the dangers to which their moral principles were exposed and the wiles that were practiced to decoy them from the truth. Of BISHOP PURCELL'S LETTERS CONTINUED 107 these, there are many instances in the neighborhood of Piqua and of Troy. The Catholic congregation of Troy is but a little larger than that of Piqua, yet of this small number there were some young people who had reached their 16th year without having made their first Communion. We would take this mode of again exhorting the Cath- olics of this place and of Piqua, only eight miles dis- tant, to make a united effort for the erection of a small church. Greenville, Darke County, 25 miles distant from Troy, had never been visited by a missionary priest. There are about 20 Catholic families in a northeast direction, two miles from the town. Their joy was great indeed at the opportunity offered them, after a privation of many tedious years, again to assemble before the altar of God and share in the divine con- solations not sufficiently appreciated where such prec- ious advantages are more frequently enjoyed. A large room in the house of Mr. Charles Caron, a French Catholic, was hastily converted into a temporary chapel. Here 20 were admitted to the Holy Table and arrangements made for the periodical visits of the pastor of Stallostown. A two acre lot, on an elevated site, was zealously appropriated by Mr. Caron for the erection of a- church and help and means subscribed for its completion during the ensuing sum- mer. Dayton, which is most advantageously situated and has no uncertain prospects of great increase in wealth and numbers, has several handsomely, or at least. 108 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS solidly furnished meeting-houses, but not a single Catholic church. This is not the fault of the Cath- olic residents of the town. They are, on the contrary, among the most zealous and exemplary in the State and a few families in particular adorn religion by their lives, while they liberally sustain it to the ex- tent of their means. Most devoutly do we trust that the effort to be made this summer for the erection of a church may be blessed with the desired success. We would prefer the same prayer for the Catholics of Miamisburg, Bloomfield and Hamilton, where small congregations have been likewise visited/' At this time, according to Bishop Purcell, there were eighteen priests in the State of Ohio. In the fol- lowing July, the Bishop says : We are happy to observe that the Rev. E. M. Thienpont is at present in this city, (Cincinnati), so- liciting aid for the erection of a Catholic church in Dayton. This town enjoys the advantages of one of the best localities in the State and bids fair to rival at no distant period some of the best and most wealthy cities of the Union. Besides the inducements held out to the citizens by the junction of the Ohio and Wa- bash Canals, which intersect each other at or near Dayton, the Erie and Ohio Railroad is, we under- stand, already under contract and will add to the nat- ural riches of the Miami Valley, much of the pro- duce of the north and west. Possessing such great facilities for commerce and enterprise, it were ex- ceedingly to be regretted that the means of religious instruction were withheld from a class of settlers BISHOP PURCELL'S LETTERS CONTINUED 109 inferior to none in public spirit and industry. The Protestants of Dayton have done themselves honor by the liberality with which they responded to the ap- peal of their Catholic fellow-citizens for the purpose above stated. A highly eligbile lot, 96 by 166 feet has been presented free of cost to the Bishop by Mrs. Prudence Pierson and the example of this lady has been followed by a subscription among the members of the different religious denominations amounting to $1,300. It will take more than five times this sum to finish the contemplated building; but we trust in the assistance of Him to whose honor and glory it is to be erected, that a becoming spirit will be evinced by our citizens on this occasion and that the desire for those blissful habitations not made with hands, eter- nal in Heaven, will induce all to contribute something handsome, for the precious establishment of the King- dom of Jesus Christ in the hearts of His people on earth. Most cordially do we tender to our Reverend fellow-laborer, our best wishes for his success." The Father Thienpont above mentioned died while pastor of St. John's parish, Logan, Ohio, some twenty odd years ago. August 11. The following notes of Bishop Purcell's visits throughout Ohio in the summer of 1835, may be found interesting, especially those concerning Steu- benville. The Bishop writes: On Sunday, July 26th, the Bishop of this diocese, assisted by the Very Rev. Mr. Badin and Rev. Mr. Conlan, solemnly blessed the new Catholic Church of 110 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS St. Pius, at Steubenville. The building is small, 45 by 30 feet, and was founded in 1832, by the Rev. Mr. McGrady, on a lot presented to the late Bishop Fen- wick by Mr. Ross of Pittsburgh. Notwithstamding that the Catholics are here few in number, their Rev. pastor, Mr. Conlan, has succeeded in raising sufficient means, within the last five months, to defray the ex- pense of laying a new sanctuary floor, erecting an altar, and glazing the windows, making pews, paint- ing doors, enclosing the lot with a handsome pailing, etc. A few weeks before his arrival, a zealous con- vert had the entire church plastered at his own ex- pense. Such instances are rare and worth recording as affording edification and needful encouragement to our Catholic friends in places destitute of churches. There were only nine persons confirmed, of whom three were converts. Many of the citizens of Steu- benville having been unable to obtain seats in the church Sunday morning, requested that the Bishop would preach in the Court House in the evening. He complied and again addressed a crowded audience in the same place on Monday. In no town of the State or Union have we been more edified than at Steubenville, by the rational, high-minded and Christian principles, whose influence pervades the entire community, and w'hose existence was lately evinced in the disgust and marked disapprobation expressed for the harangues of a notorious Presbyterian fanatic from Philadelphia. Whoever would win proselytes to his own opinions or convictions among the people of Steubenville must BISHOP PURCELL'S LETTERS CONTINUED 111 reach their minds and hearts by the avenues of rea- son and charity alone. St. Paul's, Columbiana County,' was visited on the first Sunday of August. The Bishop found the con- gregation much increased and anxious to secure the services of a resident priest. This is a favor which was not in his power to grant. However, on two Sun- days of every month, until God is pleased to send more numerous, pious and efficient laborers into the vineyard, the spiritual wants of the congregation will be supplied by the Rev. Mr. Conlan, from Steuben- ville. The number of Catholics in the town of New Lis- bon, six miles from St. Paul's, has likewise been much augmented by the contractors, laborers and men of business attracted to the spot since the commencement of the Sandy and Beaver Canal. The divine mysteries were celebrated in the house of a French Catholic, and on Monday evening the Bishop preached in the Court House to a large and attentive audience. The Catholics of New Lisbon are anxious for the erection of a church, but it has been recommended to them to enlarge and finish the building at St. Paiil's before they undertake to build another so near it. In time we trust there will be a creditable church in either place. The Catholic congregation of Cleveland has been very recently organized. It consists of not more than 300 members. They are all poor in this world's wealth, but rich in the faith and hope which ensure their professors those treasures which rust can not 112 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS consume, nor earthly distinctions affect and which are forfeited by vice and wilful error. A merchant of Cleveland, Mr. Clark, has presented a lot in Brook- lyn, which is connected and almost identified with Cleveland, by a bridge thrown over the Cuyahoga river. On this lot, it is intended to erect a church dur- ing the present season and from the friendly and lib- eral spirit evinced by the Protestant citizens of the town and the spirited exertions which the Catholics are resolved to make, we have no doubt but that the voyager on Lake Erie will soon be cheered in his ap- proach to this safe harbor by the aspect of the sig^ of our Redemption. We were delighted to hear how greatly the religious, moral and social condition of the Catholics in the vicinity of Cleveland, who had pre- viously enjoyed no means of instruction, have been improved by the unremitting exertions of their pastor, Rev. Mr. Dillon. May the Divine blessing continue to remove the obstacles which could mar the prospects, or impede the success of this interesting little flock. At Cuyahoga Falls, which is 30 miles from Cleve- land, there are a few Catholics, but many more dis- persed through the country around. Many of the in- fluential citizens, who belong to no religion, but who are shocked at the disreputable acts resorted to for the disparagement of the Catholics among a people who have little opportunity of judging them but from the caricatures exhibited by sectarians, have strongly urged, with promises largely to contribute to the building of a Catholic church. It will be impossible to accede to their request before the completion of the BISHOP PURCELL'S LETTERS CONTINUED 113 church of Cleveland. Meantime, they shall hear the words of Catholic truth announced at stated visits by Rev. Mr. Dillon. St. Sebastian's, Portage County. — The first move- ment of German Catholics in a new settlement is to build a church and schoolhouse of the cheapest and most accessible materials. To improvements in the condition of the county and their own, they wisely ad- journ the construction of more costly and substantial edifices. Within one mile of Randolph in Portage County there is a Catholic German congregation, who have raised a small but remarkably neat log chapel and schoolhouse, thereby evincing a laud'able attention to the instruction of their children and a becoming zeal for the religion of their fathers. The congre- gation consists of 45 families and of this little com- munity it is said, in addition to other praise, that there is not a solitary instance of habitual, or occasional in- temperance to stain its early and humble history. On the 22nd inst. Rev. Mr. Saenderl, who accompanied the Bishop, sang high Mass, in which the entire con- gregation, young and old, joined in admirable accord- ance; there were S3 communicants and 12 confirmed. Several Catholic families, not before heard of, at- tended from a distance of ten or fifteen miles, or re- quested through those who were able to come, that they may be visited by a priest. This consolation, measures were promptly taken to afford them. In- deed, it is painful to observe how many Catholics are every day discovered who have been languishing for years for the bread of life, uncheered by the humblest 114 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS rite of our holy religion, whose children are raised up in ignorance and thereby exposed more easily to perversion, whereas in every village there are churches and schools in abundance for the diffusion of doctrines which faith and reason concur to prove erroneous and unprofitable. Beechland', Stark County. — This congregation has suffered from the want of pastoral attention for sev- eral months. Still, the members of the building com- mittee have not neglected the collection of materials for the erection of a church in the newly located and fast progressing town of Louisville. Eighty-one thou- sand brick, and much of the gross timber for the con- struction of the church, are now on the selected site and the Bishop was cordially seconded in his earnest desire for the completion of, at least, the shell of the building, before the setting in of winter. The re- sources of the congregation are fully adequate to the support of a priest and promises have been given, which, it is hoped, the Divine Lord of the harvest will enable us to realize, that a worthy laborer shall be speedily placed at their head, to lead them onward in union, strength and piety. The holy mysteries were celebrated in the large dwelling of Mr. Eck, a Cath- olic, lately arrived from Pennsylvania, and many per- sons were admitted to holy Communion and con- firmation. Canton. — ^This healthy and populous town appears destined to enjoy its share of the growing prosperity of the West. Its citizens are now engaged in urging BISHOP PURCELL'S LETTERS CONTINUED 115 on to completion a cross-cut from the Ohio and Erie, or Sandy and Beaver Canal. The church is far too small for the greatly increased numbers of the con- gregation; and notwithstanding the contemplated for- mation of several distinct missions in its neigh- borhood, it will be necessary to erect a new church on, or near the site of the old one, to accom- modate the Catholics and numerous enquirers after religious truth at present residing in the town. At the request of many of the citizens, the Bishop preached to an unusually large assemblage in the Court House, on Sunday evening, August 23rd. The Rev. gentlemen of the order of St. Dominic, to whose arduous and untiring efforts for the promotion of faith and morals, during many years, the diocese of Ohio owes a large debt of gratitude, have lately sur- rendered the Canton congregation to the care of the Bishop. This measure was exclusively owing to the impossiblity, on the part of the order, of attending to this distant mission, while the congregations of Zanes- ville, Somerset and Lancaster require more than the time and pains which have been bestowed on their spiritual instruction and improvement in former years. Rev. Mr. Saenderl, Superior of the Redemp- torists, and Rev. Mr. O'Beime have been entrusted by the Bishop with the care of the congregation. Dover, Tuscarawas County, contains a small num- ber of Catholics. The sacrifice of Mass was offered in the house of Mr. Krater, and a short explanation of its nature, object and ceremonies given by the Bishop. In the afternoon, it was appointed, with the 116 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS concurrence of the trustees, that he should address the citizens in the Methodist meeting-house. The building, it was stated by several Protestant gentle- men, had been erected with an understanding on the part of the subscribers that it should be open to min- isters of every Christian denomination, when not oc- cupied by the preacher in charge. It was, however, refused; and the Bishop and the Catholics, who were alone unconcerned by the refusal, found some diffi- culty in checking the strong expression of indigna- tion by the liberal-minded citizens, who were in fact nearly all the subscribers to the meeting-house. Columbus, Ohio. — In this large and beautiful city there is no Catholic church. The Catholic congrega- tion, which when collected, is large, assembles where it can, when favored with the visit of a missionary priest. This favor has been usually granted by the Dominican clergy. On Sunday evening, after having previously exhorted the Catholics to commence the erection of a church, an undertaking which, from their present numbers, appears not at all impracticable, the Bishop addressed the citizens in the Court House. It was observed that a larger and more enlightened audience had rarely been assembled within its walls. The Bishop's discourse was chiefly directed to an exhibition of the strong spiritual and national grounds of Catholic Faith, and the refutation of the most popular objections commonly charged against it. We are happy to understand that after the conclusion of his address all the sympathisers were on the side of truth. BISHOP PURCELL'S LETTERS CONTINUED 117 September 18. The following notes tell of Bishop Purcell's visita- tions to many places that are now included in the diocese of Columbus during the summer of 1836. The Bishop, with the Rev. Joseph Stahlschmidt, left Cincinnati on the 11th of July. He was accom- panied to Wheeling by Masters James McCallion and Wm. Peter Montfort, two young students of the diocesan seminary, who are on their way to Rome, where they are to spend a few years in the acquisition of classical and sacred learning, to qualify themselves for the duties of the holy ministry. According to ap- pointment, the Bishop administered the holy sacra- ment of Confirmation on Sunday, July 17th, in the Church of St. Dominic, Guernsey County. The number confirmed was nineteen. After Mass, the Bishop preached to a large audience, chiefly Protestant, in a grove near the church, the building being too small to contain one half the assembled multitude. The following Tuesday, he blessed the church lately erected by a zealous German Catholic, Mr. Jos. Dorr, near Malaga, Monroe County, ten miles from St. Dominic's. The church is a well-fin- ished log building, 53 by 28 feet, and is dedicated to St. Joseph. The family of Mr. Dorr formed a most effective and harmonious choir. His eldest son was married to a young lady who had previously become a convert to our holy faith; his second son was con- firmed with eighteen others; one of his neighbors was likewise married to a young lady whom the Bishop (finding her sufficiently instructed in the 118 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS Christian doctrine) had baptized; and the Rev. Mr. Stahlschmidt having preached an eloquent discourse in the German language, after two English sermons by the Bishop, the affecting ceremonies of the day were concluded by the anthems, "Domine Salvum fac Episcopum nostrum" and "Nunc Dimittis," which the worthy Mr. Dorr chanted forth from his faithful heart, in a voice rich in melody and compass, but evi- dently revealing emotions of a grateful Christian and happy father. Would that there were many such pat- terns of the flock throughout our scattered congrega- tions ! At Archer's Settlement, on Duck Creek, eighteen miles from St. Joseph's church, the Right Reverend Bishop confirmed four persons and preached in a large barn, as the most convenient place that could be se- lected for the purpose. He was much gratified by the fidelity of the Catholics of the place to their Holy Faith, notwithstanding that they had been for a long time deprived of religious instruction and pastoral consolation ; but he was likewise pained to hear of one or two who had unfortunately fallen away from the faith once delivered to the Saints, and by them at their last breath solemnly bequeathed to their children. Four Catholic families, never before heard of by the pastor. Rev. Mr. Reid, attended church, having trav- eled from ten to eighteen miles to assist at the Euchar- istic Sacrifice. Next day, the Bishop, piloted through the intricate windings of the hills and vales by the good Mr. Archer, rode thirty-one miles on horseback to Mr. Sherlock's, near Meig's Creek, where he was BISHOP PURCELL'S LETTERS CONTINUED 119 cordially welcomed by a considerable number of Cath- olics of all ages, assembled for his reception. The holy sacrifice was offered on the subsequent day, in the barn, fitted up as well as might be for the sacred occasion ; nineteen persons, some of whom had walked seventeen miles to enjoy so great a favor, received the blessed Eucharist and the sacrament of confirma- tion. The Bishop explained the ceremony to an at- tentive crowd, to whom he also preached after Mass. This congregation is very edifying and desirous of the erection of a church. They are under the pastoral care of Rev. C. P. Montgomery, who visits them as frequently as convenient, for Zanesville is thirty-six miles distant. Zanesville was visited on July 24th. Rev. Mr. Stahlschmidt preached after the Gospel, in German, and the Bishop, after Mass, in English. During the fol- lowing week, with the exception of one day, instruc- tions were given in the morning and evening, in Ger- man and English, on the Sacraments. On the 28th, church was held in Taylorsville, where the Bishop had preached to a numerous congregation, in the open air, on the banks of the Muskingum, the previous eve- ning. A lot was given the next day, by the respected proprietor of the new town, in one of its most eligible sites, for the erection of a church; and another, one mile distant, for a burial ground. When we consider the great local advantages of Taylorsville, its immense water power, the vast quantities of coal and iron ore in the adjoining hills, and the strength and copious- ness of the salt springs in its immediate neighbor- 130 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS hood, and the Hberal appropriation ($400,000) made by the State legislature at its last session, for the im- provement of the Muskingum, we have no doubt that it will be, before many years, distinguished for wealth, manufacturers and commerce. The following Sunday the Bishop administered confirmation in Zanesville to 82 persons, 20 of whom were converts. Rev. Mr. Stahlschmidt preached in German, evidently producing on his congregation a salutary and, we hope, a lasting impression. In the evening, the Bishop baptized two adults, converts, and preached at the funeral of an aged Catholic lady, Mrs. Trux, who though married to a Protestant husband, had preserved her own and her children's faith and fervor unchanged to the last, and had the happiness of seeing her example in this respect imitated by all the branches of her large and interesting family. By the divine mercy, and the faithful co-operation of the shepherd and the flock, the condition of this congre- gation is good. On the 4th of August, the Bishop addressed a band of 25 first communicants at St. Joseph's church, Somerset, and afterwards preached the panegyric of the glorious St. Dominic, founder of the Order that bears his name. In the merited eulogy pronounced on the order his audience seemed deeply interested, and many paid the tribute of their tears to the memory of the first Bishops of New York and Cincinnati, the virtues of a Hill, a Munos, and an O'Leary, all Dominicans, whose zealous and apostolic preaching was heard everywhere through Ohio. The church was crowded with the Catholics of the vicinity, BISHOP PURCELL'S LETTERS CONTINUED 131 who piously approached the holy Sacraments on the happy festival. After dinner we paid a visit to the library. It had received a splendid accession within the preceding year, from the munificence of Rt. Rev. Dr. O'Finan, Bishop of Killalla and for many years vice-superior of the order in Rome. The number of works amount- ed to 2000. We should not forget to remark that the worthy provincial, Very Rev. N. D. Young, is now engaged in an arduous effort to build a new monas- tery, 62x40 feet; the first story is nearly finished, and it is calculated to have the building covered in before winter. Confirmation was held on Sunday, August 7th, in the Church of Holy Trinity, Somerset; 103 were then confirmed. The Bishop preached twice dur- ing the day. Newark, in the fertile and populous county of Lick- ing, was our next station. To this beautiful town the Bishop was conveyed by Mr. Henry Dittoe, of Somer- set, accompanied by the Rev. Mr. Miles. The Holy Sacrifice of Mass was offered at the residence of Mr. McCarthy, and there were a few communicants who were exhorted to perseverance. In the evening the Bishop preached at early candle-light in the court house, the greater portion of his discourse being di- rected against vulgar prejudice against the Catholic Church, on the ground of its pretended opposition to Scripture and civil and religious liberty and the much abused and calumniated convents. We are sure, from the mtelligence and independence, as well as the manly indignation expressed by several of his 123 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS hearers, that the motives of the mahgners of such in- stitutions are here duly appreciated; and that a re- action is even now taking place, which will make it the interest of Catholics to pray that their enemies may 'write a book.' St. Luke's Church, near Danville, was visited on the 14th and 15th of August. The congregation has greatly increased in numbers, hence the necessity of a resident pastor is felt more sensibly than ever. Chil- dren grow up without instruction, the old are in dan- ger of perversion, and the sick die without the con- solation of religion. There were several hundred com- municants, but few of the young were reputed suf- ficiently acquainted with the Christian doctrine to re- ceive confirmation. 100,000 bricks have been lately burnt, and preparations made for the erection of a new church, on a lot given by Mr. George Sapp. The presence of a faithful shepherd is all the flock requires to bring this and other good designs to execution. The citizens of Mt. Vernon, having regretted the impossibility of procuring a suitable place for the Bishop to address them at his visitation in 1834, lost no time in apprising him that the "Radical" Metho- dist Church, tendered by its worthy proprietor, Judge Banning, was this time at his service, and that one or two discourses would not fail to attract large and attentive audiences. The Bishop accepted the invita- tion and preached a long sermon, beginning at early candle-light on Monday evening, the 15th inst., on the Rule of Faith. Having observed in the conclusion of his remarks, that he had selected all the debatable BISHOP PURCELL'S LETTERS CONTINUED 123 ground between the Catholic Church and the various sects, and therefore Hkely to prove of more general in- terest and practical effect, but that he should be happy to expatiate at the next meeting on any subject which a majority of his hearers might suggest. Judge Ban- ning replied that he would consult with some of the persons present, and inform him of the topic which they should prefer for discussion on the following evening. During the afternoon of the 16th he waited on the Bishop, with many kind, and, we have no doubt, sincere professions of esteem and hospitable proffers of his house, and at the same time handing the following note: "Right Rev. Sir — Please give your views on the Ten Commandments, commonly called the moral law, confining your remarks principally to the Second Commandment. How was the moral law to be en- forced? Second, What are we to understand by the New Commandment which Christ gave to his disci- ples, contained in the 34th and 35th chapter John's Gospel." The Bishop availed himself of the occasion, which the intelligent reader will easily perceive this text afforded him, to show that the positive law of the decalogue was the same as the natural law, with the exception that a day was specified in the third com- mandment for rendering to God the homage which nature dictated — that this law had been engraven on the fleshly tables of the heart, before it was written on stone by the finger of the Almighty., * * * The Bishop read texts from both the Protestant and the 124 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS Catholic Bibles, having a copy of each before him. He explained the Catholic practice of invocation of saints so clearly that Judge Banning candidly pro- fessed aloud his conviction of the strength of the Bishop's argument. The Bishop then took up the second question, viz., 'What are we to understand by the New Commandment?' and drew a parallel be- tween the law of fear given to the Jews and the law of love proclaimed by Jesus Christ and solemnly con- firmed by the Holy Ghost on the day of Pentecost. Order was Heaven's first law, and order is love, as God is love. The essence of true religion is conse- quently, the love of God above all things, for His own sake, and the pure and sincere love of our neighbor, that is to say of all mankind, for the sake of God. A Catholic will love all men, without respect to religious differences. He will be a kind parent, a faithful friend, a pure patriot, a useful citizen and a good man in the most comprehensive sense of the term, if he be what his religion requires Kindness, forbearance, aid, charity, he owes to all. This tribute he must pay at the hazard of his life — but it would be an act of im- piety against God, pernicious to himself and unprofita- ble to his neighbor, to call vice virtue or falsehood truth. On the 17th the Bishop, having heard of a large family of Catholics, never, that he knows of, visited by a priest, about five miles from Mt. Vernon, went to see them and preached on the nature, obligations and eflfects of baptism, which sacrament he admin- BISHOP PURCELL'S LETTERS CONTINUED 125 istered in the house of a worthy man named Mr. Hunt, Who is married to an excellent Catholic. The Bishop then journeyed towards Tiffin, where the Very Rev. S. T. Badin and Rev. H. D. Juncker had been for a few days previous to the Bishop's arrival, preparing the congregation for the reception of the sacraments. There were 23 confirmed. The church is under the care of the Redemptorists, whose number, we regret to say, has not been hitherto large enough to admit of their devoting the necessary time to the instruction and spiritual wants of this part of the diocese. We trust this deficiency in numbers will soon be supplied. Four priests, at least, would be required for Seneca County, in which are five churches at the present time in progress of building. Numerous sects, of whose very names the Bishop had never heard be- fore, are swarming through the villages in this and Crawford county, led away by blind and ignorant but always presumptuous teachers, who find the affecta- tion of piety, without godliness, to be greaiter "gain" and less laborious than the occupations they have so recently abandoned. The Tiffin and McCutchenville congregations are composed of the very best ma- terials ; they have lately been much augmented by emi- grants from Maryland, Pennsylvania and some parts of Europe. The Germans in this vicinity are peace- ful, industrious and full of zeal for the diffusion of our holy religion, for their own edification and the instruction of their children. The Tiffin church, the shell of which, only, has been so long built, will be completed and ready for dedication this fall. Mr. 126 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS Hedges, the proprietor of the new town of Fort Ball, near Tiffin, from which it is separated by the San- dusky river, has given bond for two lots — one for a church, which is already much wanted, and the other for a school house or seminary. We hope the day is not far distant when these two edifices will be added as Catholic tributes to the religious and literary pros- perity of the rising city. Lower Sandusky and the French congregation of Muddy Creek, consisting of twenty or thirty families, are still destitute of a church. From the well-known liberality, respectability and intelligence of many of the inhabitants, we have no doubt but means will soon be furnished to erect in this interesting vicinity a new and beautiful little monument to the faith of ages. We shall look with confidence for its completion by the coming year. The Bishop preached at Norwalk, Church of St. Alphpnso, on the 4th of September, in English and Rev. Mr. Stahlschmidt in German. 36 were confirm- ed Sept. 11th; in the evening instructions were given by Rev. Mr. Crokert. During the Bishop's absence of two months, the church at Hamilton, near Cincinnati, was dedicated on Sunday, August-21st, by Rev. S. H. Montgomery, who preached, and Rev. Mr. Williamson of St. Mar3''s College, Baltimore, sang high Mass. The account says : "A good number of Catholics from Cincinnati was present and after services returned to their homes with the consciousness of having aided in a good work." BISHOP PURCELL'S LETTERS CONTINUED 127 "September 25. Continuing our notes concerning the early history of the Church of Ohio, we find that Bishop Purcell visited Europe in 1838, returning during the summer of 1839. At this time there came with him to America a band of priests destined to become famous in the history of the Church in this country : Father Lamy, afterwards Archbishop of Sante Fe; Father Rappe, in after days Bishop of Cleveland; Father De Goes- briand. Bishop of Burlington, Vermont; and Father Macheboeuf, who died as Bishop of Denver. During Bishop Purcell's absence, St. Ann's Church, at Taylorsville, was dedicated on Ascension Thurs- day, 1839, by the Very Rev. Stephen Badin. The Catholics of the place and vicinity, to the number of about three hundred, attended the ceremony. Though the weather was very warm and the ceremonies long- er than usual, still the venerable missionary sang the Mass at the close of which he preached a concise and edifying discourse, that charmed all his hearers. July the 4th, this sa,me year, the corner-stone of a new church was laid at St. Joseph's, Perry County, on the spot where the first Catholic church in Ohio was built in 1818 by Bishop Fenwick. The ceremonies of the day begun by a solemn high Mass, the celebrant being Very Rev. C. P. Montgom- ery, Rev. J. H. Clarkson assisting as deacon and Rev. G. Wilson of Zanesville, as subdeacon. After divine service, a procession was made from the old church to the beautiful grove in front of the Institution, pre- ceded by the cross, the emblem of the Christian's faith. 128 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS and an elegant flag, ornamented with a gilded cross, around which was inscribed in large letters, the cele- brated sign, "In this you shall conquer," which appear- ed in the heavens when Constantine marched his army in defence of his country. On the flag were also in- scribed gilded stars, representing in number the Unit- ed States. Rev. N. D. Young delivered an appropri- ate oration in his usual zealous and energetic manner. The document placed in the corner-stone stated that Gregory the XVI was Pope, John Baptist Purcell, Bishop of Cincinnati, Martin Van Buren, President of the United States, and Wilson Shannon, Governor of Ohio. Bishop Purcell returned to his diocese late that sum- mer and soon began a visitation of a portion of his diocese, going to Chillicothe, Lancaster, Somerset, Marietta, Canton, Cleveland, Norwalk, Tifiin, Mount Vernon and Columbus He was absent from his cathe- dral from October 20 to December 10th, visiting Co- lumbus on December 8th. The diocese was steadily growing and where, twenty years before, there was but one church in Ohio, — a log structure, — ^now there could be counted 32, the number of priests being 35 with five charitable institutions in operation. Bishop Purcell with Bishop De Forbin Janson, Bishop of Nancy and Toul, France, dedicated the Church of Our Lady of the Lake at Cleveland, on June 17, 1840. The church is 81 by 53 feet, having four well- wrought Doric columns in front, a light, but substan- BISHOP PURCELL'S LETTERS CONTINUED 129 tial gallery or organ loft, handsome ceiling, etc., and is conveniently situated on Columbus street, between the two congregations of Cleveland and Ohio City." After his departure from Cleveland, the Bishop visited two Catholic families near Strongville, who were not favored with the presence of a priest for sev- eral years. In these two families he baptized four children. He was there met by a deputation from the German Catholics of West Liverpool, Medina County, by whom he was attended to the residence of Mr. Lawling, in which service is generally held for the neighboring Catholics. The next morning a large number of the faithful, living on the east and west banks of Rocky river assembled on the occasion in virtue of previous notice sent them from Cleveland. Rev. Mr. O'Dwyer offered the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass and the Bishop preached. It was thought ex- pedient to recommend the construction of two churches, one at each side of the river, which is often too much swollen to admit of being safely forded. Materials have been prepared for these purposes and we hope to learn soon that the churches have been built. About noon, the Bishop left this place for Chippewa, Wayne County. After straying a few miles from the right road, the party reached, before sun-down, the residence of Rev. Mr. Shorb, pastor of the congregation. The number of communicants has been more than doubled since the arrival of the pastor, being now 85. In Ful- ton, on the canal, nine miles distant, there are 84 com- municants ; in Liverpool, 81 ; in Randolph, 50 ; in 130 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS Akron 20, (not including the English speaking por- tion of the last named place, which is considerable). In Wooster, Ashland and Shelby, the communicants amount to 119. All these places are attended by Rev. Mr. Shorb, to whom the Bishop promised an assistant. On Thursday afternoon the Bishop reached Can- ton in company with Rev. Mr. Shorb; he there wit- nessed and heard with inexpressible pleasure, the good done by the indefatigable Rev. Mr. Jiincker and had reason to bless the Almighty's goodness that a con- stitution, naturally delicate, had not sunken under an accumulation of duties. The new pews, the decent altar, the handsome antipendium, speak the man of God prepared for every good work. On June 21st, the Bishop visited East Liverpool, Columbiana County. "The church here," the account says, "is of brick, substantially built with stone foundation and water courses, 70 by 40 ft. and has already cost $3000. The resources of the committee and indeed of the congfre- gation are nearly exhausted and though the Bishop has come to their assistance as generously as his means and the numberless demands made on him will allow, they are compelled by the hard times, to leave the work unfinished for the present." The Bishop visited Chillicothe, July 5th, after which he visited Wilksville, Gallia County. He found the best dispositions on the part of all the people whom he visited to aid in the good work of preserving and per- petuating the faith, as the richest blessing which they could bequeath to their descendants. BISHOP PURCELL'S LETTERS CONTINUED 131 In August he visited St. Stephen's church, Hamil- ton, and confirmed 48 persons ; Very Rev. J. M. Henni preaching in German at the High Mass sung by Rev. T. R. Butler, the pastor. The Bishop also preached short sermons in the morning and afternoon. At this time, the Bishop appointed Rev. Peter Mc- Laughlin pastor of the Church of Our Lady of the Lake, Cleveland, and of the various stations hitherto attended by the Rev. Mr. O'Dwyer in Cuyahoga Coun- ty and neighborhood. Rev. Mr. Louis De Goesbriand succeeds the Rev. Mr. Wurtz (removed to Canton, in the absence of Rev. Mr. Juncker, who has obtained leave from the Bishop to make a short visit to Eur- ope), as pastor of St. Louis' Church, in Stark County, and the French settlement in Holmes county. On October 11th, this year, a new church at Stone- lick, Clermont County, was dedicated. A number of French and German Catholics had settled in the neigh- borhood, who felt a holy anxiety to have a building erected in which Mass could be said. "They took not their poverty into consideration, but with joyous hearts, contributing what they could spare and making up the deficiency by the labor of their own hands, they built a neat church, 45 by 26 feet. Rev. Mr. Cheymol officiated on the occasion and the sermon was preached by Rev. Mr. Gacon. Both of these Reverend gentlemen are stationed near St. Martin's church, Brown county, but the congregation at Stone- lick is included amongst the other stations that claim their pastoral solicitude." About this time, another church was completed at 132 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS Sunday Creek, Morgan County, on the Athens and Zanesville road. The new church at Deavertown was rapidly approaching completion as well as the one at Meigs Creek. These latter churches were under the care of Rev. James McCaffery of Marietta. It may perhaps be interesting in connection with these notes to reproduce some lines written by the Bishop's Rev. brother at this time, 1840, concerning the Church in Ohio. "North and south, east and west, along the shores of Lake Erie or by the banks of the Ohio, the faithful are everywhere gathered, sometimes in numerous con- gregations and often in scattered hamlets. If you enter the forest, you will find the hardy pioneer con- soling his labors with the hymns of his church and looking forward with joy to the time when he may share in the holy work of erecting a chapel in which he and his family may worship. The Providence of God in the establishment of His Church is also mani- fested in calling to the truth, in places where the flock are poor and destitute, influential men, whose character and integrity encourage the hope of those who would otherwise almost despair of every being cheered with the blessings of their religion. It would be well if the emigrant, when choosing a home, would select some neighborhood where he may thus be comforted. In the north he will find such in Cuyahoga, Lorain and Sen- eca counties; also in Wayne and Stark, in Sandusky, and stretching along the waters of the Maumee down to Toledo. He may also find numbers of his brethren in many towns, such as Cleveland, Tiffin, McCutchen- BISHOP PURCELL'S LETTERS CONTINUED 133 ville, Lower Sandusky, Canton, Norwalk, Danville, Knox county, Columbus, Zanesville and its vicinity. They are numerous also in Somerset and in the beau- tiful town of Lancaster, where our Church may well rejoice for the excellent and respectable congregation under the charge of Rev. Joshua M. Young. In Chil- licothe, also, there will be a numerous congregation before long, and we hope that God will there bless the faith, even for the sake of the pious hearts who have lately been called to its profession as well as those who have loved and practiced it from infancy. In Gallia County we hope to see it soon prospering. In Colum- biana County the Catholic will find many of his breth- ren ; there is a neat church in Marietta and there ought to be one in Portsmouth. In West Union and Hills- boro, in Brown and Clermont counties and in the town of Newark and its neighborhood, in Delaware and Logan, Da3^on and Hamilton, as well as the extensive settlements along the western frontier of the State, in all these places the Church has her children, the faith its steadfast professors." Gallipolis. — At this point, it may be well to call at- tention to the fact that a Bishop was at one time ap- pointed for this place. This is perhaps generally known, but what was the name of the priest so named, is, I take it, not likely known. I find in the current number of the American Catholic Historical Re- searches, this interesting paragraph from "Notes of Bishop Brute": "I knew Mr. Boisnanteer (appointed Bishop of Scioto — Gallipolis) — well. He spoke to me in 1824 of his appointment to the Bishoprick of Scioto 134 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS or Gallipolis, a French colony in the Qhio. He under- took even to look for his papers, but not finding them readily I only learned en auditer this remarkable fact of a see having been established in Ohio as early as that period." November 2. Bishop Purcell closed his visits throughout his dio- cese for the year 1840 by dedicating two churches — St. Mary's, Lancaster and St. Luke's, Danville. In his account of the dedication at Lancaster, he writes: The frame church, which was erected upwards of twenty years past for the use of the Catholic congre- gation of Lancaster, having been inconveniently situ- ated, as well as too small to accommodate the constant- ly increasing members of our holy faith, it became necessary to construct a larger and more substantial building on a more eligible site. This pious undertak- ing was commenced about two years ago on a lot pur- chased for four hundred dollars (yet to be paid) from Mr. Garaghty. This lot is 80 by 100 feet. The build- ing, of brick is 30 by 45 feet, being at an elevation of 35 feet, (including an excellent basement) from the ground to the top of the walls. Besides the organ loft, there is a gallery, extending along the side walls of the church to within a few feet of the railing of the sanctuary and capable of containing several hundreds of persons. The entire cost of the church when com- pleted will not, it is estimated, fall short of nine thou- sand dollars. Of these one thousand has been already paid by the Bishop; $250 each, by three liberal citi- BISHOP PURCELL'S LETTERS CONTINUED 135 zens and smaller sums, but fully equal to their means, in these hard times, have been subscribed by other ■ friends of religion, leaving the church still heavily in debt. Notwithstanding these pecuniary difficulties, it viras judged advisable to open the church for divine worship before the commencement of winter and it was accordingly dedicated, Sunday, November 8th, by the Bishop, with the usual ceremonies of the Roman Ritual for the blessing of churches. The high Mass was sung by Rev. N. D. Young, O. P. The Bishop preached after the gospel and Very Rev. Mr. Henni, at the end of Mass, addressed the German population in his usual graceful, impressive and eloquent man- ner. The day was inclement but the church was crowded and a more orderly and respectful audience we do not remember to have seen on any similar oc- cation. There were several first communicants at the morning sacrifice; and seventy-five persons, of whom twelve were converts, were confirmed in the afternoon after discourses in English and German by the Bishop and Very Rev. Mr. Henni. The choir was very effective and occasionally powerful, reflecting much credit on the musical talent of Lancaster and evincing the zeal, assiduity and success with which re- peated rehearsals had been attended by all the mem- bers. In this congregation there are upwards of 300 Easter communicants, most of whom receive frequent- ly throughout the year, the Bread of Life; and there have been 16 marriages and 122 baptisms since No- vember 8th, 1839. 136 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS The Bishop had his experience while at Lancaster with a Church "Fair." He says : The Town Hall was tastefully decorated for the holding of the fair with evergreens and beau- tiful flowers and an array of articles exhibited as the work of benevolent young ladies of all religious de- nominations who kindly united with their Catholic friends in rendering this grateful homage to the Al- mighty One. The citizens very generally patronized this amiable and ingenious effort to obtain aid for the Holy Place and we believe that the young ladies who presided at the respective tables were well pleased with the influence exerted on the approbatory feelings and the purses of the visitors. We took occasion to look at the Fair scene and though fairly taxed at the "Post office," the "Ice Cream" and the "variety" counters, were exceedingly pleased at the exhibition. It may not be uninteresting to observe in conclusion, that of the two most aged and faithful members of the congregation, one a German, Mr. Shaetzle, who had longed to live only to see the completion of the house of God, at which he daily toiled, witnessed its dedica- tion from the Temple not made with hands, in Heaven, to which, all justly believed, he had sped but a few days previously for a better — "a very great reward" — and the other, a true old Maryland Catholic, Mr. Lilly, was unable, from infirmity, to attend. May such ex- amples never be forgotten by the churches ! And may the more youthful members of the congregation con- tinue as the light of a bright and faultless example thus bequeathed to them by the aged! BISHOP PURCELL'S LETTERS CONTINUED 137 The following Sunday, November 15, 1840, the Bishop dedicated St. Luke's Church near Danville, Knox county. The account thus describes the cere- mony: It is now nearly eighteen years since the old Church of St. Luke, Danville, a log buildingt, was put up, on a lot given by Mr. George Sapp, a convert to our holy faith, who moved thirty-five years ago from Alleghany County, Md., to this part of Ohio. This excellent man and family and numerous descendants, assisted at the blessing of the new church, on a two acre lot adjoining and including the grant formerly made. Nearly all the old settlers and their children who have at various times emigrated from the cradle of Catholicity in the United States to this diocese are true to their character for loyalty to their holy religion and kind-hearted to their neighbors of other denomi- nations. They too had aided in presenting this new monument of their unchangeable convictions to the God of their fathers. It occupies a beautiful eminence visible for a great distance, and is a substantial frame building, SO by 38 ft. with choir gallery, handsome altar, altar railing and other appropriate fixtures. The plastering was remarkably well done by two good Irish Catholics. At the early Mass, the first communicants, prepared for that solemn and affecting rite by their pious and beloved pastor, Rev. Mr. Lamy, were ad- dressed by the Bishop on the dispositions necessary for the reception of the most holy Eucharist, and fer- vently exhorted to preserve the baptismal promises, then renewed, until they were summoned to appear 138 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS before the same God at His second advent — ^to reward the good communicant. There were 46 confirmed at the high Mass and about 100 received holy Commun- ion; of these there were ten fervent converts. The choir, under the instruction of Rev. Mr. Lamy, has greatly improved and their performance aided, we have no doubt, in the solemnity and impressiveness of the divine services by which a very large audience, composed of Catholics and Protestants, appeared' to be exceedingly edified. Very Rev. Mr. Henni addressed the German portion of the flock with his wonted energy and zeal, and the Bishop preached, as usual, two or three times in the day. His evening discourse, by special request of some of the friendly Protestants of Danville, was on the subject of the Trinity. Next morning, the High Mass was sung by V. Rev. J. M. Henni, who also preached, and the Bishop addressed the congregation subsequently, taking for the subject of his discourse "The Fear of God." On Tuesday evening, Nov. 17th, the Bishop preach- ed at Mt. Vernon at the solicitation of numerous Protestants, as well as Catholic friends, in the meeting house of the aged and liberal Judge Banning, to whom he had been indebted some years before for much kindness. His discourse was on the doctrine of praying for the dead, but he took occasion also, before commencing it, to dwell at considerable length on the injustice of our periodical literature and commonplace books to the Catholic religion and its professors. To illustrate this too notorious and humiliating truth, he read some extracts from Greenville Mellen's 'Book BISHOP PURCELL'S LETTERS CONTINUED 139 of the United States,' than which it is impossible to conceive anything more rancorously illiberal and un- just to Roman Catholics. The church was well filled, nothwithstanding a 'protracted' meeting, which, it is understood, is to last for 40 days, in the Presbyterian church, and in which the creed of Catholics is not much commended. The following day, he proceeded in company with Very Rev. Mr. Henni to Marion, Findlay and Ottawa, to visit the German Catholic set- tlements in Pitnam, Mercer and Shelby counties. Before returning home, he visited Minster, Piqua, Troy and Dayton — being at the last place on the 2nd Sunday of Advent. October 9. Bishop Purcell in August and September of 1844 visited quite a number of places in Ohio and thus de- scribes his travels : The church near Attica, Seneca County, not being completed, Confirmation was administered to 15 per- sons in the house of Mr. Falter, a German Catholic. On our return to Louisville, Stark County, we found the church under the pastoral care of Rev. Mr. de Goesbriand. Notwithstanding that it has been recently enlarged, it is still too small. There were one hundred and twenty-nine confirmed. Permission was given by the Bishop to commence a new church at Harrisburgh, five miles from Louisville. The widow of an Irish Catholic, Mr. James Hoffit, who has always been a benefactor to the Church, gave five hundred dollars towards the new addition and this liberality was imi- 140 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS tated by the French Catholics of the settlement. This church has an excellent bell from the foundry of the Messrs. Coffin, Cincinnati. There were 46 persons confirmed in the Church of St. Fields, Carroll County, four miles from Waynesburgh (Doylestown). In this last named town a new church is to be erected, for which a lot has been given by a benevolent citizen, not a Catholic, Mr. R. Gray, of Waynesburgh. In the Church of St. John of the Cross four miles from Boli- var, there were 29 confirmed, many more having been prevented by the state of the weather from attending. There was also a German lady, a convert, confirmed in Bolivar. In St. Clement's, Navarre, there were 21 confirmed. A new church is to be erected here next spring. The Church of St. Mary, Massillon, in consequence of the heavy rains, had not been made ready for use. It is a handsome and substantial building, on a high and pleasing site, and its erection in so short a time is, in great part, to be ascribed to the exertions of its zealous pastor. Rev. J. J. Doherty. The Baptist church was kindly offered for our accommodation, but the Bishop conferred the Sacrament of Confirmation, in the residence of Mr. Finnigan, to forty persons, thir- teen of whom were First Communicants, conducted thither by their pastor, Rev. Mr. Howard from (Canal) Fulton. The new church of Canal Fulton is already under way. The German Catholics have purchased the cot- tage and two acre lot of Seraphim Myer, Esq., with the intention of proceeding immediately, according to BISHOP PURCELL'S LETTERS CONTINUED 141 the frequent exhortations of the Bishop, to build a new church. The site is well adapted for the purpose, and the presbytery most convenient. We much re- gret that Rev. Father Wuertz, the late pastor of the Canton (St. Peter's) congregation, has been compelled by ill health to solicit leave, which has been granted by the Bishop, to return to France. Two English and two German priests are indispensably required at this point, to attend to the fast increasing Catholic popula- tion of this vicinity. Schools for male and female youth are much wanted here — we mean boarding as well as day schools — and we are gratified to perceive that the attention of the faithful seems to be, at last, properly aroused to the importance of this subject. At St. Genevieve's, six miles from Mt. Eaton, Holmes County, there were thirteen confirmed. This little church is twelve miles from Massillon and as many from Millersburg, Holmes Coun- ty. Here we were met by our excellent and aged friend, Mr. George Sapp, who had come to convey us to St. Luke's, near Danville, Knox County. The church, though so lately built, is already much too small. The day was stormy and wet, but there was so great a crowd collected, the Bishop had to manage as well as he might to preach in the open air, as had been, indeed, necessary, at many other stations where the audience could not have ad- journed to a court house, as at Tiffin and Canton. There was one hundred and thirty confirmed of whom, at least one third were converts, to whom their fervent pastor. Rev. Mr. Lamy, had preached a week's retreat 142 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS to prepare them for their adoption as the Uving taber- nacles of the Divine Saviour and the Holy Spirit. Of the converts we may record the names of many imbued in their youth with deep prejudices against our holy faith and who are now most edifying trophies of divine grace — Mr. Buckingham, seventy-five years of age, and his five, children — Mr. Edgar Brent of London, the last of a family of seven persons, thus blessedly converted, like so many others, from the er- rors of the Church of England ; Mrs. Barbara Walsh, Mr. Walker, Mrs. Morton, five of the name of Sapp, Mr. Shultz, Mr. Dyer, Mr. Zimmerman, Mr. Shultz's two sisters-in-law, with several more natives of the United States, some of whom had been Lutherans and others Baptists. The following day we were at St. Joseph's, a Ger- man congregation, nine miles from St. Luke's in Holmes County. The church occupies very nearly the highest ground in Ohio. The hills around this ro- mantic spot are bolder and more solitary than those of Guernsey or Athens. There were three confirmed. The duties of these missions are too many and too arduous for one pastor. In attending this portion of his flock. Rev. Mr. Lamy has frequently had to swim his horse across the Mohican and was once near perishing in attempting to pass it in a frail boat with a company of fourteen persons. It is the intention of the Bishop to associate with him on those missions a brother-priest of the diocese of Clermont, who is to accompany Rev. Mr. Machebeuf on his return from France. A new residence is to be built on a suitable BISHOP PURCELL'S LETTERS CONTINUED 143 lot, near St. Luke's church, for their accommodation. St. Vincent de Paul's Church, Mount Vernon, which was burned last spring, is not yet rebuilt. This, how- ever, is not so much for want of intention as for want of materials, in getting out whereof, some un- avoidable delays have occurred. The citizens of Mt. Vernon, as soon as the misfortune above-mentioned befell the congregation, generously subscribed some six hundred dollars to repair it. The Bishop preached to a very large assemblage in the court house. St. Francis de Sales' church, Newark, is nearly fin- ished. It is quite a handsome building and large, on a two acre lot, the highest of the town plot of the capital of Licking. This is unquestionably one of the most spirited congregations in the diocese. Without saying much about it, they purchastd this fine lot, built the church and provided it with a fine silver chalice, as well as some other articles of less value. Rev. Mr. Lamy has erected the presbytery, a neat and appropriate dwelling for two priests. The other con- gregations will be rather edified than otherwise, when we state that notwithstanding the highly commendable and successful efforts which they have also made in this respect, the choir of Newark surpasses any other out of Cincinnati in this diocese. There were only thirteen prepared for confirmation, as the Bishop's visit was not generally known in time. Rev. Mr. Senez has been appointed by the Bishop pastor of this congregation and also of those of Linnville, six miles northwest of Newark. CHAPTER X. ST. Joseph's cathedral, columbus. Before the Diocese of Columbus was established a start had been made to build a church on the site where the Cathedral stands today. Old St. Patrick's Church was overcrowded every Sunday, so Rev. Ed- ward Fitzgerald, the pastor, took up the work of building a new church. Father Clarke in his sketch tells the facts in the following man- ner : Father Fitzgerald was greatly encouraged by the generous subscriptions made, aggregating nearly $37,000 from about 250 donors. From the more in- fluential members of the congregation was chosen a building committee among the members of which were John Conahan, Theodore Leonard, treasurer; John Joyce, John D. Clarke, Thomas Bergin, Wil- Whalen, Bernard McNally, and Michael Galvin. These gentlemen heartily co-operated with their pastor in his efforts, and under his direction labored commendably in procuring the necessary means to assure a successful issue to the undertaking. A sub- committee to act in concert with Father Fitzgerald was selected to examine and discuss favorable loca- tions for the Church. Many eligible sites were pro- posed, but the prevailing desire was to have the edifice erected on Broad Street, which was then assuming 144 old interior St. Josephs Cathedral ST. JOSEPH'S CATHEDRAL, COLUMBUS 145 the beautiful appearance which now makes it the pride of the city. The present site of the Cathedral and the quarter square on the northwest comer of Broad and Fourth Streets were for some time considered, but the choice finally fell upon the lot first named as the more advantageous, and through John Joyce land comprising two lots wtih a total frontage of 120 feet on Broad Street and a depth of 200 feet on Fifth Street was purchased of John Miller for $13,500. The deed was dated in April 1866. Mr. Miller after- wards donated the odd $500. A beginning was thus made and a grand church that should be a monument to the zeal and generosity of the Catholics of Columbus became an assured reality. A large meeting of the men of St. Patrick's parish was held and discussed among other subjects the name of the new Church. The pastor left the choice to the meeting, which on motion of J. D. Clarke adopted the name of St. Joseph. Michael Harding, an architect, who had been requested to prepare plans and specifications, submitted them and they were adopted. They projected a church 193 feet long by 90 feet wide. The plans were somewhat modified as to the super- structure as the work progressed, but the ground plan remained unchanged. Mr. Harding staked out the foundation on June 6th, 1866, and John McCabe, con- tractor, immediately began the work of excavation, followed directly by John Stoddard who had the con- tract for the masonry. Work continued on the foun- dation until November, 1866, when everything was in readiness for the ceremony of corner-stone laying 146 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS which took place on November 11. The Most Rev. Archbishop Purcell and a large number of other dis- tinguished' prelates were expected to be present on the occasion, but a previous appointment prevented the attendance of the Archbishop and his place was sup- plied by Rt. Rev. Bishop Rosecrans, Auxiliary Bishop of Cincinnati. The day was beautiful but chilly. The procession of societies formed at St. Patrick's at 2 o'clock P. M. with Captain William Riches as chief marshall and the following gentlemen as assistants: City Marshall Patrick Murphy, Thomas Bergin, James Joyce, J. C. Nevill, Patrick Dunn, George Burk, John Howard, William Naghten, John Caren. The procession moved in the following order: Hemmers- bach's Band, St. Joseph's Mutual Benevolent Society, St. Boniface's, St. John's, St. Martin's and St. Aloy- sius' Societies of Holy Cross Church, subdeacon car- rying processional cross ax;companied by acolytes; twenty sanctuary boys in cassock and surplice, car- riages containing the Bishop and clergy. Sodality of the Blessed Virgin, Holy Angels Society, the class of boys and girls who had received First Communion and Confirmation in the morning of that day, St. Patrick's Society from London, societies from New- ark and Delaware, and finally St. Patrick's Society of Columbus. The procession displaying brilliant regalia and bfeautiful banners, attracted large crowds of peo- ple as it moved to the site of the new Church by way of Grant Avenue and Broad Street. Arriving at the foundations, the societies formed a guard on the outer wall. The windows of neighboring houses, the streets ST. JOSEPH'S CATHEDRAL, COLUMBUS 147 and every available portion of ground for a considera- ble distance round about were occupied by people anxious to witness the ceremonies. The stone was laid on the southeast corner of the building, at the intersection of Broad and Fifth Streets', and in its cavity was placed the usual sealed tin box, containing the name of the Church, the names of the principal officers of the State and National gov- ernments, copies of recent Columbus newspapers, the names of the reigning Pope, the Archbishop of the Province and pastor; also the names of the officiating Bishop and assistants, and numerous other articles to serve as mementos of the occasion. The Bishop de- livered an address from the temporary platform, and in eloquent and forcible language plead the divinity of the Catholic Church. At the conclusion of the sermon the "Te Deum" was sung, Hemmersbach's Brass Band playing an accom- paniment The clergy present were Rev. Father O'Reilly of Valparaiso, Ind., Rev. John B. Murray of Chillicothe, Revs. Louis Cartuyvel and Daily of New- ark, Rev. E. M. Fitzgerald of St. Patrick's Church, Revs. John B. Hemsteger and F. X. Specht of Holy Cross Church, Rev. Father Hillebrand of St. Francis Hospital. Special trains on different railroads brought large delegations from adjoining towns — ^the number in attendance being estimated at fully 6000. The cornerstone being laid the foundation walls were covered over for the winter, the intention being to resume work on the building with the opening of spring. In the meantime however Papal Bulls were 148 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS received naming Father Fitzgerald Bishop of Little Rock, Arkansas. He was consecrated in February, 1867 and was succeeded in the pastorate by Bishop Rosecrans who in March 1868 became the first Bishop of the new Diocese of Columbus. The Bishop im- mediately determined to continue the work of build- ing the new church which was to be known as St. Joseph's Cathedral. Some changes were made in the plans, and it was decided to construct it of stone in- stead of brick as originally contemplated. This neces- sitated firmer and deeper foundation walls in many places, and the old walls were torn down to build new ones in their places. Another change made consisted in placing the tower and baptistery in the south west corner instead of in the center of the front. The original plan however was substantially preserved. The building is Gothic in architecture and the out- side finish is known as boasted ashlar, the chiseling of the stone relieving the dead appearance of a yellow stone wall. The stone which possesses the property of hardening by exposure to the air, was obtained principally from quarries in Licking and Fairfield counties. The dimensions of the building are ninety- two feet fronting on Broad Street and one hundred and eighty-five feet on Fifth Street. The outside walls are forty-two feet in height from the ground level and tfiirty-four feet from the floor line. The inside or clearstory walls have an altitude of seventy feet from the ground and sixty-two from the floor. The main walls are three feet thick. The clearstory walls, supported by arches, rest on clusters of Gothic ST. JOSEPH'S CATHEDRAL, COLUMBUS 149 columns, standing on dressed limestone pedestals. Stone crosses surmount the outside walls at intervals and give a decided relief to their otherwise dullness. The windows are cased in freestone obtained in Pick- away County. The brackets are cut from Columbus limestone and are about the only stone articles in the structure procured at home. The seating capacity of the Cathedral is over two thousand. On Broad Street there are three main entrances and on Fifth Street one. Entrance is gained to the sacristies by a door at the rear on Fifth Street and from the pastoral resi- dence. The arching of the windows and the supports of the clearstory carry out the directions of General W. S. Rosecrans, who, in the summer of 1870, spent some time with his brother, the Right Reverend Bish- op, assisting in the details of the construction. The windows, all donated, are of stained glass in beauti- ful designs. The interior walls have only the sand- stone finish, while the groined arches of the ceiling harmonize with them, being penciled in imitation of a vaulted roof. When the tower and spire shall have been completed they will attain a height of two hun- dred and fifty feet. Rev. J. A. Murray, at the time pastor of St. Patrick's Church, was of much service in the construction of the Cathedral. Being placed in the position of general supervisor, he brought to bear upon the work the business tact and shrewdness for which he was noted. He, more than anyone else, car- ried out the plans and ideas of General Rosecrans, making only such changes as were absolutely neces- sary in the course of construction. From 1870 until 150 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS the completion of the building Mr. Michael Fahey was the diligent superintendent. In order to have the new congregation organized as well as to relieve the over- crowded condition of the other churches that would contribute membership to the cathedral, the Bishop decided to open a temporary chapel in a part of the city convenient for most of the congregation. With this end in view Naughton Hall, situated on the east side of High Street, between State and Town, was leased early in 1870, for religious services until the cathedral should be in readiness. The hall, after be- ing arranged with altar, organ, seats and other furni- ture, had the appearance of a comfortable little church with a seating capacity of over 500. The Bishop, as- sisted by Rev. J. A. Murray and other priests at St. Patrick's, attended the chapel. The choir, a very good one, was under the direction of Mr. M. Fahey, who was connected with our Catholic choirs for more than thirty-five years. A few months after its organization the cathedral chapel congregation, as it was called, was placed under the care of Rev. J. F. Rotchford, O. P., whom the Bishop secured for a few years service, from the Dominican Fathers of New York. In 1872 Father Rotchford was called by his superiors to duties elsewhere and the Bishop, assisted by Rev. N. A. Gallagher, conducted the religious ser- vices in the chapel until the occupancy of the Cathe- dral. On Christmas Day, 1872, the Cathedral was in readiness for divine services and Right Rev. Bishop Rosecrans had the happiness of celebrating Pontificial ST. JOSEPH'S CATHEDRAL, COLUMBtS 151 High Mass for the first time in the grand and impos- ing structure. The Bishop was assisted on this occa- sion by many priests of the city. Though cold and disagreeable the day, and quite uncomfortable within the edifice owing to some defects in the steam fitting, a large congregation filled all the available space in the auditorium, remaining throughout the long and interesting service. Soon after the opening of the cathedral a large and costly main altar was erected. It was built mostly of marble donated by the late Car- dinal McCloskey, from the quarries in New York State where the handsome marble for the famous St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City was obtained. The side altars were afterwards added. They were of the same material. The Right Rev. Bishop was himself rector of the Cathedral, being assisted in 1873 by Rev. N. A. Gal- lagher and Rev. H. Anderson. As there was yet no residence for the Bishop and clergy at the Cathedral, they remained at St. Patrick's rectory until, through the agency of Father Anderson, the Bishop purchased the house of Joseph Gundersheimer on the south side of East Broad Street between Sixth and Seventh. Generous subscriptions were taken up to pay for the new pastoral residence and the furnishing thereof, and before the end of the year 1873 the clergy, with the Bishop, were comfortably located. But it was soon found to be at an inconvenient distance from the Cathedral and the Bishop arranged for the erection of a residence adjoining that structure. It was occupied by the priests in 1875, the Bishop disposing of the 152 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS former property and taking up his own residence at the Sacred Heart Convent opened a few years pre- viously at the south-east corner of Broad' and Seventh streets and conducted by the Dominican Sisters. The following priests assisted the Bishop in the care of the large congregation: Rev. N. A. Gallagher, present Bishop of Galveston, 1873; Rev. H. Anderson, 1873- 1875; Rev. F. J. Campbell, 1873-1876; Rev. M. M. Meara, 1874-1882; Rev. M. M. A. Hartnedy, 1875, and 1878-1879; Rev. J. Toohey, 1876; Rev. J. P. Daly, 1876; Rev. J. A. Murray, 1876; Rev. J. Meara, 1877; Rev. G. H. Ahrens, 1877-1878; Rev. T. J. Lane, 1878; Rev. F. M. Woesman, 1878-1879. Until the summer of 1878, the congregation used the Cathedral with its interior in an unfinished condi- tion, no plastering "having yet been done. In May, 1878, John D. Clarke and Charles Nagel contracted as lowest bidders to erect a scaffold and put on a groined ceiling under the direction of Rev. M. M. Meara. As the Bishop witnessed the near completion of his grand Cathedral, he determined to have it solemnly consecrated with all the pomp and ceremony of the Pontifical. Accordingly Sunday, October 20, 1878, was set as the day which should become mem- orable in the history of the Diocese of Columbus, and preparations for the consecration were made on a very elaborate scale. All the clergy of the diocese were expected to assist at the sacred ceremonies and a large number of the heirarchy of the United States ac- cepted invitations to be present. Consecration of the Cathedral. — The twentieth of ST. JOSEPH'S CATHEDRAL, COLUMBUS 153 October was an ideal autumn day. The coolness of the advancing season was just sufficiently moderated by the genial warmth of the bright sun to render the day all that could be desired for the occasion so anxi- ously anticipated by thousands who came from far and near to participate in it. The faultless arrangement of the committees having the various portions of the cele- bration in charge insured perfect success. The consecra- tion ceremonies began at five o'clock in the morning and occupied nearly four hours. The consecrator was Right Rev. Joseph Dwenger, of Fort Wayne, Indiana ; Assistant Priest, Rev. J. B. Schmitt, Lancaster; First Deacon, Rev. G. H. Ahrens; Second Deacon, Rev. H. B. Dues; Subdeacon, Rev. M. M. A. Hartnedy; Chanters, Reverend J. B. Eis, Rev. P. Kenmert, Rev. F. Moitrier, Rev. P. Thurheimer. ' Other offices were filled by seminarians and sanctuary boys. The beau- tiful and interesting ceremony was carried out in its entirety und'er the direction of Very Rev. N. A. Gal- lagher as Master of Ceremonies, assisted by Mr. L. W. Mulhane, now the Rector of St. Vincent de Paul's Church, Mount Vernon. The decorations of the auditorium and the sanctuary were in keeping with the grand and festive occasion and elicited the admir- ation of all. At eleven o'clock the Pontifical High Mass was be- gun with the following officers : Celebrant, Right Rev. Silas Chatard, Bishop of Vincennes, Indiana; Assist- ant Priest, Rev. J. Donahoe; First Deacon of Honor, Rev. F. X. Specht; Second Deacon of Honor, Rev. J. Jessing; Officiating Deacon, Rev. F. J. Campbell; 154 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS Officiating Subdeacon, Rev. D. B. Cull. The Most Reverend Archbishop Purcell of Cincinnati occupied the throne on the Gospel side while Rt. Rev. Bishop Rosecrans sat on another erected on the Epistle side. Rt. Rev. Bishops Gflmour of Cleveland, Toebbe of Covington, Dwenger of Fort Wayne, Kain of Wheel- ing, and Spalding of Peoria assisted in the sanctu- ary vested in rochet and cape. Seated within the sanctuary railing were about fifty priests. After the first Gospel of the Mass had been sung the Rt. Rev. Bishop of Peoria ascended the pulpit and read from manuscript a very learned discourse on Ceremonies and Symbols in which he treated of their origin, na- ture and meaning in rites. Immediately after Mass Bishop Rosecrans announced the hour for Vespers in the evening, and the funeral of the Vicar General on Monday morning. That good priest's body was then lying in state in Holy Cross Church. The Bishop also stated that at his earnest solicitation the Arch- bishop would address the people. The venerable prel- ate, "The Patriarch of the West" then came forward to the sanctuary railing wearing his mitre and leaning on his crozier. In a voice tremulous with emotion and from the weakness of his age, nearly fourscore years, the Archbishop referred to the rapid progress of the Catholic Church in Columbus, its beginning and growth in this city being co-eval with his labors in the priesthood. He heartily congratulated the Catholics of this city upon the completion of the noble structure that had just been consecrated to the service of God'. This day is surely one that the Lord hath made. The ST. JOSEPH'S CATHEDRAL, COLUMBUS 155 building of a Cathedral that reflected so much glory upon the Catholics of Columbus was one of the many admirable works that God had raised up Bishop Rose- crans to accomplish. Who would have thought that so much could have been done in so short a time? He referred to the fact that Bishop Rosecrans was born of Protestant parents in Licking County and raised almost among the people 'here. The Archbishop sketched the early careers of the other prelates pres- ent stating that he was acquainted with the father and grandfather of . the celebrant of the Mass, Bishop Chatard. The speaker contrasted the ceremonies of today with those of the attending scenes of early times in Columbus, one occasion particularly being when he celebrated Mass in a place used as a saloon, down on the banks of the Scioto, and the small apartment was so crowded that he begged some of the people to go out lest he should smother. The case was entirely different today as the large and imposing building testified. The Archbishop concluded' his few remarks by urging the Catholics to remain steadfast to their faith and its practices which will bring them to their highest and best place of worship — ^heaven. Following the consecration of the Cathedral, Bishop Rosecrans died. Father Clarke tells us again in his sketch : On the death of Bishop Rosecrans, Archbishop Purcell as the Metropolitan appointed Very Rev. N. A. Gallagher administrator of the Diocese during the vacancy. The appointment was afterwards confirmed by Rome. Father Gallagher who was pastor of St. 156 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS Patrick's Church, took up his residence at the Cathe- dral in order better to direct the affairs of the Dio- cese. Rev. M. M. Meara continued in the capacity of Rector of the Cathedral during the administration of Father Gallagher and was assisted in 1879 and 1880 by Rev. John Kuehn, Rev. L. W. Mulhane and Rev. F. M. Woesman. Rev. D. A. Clarke was also stationed at the Cathedral not as an assistant but as chaplain of the Catholic prisoners in the Penitentiary and to attend the spiritual needs of the missions attached to the Cathedral. After Bishop Watterson took charge of the Diocese he took up his residence at the Cathedral, and in due time the following changes took place as stated by Father Clarke: Rev. M. M. Meara, who had been some years rector of the Cathedral, was, in April, 1882, transferred to the pastoral charge of the Church of St. Joseph, Cir- cleville, and Rev. R. J. Fitzgerald, of McLuney, was made rector of the Cathedral, assisted by Rev. L. W. Mulhane and Rev. J. P. White, the latter remaining at the Cathedral until the fall of 1890. Rev. T. J. O'- Reilly succeeded Father Mulhane as Bishop's secre^ tary in 1885, Father Mulhane being placed by the Bishop in charge of St. Vincent's Church, Mount Ver- non. Rev. Wm. McDermott, 1887-89, and Rev. J. Ca- halan, 1887-88, ailso assisted at the Cathedral. Father Fitzgerald was appointed paStor of St. John's Church, Bellaire, in 1888, and from that date to the present writing, September, 1892, the Right Rev. Bishop has retained the title of Rector himself, having Rev. James ST. JOSEPH'S CATHEDRAL, COLUMBUS 157 P. White 1890, Rev. Charles Mulhane 1889-93, Rev. J. Weigand 1890, Rev. John S. Cawley 1890-92, and Rev. J. Mahoney 1890-92 as assistants. In September, 1889, Rev. Father O'Reilly was given the task of organizing the new parish of St. Dominic, this city, and Father Mahoney succeeded him sometime later in the office of Bishop's secretary. After Father Fitzgerald was appointed pastor of St. John's Church at Bellaire, Bishop Watterson took charge of the Cathedral parish and with the assistance of two or three priests continued to direct all its affairs until his death. When Bishop Moeller came to Columbus he called Rev. M. M. Meara to again become rector of the Cathedral where he still remains in charge. When the Diocesan debt was apportioned among the parishes of the Diocese the Cathedral was given $60,000 as its share. The pastor and people took up this burden with brave and generous hearts and in due time it was entirely paid. Then when it became necessary to establish a parish school, the fine old Kelly mansion on East Broad Street was purchased for $41,000 and arranged for school purposes. That amount was also paid in a few years, and today the property is worth at least $150,000. In 1914 it was determined to remodel the Cathedral. The old cluster of iron columns were always an ob- struction, the walls were beginning to look dark and gloomy, sanctuary and sacrisy arrangements were not entirely satisfactory. So again the pastor and peo- ple took up the work, and it is poor praise to say that 158 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS the work has been done well. You must see it to ap- preciate the change. The interior is simple, dignified, beautiful, with that kind of beauty that becomes the house of God. The three magnificent marble altars, the large sanctuary and the beautiful marble com- munion railing, the stone floor, the pews and every- thing about it give it the appearance of a true Cathe- dral. The improvements cost about $105,000, and the amount is at present writing nearly all paid. The work is a great joy and consolation to all who made sacrifices to bring it to completion. a 2 S Z en [£) CO CHAPTER XI. HOLY CROSS PARISH, COLtTMBUS. Columbus originally belonged to the missionary dis- trict under the spiritual care of the Dominican Fa- thers of St. Joseph's, Perry County, Ohio, who occa- sionally visited Columbus and held religious service in some private house. The congregation consisted of a few German and Irish residents and farmers living in the vicinity and laborers on the National road which was in the process of construction. The fol- lowing constituted the pioneer families: The fam- ilies of Michael Reinhard, Andrew Murphy, Owen Turney, J. D. Clarke, Cornelius Jacobs, John Jacobs, the Russell family, John Zimmer, John Ender, George Studer, Clemens Baehr, Jacob Schoeringer, Mr. Zeh- nacker, Joseph Mueller, Isidore Frey, John Burke, Thaddo Mittelholz, Frank Buss, P. Gaelin, Jacob Zet- tler, Mr. Zehringer, Peter Schwarz, Henry Lotz, Lor. Beck, the two Wolfel brothers, C. Kuhn, John Ury. Whenever a priest happened to visit the town, word was sent to the members and the news was always joyfully received as a gracious relief from the religi- ous isolation in which they lived. Such days were al- ways holy days in the word's truest meaning. On such an occasion in May, 1833, the norteast corner lot on Rich and Fifth Sts. being No. 961 in Samuel Crosby's addition to Columbus was donated 159 160 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS to Rev. Nicholas Dominic Young, a Dominican, by Phoebe W. Otis, Samuel and Margaret Crosby and Nathaniel and Caroline E. Medbury in considera- tion of "a desire to promote religion and toleration and the improvement of the town." The condition of the grant was that "a Church was required to be built on the premises and sufficiently furnished for occu- pancy within five years from the date of the deed." The deed was dated the 15th of May, 1833, and was witnessed by Robert Milton and W. T. Martin. It was made to the Dominicans in trust under their title of incorporation "The Literary Society of St. Joseph." The lot was most gratefully accepted, although it was with the surroundings little more than a swamp and a resort for wild geese and ducks in Fall and Spring, and was considered by some members rather too far out of the way, which was indicated by words as these : "Why d'o you go so far out of town ? Can we not find a suitable locality within?" At present the objection has ceased, the property being now within the center of the city. About the last of May 1834 one of the Dominican Fathers had church service in the house of John Mc- Carty who settled on Friend (now Main) Street be- tween High and Third Streets while he was engaged as engineer in building the Ohio Canal and Columbus feeder. A short time after this the Rt. Rev. J. B. Purcell, Bishop of Cincinnati, took the care of the Catholics of Columbus upon himself, and the Domini- cans made the deed of the lot over to him in trust. In the Spring of 1835 Rev. J. M. Henni, afterwards HOLY CROSS PARISH, COLUMBUS 161 the venerable Archbishop of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, then pastor of Holy Trinity Church, Cincinnati, said Mass in Mr. George Studer's house on Canal Street between Friend Street and Cherry Alley. In the beginning of June, 1836, the Rt. Rev. Bishop of Cincinnati stopped at Col. John Noble's National Hotel, where the Neil House now stands next to the Odeon Building, and on Sunday the 5th of June said Mass in the hall of the Paul Pry House on Canal Street, then occupied by Mr. Studer. After the ser- vice the Bishop spoke to the congregation on building a church in Columbus alluding to the lot already pro- vided, and invited all men of the congregation to meet him at the same place in the afternoon and consult with him on the advisability of building a church on said lot. The meeting took place at the time and place stated. The condition of the congregation was not encouraging for building a church, yet Mr. Martin Stafford, the superintendent of the mason work on the new Penitentiary, just then completed, proposed to build a church of fair dimensions of rough limestone which he thought could be obtained for little or no money, as well as other materials, and hoped that a suf- ficient amount of money could be raised by subscrip- tion to pay the other expenses. As there was no risk in trying the experiment the Bishop agreed to the proposition. Subscription lists, one in English and one in German, were immediately opened with the condition that one half of each sum subscribed be paid down or as soon as called for, and the balance when the church was under roof. All members present sub- 162 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS scribed. The Bishop appointed a building committee consisting of Messrs. Martin Stafford, Charles Cross, Cornelius Jacobs, George Studer and Jacob Schoe- ringer. The Bishop remained a few days longer for the benefit of the English-speaking portion of the con- gregation, and promised to send a German priest as soon as possible for the Germans, and with his best wishes for success departed. The building committee organized by electing Mr. Stafford president, Mr. Cross secretary, and Mr. Jacobs treasurer. Mr. Jacobs had been from the be- ginning the prime mover and treasurer of the small community, encouraging and helping and either col- lecting funds or receiving contributions necessary for defraying current expenses as well as those of the mis- sionaries which were then in time of stage coaches considerably higher than they would be now. Immediately steps were taken to provide for build- ing materials. By permission of Mr. James Phelan sand was taken from his bank on the east side of the Scioto River north of the National Bridge, and hauled by Joseph and Cyriach Wolfel as part of their sub- scription, but stone could not be had on a similar plan. They were then contracted for with Mr. Henry Na- denbush at $1.25 per perch delivered at the building lot. About the last of August 1836 the Rev. Father Stahlschmidt sent by the Bishop arrived at Mr. Studer's and had services in the Paul Pry Hall every day until the 12th of September. During all this time the subscription lists had been circulated and collec- HOLY CROSS PARISH, COLUMEUS 163 tions made, but the committee became aware that sufficient funds could not be raised at that time for building the desired church. They paid all bills and suspended operations for the time. The following are the names then subscribed on the German list: Adam Dick, George Studer, Adam Luckhaupt, Bene- dict Huber, John Niebling, Adolph Herman, Franz Hahn, Jacob Fischer, John Adelsberger, Clemens Baehr, Cornelius Jacobs, Bernard Burke, Wm. Groeb- linghoff, John Kress, Henry Moeller, Jacob Schoe- ringer, Franz Fischer, Fidelis Kistner, Joseph Sattler, George Schaefer, Louis Frey, Ignatius Becker, Jacob Wetzel, John Kock, Michael Reinhard, John Reitz, George Moeller, Michael Joseph Reinhard, John D. Briggemann, Adam Zender, Franz Carl Baecker, Moritz Bissig, Stefan Kaelin, Peter Paul Kaelin, John Jacobs, Adam Weisbaecker, Moritz Gaertner, Ignaz Joerger, Conrad Spang, Joseph Haines, Joseph Wol- fel, John Will, Xavier Mittelholz, John L. Schlitt, Adam Wagner, George Kammacher, Franz Buss, John Ender. The English list was never returned, but the names will appear on a list made in August 1837 where English and German are mixed. On the 23rd of December, 1836, Rev. Father Hoff- mann, an Alsatian priest, accompanied by a Semina- rian, arrived' at Columbus and agreed to stay and have services during the Christmas and New Year's holi- days. The Paul Pry Hall being engaged for other purposes, one of the eight building on Town Street between Front Street and Rair Alley, just vacant, was obtained for that purpose. 164 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS About the 4th of August, 1837, Rev. Hy D. Juncker arrived at Mr. Studer's, stating the object of his mission, that by appointment of the Bishop he had come to take charge of the Catholics of Columbus and Chillicothe, and build churches in both places. He requested Mr. Studer to have it made known to every Catholic that he would have Mass on the next two Sundays, 6th and 13th of August and on every morn- ing intervening. Mass was said in Henry Waas' frame house south of Paul Pry House. During his stay Father Juncker consulted with the building com- mittee. The committee related to him all they ex- perienced in the past year, and a plan was adopted to take the sand and stone lying on the lot, and already paid for, and erect a building large enough for the congregation for a number of years on the north cor- ner of the lot, and when a larger church should be needed, the smaller could be used as school house. A new subscription list was opened, and Father Juncker charged the committee with quick action, and left on the ISth of August for Chillicothe. The com- mittee went to work immediately. The mason work was given to Messrs. George Kammacher and Andrew Schott ; the heavy carpenter work to Mr. Jacob Schoe- ringer and the finishing to Mr. Charles Cross. Mr. Cornelius Jacobs was supervising the building, but all the committee-men were active in collecting money and providing materials. The dimensions of the build- ing were 50 ft. long by 30 ft. wide and 18 feet to the ceiling. Father Juncker did not return from Chillicothe tmtil HOLY CROSS PARISH, COLUMBUS 165 the 13th of October, and on the 15th had services in Mr. Bernard Burke's house on South Street, now Ful- ton Street, between High and Third Streets. About that time the masons began to lay the foundation of the church; no corner-stone was laid. Owing to the difficulty of finding a suitable room, Father Juncker concluded to have no more public service until he could have it in the new church, and earnestly urged on the work. From records on hand he visited Co- lumbus on the 8th of November and 25th of December 1837, and 12th of January 1838 and the 1st of Feb- ruary. He stopped regularly with Mr. Charles Cross. The building went on without interruption. It was put under roof about the middle of December, and was ready for occupation by the 20th of April, 1838. On the 29th of the same month Father Juncker blessed the new church and celebrated High Mass, the first ever celebrated in Columbus. The church was placed un- der the patronage of St. Remigius, and proud was the small congregation of the great work accomplished. It happened that on his way through Columbus, Rev. Stephen Badin, a French priest, hearing of the celebration, stopped, and after Vespers preached an English sermon. He alluded in his discourse to the building resembling in its unfinished state the stable of Bethlehem, but the same Savior who brought glory upon the humble place would thenceforth come from heaven to adorn this house with His presence and graces. He encouraged the young flock to persever- ance and to trust in Him who had helped them thus far and who would forsake no one relying upon Him. 166 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS The plastering was done soon afterwards, the wood work painted, and the pews put in. In addition to the names subscribed on the list of June, 1836, the following new names appear on the list of August, 1837, showing an increase of about 70 per cent: Augustine Seifert, Herman Steinke, Jacob Vogel, Ben- edict Lotz, Joseph Frey, Henry Schlitt, John Weaver, Michael Burchard, Henry Luts, Brice Helmich, Rich- ard H. Jones, B. McGinness, Joseph Weitgenand, An- drew Voltz, Margaret Schumberger, George Stehle, Simon Gutteman, Frederick Heinnemann, Joseph Moeller, Peter Schwartz, Mrs. Russell, Fridolin Schu- macher, Wendel Roedel, Philip Frey, Anto Wehrle, Fridolin Mutter, J. B. Baecker, Katherine Lutz, Mrs. Lilley, Joseph Becherer, Mrs. Schlitt, Joseph Rothen^ felz, Dennis Roberts, Mrs. B. Kronenberger, and Missi Elizabeth Jacobs. After the inside work was finished, the Catholics of Columbus felt happy in the possession of their hand- some Church. Father Juncker besides Columbus and Chillicothe, visited also Circleville, Waverly, Ports- mouth, Delaware, Marion and other stations. When it became known that there was a church in Colum- bus, sometimes a traveling priest arranged to stop over Sunday and say Mass. Rev. Joseph AUemand remained over two Sundays, July 14th and 21st, 1839. Father Juncker remained pastor of St. Remigius' Church until the latter part of November, 1839, when Rev. Joseph M. Young, a convert and recently ordain- ed was appointed pastor of the church, and also had to attend Lancaster, Logan, Delaware and Marion, HOLY CROSS PARISH, COLUMBUS 167 but no pastoral residence being connected with the church in Columbus he made his home at Lancaster. On the 8th of December 1839 the Bishop administ- ered the Sacrament of Confirmation for the first time in Columbus, and in the evening preached in the Sen- ate Chamber of the old State House on the subject of the Holy Trinity. Sometime in December 1840 robbers broke into the church and stole four silverplated candlesticks, some vestments, a stole, a maniple with gilt edgings, an alb and chasuble, and tore the gilded image from the cross on the Altar. About two years afterwards a prisoner in the Ohio Penitentiary confessed that he and his as- sociates had hidden a quantity of stolen goods in a hollow tree on the west side of Alum Creek. Mr. Vance McElvain and some others went out in search of the tree, and found the four candlesticks, stole and maniple. The rest was never recovered. Father Henni had services in St. Remigius' Church on the 20th, and Father Schorb on the 24th of October, 1841. On Sunday the 21st of No- vember the same year the Rt. Rev. Bishop had ser- vices in the church in the morning and afternoon, and in the evening gave a lecture in the Hall of Represen- tatives, which he continued every €;vening during the week. In the latter part of the week Father Henni met the Bishop, and both had services on Sunday the 28th, and in the evening Father Henni preached a German sermon in the Court House. Besides Father Young's regular attendance on the congregation, Father Wuertz said Mass on the 9th 168 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS of October, and Father Gallinger on Christmas the same year. In the Spring of 1842 Father Young expressed his desire to take up his residnece in Columbus if the congregation would build a house. The congrega- tion promptly complied with his wishes, and the house was ready for occupation by the 1st of April, 1843. On the 25th of February 1843, the Rt. Rev. Bishop sent the Rev. Wm. Schonat who had arrived in Cin- cinnati but a few months before from Silesia, Ger- many, to assist Father Young during Lent and Easter time. A few weeks after Easter, when Father Schonat announced his departure, the congregation desirous of having a stationary priest in this missionary district, absolutely requiring an additional priest, joined in a petition to the Bishop, asking that Father Schonat might remain as their pastor. Mr. Henry Moore of the stageline firm of Neil-Moore and Co., sent a private letter to the Bishop in support of the petition, and in a few days received a reply that the petition was granted. In this manner Father Schonat became the first resident pastor of Columbus, and about the lOth of May moved into the house originally built for Father Young. By this time the congregation had grown so large that the Church was too small, and on Sundays and Holy days. Father Schonat had to say two Masses. Father Schonat's first undertaking was the establish- ing of a parochial school. In this he met with a hearty assistance in the organization of a school society, and HOLY CROSS PARISH, COLUMBUS 169 a frame school house was built on the Church lot. Father Young remained at Lancaster and attended also Logan and some smaller stations, while Father Schonat attended Delaware and Marion. They be- came intimate friends, and frequently exchanged their work for the benefit and to the greatest satisfaction of both the German and English-speaking members. On the 6th of June, the feast of Corpus Christi, the Bishop confirmed 55 persons in St. Remigius' Church. By request of the Bishop, Father Schonat accompanied him on his tour through the eastern and northern part of the Diocese which then comprised the whole State of Ohio. In the absence of Father Schonat, Rev. J. B. Emig, a Jesuit, visited the congregation in the month of July, and stayed several weeks. The Church records also give the name of Rev. Senes. Father Schonat did not return until sometime in September. Shortly after his arrival he announced to the congregation the necessity of making preparations for building a larger Church. The Church lot being too small, an additional lot 125 by 187}4 feet was bought. This lot was bought on the 10th of Novem- ber, 1844 for $600, being lot No. 760, from M. J. and L. T. Ellis. Besides on the 8th of June, 1849, a piece of ground 20 feet east and west and 18 feet north and south was bought of A. S. Chew, administrator of the estate of Edward B. Gregory for $137. These purchases gave the Church a lot 125 feet on Rich Street by 187>4 feet on Fifth Street. At a meeting on the 8th of December it was decided 170 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS to build a plain but substantial Church, 115 feet long^ by 62 feet wide, exclusive of the buttresses and 40 feet high from floor to ceiling, the walls to be capped with cut stone. It was Father Schonat's wish that the new Church be dedicated to Almighty God in honor of the "Holy Cross" as spoken of by St. Paul to the Galla- tians VI, 14 : "But God forbid that I should glory, but in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ by whom the world is crucified to me and I to the world." These words engraved on a marble slab have since been cov- ered by erecting an arch for the statue of Christ carry- ing the cross. A building committee was chosen by the congrega- tion consisting of Horace McGuire, John Duflfy, Jacob Schoeringer, Fridolin Mutter, Anton Rolling, Cor- nelius Jacobs, Joseph Sattler, Peter Ury, John F. Zim- mer and George Enterd. This committee was in- structed to have plans made and bring them before the next meeting for inspection, and make all necessary preparations to begin the work as early as practicable the next Spring. Messrs. Ad. Weisberger and H. Benedict Lutz offered all timber for the roof and gal- lery. A great many men offered their services for chopping and hewing, and farmers and teamsters for hauling the same. They selected the following car- penters as their foremen: J. Schoeringer, F. Mutter, J. D. Briggemann, G. Eiermann and Charles Foergan. They agreed upon a day to start out at two o'clock in the morning, cut down and trim the timber, and haul it to town in the evening. The day came, the plan was carried out and the timber brought in, in the evening. HOLY CROSS PARISH, COLUMBUS 171 The architect of the new building was Cornelius Jacobs. The masonry and carpenter work was done by men employed by the day carpenters, J. Schoeringer and F. Mutter. The building contains 800,000 brick and its original cost was $10,000. Father Schonat continued as pastor of the congre- gation until the new Church was completed when he resigned and returned to Germany where he died in 1882 at a ripe old age. He was succeeded by Rev. C. D. Borgess, afterwards Bishop of Detroit, and who stayed about ten years. In the beginning of his pas- torate the division of the parish took place. The con- stant influx of immigrants overcrowded the Church, and to meet the demand there were separate services held for the German and English-speaking members, and preparations made to build a new Church. A com- mittee for building St. Patrick's Church was formed by Rev. John Furlong, the first Irish priest stationed in Columbus. The Church was ready for service in 1853 and dedicated by Bishop Purcell. Father Borgess now set to work to make necessary improvements. He placed the steeple on the Church at a cost of about $7000. In 1855 he bought a chime of three bells costing $1500. In 1856 the Church was frescoed, a pulpit and St. Mary's Altar were put in, also an organ made by a Cincinnati firm at a cost of $1400. In 1857 a second story was placed on the School House costing $1800. Two years later Father Borgess was called to Cin- cinnati and made Chancellor of the Archdiocese. Rev. J. B. Hemsteger of Piqua was appointed his successor. 173 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS He took charge of the parish May 5th, 1859. His first care was to build a residence for which plans had al- ready been drawn by Father Borgess. The building was finished in 1861 at a cost of $8500. A new source of expense arose from the ever increasing number of school children. The first school was established by turning the old Church — 20 years old — into a school with all the rooms on the one floor, and still the over- crowded condition remained. To remedy this forever a lot joining the Church property was purchased from Mr. Agnew at a cost of $4000 in the year 1866. The building was begun in 1870 and finished in 1871 at an expense of $18,000. It is a three story structure with seven school rooms and a hall. The greatest number of children was 450 about the year 1890, the present number is 200. To effect a more uniform plan of teaching, the Brothers of Mary of Da)rton, Ohio, were engaged May 30th, 1872, who taught the boys with great suc- cess until 1911. The girls were taught by the Sisters of Notre Dame. I must mention here some of the teachers who taught from the beginning in 1837 to the coming of the Broth- ers in 1872. The school was a frame building at the corner of Friend and Third Streets on the old Bau- mann premises. The first teacher was Mr. Dangler, succeeded by Dominic Weiler, J. Behlen, Jacob Cron- enbitter, who died only a few months ago at the age of 92 years in 1917, J. Lobmueller, H. Fuchs and J. Vogel, then Brother Peter of the Brothers of Mary. Other improvements were made. Two front side HOLY CROSS PARISH, COLUMBUS 1?3 doors were opened at a cost of $1500; an iron fence was put up. In 1874 a high Altar costing $3150 was erected. In 1877, June 3rd, the day of the golden jubilee of Pope Pius IX in the Episcopacy, a calamity came over the parish by the high Altar catching fire after solemn Vespers and causing a damage of $20,000, but with God's help the misfortune was turned into a bet- ter rebuilt Church. The Rt. Rev. Augustus Toebbe, Bishop of Covington, dedicated the new Church and sang Pontifical High Mass in 1880. The constant labor in the ministry began to under- mine the health of the good pastor. Father Hemsteger. The advice of taking a much needed rest was not heeded, and the consequence was a complete break- down ending in death. Well prepared and fortified with the Holy Sacraments he died October 18, 1878 in his S3rd year, mourned by everybody that knew him. The following Reverend Fathers assisted him in min- istering to the wants of the parish : Rev. Francis Kar- rel, Rev. Caspar Weise, Rev. Joseph Roswog, Rev. Bernard Seling, Rev. F. X. Specht, Rev. George H. Ahrens, Rev. J. B. Eis, Rev. J. Weber, Rev. Clement R. Rhode. Bishop Rosecrans appointed Father Ahrens, the Chancellor of the Diocese, to succeed Father Hem- steger, and he soon took charge of the parish assisted by Rev. C. R. Rhode. Father Ahrens was much be- loved by the people, but his stay was destined to be of short duration. He died March 25th, 1884, at the age of 42 years. 174 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS Bishop Watterson appointed Rev. Clement R. Rhode as pastor after the Pontificial Mass of Requiem, which position he has held ever since. In the summer of 1884 the Church was frescoed by Mr. Thien of Cincinnati, the grand pictures being painted by Mr. Humbrecht also of Cincinnati at a total cost of $4200. To these improvements were added the new high Altar with the Crucifixion Group, St. Jo- seph's Altar, the Statues of St. Francis, St. Boniface, St. Aloysius, St. Anthony, St. Ann, the Baptism of Christ and the Holy Family. In conclusion I add the names of the assistants, mostly of the Josephinum : Revs. Joseph Jessing, Hoch- miller, Jungblut, Theo. Peters, Adolph Dengler, B. Hugenroth, Charles Jung, Joseph Och, Joseph Poll- mann, William Robben, Anthony Baar, Louis Motry, and Joseph Simon. In 1887 the Sunday before Christmas, the congrega- tion celebrated its Golden Jubilee. The Church had been decorated with religious and patriotic flags. It was crowded to its capacity. All the old members of Holy Cross in the city were invited and occupied seats of honor. The Rt. Rev. Bishop Watterson sang Pon- tifical Mass, assisted by the priests of the city. Father Jessing preached a very impressive sermon on the "Divinity of the Catholic Church" reviewing the prog- ress of Catholicity in all parts of the world. In 1900 the pastor bought a property at $4000 ad- joining the school property to prevent any attempt of cutting off the light on the east side. Mention must still be made of the services of Cor- HOLY CROSS PARISH, COLUMBUS 175 nelius Lang, for many years secretary, and Henry Theado, as treasurer, also John Saile, Joseph Engler and John Schneider. Members of the present Church committee are Wil- liam Seidensticker, L. P. Derrick, Micrael Kramer, John Eberle, Charles Lang, and Frances Orr. CHAPTER XII. ST. Patrick's parish, columbus. The history of old St. Patrick's Church, carries us back to 1850. All the Catholics in the city thus far had been attending Holy Cross Church, and as the mem- bers increased, the building of another parish Church was being talked of, especially among the English- speaking Catholics of the city. In his sketch Father Clarke states the facts in the following manner : Holy Cross enjoys the distinction of being the mother of the Catholic Churches in Columbus. It was the first fully organized congregation with a resident pastor, at the time when services were held in the original Church of St. Remigius. From Holy Cross congre- gation, composed of early Catholic settlers and their families with many later accessions, were formed other large and important congregations. The German ele- ment, which constituted fully three-fourths of the whole number of families, predominated and had con- tributed the greater amount towards the erection of the Church and support of pastor. As there was grow- ing need of another Church building. Holy Cross be- ing too small to accommodate the congregation, it was agreed with the approval of the Bishop to build a Church for the English-speaking Catholics of the city. These latter were mostly of Irish descent, with a num- ber also of American families. Accordingly a separate 176 ST. PATRICK'S PARISH, COLUMBUS 177 congregation was formed in February, 1851, by Rev. John Furlong, sent by the Bishop for that purpose. Father Furlong had many difficulties to contend with, and made little progress in his mission. The congre- gation formed under his pastorate arranged the times for their services at Holy Cross Church so as not to interfere with the congregation of the latter. This ar- rangement was continued until the new Church was ready for occupancy. After a year's stay in the city, Father Furlong was succeeded by Rev. James Meagher who entered upon his labors with an enthusiasm that inspired his entire flock. Father Meagher immediately began negotiations for the purchase of a suitable site upon which to erect a Church. His efforts were suc- cessful, and a lot 187 feet square on the north east corner of Seventh Street, now Grant Avenue, and Naghten Street, was purchased of Robert E. Neil for $1000. Holy Cross congregation contributed $1200 towards the new Church, in lieu of paid-up subscrip- tions made by English-speaking Catholics to the old Church. The plans of a Church 125 feet long and 52 feet wide in Norman style of architecture were adopted, and the contract for erection of the building was awarded to John D. Clarke and Michael Harding. The new Church was placed under the patronage of St. Patrick, Apostle of Ireland, and the corner-stone was laid on Sunday, September 5th, 1852, by Rt. Rev. Bishop Purcell, assisted by all the local clergy, and in the presence of a large concourse of people. Father Meagher well understood the magnitude of the work 178 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS before him and he labored zealously and with heroic courage to accomplish it. The obtaining of means was a wearying task among the Catholics who were gener- ally in very poor circumstances. Here and there and everywhere along the lines of railroads, on the streets, in the houses of rich and poor went this indefatigable worker, collecting money to pay for his Church. With- in one year the edifice was sufficiently completed to be occupied, and on Sunday, September 25, 1853, it was solemnly dedicated to Almighty God by the same Rt. Rev. prelate who had the previous year laid the cor- ner-stone. High Mass was sung by Rev. M. Blake, of Xenia, assisted by Fathers Borgess and Meagher. The choir of Holy Cross Church under the direction of Professor Kronenbitter, sang Buehler's Mass. The Bishop preached an eloquent sermon on the occasion, alluding to the happy growth of the Catholic Church in the city The following year a brick school build- ing was erected beside the Church on Mt. Vernon Avenue. In August 1865 Father Meagher engaged the services of the Sisters of Notre Dame, from Cin- cinnati, who took immediate charge of the girls' school. Lay teachers were employed in the boys' school. These Sisters were the first religious community to have a convent home in our city. A bell, noted for its sweet tones, was purchased and from the tower of St. Patrick's was the first in the city to peal forth the joyous "Angelus" morning, noon and evening. A residence for the pastor was begun in 1857, but was not quite completed by Father Meagher, though ST. PATRICK'S PARISH, COLUMBUS 179 he occupied it previously to the appointment of his successor. Rev. Edmund D. Flaherty was for some time assistant pastor. Early in the fall of 1857 Father Meagher, much to the regret of his devoted flock, was transferred to Cincinnati by his Bishop, and Rev. Edward M. Fitz- gerald was sent to take charge of the congregation. Father Fitzgerald had just been ordained, and brought to this his first field of labor all the energy and zeal of a young and fervent priest. In a very short time he had won the affections of the large and rapidly in- creasing congregation. His labors were signally suc- cessful. He gave careful attention to the improve- ment of the school which had already a good beginning, and introduced the Brothers of the Holy Cross from Notre Dame, Indiana, who were put in charge of the boys' department. The pastoral residence was com- pleted, making it one of the finest in the city, and an addition was put to the school building just doubling its former capacity, providing for four rooms for the boys and as many for the girls. The structure was completed in 1864 and has supplied the school needs of the parish to the present time. The interior of the church was beautifully frescoed, the walls displaying lifesize representations of the apostles. A pipe organ and new altars added much to the embellishment and attractiveness of the interior. Father Fitzgerald's pastorate extended through the trying and exciting times of the Civil War, and he very emphatically testified his unflinching loyalty to the government by floating the Stars and Stripes from the 180 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS most prominent tower of the church. Under his aus- pices the Irish-Catholic military company — ^the Mont- gomery Guards — was organized. He fostered the or- ganization with a feeling of laudable pride, and en- couraged them to be among the volunteers to offer their services when the first call was made for defend- ers of the flag. He was a frequent visitor to Camp Chase, located west of the city, where he ministered to the sick and dying, whether Union soldiers or Con- federate prisoners. In 1862-65, the Sisters of the Poor of St. Francis were struggling in the establishment of the hospital which bears the name of their saint. Father Fitzgerald co-operated with Father Hemsteger, pastor of the German Church, in assisting these self-sacrific- ing Sisters in their great work of charity, and the re- sult is known today by all our citizens in the grand hospital which has done so much for suffering hu- manity. It was owing to Father Fitzgerald's indivi- dual exertions, too, that the Sisters of the Good Shep- herd secured a permanent and beautiful convent home for their charitable work in Columbus. The present imposing Cathedral was the outgrowth of plans first devised by the pastor of St. Patrick's, who wished to meet the demands of increasing numbers of Catholics in the more central portion of the city. It had long been predicted that Columbus would be a Bishop's see and thus it was anticipated that the new Church should become a Cathedral. Father Fitzgerald bent all his energies towards its erection. Having pur- chased the grounds on favorable terms and proceeded with the foundation, the cornerstone was laid in the ST. PATRICK'S PARISH, COLUMBUS 181 fall of 1866. Further particulars of this event will be given in the historical sketch of St. Joseph's Cathedral. But Father Fitzgerald was not destined to realize his hopes. The hardworking and popular pastor found favor in the eyes of his ecclesiastical superiors, who, appreciating also his deep learning and piety, called him to a membership in the heirarchy of the Church in America. In December, 1866, Pope Pius IX named Father Fitzgerald as Bishop of the see of Little Rock, Arkansas. St. Patrick's congregation felt that they were about to sustain a great loss, though they rejoiced in seeing their pastor so much honored. Petitions were circulated to have him retained in the city, which was about to become a Bishop's seat. But their importuni- ties were of no avail, and on February 3, 1867, Father Fitzgerald was consecrated Bishop of Little Rock by Most Reverend Archbishop Purcell, assisted by Bishop Lynch of Toronto and Bishop Rosecrans of Cincinnati. The sermon was preached by Rev. Patrick J. Ryan, afterwards the illustrious Archbishop of Philadelphia. The beautiful and impressive ceremony of consecra- tion was witnessed for the first time in Columbus by a vast congregation of people from the city and neigh- boring towns, which filled all available space in St. Patrick's Church and completely surrounded the sa- cred edifice during the entire function. The young Bishop in taking leave of his flock, to whom he had ministered for ten years, was made the recipient of many testimonials of their affectionate regard, and the citizens of Columbus without regard to creed, joined in expressing regrets at his departure. During the 183 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS years of his pastoral charge, Father Fitzgerald, or "Father Edward" as he was familiarly called, was assisted by the following priests in succession : Rev. J. Coppinger, 1861-2; Rev. John B. Murray, 1863-5; Rev. Joseph Fitzgerald, his brother, 1865-6; Rev. F. C. Mallon, 1866-7. When Bishop Fitzgerald was leaving the city in February 1867, the Diocese of Columbus had not yet been formally erected by Rome, though it was definite- ly settled that this city should be a Bishop's See. The preliminary step in this direction was taken when Rt. Rev. Bishop Rosecrans was transferred to Columbus as pastor of St. Patrick's, succeeding Father Fitz- gerald. Bishop Rosecrans was consecrated in 1862 as Bishop of Pompeiopolis, to act as auxiliary Bishop of Cincinnati. He arrived in Columbus February 28, 1867, and announced that he came simply as pastor of St. Patrick's Church under the jurisdiction of the Archbishop of Cincinnati. On March 3, 1868, Colum- bus was made a Diocese and Bishop Rosecrans was named as its first Bishop. He remained at St. Pat- rick's as pastor, and with that Church as the pro-cathe- dral, while St. Joseph's Church now determined upon as the Cathedral was in process of construction. He was assisted in 1867-8 by Rev. George H. Ahrens, Chancellor, and upon the latter's removal to Holy Cross, Rev. P. J. Dailey and Rev. F. Gouesse became assistants in 1868-9. During 1869 Rev. N. A. Gal- lagher, Rev. J. McPhilips and J. A. Rotchford, O. P., were also stationed at St. Patrick's, attending parochial duties. Father Gallagher remained until the Fall of ST. PATRICK'S PARISH, COLUMBUS 183 1871 when he became president of St. Aloysius Semi- nary, just established on the West Side, as a diocesan institution for the preparation of young men for the priesthood. Father Rotchford continued to assist until 1872. Father Gallagher was succeeded as assistant by Rev. Jeremiah A. Murray and later by Rev. Wm. T. Hawe. In the meantime work on the Cathedral had pro- gressed to such a stage that it was ready for occupancy in December 1872. Rev. Father Murray was then ap- pointed pastor of St. Patrick's. In 1873 Rev. J. A. Casella succeeded Father Murray in the pastorate, hav- ing for assistants, Rev. Henry Anderson in 1873, Rev. Killian Coll, Rev. J. F. Boulger, and Rev. J. B. Schmitt in 1874. During the temporary absence of Father Casella in 1874, Father Schmitt soHcited funds and purchased therewith the sweet-sounding bell that now swings in the tower, the old bell having become worth- less by cracking. Rev. H. J. McDevitt and Rev. Joseph M. Toohey were assistants in 1875 and 1876 respec- tively. In July, 1876, Father Casella returned to his native France to remain, and Very Rev. N. A. Gal- lagher became pastor, the Seminary over which he presided having closed for want of funds. Father Gal- lagher was assisted by Rev. J. M. Toohey and Rev. R. J. Fitzgerald. By this time old St. Patrick's ' began to show the ravages of time and Father Gallagher determined upon making much needed repairs and improvements. In the spring of 1877 the work of renovating began. The walls, which had begun to weaken, were strengthened 184 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS by buttresses, a well braced slate roof took the place of the shingle one; new stained-glass windows with re- modeled frames were put in, and the whole interior was beautified. The contractors for these improve- ments were John D. Clarke and Charles Wolfel. On Sunday, December 23, the building was ready for re- dedication. The ceremony was performed by Right Rev. Bishop Rosecrans, assisted by the pastor, Rev. M. M. Meara, Rev. R. J. Fitzgerald, Rev. T. J. Lane, and Seminarians. After the dedicatory ceremonies Solemn High Mass, in the presence of the Bishop vested in Cope and Mitre, was celebrated by Very Rev. N. A. Gallagher, with Rev. T. J. Lane as deacon, Mr. L. W. Mulhane subdeacon and Mr. John McGuirk as master of ceremonies. Fathers Meara and Fitzger- ald assisted at the throne. The Right Rev. Bishop preached on the duty of supporting the church and referred to the hardships and struggles of the early Catholics in erecting- this House of God. In the after- noon Bishop Toebbe, of Covington, Kentucky, who had ofificiated in the morning at a similar ceremony at Holy Cross Church, sang Pontifical Vespers, assisted by the same clergymen who were present at the morning ser- vices. The good Bishop spoke of the glorious day just closing for Columbus Catholics — the dedication of two Churches. He paid a fine tribute to St. Patrick and his children. Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament closed the day's exercises. The following societies were present in regalia : Knights of the Red Cross, St. Joseph's Benevolent Society, St. Patrick's Total Ab- stinence Society and the Ancient Order of Hibernians. ST. PATRICK'S PARISH, COLUMBUS 185 Upon the death of Bishop Rosecrans in October, 1878, Father Gallagher was appointed administrator of the diocese by the Most Rev. Archbishop of Cincinnati. As soon as Rome had confirmed the appointment, the administrator entered upon his duties and to do so more advantageously took up his residence at the Cathedral, leaving Rev. John Madden in temporary charge at St. Patrick's. Rev. J. E. McGuirk was ap- pointed assistant in 1879 and remained until 1882. In August, 1880, Right Rev. J. A. Watterson was conse- crated Bishop, succeeding the late Bishop Rosecrans, thus relieving Father Gallagher as administrator, who again assumed direct pastoral charge of St. Patrick's Church, with Fathers Madden and McGpirk as assist- ants. But other and higher honors awaited Father Gallagher. Soon after Bishop Watterson's consecra- tion, he was appointed Vicar General, which office he held only a little over a year, when Pope Leo XIII named him Bishop Administrator of the Diocese of Galveston, Texas, in December, 1881. Thus was an- other faithful pastor called from St. Patrick's to re- ceive the mitre. For some months in 1882 Rev. T. F. Delaney was in temporary charge of the congregation, and in the lat- ter part of that year Rev. A. O. Walker was made pas- tor. During Father Delaney's time the interior of the Church underwent many marked improvements under his supervision. The walls and ceilings were newly painted in beautiful designs and with handsome repre- sentations of the patron Saints of the Church. During Father Walker's incumbency he was appointed Vicar 186 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS General and continued pastor with Father Delaney as assistant until 1885. In the summer of 1885 the parish was given in charge to the Dominican Fathers with Rev. P. C. Coll as pastor, assisted by Fathers McManus and Spencer. Since that time the Dominican Fathers have had charge of that parish. The old Church still holds a warm spot in the hearts of the people both old and young — and no matter where they have settled, they always find joy in going back once more to kneel at the Altar where so often in days gone by they sought and found the blessing of God. CHAPTER XIII. ST. Mary's parish, columbus. The division of Holy Cross congregation by the formation of St. Patrick's congregation in 1851 left ample accommodation for increasing membership in the former for many years thereafter. As early, how- ever, as 1863, the German Catholics of the extreme southern portion of the city began agitating for a Church of their own, as Holy Cross was becoming crowded and was at an inconvenient distance. With this object in view the present site of St. Mary's Church was purchased in 1863, under the direction of the pastor of Holy Cross, Father Hemsteger, and a committee selected for the purpose, consisting of Louis Zettler, Peter Hinterschied, John Ranft, Frederick Weber, Frank Wagner, Peter Boehm and Cornelius Lang. Rev. Francis X. Specht, who came to the city as assistant at Holy Cross in March 1864, became iden- tified with the movement to build a Church and school- house, and under his supervision the school was first erected at a cost of $5,000. It was ready for occupancy in 1865. Early in 1866 the Church was commenced and in August of that year the cornerstone was laid by Most Rev. Archbishop Purcell, assisted by Bishop Young and a large number of clergymen. During 1867 the edifice was enclosed, and in the following year it was ready for dedication. On November 30, 1868, 187 188 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS Rt. Rev. Bishop Rosecrans solemnly dedicated the Church to Almighty God, under the invocation of St. Mary. Many priests were present at the ceremonies and societies from the city and neighboring towns gave a street parade. Bishop Rosecrans preached the ser- mon. The church which is of Gothic design 62j4 feet wide, 140 feet in length, 75 feet in height — 60 feet clear — is constructed with all the conveniences found in Catholic Churches in a substantial manner. The walls and ceiling were richly frescoed and a main altar 45 feet high and 20 feet wide, of Gothic design and finish and costing $2,500 was erected. An elegant pul- pit and confessional of the same material, white wal- nut, were purchased at a cost of $1,170. There is a seating capacity of about 1,000. A chime of three bells, costing $2,200 was hung in the tower in 1870. Rev. Francis X. Specht having been duly appoint- ed pastor by Rt. Rev. Bishop Rosecrans in March 1868, arranged his sleeping quarters above the sacristy of the new Church with dining-room, kitchen and housekeeper's quarters in the school building. In 1872 a priest's residence was built at a cost of $6,000. The first school-teacher engaged was Miss Elizabeth Land, who was later assisted by John Berberich, but in 1874 two Sisters of Notre Dame took charge of the school for one year when they were succeeded by the Sisters of St. Francis, for whom a residence was built in 1875. A grand pipe organ was purchased from a local builder in November 1865, and was pronounced the best in the city at the time. To meet the requirements ST. MARY'S PARISH, COLUMBUS 189 of the congregation's steady growth it was necessary to erect an additional schoolhouse in 1887. A steeple was built in 1893 at a cost of nearly $5,000, to which a tower-clock was added the following year, thus com- pleting the exterior of the church. The demand for still larger school accommodations was met in 1896 by enlarging the newer school built in 1887 to double ca- pacity. The old pipe organ after 25 years of faithful services having become antiquated, a new organ with pneumatic action was installed in 1901 for a considera- tion of $5,000. ' Upon the retirement of Very Rev. Father Walker to the Dominican Monastery, and his consequent res- ignation of the office of Vicar General of the Diocese in 1885, the Bishop appointed Father Specht to succeed him. March 12, 1889 was a glorious holiday for the people of St. Mary's parish, for on that day their be- loved pastor reached the silvery year of his priesthood. His friends among the clergy and laity joined in ex- tending congratulations and bestowing substantial tes- timonials of their regard. After the death of Bishop Watterson in 1899 and also after the appointment of Bishop Moeller to the Archiepiscopal See of Cincin- nati, Father Specht was administrator of the Diocese and in recognition of his faithful and efficient man- agement was appointed Domestic Prelate to His Holi- ness Pope Leo XIII, with the title of Monsignor. He was invested with the insignia of Monsignor by Most Rev. Archbishop Moeller on July 16, 1902. For short periods of time Father Specht had been assisted in the misistration of the parish by Rev. 190 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS B. Hildebrant in 1875, Rev. Gallus Hoch, 1876-1877 for 17 months, Rev. J. B. Ocink in 1886, Rev. Jos. Schmitt in 1886 and from 1881 till 1886 Rev. Joseph Jessing, founder of the Josephinum, assisted on Sun- days and holy days, hearing confessions and preaching the sermon at the last Mass. It was not, however, till September 1886 that a regular assistant was ap- pointed in the person of Rev. Benj. P. Horny. On October 28, 1903 Father Homy met with an accident which resulted in his death the following day. He had been assistant to Father Specht for 17 years and was loved by all that knew him for his simple-hearted hu- mility and zeal. The growth of the parish had made it necessary for Father Specht to have two assistants and in 1901 Rev. Otto von Lintel was appointed assistant. Since that time the spiritual needs of the parish have been looked after by the pastor and two assistants. The weight of years and their labor slowly under- mined the health of Monsignor Specht and on May the 29, 1913 the bells of St. Mary's tolled the sad news of his death. He had spent almost all of his 49 years of priestly labor in St. Mary's parish and he will be in cherished memory of all that knew him as a priest of generous charity, unbounded zeal and unfaltering reverence for authority. He was born in Osnabrueck, Province Hanover, Germany, on Nov. 4, 1840, came to America and was ordained in Cincinnati, O., March 12, 1864. Rt. Rev. Bishop Hartley appointed Rev. Joseph M. Wehrle, then pastor of St. John's Church, BeUaire, SACRED HEART PARISH, COLUMBUS 191 O., to succeed Monsignor Specht. On October 12, 1913 Father Wehrle took charge of St. Mary's as its pastor and rector. Under the direction of the Rt. Rev. Bishop the Ohinhausen property just north of the Church was acquired in 1914. After altering the building on the property to suit immediate needs a high school was opened in the same year with an enrollment of 14 pupils. As assistants at St. Mary's parish these Fathers had also administered: Rev. Anthony Domm 1904- 1913; Rev. Edmund Burkley 1906-1917; Rev. An- thony Schlemitzauer 1915-1916, and Rev. P. George Binkert, O. S. B. of Subiaco, Ark., Nov. 1916-1917. At the present writing, October, 1917, St. Mary's parish numbers 850 families, with a school enrollment of 637, including 45 pupils in the high school. SACRED HEART PARISH, COLUMBUS. The history of Sacred Heart parish was for many years almost s)nionymous with the history of North Columbus. About the year 1852 or 1853 William Phelan, of Lancaster, Ohio, willed to the Diocese four acres of land, the present site of Sacred Heart Church. Columbus was then under the spiritual jurisdiction of Right Reverend Bishop Purcell, of Cincinnati, who afterwards became Archbishop. This tract of land forms a square bounded by Summit Street, First ave- nue. Second Avenue and Hamlet Street. The land was given with the stipulation that it was to be used for "religious and educational purposes and none other." 193 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS It came into the corporation with that addition, and as early as 1875 was in the midst of a rapidly growing Catholic population which was seeking homes north of the Union Station. Early in this year, 1875 Bishop Rosecrans determ- ined that a building should be erected which would serve for both school and church. On May 27 he com- missioned Rev. John B. Eis, who had been assistant at Holy Cross Church 1872-1875, to erect a building suitable to the needs of the new parish. After con- sulting with the Bishop, and some of the business men of the city. Father Eis concluded to build a school with a large hall to be used as a church, and with room to accommodate the Sisters who were to teach. The con- tract for the building was made with John Harding on the second of August 1875. On September 5th the cornerstone was laid by Bishop Rosecrans in the pres- ence of a large gathering of people. The Catholic societies of the city were present, and the sermon was delivered by the Bishop. The structure was completed in the spring of 1876, and on Easter Sunday, April 16, Mass was celebrated in it for the first time. Very Rev. John B. Hemsteger performed the dedication in the absence of the Right Reverend Bishop from the city. Almost simultaneously with the opening of the Church occured the opening of the school. On the 19th of April, 83 pupils were enrolled and these were divided into three rooms. Before the end of the term, that is, before the next three months of the school vear had elapsed, the numbers of pupils had increased to 250. When school opened again in the subsequent SACRED HEART PARISH, COLUMBUS 193 September there were 305 pupils in charge of five Sis- ters. From the beginning the school has been in charge of the Sisters of St. Francis whose Mother House is at Stella Niagara, near Buffalo, N. Y. The enrollment steadily grew year after year, until there were more than 600 pupils in attendance. The rapid and continued growth of the congregation demanded a corresponding increase in the accommo- dations. Several additions were accordingly made to the building from time to time. In 1877 the pastoral residence was added to the south end of the building, and in 1886 a convent for the Sisters was built on the north end. Finished as it is now, the building is about 175 feet long and 80 feet wide. The cost of the structure was about $80,000.00. In supplying the spiritual needs of a congregation growing so rapidly. Father Eis had the assistance at different times of several priests. Father Hormisch assisted from 1878 to 1880, then Father Hochmiller of the Josephinum College. It was not until March 1889, that a regular assistant was appointed by the Right Reverend Bishop Watterson. Rev. Hugh Ewing had been ordained but a short time when he was sent to Sacred Heart Church, and continued until the forma- tion of St. Peter's parish of which he was made pas- tor. After Father Ewing, Rev. Augustine Vassal aid- ed Father Eis for eleven years, until the spring of 1907. Then Rev. William Schaeffer became assistant and continued till October 1908, when the present as- sistant. Rev. John Curran was appointed. It was not a small task to unite into one the many 194 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS elements that entered into the formation of Sacred Heart Parish. English-speaking people formed by far the greater proportion who spoke neither French or German. Speaking these languages with ease and fluency, Father Eis was able to impart instruction to all his parishioners in their own language. At the present time the territory comprised within the limits of Sacred Heart Parish is small in com- parison to its extent at the time the parish was formed. Then it included all the area lying in the north end, from the railroad to the Franklin County line on the north. The parish limits now extend from the railroad yards on the south to Chittenden Avenue on the north, thence west on Chittenden Avenue to High Street, and west on Eleventh Avenue to Hunter Street, thence south on Hunter Street to King Avenue, thence south on Dennison Avenue to West Fifth Avenue, thence south on Park Street to the railroad yards. The rapid growth of this section of the city made it evident that another parish would be needed ; this need was further emphasized by the fact that many Cath- olics were building their homes in the western portion of the parish, at a considerable distance from the Church. As early as 1875 Mass had been said in a hall, called St. Pius' Chapel, on West Goodale Street. The attendance, however, was small, and the attempt to form a jjarish premature. In 1890 the need of a Church west of Dennison Avenue became evident. Right Reverend Bishop Watterson purchased of Rob- ert E. Neil in February, 1890, six lots on the comer of Buttles and Harrison Avenues. These lots extending SACRED HEART PARISH, COLUMBUS' 195 240 feet of Buttles Avenue and 140 feet of Harrison Avenue afforded a suitable site for church property. Rev. A. M. Leyden was appointed pastor of the newly formed parish of St. Francis in June, 1892, being trans- ferred from Toronto, Ohio, where he had faithfully served the missions for six years. The growth of the north end continued, and soon the necessity of erecting a Qiurch in the eastern part of the parish became obvious. This section was called Milo. Some time previously Father Eis had rented of Mr. Thomas Benson a store-room on Cleveland Avenue. Here school was opened for the benefit of the younger children who found it difficult to come to Sacred Heart School. There were eighty pupils in attendance, and one of the Sisters of St. Francis went each day from Sacred Heart Convent to teach the school. In the summer of 1895 Father Eis and Father Ewing were requested by Bishop Watterson to look for suita- ble property in Milo, with the view of starting a new parish. They selected a site on New York Avenue and Mr. John Sweeney was authorized by the Bishop to purchase the property, which he did Nov. 14, 1895, for the sum of $2,666.66. The new parish was called St. Peter's and Father Ewing was appointed pastor. The growth of cities seems to be "up stream" and this tendency was verified in the development of Co- lumbus. The northern portion of the parish was rap- idly building up and Father Eis forseeing the need of a parish at the outskirts of the city, purchased a large 196 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS piece of land on Patterson Avenue. On June 4, 1905, Rt. Rev. Bishop Hartley established Holy Name parish and appointed as pastor, Rev. William McDermott. The parish of the Sacred Heart has at the present time about 420 families. The latest census gives the number of parishoners at 1750. In the forty-one years of its existence there have been 3292 baptisms, 1194 burials and 776 marriages. In the school 365 pupils are enrolled. The course of study is that pre- scribed for all the elementary schools of the Diocese, and to this is added two years of commercial training for girls who wish to take up such work. Formerly a full high school course was offered to all the pupils, but this course was discontinued when St. Patrick's, now Aquinas College was founded. The school has been singularly blessed in its teachers and the high standard established years ago has been maintained. It looks with pride to the many representative men and women in the various professions and avocatoins of life, who while winning success have steadfastly maintained those Christian principles, for whose inculcation the school was established. Thirty five young ladies of the parish have entered the convent, four young men liave been raised to the priesthood, and in the near fu- ture several more, God willing, will be raised to the same dignity. Besides these about thirty public school teachers, several army officers, six doctors, as many lawyers and scores of prominent business men have laid the early foundations of their successful careers in Sacred Heart School. HOLY FAMILY PARISH, COLUMBUS 197 HOLY FAMILY PARISH. Holy Family Church is situated in the oldest section of the city of Columbus, known as Franklinton and in the early decades of Ohio, was the seat of justice of Franklin County. It is now the West Side. The Cath- olic population of that time consisted of only a few families, augmented for a short time by a small num- ber of laborers, engaged in constructing the National Road, over the present route of West Broad Street. Previous to the year 1833 Mass was celebrated oc- casionally in the homes of the few Catholic families and in convenient places in the district. The original courthouse of Franklin county occupied the site of the present Franklinton public school building and was several times used for Catholic services, as also were the homes of Vincent Grate and Henry Nadenbusch, the latter near the state stone quarries. Mr. Naden- busch furnished much of the limestone for the first Catholic Church erected in Columbus — St. Remigius' — where the Holy Cross school now stands. The Sisters of the Good Shepherd had founded a Convent in 1865, on the Sullivant property, southwest corner of Broad and Sandusky Streets, and here Cath- olic services were first regularly held on the West Side, intended, however, for the members of the little community of inmates only. By special privilege, the Catholics in the immediate vicinity assisted at Mass in the private chapel of the institution on Sundays and holy days of obligation, but for — ^the regular services of a priest they were required to apply to some one 198 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS of the Churches of the city to which they were sup- posed to be attached. In 1871 the late Bishop Rose- crans established a seminary for the preparation of young men for the priesthood, on property purchased for the purpose from the SuUivant family. This site is now occupied by the Holy Family School. In the chapel of the Seminary daily Mass was offered, but only inmates of the institution were allowed to be pres- ent. It was an indication, however, that Catholicity was steadily increasing in this portion of the city. Within a few years thereafter preparations were made for the formation of a congregation with a priest and church of its own. The object of the people's en- deavors was accomplished by Bishop Rosecrans when he found it necessary to close the Seminary in the summer of 1876, owing to lack of support. The prop- erty was tendered to the Sisters of St. Joseph, Ebens- burg, Pa., for their use as a day and boarding school for young boys. The school was opened in the spring of 1877 by three Sisters under the direction of Mother Hortense Tello, thus founding the first Catholic school on the West Side. Rev. R. C. Christy also of Ebens- burg, who had lately been received into the Diocese, was appointed by the Bishop, Chaplain of the Convent of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd and of the Sisters of St. Joseph in April 1877. It was while serving in this capacity that Father Christy became interested in the plans for a Church on the West Side. A building on the premises of the seminary was neatly arranged to serve as a temporary chapel for the young congre- gation. For two months divine services were con- HOLY FAMILY PARISH, COLUMBUS 199 ducted in this humble structure that had formerly been used as a barn, but the devout people felt happy when, they considered that a beginning had really been made in definite organization of a parish. Father Christy, who had served throughout the Civil war as chaplain, possessed the courage, energy and ambition of a sol- dier, and determinedly overcame many obstacles that -beset him in the execution of his plans. After much trouble and many delays the zealous pastor obtained possession of the church, formerly oc- cupied by the United Brethren, situated on the comer of Sandusky and Shepherd Streets, adjoining the Sem- inary. A contract was entered into for the purchase of the Church, but the legal transfer was never made owing to a defect in the title, causing the property to remain in litigation for several years. In the meantime Father Christy had the Church remodeled and ar- ranged according to the requirements of a Catholic place of worship, and on Friday, June 8, 1877, Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, he had the consolation of witnessing the fruition of his labors in the solemn dedication of the Church under the invocation of the Holy Family — Jesus, Mary and Joseph — and celebrat- ing Mass therein for the first time. Besides the pas- tor, who officiated on the occasion, there were present the following priests : Very Rev. J. B. Hemsteger, V. G., Rev. G. H. Ahrens, Rev. F. X. Specht, Rev. J. A. Maroney, Rev. J. C. Gdldschmidt, Rev. P. M. Heery and Rev. C. R. Rhode. The choir of Holy Cross Church furnished the music as a fitting tribute of the oldest Catholic Church in the city to the youngest. In 200 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS compliment to Father Christy who was a very warm friend of the officers of the United States garrison, in this city, the grand military band stationed there, dis- coursed appropriate music before and after the ser- vices. Father Christy labored zealously and soon had a congregation of about forty families, with a school under the care of the Sisters of St. Joseph. After one year's pastorate, failing health compelled Father Christy to resign his charge and to seek treatment and care in St. Francis' Hospital, this city, where he died October 16, 1878, a few days previous to the death of Bishop Rosecrans. Rev. T. S. Reynolds, who had been placed in charge of the parish in June 1878, was succeeded by Rev. W. F. Hayes, who was appointed pastor by the Administrator, Very Rev. N. A. Gal- lagher, in January, 1879. Father Hayes recognized the fact that the property then occupied by the congregation could not be legally held and must be sold to satisfy the claims of mort- gagees under the former ownership. The Catholics had as yet made no payments on the property but had expended much money in improving it. At the sale made by order of court Father Hayes refused to bid beyond the offer made by a representative of the mort- gagees, thus leaving the property in the hands of the latter. Arrangements were made to rent the building and continue possession of it for Church and school pur- poses vmtil other property should be acquired by the congregation. An opportunity to purchase an HOLY FAMILY PARISH, COLUMBUS SOi eligible site soon presented itself and on April 1, 1881, Father Hayes came into possession of the four lots and a residence situated on the northeast corner of Broad and Skidmore Streets, the present site of the Church, Rectory and Sisters' Residence. The pur- chase price was so low that all felt happy over the bar- gain so favorably made. Preparations were immediately begun for building a Church to serve the purposes of a school in its base- ment. The work was carried on as means permitted, the principal sources of income being house to house collections, and entertainments. On September 17, 1882, the cornerstone was laid by Rt. Rev. Bishop Watterson in the presence of an im- mense concourse of people. It was truly a gala day for Catholics of the West Side, for never before had Catholicity made such a demonstration in that part of the city. It was determined to finish the foundations and then cover them to await more prosperous times, with the people of the parish, for a continuance of the construction. In the meantime the Bishop saw a wider and better field for the exercise of Father Hayes's abilities, and transferred him to the pastorate of St. Francis' Church, Newark, O., which had become va- cant by the resignation of Rev. L. DeCailly. Father Hayes remained pastor of this parish, one of the most important in the Diocese, until his death in June 1892. On October 31, 1884, Rev. Dennis A. Clarke was ap- pointed to succeed Father Hayes as pastor of Holy Family. After High Mass on Sunday, November 16, a meeting of the men of the congregation was 203 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS held in the school rooms of the old building, in re- sponse to a call made by the new pastor. The object of this meeting was to devise ways and means to prose- cute construction of the new Church, the foundations of which had laid covered for nearly two years. On motion, a committee to act with the pastor in an ad- visory manner was elected as follows: James H. Pen- der, James Clahane, William T. Malloy, Martin Whe- lan and William Walsh. Of this committee Mr. Pen- der is the only living member. Michael Harding, who had drawn plans for the basement, was invited to pre- pare the same for the superstructure complete. The contract for the carpenter work necessary to enclose the building was awarded to Michael and Thomas Harding and for the brick work, to Patrick Cull, who were the lowest bidders. In May 1885 the founda- tions were put in readiness and the bricklaying began. It was determined to finish the basement entire, for a temporary chapel with class-rooms separated from it by a hallway running full length of the building. The upper part or main auditorium was floored and en- closed with temporary windows. The basement being finished, divine services were held therein for the first time on Sunday, March 7, 1886. Father Clarke the pastor, sang the High Mass and Father White, of the Cathedral, preached an appropriate sermon. At the conclusion of Mass Father Clarke congratulated the congregation on having their own church and urged its completion as a necessity for the Catholics of the West Side. The basement chapel continued to be used during the winter months. In the summer the main HOLY FAMILY PARISH, COLUMBUS 203 church auditorium was arranged with an altar, chairs and other furniture, and services held there. In Sep- tember 1886 the first mission was given in the Church. The Redemptorist Fathers conducted it in a most suc- cessful manner. As a source of constant income for the completion of the Church, a system of monthly collections in sealed envelopes was inaugurated in January 1886 arid con- tinued very successfully to the present time as the only reliable means to meet obligations incurred in building. During the autumn of 1888 contracts for the plastering and completing of the whole interior were made and the work went steadily on during the winter. Stained glass windows made by artists from Munich were put in place and a handsome main Altar was erected. Thus far completed, without side Altars or pews, chairs taking the place of the latter, the edi- fice was solemnly dedicated to Almighty God, on Sun- day, June 2, 1889, by Rt. Rev. John A. Watterson, Bishop of Columbus. After the dedicatory ceremonies solemn High Mass was sung in the presence of the Bishop by Rev. W. F. Hayes, of Newark, O., who as pastor of Holy Family, laid the foundations of the Church, Rev. C.R.Rhode, as Deacon, Rev. B. Homey, as Subdeacon and Rev. A. A. Cush, as Master of Cere- monies, assisted in the Mass. In building the Church the pastor determined to pay all indebtedness resulting without borrowing large sums of money and hence the parish was not burdened with heavy debt and consequent interest payments. Only that which was very necessary was purchased 204 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS and then only when money was provided for it. It was not until August, 1890, that the side altars and pews were placed in the Church and the grand pipe organ built. Holy Family was honored by the Bishop on. the occasion of the silver jubilee of the Diocese in 1893 by being made an irremovable rectory. In the fall of 1896 a steam-heating plant was installed in the Church, thus completing the equipment necessary. For twenty years the pastor had lived in the old resi- dence bought with the property, repairing it from time to time, but its condition finally became unendurable. A new rectory was planned and the present building planned on modern lines was erected in 1900. At the Diocesan Synod held July 16, 1902, Holy Family was made a Deanery with the pastor as Dean. In October 1907 the Rt. Rev. Bishop appointed Rev. W. M. Sullivan assistant pastor who served in that capacity until June 1912, when he was made pas- tor of McConnellsville and its missions. Since that time the pastor has been assisted by the Dominican Fathers from Aquinas College and by Fathers from the Josephinum. For many years the pastor and his people had an- ticipated the erection of a school building as the base- ment of the Church was no longer suitable, although used for the purpose since that edifice was completed and, moreover, the accommodations for the increased number of children had become inadequate. A fund for the purpose had accumulated since the Churdi was out of debt. A suitable site for the school was offered in the old Seminary property, alluded to in the be- HOLY FAMILY PARISH, COLUMBUS 305 ginning of this sketch. As it was no longer probable that this property would again be used by the diocese, Rt. Rev. Henry Moeller, Bishop of the Diocese, for a consideration of $8,500, transferred it to the Holy Family parish, January 1, 1902. It was not until September, 1911, when ground was broken for the new school, but during the interval the parish was paying for the land and raising a fund for the builds ing. The foundation was laid and covered for the winter and spring. The cornerstone was laid by the Rt. Rev. Bishop on the 13th of September, 1912. The intention was to have as much of the building ready as possible by the following Spring. The structure had just been enclosed preparatory to completing a large part of the interior, when the disastrous flood of March, 1913 occurred, causing great damage to the Church basement school and delaying the work on the new building. The flood, the most noted in the history of Franklinton, almost ruined the parish, as scarcely a family escaped without serious loss, and in many in- stances the homes were entirely swept away. The de- struction of property discouraged large numbers and they removed to other parishes. It is estimated that over one hundred families thus left Holy Family not intending to return. Seven children and five adults of the parish were drowned whilst a number died in consequence of diseases contracted or exposure during the flood. The prospects were disheartening but the school was pushed on to completion in parts and the children after enduring the inconveniences of tihe basement in its flood-wrecked condition and hampered 206 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS school space in the Sisters residence, took possession of the handsome, commodious and up-to-date new school on March 25, 1914 — first anniversary of the fk)od, the Rt. Rev. Bishop having previously dedicated the building. The Sisters of St. Joseph from Ebens- burg and later from Baden, Pa., were in charge of the school from its foundation in 1877 to June 1912 with the exception of two years, 1883-84, when they were temporarily withdrawn. The Sisters of Mercy from Louisville, Kentucky, are now the teachers and have been since September 1912. A Commercial High School was opened in September 1917. The Sisters occupy their convent, built in 1887, at the rear of the Church, by the present pastor and who also en- larged the building in 1912 and 1917. Nine Sisters are engaged in teaching. CHAPTER XIV. ST. Dominic's parish. In the early spring of 1889 Rt. Rev. John Ambrose Watterson, D. D., Bishop of the Diocese of Columbus, being convinced of the necessity of a church and school in the northeastern section of the city, on the 9th of April secured a suitable site for such purposes on North Twentieth Street, aod on August 24th, ap- pointed Rev. Thomas J. O'Reilly to organize a new parish which was placed under the patronage of St. Dominic. Father O'Reilly had served as secretary to the Bishop since 1885 and he proceeded to carry out the task given him with energy and a full understanding of the Bishop's desires in the matter. Father O'Reilly sang the first Mass in the newly organized parish on Sunday, September 1st, 1889, in Benninghoff Hall, Twentieth Street and Hildreth Avenue. Rev. Hugh F. Lilly, O. P., the Dominican Missionary, who, at the time was Pastor of St. Pat- rick's Church, preached a notable sermon on the occa- sion. The Sisters of Notre Dame had donated an altar and other necessary furnishings for the Chapel. Bishop Watterson was an ardent defender of the parish school. In this he found an earnest disciple and follower in Father O'Reilly and hence it was that on the 9th day of September, 1889, St. Dominic's pa- 207 208 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS rochial school was opened under the guidance of the Sisters of St. Joseph. The church hall served the double purpose of church and school. This arrangement, the best under the existing conditions, meant much inconvenience and hairdship to Priest, teachers and pupils, all of whom willingly and cheerfully bore them in anticipa- tion of having their own school in the near future. At this time, September, 1889, the beautiful and com- modious public school building known as the Twenty- third Street School, situated on Mt. Vernon Avenue, with a twelve-room capacity, because of the sparsely settled territory, was only occupied to the extent of three rooms. Father O'Reilly, with a full understanding of the situation, and with possible consequences, petitioned the Board of Education for the use of three rooms for his pupils in the unused section of the building. To the honor of the Board of Education be it said, from the Honorable Benson Hedges, President, down to every member of the Board, the petition met with hearty approval and was unanimously granted. The incident caused a ripple of indignation and op- position on the part of some bigots, but it quickly died out, due in no small degree to the noble and public ut- terances of the distinguished Dr. Washington Glad- den, Congregational minister, who deplored the fact that in this age of enlightenment and civilization, and in the city of Columbus, there could be found a single soul opposed to this friendly and justifiable act of the Board of Education. ST. DOMINIC'S PARISH, COLUMBUS 309 Father O'Reilly enjoyed the use of the Twenty- third Street school building until the dedication of the commodious and substantial church and school-build- ing, February 2nd, 1881, when he vacated the Twenty- third Street school-building, having during his stay been accorded the kindliest courtesies and considera- tions by the Superintendent of school, Mr. J. A. Shawan, by the members of the Board of Education, and by the teachers of the building. With the complete establishmtnt of the school the progress of the parish was noticeable and steady. In 1896 a substantial and sufficiently commodious parsonage was erected on Twentieth Street, and in 1902 a beautiful convent of generous appointments, with chapel and two large class rooms, was erected on Devoise Street, west of the school building. An in- novation in the usual plan of convents was introduced in this structure. Abandoning the dormitory plan, individual rooms were provided for the Sisters, which, from a sanitary point of view alone, not considering other desirable features, far surpassed the old plan of construction of such buildings. A notable and valuable addition to the parish grounds was acquired in 1911, when ten lots of the Anderson estate were secured, making a total church property of twenty city lots, or two acres of choice land fronting on Twentieth, Devoise and Medill Streets. The hopes of the Pastor and people of the parish were realized in the dedication of the beautiful new church on Sunday, November 26th, 1916, when one of 210 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS the most beautiful churches in the Diocese, and as many put it, in the Middle West, was dedicated to the services of Almighty God. All the other parish buildings are of red pressed brick. The material used in the construction of the new church is the best grade of Bedford stone. In the Basilica style of architecture it is most beautiful in its chaste simplicity of design, and with its interior broken by majestic columns of polished granite, it lends it- self to piety and devotion. Its dedication was marked by the greatest solemnity. The Bishop of the Diocese, Rt. Rev. James J. Hartley, D. D., dedicated the church and celebrated the Pontificial Mass on the occasion. Rt. Rev. P. J. Muldoon, D. D., Bishop of Rockford, Illinois, preached a powerful sermon, and a large num- ber of priests, friends of the Pastor and parish, assist- ed in the ceremonies. In the evening at the vesp^er service the Bishop of Wheeling, West Virginia, Rt. Rev. P. J. Donahue, D. D., preached an impressive sermon. With the erection of the new church the parish is most complete in its organization, having church, school, rectory and convent, all buildings measuring up to the highest and best standards of architectural and sanitary requirements, and representing an out- lay of $140,000.00. In 1914, owing to a ruling made by the Bishop of Pittsburgh, recalling all Diocesan Sisters to their home Diocese, the Sisters of St. Joseph reluctantly with- drew from the teaching of the school, and the Sisters ST. FRANCIS' PARISH, COLUMBUS 211 of Charity of Nazareth, Ky., were fortunately se- cured to take charge of the school, and began their work in September, 1914. They have continued the good work begun by the Sisters of St. Joseph with most gratifying results, and now have a flourishing school numbering three hundred and twenty-tive children. ST. FRANCIS' PARISH, COLUMBUS. This parish was established June 12, 1892, by Rt. Rev. John Ambrose Watterson, who defined its terri- tory to be all that part of the parish of Sacred Heart which lay west of High Street, its north boundary to be Delaware County, its south the Pennsylvania Rail- road, its east. High Street to the limits of Franklin County, and its west the Scioto River. Its first and only pastor is Rev. Alphonsus M. Ley- den, former pastor of Toronto, Ohio, and its three missions. Bishop Watterson had already bought six lots on the northeast corner of Buttles and Harrison Aves., at a cost of $8,400, and an additional $2,047 for street paving. The first Mass was celebrated June 12, 1892, by the new pastor in presence of the Bishop and some two hundred persons, on the second floor of an abandoned Methodist Church, at the comer of Collins and Penn- sylvania Aves. September 1st, 1895, Bishop Watterson laid the cor- nerstone, and August 23, 1896, blessed the new Church 212 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS of St. Francis of Assisi, erected on the property al- ready described at a cost of $21,000. Mr. Patrick McAllister was the contractor, and Messrs. Yost and Packard drew the plans somewhat after those of a beautiful romanesque church in Northern. Italy. As the parishoners were then comparatively few and Co- lumbus Catholics paid little attention to parish lines, only ninety feet of the church was built at that time. Its full extension of an additional fifty feet should not be long delayed. In 1893 a brick parsonage was built east of the space reserved for the church. April 25, 1904. the two remaining lots on the block and a small brick resi- dence were bought for $4,664, thus extending the parish property to Delaware Avenue, and making it 140 feet by 320 feet, 3 inches. In 1906-7 a large, two- story, modern brick school building was erected. Mr. Riebel was the architect and Mr. Patrick Shanahan was the contractor. It cost $30,000. Under the two stories and eight class rooms it contains a large parish hall, 14 feet in height and provided with a stage and cloak rooms. September 9, 1907 the new school was opened with four Sisters of St. Dominic, teaching the first seven grades. At present seven Sisters of the same Order are teaching eight grades and 380 pupils, and have seen Th boys and 84 girls graduated under their care. In August, 1914, 614 square yards of 12 foot cement sidewalks were laid on Buttles and Harrison Aves., at a cost of $980. ST. FRANCIS' PARISH, COLUMBUS 213 In the twenty-four years of its existence the total parish income has been $310,425 and its expenditures $308,992. Its present debt is $11,200. The total cost of the property today is $75,000. In these days of war prices it would cost twice that sum. In 1902, Rt. Rev. Bishop Moeller acceding to the request of Rev. John B. Eis of Sacred Heart Church, returned to that parish that part of the territory of this parish which lies between High Street on the East and a zigzag line on the West formed by North Park Street to West First Ave., then by Dennison Ave. to King Ave., and then by Hunter Ave. to Eleventh Ave. When in 1905 the new parish of Holy Name was established, this parish again lost all the territory North of West Eleventh Ave., and the Ohio State University, and lying between High Street and the Olentangy River. In population the parish has grown from 753 to 1873 souls, and has a record of 1284 Baptisms, 941 First Communions, 953 Confirmations, 77 Converts, 437 Marriages and 645 Burials. Its population is by extraction 1410 Irish, 456 Ger- mans, 5 Lithuanians, 2 Poles. Its Confraternaties are: The Holy Name for men and boys ; the Sodalities of the married and the young ladies; the Children of Mary, and for everyone the League of the Sacred Heart. 214 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS ST. Peter's parish. On the Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul, 1895, Bishop Watterson administered the Sacrament of Confirma- tion at Sacred Heart Church. After confirmation Father Eis suggested to the Bishop that a new parish be estabHshed northeast of Columbus, just outside of the city limits; in a district then known by the names of Milo and Grogan; the inhabitants clustering around two Post Offices bearing these names. The Bishop approved the suggestion, and authorized Father Eis and his assistant. Father Ewing, to look out for suitable property. Eight lots were selected on New York Avenue, and the Bishop appointed Father Ewing to establish the new parish. The services of Mr. John W. Sweeney were engaged, and after six weeks negotiation; (dur- ing which the owners dropped from $500 to $333 a lot, or to two-thirds the appraisement made by the court for the DeVore estate) purchased the eight lots for $2^666.66 in his own name ; afterwards transferring the property to the Bishop. The purchase was com- pleted and one-third of the money turned over Novem- ber 14, 1895. Early in September of the same year Father Eis had, in view of the prospective parish, started a pri- mary school, consisting of first and second grades, in Benson's Hall, Milo, with Sister Anselma as teacher; the latter taking charge the following September of the same grades in St. Peter's School, which she is still teaching now, twenty-one years later. ST. PETER'S PARISH, COLUMBUS 215 David Riebel, the architect, prepared plans for a building 95 ft. long and 55 ft. wide ; with a good base- ment, six school rooms on the first floor and a large chapel above. The estimated cost of the building was $12,000; the actual cost was $9,000. Digging for the foundation was begun on the 11th of March, 1896, and completed on the 31st. The stone masons commenced their work on the first day of April, and the comer stone was laid on the 31st of May. Bishop Watterson laid the corner stone, assisted by the following priests: Rev. J. P. Vallely, O. P.; Rev. B. McFeeley, O. P.; Rev. J. D. Pendergast, O. P.; Rev. J. B. Eis; Rev. J. C. Gold- schmidt; Rev. C. R. Rhode; Rev. T. J. O'Reilly; Rev. A. M. Leyden; Rev. C. Watterson; Rev. B. Homey; Rev. C. Kessler; Rev. J. J. Schneider and Rev. H. Ewing. The Knights of St. John, the Knights of St. John's Cadets, and the Knights of St. George, headed by their band, marched to the church grounds and added to the solemnity by their presence. The Bishop preached a beautiful sermon, and there was a large at- tendance of both Catholics and non-Catholics. On the 8th of September St. Peter's School opened with an attendance of 155 children, which had in- creased a week later to 171. The church was dedi- cated on the 11th of October, exactly seven months after the digging of the foundation was begun. The Pastor resided in temporary quarters, fitted up in the school building, for the first three years; and three Sisters walked over from Sacred Heart every morning, to teach in the school. At the end of that 216 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS time a fourth teacher was appointed; and the Sisters, having expressed a desire to reside on the property, were given their choice between the school building and a rented residence near by. They chose the for- mer; in which additional rooms were fitted out for them, and Father Ewing moved into the residence. Three years later the owner of the house attempted to force the church to purchase it at a good round figure ; and in response, a pastor's residence was erected on the church property. It is a good two story brick, completed in September, 1900, at a cost of $2,700. About the middle of November, 1913, a Sister's Convent was completed without adding to the debt. It is a handsome and commodious building; the ex- terior being of buff and terra cotta brick, to match the school building; and cost $6,000. Additional land was purchased at intervals, and now (October, 1917), the church property includes twelve lots on New York Avenue, and ten on Fifth Avenue, besides a third of an acre without street frontage. The total cost of the land was $7,483.00. The entire property is now enclosed with an Osage Orange hedge on New York Avenue, an iron fence on Fifth Avenue, and cement walls along the alleys. The parish extends twelve miles north, and there are about 250 families in the parish ; with 280 children in the school. There are now six occupied school rooms, and six teachers, and Father Ewing is still pastor, and Sister Anselma is still teaching the little ones. It is twenty-one years since the Qiurch was dedicated. WESTERVILLE MISSION 317 WESTERVILLE MISSION. On the 22nd of May, 1913, Father Ewing went to Westerville and, with the Bishop's approval, rented a hall for a Sunday School. The Sunday School was opened at 10 a. m. on the 2Sth of May. On the 21st of September, the children having been sufficiently prepared, their confessions were heard; and the holy sacrifice of the Mass was offered for the first time m Westerville on the 28th, by Father Ewing. From that time until October, 1916, Mass was offered once a month and Sunday School was taught the intermedi- ate Sundays. Since the latter date, however, the peo- ple of Westerville have had Mass twice a month. The Mission includes about sixty souls, most of whom would have been lost to the faith, if it were not for the Mass and Sunday School. They have a nice little Chapel on the second floor of a business block, in the center of the town (No. 7j^ North State Street). Their altar is an old one from St. Patrick's and their pews some of the old ones from the Cathedral, re- stained and varnished. They pay $100 a year rent, and the Mission has, for the past year, been self-sup- porting. Father Ewing has been assisted on Sundays, for the past ten years, by Father A. Biebl of the Josephinum. Father Conrad Conrardy, of the same institution, has also assisted him at the Westerville Mission during the past year. Sunday School at the latter place was taught by James Gale, Ralph Kramer, Michael Fox, and Miss Cecelia Vogel, all of Columbus. i CHAPTER XV. ST. JOHN THE EVANGELIST PARISH, COLUMBUS. The Congregation of St. John the Evangelist, Co- lumbus, Ohio, was organized by Rev. S. P. Weisinger, the present pastor, who began his duties on January 13, 1898. The services for the new congregation con- sisting of 75 families, were held in the Chapel of the Josephinum on East Main St. for eighteen months, with the permission of Rt. Rev. Mgr. Joseph Jessing, Reotor of the Pontificial College Josephinum. In the meantime, the new St. John's Church, Ohio Ave., and pastoral residence were under construction. The corner stone of this handsome and commodious church edifice was laid by Rt. Rev. John A. Watter- son, July 3, 1898, and the Dedication was conducted by Rt. Rev. Mgr. F. X. Specht, on Sept. 24, 1899; the Diocese of Columbus being vacant on the death of Bishop Watterson, April 17, 1899. The pastoral residence was completed December 6, 1899. The school building with eight large class rooms and an auditorium was erected in 1905, and dedicated by Rt. Rev. J. J. Hartley, D. D., August 26, 1906. There are 400 pupils in the school under the care of Franciscan Sisters. There are 540 fam- ilies in the parish at present. The Sisters' Convent was erected in 1908. The value of the whole Church property is $200,000. Lo- 318 ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST PARISH, COLUMBUS 319 cated in a home-owning section of Columbus, much has been accomplished by St. John's Parish these twenty years. The assistant priests since September 14, 1912, up to the present time, were as follows : Rev. J. F. Doo- ley, one year; Rev. Michael Haas, from the Josephi- num, two years; Rev. George Gressel, two and one- half months ; Rev. J. J. Fagan, nine months ; Rev. J. F. Plunkett, from June 17, 1916, to the present time. Flourishing branches of the Holy Name Society, Holy Name Cadets, Ladies' Altar Society, Young La- dies' Sodality, Children of Mary, St. John's Court of Foresters, the Catholic Knig'hts of Ohio, the League of the Sacred Heart, and the Holy Guardian Angel's Society for boys and girls between seven and ten years of age, have long been associated with the spir- itual affairs of this parish. ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST PARISH, COLUMBUS. Rev. Alexander CesteUi was the first Italian priest called by Right Reverend John Ambrose Watterson in the year 1895 to take charge of the Italians of Columbus. He was a professor at the Josephinum College and a pious old man and full of energy. In the year 1896 he had already built the present church and residence all of brick. The church has a capacity of five hundred persons and the residence has eight rooms. From the records of the church it appears that the first baptism was administered to Francesco Pietro 220 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS Caito, on the 20th of December, 1896, and the first marriage, that of Mr. Charles Amicon and Miss Ma- ria Bova, on the 25th of aMrch, 1896. At that time the Italian congregation was very small and, we may say, poor. Notwithstanding all his energy, still there was a big debt to pay, and the receipts from the con- gregation were very small or at least inadequate. Father Cestelli was so discouraged that he gave up his work and left the Diocese. On March, 1901, Rev. Victor Sovilla took charge of the Church. He worked faithfully to pay the standing debt and in part succeeded. For the truth of this history, however, it is necessary to say that the poor priest was obliged to go from house to house to get the monthly offering of twenty-five cents or one dollar, winter and summer time. The Italian peo- ple were not used to this kind of business, because they never have paid a cent in the old country for the support of the church, the government taking care of almost everything. They are very generous when- ever they feel like it, but they are not used to any im- position in matter of money for the church. For this reason there were frequently troubles between the pastor and his people, which troubles increasing all the time with a Rossinian Crescendo, discouraged the pastor so much that in the year 1913 he went to Italy to stay. In August of the same year, the present pastor, Rev. Rocco Petrarca came to Columbus, invited' by the Right Reverend Bishop Hartley. He started at once to correct many misunderstandings. In four ST. LEO'S PARISH, COLUMBUS 221 years, not only has he paid the rest of the debt but has spent not less than $5,000 for repairs and em- bellishment of this church and at any time he needs to do anything, his congregation is always ready to an- swer with its financial support. Thanks to God, not only there is not a cent of debt on this Church but there is a very encouraging attend- ance at the services every Sunday. Unfortunately there is no school belonging to this Church and could not be, because the congregation being scattered all around the city and very distant from the church, would not like to send the children so far away, especially in winter. Some pious ladies, howeveer, teachers in the public schols, very kindly come every Wednesday to teach Catechism and pre- pare the children for first Communion and Confirma- tion. ST. leg's parish. In 1902, Bishop Moeller, now Archbishop of Cin- cinnati, appointed Rev. Charles F. Kessler, assistant pastor at the Cathedral, to organize a new parish in the south end, to be known as St. Leo's parish. The district was canvassed, and about 75 families were found living within the boundaries of the parish. In the Spring of 1903, a tract of land with 300 feet front- age on Handford Street was purchased for $4,200.00; work was imtnediately commenced on a combination Church and school building. On July 19th, the cornerstone was laid, and on December 13th of the same year, the first Mass was said. The building. 222 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS without any furnishing, cost $16,000.00. The fol- lowing year, the pastor's residence was built at a cost of $5,500.00. In 1904, school was opened with an enrollment of 150 childten. St. Leo's has the honor of starting the first free parochial school in the city. In 1905, the Sisters' residence was built at a cost of $5,400.00. In November of 1911, thirty feet of ground was purchased west of the Sis- ters' house for $750.00. On July 1, 1911, the parish was free of debt. The rapid growth of the parish soon necessitated the building of a church. Ground was broken for a new church May 16, 1915. The cor- nerstone was laid August 1st of the same year. The church was dedicated May 6, 1917. The church cost $61,115.00. Within three months after its comple- tion the church was free of debt. In 1917, the chapel was converted into school rooms, and the entire build- ing made fire-proof at a cost of $17,000.00. The school has eight large rooms and a hall. The Church has a seating capacity of 812. There are ten rooms in the Pastor's and ten rooms in the Sisters' residence. The building are all of buff vitrified brick. ST. THOMAS PARISH, EAST COLUMBUS. In the early days of the Church in Columbus Tay- lor's Station which is about two miles east of St. Thomas' Church had Mass at regular intervals. There were about fifteen families there, and the priests of St. Patrick's and the Cathedral attended to their spiritual needs. Several times an effort was made to ST. THOMAS' PARISH, EAST COLUMBUS 223 build a church, but the project never met with suc- cess. Besides the Catholics living at Taylor's Station, there were quite a number of Catholic farmers living in the vicinity, and the building of the Steel Plant at Rarieville, now East Columbus, brought a few more. On May 26, 1900, Rev. Andrew J. Johnson, who had been pastor of St. Joseph's, Licking County, took up the work of gathering together these families and es- tablishing a parish under the patronage of St Thomas the Apostle. The first efforts of the new congrega- tion were towards the erection of a suitable Church. In the meantime services were held in the public school. The altar used for these services had to be carried to the school on Saturday evening and back again to the home of one of the members of the par- ish on Sunday afternoon. In 1901 Mr. Thomas D. Cassady donated a piece of ground 200 by 330 feet at the northwest corner of Fifth and Cassady Avenues. Immediate preparations were made for building the Church. Plans were made for a small brick church of Gothic architecture. The building was started and the work went on rapidly. The cornerstone was laid on April 6, 1902. The work was completed during the summer and on Aug- ust 10th, the same year, it was dedicated by Bishop Moeller, assisted by the pastor. Father Johnson and the following clergy: Rev. Albert Reinhart, O. P. ; Rev. J. D. Pendergast, O. P. ; Rev. Lucas Rath, C. P. P. S. ; Rev. R. A. McEachen and Rev. D. P. Quailey. The choir from St. Patrick's Church sand the Mass 234 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS for the occasion, and two companies of the uniformed Knights of St. John and the Hibernian Rifles acted as an escort to the Bishop. The day was a happy one for the little congregation which now possessed a Church of its own. There was still no parish house for the priest, and Father Johnson lived for a time at St. Mary's of the Springs and later at the home of Mr. Thomas D. Cas- sady which was near the Church. The next effort then was to provide a suitable home for the pastor. Plans were made and work begun on the new house in the latter part of 1903 and it was finished and ready for occupancy in 1904. During the past few years many immigrants have moved into East Columbus — ^principally Poles, Slavs, Bohemians and Hungarians — and now nearly one-half of the parish is made up of these. In the Summer of 1913, Father Johnson's health began to fail, and it was necessary to have another priest supply his place most of the time. He cele- brated Mass for the last time on the Feast of the Im- maculate Conception, December 8, 1915. He died at Mt. Carmel Hospital a little more than a year later, December 15, 1916. His funeral was held from St. Thomas Church on Monday, December 18th, Rev. T. J. O'Reilly, Pastor of St. Dominic's Church cele- brated the Mass of Requiem, assisted by Rev. C. J. Norris as Deacon and Rev. J. B. Hughes, O. P., as Sub-deacon. There were forty-two priests present to pay their last tribute of respect to their deceased brother priest. The Rt. Rev. Bishop was present in ST. THOMAS' PARISH, EAST COLUMBUS 235 the Sanctuary, and after the Mass gave the last abso- lutions. Father Johnson's body was taken to Brook- lyn, N. Y. — which was his former home — and interred in Holy Cross Cemetery there. Rev. John H. O'Neil was appointed pastor of St. Thomas Church on June 23, 1916, and immediately took charge of the parish. Since the Fall of 1916 the Dominican Sisters from St. Mary's of the Springs have had charge of the Sunday School. There are 168 children of school age in the parish, and it is the hope of both pastor and people that they will soon be able to build a Catholic School for these children. Since the establishment of the parish there have been 379 baptisms, 63 marriages and 72 funerals. There are at present 703 persons belonging to the parish. CHAPTER XVI. HOLY NAME PARISH, COLUMBUS. Although Holy Name is one of the recently formed parishes, it is of more than usual interest, both on ac- count of the fact that it contains within its limits our big State University, and also on account of its un- usual growth; thirty-eight to over three hundred fam- ilies; built up and entirely paid for a property worth over one hundred thousand dollars, and at the end of ten years started another parish on its Northern boun- dary. The facts of any historical value connected with Holy Name may be briefly stated as follows : On May 3, 1905, Rt. Rev. James J. Hartley, Bishop of Colum- bus, appointed Rev. William McDermott to form a new parish in the north end of the city, beginning at 11th avenue and taking in everything north. The next step to take was to secure a suitable site, and two days later eighteen lots on East Patterson Av- enue were purchased for $3000. Later on there was a little mortgage turned up unexpectedly. This, to- gether with back taxes brought the full amount we paid for our lots to $3500.00. Father McDermott rented a house at the comer of High and Patterson, where he would live during the building of the Church and residence. He also rented 226 HOLY NAME PARISH, COLUMBUS 3ar a large room or hall over a hardware store on North High street near Hudson. Having sufficiently advertised the formation and the opening date of the new parish, on June 4, 1905, the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass was ofifered up for the first time in the north end in a dingy little hall before a congregation of seventeen souls. On this occasion Father McDermott preached a sermon on "The Church of God, the Pillar and ground of Truth." He then announced that the Rt. Rev. Bishop had decided to give to the new Church the title of the Holy Name of Jesus. Such was the beginning of Holy Name Parish. On the next Sunday there were 51 in the Congregation, or three times as many as on the first Sunday, and since then the growth has been truly remarkable. In regard to the building, the plan adopted and fully ap- proved by the Rt. Rev. Bishop was to put up a com- bination building with the school, with ceilings 11 ft. high on the first floor and the Church with ceilings 19 ft. high on the second. Dauben and Ryan were the architects and P. McAllister, contractor. Ground was broken for the new structure on July 3, 1905, and on August 20, the cornerstone was laid by Rt. Rev. J. J. Hartley in the presence of nearly all the city Clergy, the Hibernian Rifles, Knights of St. John and an immense concourse of people. At the suggestion of the Rt. Rev. Bishop, the pas- tor now commenced a very neat and substantial resi- dence which was finished almost as soon as the Church. The building now progressed so rapidly that it was 228 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS entirely finished by January 28, 1906, on which day the Rt. Rev. Bishop dedicated it to the honor and glory of God. The question of a school next claimed attention which was soon opened with the Dominican Sisters in <:harge on Septmeber 4, 1906, with 52 children on the roll. The first Sisters in charge were Sisters Ambrose, Hilda, Sebastian and Benigna. Our school today has 6 Sisters and 204 children on the roll. In the fall of 1906, Father McDermott organized for the Catholics attending the Ohio State University, Tvhich is situated in Holy Name Parish, "The New- man Club," which in numbers and influence is known far and wide, and highly respected by all classes at the big State School. The property which cost in round numbtrs $43,000, was entirely paid for at the beginning of 1916. In making this announcement the Pastor remarked that there was one thing needed badly and that was a new convent which would cost $11,000.00. In less than five months the entire amount was guaranteed. The "beautiful convent cost $11,600.00 and was finished and entirely paid for in one year. The people of Holy Name point with a pardonable pride to the fact that a new parish — ^The Immaculate Conception — was started from Holy Name when the parish was not quite ten years old. Holy Name made a valuable addition to its prop- erty on Jan. 2, 1917, when we bought a very fine, sub- stantial house just east of and adjoining the Rectory lawn to be used for a church sexton, for the sum of HOLY ROSARY PARISH, COLUMBUS 229 $2700.00. This greatly enhances the value of our property, for our Church property would not be com- plete without it. We have now in our parish 365 fam- ilies, or in all 1,327 members. Since the parish started we have had 110 marriages, 425 baptisms and 59 deaths. Our property is worth at least one hundred thousand dollars. The parish is not only entirely out of debt, but has a nice fund for a new church which, it is to be hoped will be fully in keeping with the past record of Holy Name. HOLY ROSARY PARISH, COLUMBUS. On May 5, 1905, Rev. Francis W. Howard was ap- pointed to take charge of a new parish in the city of Columbus, to be known as The Church of the Holy Rosary, and the location to be at Main Street and Seymour Avenue. The district designated for the new parish comprised the territory of the city east of Wilson and Linwood Avenues, and lying between Broad Street on the north, and Livingston Avenue on the south. Many of the Catholics living in this dis^ trict had heretofore attended services at the Chapel of St. Vincent's Orphan Asylum. In anticipation of the organization of a new parish, a fund of nineteen hundred dollars had been collected before the parish was established and the first pastor appointed. A census of the district showed sixty-four Catholic fam- ilies, and sixty children of school age living in the lim- its on July 1, 1905. Meetings were held and various committees ap- 230 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS pointed to undertake the new work. Arrangements were made to erect a building that would eventually be exclusively devoted to parish school purposes, but would also serve for a church until such time as the congregation should be able to erect a new one. On July 26, 1905, at a social given on the new par- ish grounds, the first sod was turned. The corner- stone of the school was laid on Sunday, October 1, 1905, and on March 25, 1906, the building was dedi- cated and Mass was celebrated in it for the first time by Bishop Hartley. The school is a brick structure of three stories, being one hundred and three feet long, and fifty-eight feet wide. The parish school was opened on September 8, 1906. The Sisters of St. Francis were in charge, and Sister Annunciata of this community was the first directress of the school. She remained in charge for several years, and with the other Sisters labored most zeal- ously to establish the work of Catholic education in the parish on a solid foundation. In the year 1910 the parishioners began to think of the work of erecting a new church. Many plans were considered and in 1913 the pastor, with the permission of the Bishop, began the work. On Sunday after- noon, April 13, 1913, the feast of the patronage of St. Joseph, Father Howard, assisted by Father Vassal, and Father Kavanagh of New Orleans, turned the first sod for the new church in the presence of a large gathering of people. Work was not actually begun until November, 1913. The cornerstone was laid on March 24, 1914, and on February 2, 1916, the church ST. ALOYSIUS PARISH, COLUMBUS 231 was dedicated by Bishop Hartley, and the first Mass in the new church was celebrated by Father Howard. Regular services in the church began on February 27th of that year. The new church is a structure one hundred and ninety-three feet long and sixty-five feet wide in the nave, with a chapel, the dimensions of which are sijrty by thirty feet. The exterior is plain, early North Ital- ian style; while the interior is thirteenth century Re- naissance. Mr. Harvey H. Heistand is the architect of the church. At the present time, 1917, the parish numbers about two hundred and sixty families, with an enrollment of two hundred and forty children in the school, and a Catholic population of twelve hundred souls. ST. ALOYSIUS PARISH, COLUMBUS. In the year 1905, Rt. Rev. Bishop Hartley ap- appointed Rev. J. J. Cahalan, pastor of the new parish of St. Aloysius, having purchased lots upon which to build, between Midland and Clarendon Avenues, on Broad Street, extending South one hundred and fifty feet. The Eastern boundary line was then at Central Ave., and the parish extended West beyond the city limits. The territory was large, but the number of Catholic families small, being about thirty-five. The first Mass for the congregation was celebrated by the Pastor, Rev. J. J. Cahalan, Sunday, August, 1906, at 9 o'clock a. m., in the room West of Clarendon Ave., now occu- 232 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS pied by Marshall's grocery. The cornerstone of the new combination school, church and rectory, was laid in October, 1906. Father Cahalan started with a debt of $6000.00 on the lots, in addition to the debt for the entire building. He had a hard struggle even to meet the interest, in the early days of the parish. The school has four rooms, and the church seats about four hundred and fifty. Father Cahalan re- signed April 1, 1910. At this time, the parish boundary was extended East from Central Avenue to the Baltimore & Ohio Rail- road tracks to increase the number of Catholics in the parish, and to lighten the burden of each member. Rev. R. E. Schwartz, pastor of St. Patrick's Church, Buchtel, Ohio, was appointed Pastor of St. Aloysius, April 7, 1910, to succeed Father Cahalan. He took charge April 14, 1910. At this time, the entire indebtedness of the parish was a little over $27,200.00, property valued at about $30,000.00. There has been a gradual development of the parish and a corresponding reduction of the in- debtedness. The present debt (October 3, 1917), of the parish, is $7850.00, and the number of families about one hundred and seventy-five, and the number of children in school, about one hundred and eighty. Four Sisters of Notre Dame teach the children. The school will soon be too small. The first child baptized in the new parish, was Aloy- sius Meyers ; the first marriage, William Schwarz and Olivia Brown; the first funeral was that of Patrick ST. LADISLAUS' PARISH, COLUMBUS 333 Gallagher. Up to October 1, 1917, there were three hundred and fifty-three baptisms, of which forty-five were converts. The number of first communicants, three hundred and forty-seven; the number of confir- mations, two hundred and sixty-seven; the number of weddings, ninety-seven ; the number of deaths, ninety- nine adults and twenty children. We have the following societies and confraternities established in the parish; The Holy Name Society, Christian Mothers Sodality, The Children of Mary, and the League of the Sacred Heart. Our parish combination building is only temporary. We hope to have more substantial, permanent buildings in the future to take care of the coming needs of the parish of St. Aloysius. ST. LADISLAUS' PARISH, COLUMBUS. The beginning of this parish dates back to the year 1908. Although the lots for the prospective parish were bought on the 11th of October, 1907, the real or- ganization began only in April, 1908. At that time the Rev. Robert Paulovics, pastor of Sacred Heart Church, Dillonville, Ohio, was appointed by the Rt. Rev. Bishop to organize a Hungarian parish in this city. Making his home at St. Anthony's Hospital, Father Paulovics said the first Mass for his people on the 19th of April of that year in the basement of St. Leo's Church. The six lots which were bought for the parish the 234 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS previous year, each being 32 feet wide and 150 feet deep, cost $1,600.00 and were located on Reeb Avenue and Eighth Street. About the beginning of Septem- ber the cornerstone for the new church was blessed by Father Paulovics with the assistance of the Revs. Anthony Domm, Edmund Burkley and Michael Sullivan, the pastor himself giving the sermon for the occasion. The church which is a frame structure of 75 feet long and 36 feet wide was built by the Jones-McVey Co., of this city and after being com- pleted was dedicated by the Rt. Rev. James J. Hartley, D. D., on the 22d of November, 1908, Father Paulovics singing the Mass and Rev. Charles Som- mer, pastor of Sacred Heart Church, Dayton, Ohio, preaching the festival sermon. Among the clergy the following were present on this occasion: Revs. John H. O'Neil, John Seuffert, D. D., John J. Murphy, Ed- mund Burkley, Michael Sullivan, Joseph Och and sev- eral others. Through the courtesy of Rt. Rev. Mgr. Francis X. Specht the choir of St. Mary's Church sang during the Mass. There were also several Hungarian societies present from different cities of the state. The main altar of the Church was donated by Mr. Bernard Smith of Columbus. When work was begun on the church. Father Paul- ovics found it necessary to leave St. Anthony's Hos- pital and rent a house near the church property, that living among his people he might be able to take proper care of them and to supervise the work on the new church. After staying with his people for more than a yeair he left the parish and the Diocese about the ST. LADISLAUS' PARISH, COLUMBUS 335 10th of August, 1909. Rev. John H. O'Neil, Sec- retary of the Rt. Rev. Bishop, succeeded Fr. Paulovics as temporary pastor till the 19th of September, 1909. On that day. Rev. Maxmilian J. Pivetz, the present pastor, was ordained priest, appointed pastor and after saying his first Mass in this church, took charge of the parish on the 20th of September, 1909. In September, 1911, ground was broken for the new parish house, which was built by Edward & Charles Lang, Contractors, for the sum of $2050.00, the Rt. Rev. Bishop donating $1000.00 towards it. The house is a two-story, six-room frame building, 26 feet long and 24 feet wide and was occupied on the 13th of De- cember, 1911. On the 8th of March, 1916, a six-room dwelling house and lot, adjoining the church property were bought for $2340.00, with the intention of using it for a Sisters' house later on. August the 12th two Ursu- line Sisters came and the parish having no school, taught the children Catechism. In the middle of Sep- tember work was begun on a one story frame school building, 60 feet long and 30 feet wide, divided in two rooms, and completed in the middle of December. The cost of this building was $2,800.00, which sum was practically all paid by the Rt. Rev. Bishop. At the same time an addition was built to the Sisters' house in order to make it suitable for a chapel. This was dedicated in honor of St. Elizabeth of Hungary on the 28th of December, 1916, and on the same day Mass was said there for the first time. 236 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS The following year on the 29th of January^ school was opened with the four lower grades and an en- rollment of 72 children, four Ursuline Sisters teaching them. ST. CYPRIAN^S CHURCH AND SCHOOL, COLUMBUS. In 1912 the present site of St. Cyprian's Church was purchased to make provision for the spiritual wants of the colored population of the city of Coliun- bus. After purchasing the ground the Bishop asked Mother Katherine, who founded the Order of the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, if she would send Sisters to take charge of the School when built. She very kindly agreed to do so. A neat combination building with two large school rooms, and a beautiful chapel — seating about 250 — was erected immediately. Mother Katherine built and paid for the Sisters' Con- vent. In September the school was opened with 28 pupils — all non-Catholics. In the entire city there were only two or three Catholics among the colored people. The work was of a purely apostoUc character — an unselfish effort to try and do something to bring the faith to these neglected people. Success comes slow but sure. The first year some few converts were made. In 1914 a second building was erected adding three school rooms, a beautiful hall for entertainments and amusements, and a most spacious basement. The three buildings are very neat and complete in every IMMACULATE CONCEPTION PARISH, COL. 33r way. They were entirely paid for by those who have a deep interest and sympathy in the work. At present there are 115 pupils in the school — nearly all of whom are non-Catholics. There are 96 Catholics in all who belong to the parish — of this num- ber nearly all are converts who have been received into the Church since St. Cyprian's was established. IMMACULATE CONCEPTION PARISH, COLUMBUS. To provide for the spiritual wants of the people in the growing North End of the city of Columbus, Rt. Rev. Bishop Hartley decided, in the Fall of 1915, to form a new parish in that section. The district North of Arcadia Ave. to the Franklin County boundary line was established as the terrftory to be included. Property on North Broadway, 380 ft. front and 235 ft. deep, was purchased for $5479.50. December 8, Rev. C. J. Norris, Assistant Pastor of the Cathedral, was appointed pastor and the parish placed under the patronage of the Immaculate Con- ception. In September, 1916, it was decided to erect the tem- porary Chapel in which services are now held. The building is a frame structure, 60 by 30, and was built by C. L. MacEachen, contractor, for the sum of $2,000. The Rt. Rev. Bishop assisted by a large num- ber of the clergy, dedicated the Chapel on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. At this time the handsome home of W. L. Pennock 238 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS adjoining the Church property was secured for a Rec- tory at the price of $10,750.00. In Oct., 1917, Rev. C. J. Norris resigned as Pastor to accept a commission as chaplain in the Army and Rev. John J. Murphy was appointed his successor. CHAPTER XVII. STEUBENVILLE. Steubenville is one of the oldest towns in the State, and some few Catholics were found among the first settlers. As the population grew, the number of Cath- olics increased taking a most active part in the growth and prosperity of the community. The old settlers were splendid types of that sturdy Catholic faith that came over the sea with the Irish and German immi- grants seeking a new home in the promising land of the West. They were always noted for their devotion to the Church and the parish school. Their love for these has become traditional, and lives today in the hearts of their descendants. With them nothing was too good for God and His Church — no sacrifice was too great for them to give proof of that love. Their gen- erosity in giving of their hard earned means to every work the priest placed before them — their love and reverence for the priest who served them at the Altar of God — for the Sisters who taught their children in the parish school — have always been remarkable and most praiseworthy. God has blessed them for this kind of love and generosity in many ways — not the least of which is that solid spirit of faith and piety that keeps them close to Him — and brings them crowd- 239 240 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS ing around His Altar with love and confidence seeking His mercy and protection. ST. Peter's parish, steubenville. The History of St. Peter's parish, Steubenville, is the history of Catholicity in the upper Ohio Valley for nearly fifty years. A Church build- ing was not erected till 1832, but long before this date, representatives of the Catholic Church im- pressed themselves on the community in and around Steubenville. The earliest among these of which there is any record was a Mr. Tiernan, who was a farmer and whose two sons John and Michael subsequently be- came influential merchants of Steubenville. A Mr. Sullivan, who was a man of wealth, culture and re- finement and others whose names have not been handed down, were here to welcome Mr.JohnRodgers, who came to Steubenville in 1792. Mr. Rodgers, like the foregoing, was a thorough Catholic and splendid business man. Though the nearest church in these early days was in Pittsburg, these good men kept the spirit of religion alive in the valley. Mr. John Tier- nan, finding it necessary to defend the Church against the misrepresentations of bigotry, wrote a little book in defense of the Church. With such representative laymen on the ground, it was not hard for the mission- aries who visited Steubenville from time to time, to keep the spirit of Catholicity alive among them. Among these missionaries, the first recorded was Rev. Father O'Brien and Rev. Father McGuire. These , ST. PETER'S PARISH, STEUBENVILLE 241 zealous, hard working priests visited tlie scattered members of their flock all along the Ohio Valley, go- ing from house to house, administering the Sacrament of Baptism and saying Mass and preaching wherever they could get enough people together. So vigilant and painstaking were they in looking after the wants of their difificult and arduous charge that scarcely any one died without the consolations of religion, nor was laid away without the last blessing of the Church. This condition of things continued till about 1830, by which time the Catholics became strong enough to build a Church. Father McGrady, O. P., an Irish missionary of great talent and tireless energy, under- took the work and erected St. Pius Church, a little brick structure on the corner of 4th and Logan Streets, where the present magnificent stone structure stands. This was completed in 1832. Father McGrady was succeeded by Father Conlan in 1835. For thirteen years Steubenville continued to be a mission attended twice a month from Hanover, Columbiana County, and was not considered strong enough to warrant the pres- ence of a permanent pastor till 1845, at which time the Rev. Father Kearney became the first resident pastor of the Steubenville Congregation. It is but justice however, to observe in this connection that the Dom- inican Fathers from St. Joseph's, Perry County, were frequent visitors to Steubenville during the mission- ary period, and these rugged and zealous missionaries contributed very materially to keep the faith burning in the hearts of the early settlers. Father Kearney and Father O'Farrell preceded 243 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS Father Emmanuel Thienpont, who took charge of the Steubenville parish in December, 1850. During his pastorate the congregation grew rapidly. The open- ing of the Pennsylvania railroad brought a large number of Catholics to this section. The little St. Pius edifice was soon found to be inadequate to their growing needs and in 1853 it was replaced by a larger building which supplied the double purpose of church and school for fifty years. The new church was called St. Peter's, the name of St. Pius disappearing with the first structure which bore this name. It would not be fair to the truth even in the most condensed history to permit the name of this sturdy pioneer of Catholicity, Father Thienpont, to pass without complimentary notice. He was a Belgian by birth, a man of powerful physique, scolarly, indus- trious and indefatigable. He covered more territory in his parochial visitations, and baptized more childi'en diuring some years of his pastorate than do all the priests in Steubenville today. He died in Logan in the early seventies bequeathing to the Diocese an estate that puts it under everlasting obligations to his memory. Rev. W. T. Biglow succeeded Father Theinpont here in 1865. His pastorate lasting only five years was marked by great improvements in building and the opening of the Catholic School under the charge of the Sisters of Charity. The following served as pastors during the years that elapsed after the close of Father Biglow's pas- torate: Fathers J. A. Murray, H. B. Dues, B. Wis- HOLY NAME PARISH, STEUBENVILLE 243 man, M. M. A. Hartnedy, and the present pastor, Rev. Thomas A. Powers. To the energy and indefatigable efforts of Father Powers is due the erection of the present beautiful St. Peter's Church. Father Powers took charge of the parish in 1904, and in less than two years- later the cornerstone was laid and the Church was dedicated in the winter of 1907. It was erected at a cost of $110,000. In connection with the building of the new Church was the notable money- raising campaign which took place three years later to liquidate the debt, when forty thousand dollars was raised in forty weeks. This record, when we take the size and poverty of the congregation into considera- tion, is liable to stand for all time. In 1911 ground was procured and the present elegant eight room school was built, which, taken in conjunction with some other little improvements, completed aiU that was necessary to the requirements of a modern parish. The parish contains over 350 families, and a flourish- ing school with an enrollment of about 400 children in charge of the Dominican Sisters. HOLY NAME PARISH, STEUBENVILLE. The foundation of Holy Name Parish was laid on August 25, 1883, when the Rev. M. A. Hartnedy, then pastor of St. Peter's Church, Steubenville, purchased five lotSi on the corner of Slack and South Fifth Sts. from I. Welday Grey for the sum of $5,600. An old mansion, well preserved, erected in 1830, still occu- pied) the lots. 244 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS Preparations were at once made to convert some of the apartments of this mansion into school rooms, and in the second week of September of the same year, Holy Name school was opened with two Dom- inican Sisters coming daily from St. Peter's school to teach the children. In the spring of 1885 a temporary frame Church was erected by Father Hartnedy, the Contractors being Burke & Mulcahey, of Steubenville. The new Church was blessed by Father Hartnedy, who also celebrated the first Mass in it on July 19th. At this first Mass Rev. Jas. J. Hartley, then assistant at St. Peter's and Father Alexander, C. P., were dea- con and subdeacon. Holy Name Church was ready now to assume the responsibilities of an independent parish, and consequently on August 6, 1885, Bishop Watterson appointed Rev. James- J. Hartley the first pastor ofimhe new church. The parish numbered about 250 families. The new pastor set to work at once, purchasing an- other adjoining lot with a frame house to serve as a residence for the Sisters, fitting up the unoccupied por- tion of the old Grey mansion into quarters for the pas- tor and arranging to liquidate the debt now amounting to about $11,000. A big bazaar was held and the en- tire debt was wiped out. Unhampered now by finan- cial worries he applied himself to thoroughly organize the parish and the school adding a High School in September, 1889. The time intervening between this and the erection of the present building was spent in perfecting the organization of the parish and gradu- HOLY NAME PARISH, STEUBENVILLE 245 ally establishing a building fund for the new perman- ent church. On July 20, 1898, just thirteen years since the first Mass had been said in Holy Name Church, the pastor announced to the people his intention of building a new church. At that time he had something over $2000 in cash, contributed mostly in pennies and nickels and dimes by school children and others. The people of the parish responded immediately with generous sub- scriptions — one year was given in which to make pay- ment. Thereafter the money came in weekly and monthly installments. To the credit of all concerned, be it said — it came regularly and faithfully — with many heroic sacrifices, too — until the work was finished. On the 25th day of March, 1899, ground was broken for the new church. On June 11th, the cornerstone was laid by Very Rev. F. X. Specht, administrator of the diocese — Bishop Watterson having died the pre- vious April. The work was rapidly pushed along without cessation, and on October 14, 1900, the Feast of the Maternity of the Blessed Virgin, Rt. Rev. Henry Moeller, our new Bishop — solemnly consecrated it to the honor of" God — under the special invocation of the Most Holy Name of Jesus Christ. The building is 130 feet long, 56 feet wide, and the widest part at the transepts is 73 feet. The main tower is 140 feet high, the smaller one, 105 feet. The seating capacity of the church is about 700. It contains five beautiful marble altars, a baptistry with marble bap- tismal font in the smaller tower, an excellent peal of bells in the main tower, a splendid pipe'lorgan with 346 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS echo effect, and Sacred vessels and vestments to suit. Among the vestments is a complete gold set known as the angelic set of vestments, and agreed to be the last word on vestment making. The artistic stained glass windows represent the twelve apostles and the four evangelists, besides the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Mary in the sanctuary and a large group of the Annunciation and Resurrection in the transepts. The building of the new Holy Name Church has been unique in many ways. It was built by subscrip- tions and donations voluntarily offered to the pastor. These subscriptions were given almost exclusively by members of the congreg'ation. Ten Catholic and nine non-Catholic friends gave donations. One hundred and thirty families did the rest. No money was borrowed — no interest paid — no so- licitation outside of the Parish — no begging — no fairs or festivals to annoy business people. The pastor laid the work before the parishioners, suggested the man- ner of procedure. From time to time he stated from the altar on Sunday what was wanted, and the gener- ous and devoted flock never failed to respond. During the year and a half that immediately fol- lowed the consecration of the new church the people were permitted to recover somewhat from the strain under which they had been laboring while occupied with the erection of the church. In due time the necessity of a new school forced it- self upon them. Plans were matured and subscrip- tions called for, and by March 25, 1903, matters had HOLY NAME PARISH, STEUBENVILLE 247 suflficiently progressed to break ground for the new school. The children prepared and sung a beautiful High Mass in honor of the feast day. After Mass a proces- sion was formed and the entire congregation marched in order to the Sisters' residence. The Litany of the Saints was sung, and the pick and shovel soon broke the soil, and another great work in the Parish was be- gun under the blessing of God. As the pastor turned the first sod little Agnes Nolan stepped up and gave a ten-dollar gold piece to him — the offering of the pri- mary room. Then came Robert McCrystal with a like offering from the intermediate room, followed by the Grammar and High School children. Rev. Father Too- hey, an old friend and former pastor in Steubenville, threw off his coat and began to dig with a true Mile- sian swing of the pick and shovel, followed by Father Quailey. Then the children all took a hand and soon a very respectable opening in the ground proclaimed the work well begun. The old buildings were torn down and soon the familiar ring of the stone mason's chisel, the brick layer's trowel, the carpenter's hammer, sounded like music to the ear as the stately structure began to assume its graceful and majestic proportions. On Sunday, June 21st, the corner stone of the new school was laid by Rt. Rev. Monsignor Specht, Ad- ministrator of the Diocese. All the Catholic Societies formed in procession, and after traveling over the line of march, gathered with an immense concourse of peo- ple around the site of the new building, where the im- pressive ceremonies were carried out by the visiting 348 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS priests. At the conclusion of the ceremonies Rev. L. W. Mulhane, of Mt. Vernon, gave a brilliant ora- tion on Catholic education and the Parochial school. The school is a large building containing six spa- cious school rooms and a fine auditorium. Connected with the building is the Sisters' Convent with individ- ual rooms for the Sisters. The entire building was erected at a cost of $36,000.00 The plans were de- signed by Mr. Ginther of Akron, the man who de- signed the Church. The contract was carried out by the firm of Mulcahey & Fitzimmons of Steubenville. When the School was under erection Father Hartley was appointed Bishop of Columbus in succession to Bishop Moeller who was made Coadjutor Archbishop of Cincinnati. On March 21, 1904, Father Weigand, the new pas- tor, took charge of the Parish. His first official act consisted in celebrating High Mass and blessing the Palm on Palm Sunday. As the school building was about all completed, prep- arations were at once made for its dedication. On Low Sunday, April 10th, after the solemn High Mass, Bishop Hartley for the first time administered the Sacrament of Confirmation to the children he had him- self helped to prepare. On the afternoon of the same day, after solemn Vespers, the Bishop preached an elo- quent sermon on Christian education, after which the children in procession conducted the Bishop and clergy to the school buflding, and the same was solemnly ded- icated to the noble work of Catholic education. The day after the dedication of the new school was HOLY NAME PARISH, STEUBENVILLE 249 one of general rejoicing. All the children were in at- tendance to help move from the basement of the church where school had been conducted during the time the new building was in course of construction. The cheerful new quarters infused new life and energy into the hearts of our little folks. Only four of the six rooms were needed for the immediate accommoda- tion of our children. We felt that now the Parish was well equipped with school room for many years to come. However, when school opened the following September it was found necessary to open up a fifth room and employ an additional teacher. Two years later the sixth room was pressed into service. Two additional rooms had to be provided since, making in all eight rooms. Our school has at present an at- tendance of over four hundred children. The school is now in excellent condition, all the rooms are well graded, and perfectly equipped with most modern aids for educational purposes. In addi- tion to the elementary school we are conducting a well equipped High School, divided into two departments: The first, the regular High School course of four years ; the second, a commercial course which may be taken up by pupils after they have completed the sec- ond or Sophomore grade of the High School. Nothing more was needed for the material comple- tion of Holy Name Parish than a suitable residence for the priests. Preparations were begun for this final ef- fort on the Feast of the Holy Name, 1906. So gen- erously and freely did the subscriptions come in that by March 25 of the same year we were able to break 250 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS ground for the new home. The plans were designed by the same architect who had designed the Church and school, and the contract was given to Mr. Jas. Coyne, a man of our parish. About one year from the time work was begun the building was ready for occu- pancy. The residence is an elegant brick building de- signed to harmonize with the remaining parish build- ings. It has eighteen spacious rooms. The floors and other woodwork are of quarter sawed oak. The cost of the residence was $14,775. Holy Name Parish has given six priests to the Church within the past twelve years. The first boy of the parish to be ordained priest was the Rev. James P. Aldrid'ge, O. P. Next came Rev. John Murphy, who was ordained by Bishop Hartley in Holy Name Church on June 7, 1908. He is now pastor of Immaculate Con- ception Church, Columbus. The next to be raised to the priesthood were Rev. Thomas Nolan, assistant at the Cathedral, Columbus, Rev. Michael Shea of the Diocese of Galveston, Texas, Rev. M. Urbanos of the Diocese of Erie, Pa., and Rev. Stephen Yantko, pas- tor of Murray, Ohio. There are at present three young men of the parish in the seminary. Seven young ladies of the parish joined Sisterhoods of various communities. In 1910 the parish observed the 25th anniversary of the foundation. Special preparations had been made for about one year in advance, for a fitting celebration. The church was newly frescoed at a cost of $5000. The splendid new pipe organ now in the church was then purchased at a cost of $4500; and the four new HOLY NAME PARISH, STEUBENVILLE 251 marble side altars were placed in position and conse- crated, at the same time at a cost of $6200. All the improvements were paid for and the parish is free of debt. The jubilee celebration itself was held on the second Sunday of October, the anniversary of the concra- tion of the church. Bishop Hartley pontificated and also preached the sermon, as no one could do it better, since he had been the founder of the parish. On the Monday after, the Bishop celebrated another pontifical Mass for the deceased members of Holy Name parish and on the following day a general reunion of the people was held in the school auditorium. On the afternon of the Sunday, a large Holy Name parade was held in which all the clergy and people of the city participated. About 2500 men took part in this pa- rade. The following priests have served as assistants in Holy Name Parish : Rev. David Quailey, Rev. Denis Dunne, Rev. John Byrne, Rev. Michael Sullivan, Rev. John Quaelly and the present Rev. Anthony Tague. Holy Name Parish has a good senior and junior Holy Name Society, Altar Society and Blessed Vir- gin Sodality. The membership of Holy Name parish at the present time numbers about 306 English speak- ing families, 36 Magyar families, 17 Slovak families and 12 Lithuanian families with a total membership of about 1648 souls. The following have served at various times on church and building committees : Matt. Murphy, Sr., Wm. Aldridge, Sr., Thos. McCrystal, Ed. Dunn, Thos. 252 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS Shannon, Thos. Nolan, Jas. Coyne, Michael Keane, Thos. Kelly, John Hellstern, Henry Westmeyer, Mau- rice Cashman, Ed. Hannon, Andrew Cobum, Rob. Keane, Fred Shannon, Jos. Gunkel, Jas. Keane, Simon Loftus. The excellent male choir of the church is under the able leadership of William Coburn. STEUBENVILLE ST. STANISLAUS PARISH. The present property of St. Stanislaus Polish Cath- olic congregation on the corner of North St. and High- land ave., Steubenville, was selected by a conunittee with the approval of the Rt. Rev. Ordinary of the dio- cese, Bishop James J. Hartley, early in the year 1905. With the appointment of Rev. Casimir Smogar as Pastor of St. Stanislaus congregation in July of that year the aforesaid property was bought of Elizabeth S. Wood and Jennie S. Lloyd for the sum of $6500.00. A one story brick dwelling which stood on the prop- erty served for a time as the pastor's residence. At the time the parish was organized it consisted of forty-six families and of about a hundred young men, most of whom have since married and settled in the immediate vicinity of the church's property. Before the close of the year a frame building 89x50 was erected which answered the purpose of church and school. This building was dedicated Dec. 31, 1905, Rt. Rev. James J. Hartley performing the cere- mony in the presence of the local Polish poeple and of the neighborhood, as of Dillonvale, Adena, Toronto, ST. STAINSLAUS, STEUBENVILLE 353 etc. School opened from the moment the congrega- tion was organized. At first one, but subsequently, as the parish expanded, two and, still later, three lay teachers were employed. In April, 1910, the new rectory was begun and com- pleted before the end of the year. Simultaneously the parish priest's residence was changed to classrooms to accommodate the increasing number of school chil- dren and the church building was remodeled partly for the sanctuary and partly for sacristies. In 1911 a frame addition was built over a part of the brick dwelling for the accommodation of the Sisters. In the year 1915, the brick dwelling was entirely taken apart and on its site the present brick church was erected. The Sisters' House was built that same year and occupied by the Felician Sisters, while the follow- ing year the frame church building was again sub- jected to a change — this time converted into class- rooms. The new church happily was completed also and dedicated October 8, 1916, by the Rt. Rev. Ordin- ary, assisted by the clergy who witnessed a great out- pouring of Polish people from far and near on that occasion. What deserves special mention is that St. Stanislaus parish never asked for contributions from outsiders, or never went beyond its parish limits to collect funds of any kind whatever. The spiritual side of the parish leaves nothing to be desired. The Poles are today as devoted to their faith as their forefathers of old. The spirit of the parish is best illustrated by the following societies : 354 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS The Guardian Angels' Society, Blessed Virgin Sodal- ity, Rosary Sodality, St. Stanislaus' Society, St. Casi- mir's Society, Queen Hedwige Society, Polish Women Alliance, Polish National Alliance, P. R. C. Union, Polish Falcons, Boy-Scouts, etc. There are now 210 children attending the parish school with four FeUcian Sisters teaching them. The parish at present consists of thirteen hundred souls. Since the establishment of the parish some young men and women have attended colleges. Vocations for the priesthood are many, but owing to lack of finan- cial means, the parish is unable to do much at present. Three young women have become Sisters. The church committees, working unitedly with the pastor, are zealously promoting the good of religion and piety, and their co-operation is reflected in what has been thus far accomplished. The outlook, unless the great war now raging will change it very mate- rially, is most promising. ST. Anthony's parish, steubenville. The history of St. Anthony's Church dates back less than a dozen years. Only during the last fifteen years has the Italian population of Steubenville become a quantity. Up to 1900 the other Catholic Churches of the city were quite able to look after the Italian peo- ple. Then the industrial progress so marked in the Ohio Valley broug|ht large numbers of Italians to Steubenville. Actuated by a desire to better their spiritual condi- ST. ANTHONY'S PARISH STEUBENVILLE 255 tion, Father Weigand, pastor of Holy Name Church, turned over the basement of his church for use on Sundays and feast days. Father Louis DeMaio was installed as pastor of the Italian people. The perse- verence and patience of this energetic priest were di- rected towards the erection of a little church. Father DeMaio purchased a suitable lot on the corner of Sev- enth and South Sts., in a section largely inhabited by Italians. Donations which cam.e in small amounts were carefully hoarded, and these, together with a generous sum contributed' by a well known and liberal Italian, made possible the beginning of the present St. Anthony's Church. The cornerstone was 'blessed by Father Weigand who Was deputed by the Bishop, on Low Sunday, 1910. So rapidly was the work pushed forward that on Sunday, June 10, 1910, Rt. Rev. Bishop Hartley solemnly dedicated the pretty little church to the service of God under the protection of St. Anthony. For four years Father DeMaio worked day in and day out to raise funds to pay for the work. His own readiness to put up with hardships may be judged by the fact that he lived in the large sacristy connected with the Church. This single room was at once his office, bedroom, dining room and kitchen. In June, 1914, he purchased a small house which he furnished in simple style and converted it into the parish rectory. The modest comforts of the new home were not des- tined to be his for long. Stricken with pneumonia following a serious operation, Father DeMaio was sud- denly called to his reward on November 12, 1914. 256 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS The work devolved upon the shoulders of the pres- ent incumbent, Rev. Joseph Morello, who was almost immediately appointed to the pastorate of St. An- thony's. During the past three years the church has been renovated, a new lighting system installed and several handsome statues added to the decorations. Once the present debt has heen paid, it will become the object of the pastor to erect a school for Italian children. NOTES ABOUT STEUBENVILLE. The present population of Steubenville is about 28000. Of this number over 7000 are CathoHcs. St. Peter's 1879 Holy Name 1712 St. Stanislaus 1175 St. Anthony's 2500 Total 7266 School attendance as follows: St. Peter's .-. 399 Holy Name 425 St. Stanislaus 207 Italians (about) 500 Total 1531 We are sorry to state that the Italian children near- ly all go to the public school. We hope to make a change in this matter before long. NOTES ABOUT STEUBENVILLE 857 Steubeiwille is the only city in the Diocese — out- side of Columbus — with four parish churches. Father McGrady who built the first Catholic Church in Steubenville — called St. Pius — lies buried in the Catholic cemetery at Canton, Ohio. Father O'Farrell became pastor of St. Patrick's Church in Cleveland, Ohio — and died there. Father Thienpont was an old time missionary priest. He was pastor of many missions in the state that today are important parishes. A distinguished citizen of Steubenville once told the writer that he always had the greatest respect for a Catholic priest — and that respect grew from bis boyhood days owing to the kindness and friendly feeling shown him by good old Father Thienpont. Father Thienpont is buried in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Columbus, Ohio. There is a beautiful gold cup at the Bishop's House in Columbus with an engraved inscription stating that it was pre- sented to him by the clergy of the Diocese July 2nd, 1873, on the 45th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood. Father Biglowe was greatly beloved by all classes during his life in Steubenville. He built the present parish house for the priests — then gave it over to the Sisters of Charity whom he brought from Cincinnati to teach the parish school. Previous to this the school was taught by lay teachers. During a small-pox epi- 258 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS d'emic in Steubenville while ministering to the af- flicted he contracted the dread disease — died in a few diays — and was buried in the old cemetery out on the Market Street road. His remains were transferred to the present Mt. Calvary when it was opened as a new cemetery. A certain Father Duffy — a native of Steubenville — and who died as pastor of Circleville, Ohio — was also transferred the same day. Father Toomey was an active man — a zealous priest — and possessed splendid business ability. In the midst of a most promising pastorate he died and was buried at Sidney, Ohio. Rev. J. A. Murray is still livingi — making his home at the Good Samaritan Hospital in Cincin- nati. He was always a most welcome visitor to Steubenville. The old people flocked around him with their warmest greetings — always grateful for his labors amongst them. Rev. Father Dues was transferred to Canal Dover and died as pastor of that parish. He is buried in the parish cemetery there. Father Wisman retired from active service for awhile on account of weak eye-sight. He afterwards became pastor of Malvern — ^built the beautiful church there and lies buried in the cemetery beside the church. NOTES ABOUT STEUBENVILLE 259 Rev. Father Hartnedy was a man of a happy and genial disposition — mingled much with all classes of people in the city — and was highly esteemed by all. He established St. Peter's High School — built the pres- ent Sisters' House — and called it the "Deanery". He also purchased and laid out Mt. Calvary Cemetery where he lies buried today. He retired from active service and lived for many years in Los Angeles where he died. In the early days while the Pan Handle R. R. was being built old Father Thienpont used to travel on horseback and say Mass at the various camps along the road. An old Irishman told the writer that one day while he was hearing confessions and saying Mass at an old farm house not far from Scio, a non-Catholic woman who was present made mockery and sport of the good old priest. He said nothing — ^but as the woman was crossing the fields to her own home — an angry bull gored her with his horns and pitched her to death. Fathers Biglowe and Toomey had much to do with starting the parish at Dennison. Both visited there regularly and ministered to the wants of the people. The last Mass that Father Biglowe ever said was at Hamondsville. He fell ill while there, and hurry- ing home to Steubenville, died there. Hammondsville, Irondale, Toronto and Mingo Junction were all for- merly attended from St. Peter's Church, Steubenville. 260 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS It is a joy and gratification to find some good pious souls that had experienced the kindness of some of the former parish priests coming regularly every year to liave a Mass said for them on the occasion of the an- niversary of their death — and other occasions when something suggested the kind act to them. The poor priests who are dead aaid gone are often forgotten — ^but not by all — some one in the parish keeps them in heart and mind. Two assistant priests who were highly esteemed by the young people of St. Peter's Parish — Rev. Father Thompson who died there and was buried in Columbus, and Rev. Father Dacey, who also died, at St. Peter's and was buried in Calvary Cemetery. Another assistant priest who still lives in the hearts of the people — Father Synan — died as pastor of Co- shocton and was buried in his native city, Fall River, Mass. CHAPTER XVIII. ZANESVILLE. From the following sketches it will be seen that Zanesville has always been a stronghold of Catholic faith and piety. The lapse of years still finds it grow- ing stronger. The two splendid parish churches are crowded at every public service and devotion — and a great number of converts are received every year into the Church. The parish schools afiford the children every op- portunity of receiving a thorough Catholic education. ST. THOMAS PARISH, ZANESVILLE. In the spring of the year 1819, Rev. Nicholas Dominic Young, O. P., on his way from St. Joseph's, Perry County, Ohio, where the Dominicans had estab- lished the first Catholic church in Ohio, paid a visit to Zanesville and found there the nucleus of the first Catholic congregation in that city. This little band, numbering a score, was made up of the following: William C. Colerick, his wife, three sons and one daughter; John Simon Dugan, who came from Brownsville, Pa., his wife and son, Louis Henry Dugan; Mrs. Harkins, a widowed sister of Mr. Dugan, and her nine children; and Peter Dugan, a brother of John. 261 262 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS Father Young received a cordial welcome from John Dugan, who was the proprietor of the "Green Tree Tavern'' situated at the northeast corner of Main and Fifth Streets. In the second story of this tavern, since then replaced by modern buildings, was celebrated the first Mass said in Zanesville. Father Young also con- ducted Catholic services in the Bumham tavern in Putnam, a mile or more from Dugan's home and on the other side of the river. This small but fervent band of Catholics was visited regularly by Father Young about every six months until their number grew so large that a church building of some kind became necessary. The sturdy faith of John S. Dugan moved him to purchase, in the year 1820, a brick ware- house that stood on the northeast corner of Locust Alley and Fifth Street. It was a one-story building, fifty feet long and twenty feet wide and cost two thou- sand dollars. A moving picture theatre now occupies the site of the building where public services were first held for the Zanesville CathoUcs. The church was dedicated to the Holy Trinity and Rev. Stephen H. Montgomery was appointed the first resident pastor. In a short time this structure became too small for the growing parish and again the generosity of John S. Dugan prompted him to aid the struggling congrega- tion. To them he gave a new site for a church. It is the lot fronting 134 feet on Fifth Street at its inter- section with Spruce alley where now stands the beau- tiful Church of St. Thomas Aquinas. Here was erected a church of brick and stone from the plans offered as a gift by a New York architect. The build- ST. THOMAS' PARISH, ZANESVILLE 263 ing was cruciform, the nave measuring seventy feet long and forty feet wide, and lifting itself up to height of thirty-five feet. This church, called the Church of St. John the Baptist, was dedicated on July 2nd, 1827. The pastor. Rev. Stephen Montgomery, labored unceasingly during the building of the church and when it was under roof he made an extended tour through the East to procure the furniture needed to adorn the house of God. Vestments, altar furnish- ings and other things required by the Catholic liturgy, were soon forthcoming as the result of his quest. Among the gifts was a fine bell which found a resting place in the steeple added to the building in 1829. The pastoral residence, just north of the church, was erected soon after the church was completed. Zanesville continued to thrive and so did this Cath- olic parish. The German members of the congrega- tion secured permission to organize a parish of their own and eventually worshipped in St. Nicholas church, dedicated on Dec. 1st, 1842. In spite of this with- drawal there was need of a larger church for the peo- ple of St. John's. The brick church that had served the congregation for nigh twenty years was razed to the ground and gave place to the new and lairger church of 1842. The plans, given without price by Patrick Keeley of Brooklyn, N. Y., called for an im- posing building of the English Gothic. The stone from which the building is constructed was the gift of Mr. John C. Howard, a non-Catholic of Quaker descent, and was quarried on his land two miles down the river. While the old building was being torn down and the 264 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS new one erected, services were held in the third floor the Blockson building at the northwest corner of Sewer alley and Main Street. The cornerstone of the new church, to be known from this time as the Church of St. Thomas Aquinas, was laid on the 17th of March, 1842. The first Mass was said in the basement on the following Christmas. Two years later the church was consecrated by Bishop Purcell. It is sixty feet wide and one hundred and twenty feet long and built of solid stone, every piece being cut square and true. The total cost of the building, unfinished inside and unfurnished, was forty thousand dollars. Mr. William Mattingly hastened the finishing of the interior by giving three thousand dollars for this purpose. Later, he purchased the fine bell that still hangs in the church tower sounding the hours as they pass and flinging wide its summons to worship God. During this building period neither pastor nor peo- ple forgot the essential need of a religious education for Catholic children. About the year 1830 a school was opened in the basement of the church. As there were no teaching Sisters to be had at that time, the pupils were taught by lay teachers, men instructing the boys and women the girls. The school was trans- ferred from the church basement to a frame building on the corner of Sixth and Center Streets and thus came into existence the first Catholic school in Zanes- ville. In 1853 a three-story brick building was con- structed on the lot just opposite the church and when it was ready for use, September of 1853, four Domini- ST. THOMAS' PARISH, ZANESVILLE 265 can Sisters took up their abode in it and took over the work of teaching the children of the parish. For a while they taught both boys and girls, but afterwards, when their rule restricted them to the instructions of girls, other teachers were provided for the boys. Two Brothers, sent by the congregation of the Holy Cross, arrived from Notre Dame, Ind., in the fall of 1857 and took the charge of the boys in the school. During their stay here, which lasted until the summer of 1859, they lived with the Dominican Fathers. After the Brothers severed their connection with the school laymen resumed the task of teaching the boys. This arrangement lasted until 1866, when they turned the small boys over to the care of the Sisters, and eventually, in the early seventies, they relinquished all share in the school work to the Sisters, who, from that time forward, their rule having been modified, as- sumed full charge of all their classes. Forming a right angle with the school building and joined to it, is a spacious three-story brick edifice that was built in 1854 and opened as a select academy for girls in the year 1856. It was called St. Columba's Academy and for twenty years enjoyed an enviable reputation among institutions of that kind. When the Sisters took full charge of the parochial school they discontinued the academy or private school, and have since used the building for a convent home. Such was the growth and development of the par- ish. But all churches must be renovated from time to time. When Rev. L. F. Kearney, O. P., S. T. M., became pastor in 1894, he made plans for re-decorat- 266 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS ing the interior of the church and, when the Retig Brothers, renowned Cincinnati artists, finished the work toward the end of 1897, St. Thomas Church was indeed a thing of beauty. Father Kearney became the Provincial of the Dominicans in 1897 amd held the of- fice for twelve years, retaining, however, his residence in Zanesville. In 1911 he again became pastor and again devoted his remarkable energy to the improving and beajutifying of the church property. A modern steam heating plant was installed in the church and' a commodious building of brick and concrete was erected to serve as a boiler house and laundry. On Sunday, June 16th, 1912, a tornado struck the church during the celebration of the first Mass and carried away the steeple placed on the tower in 1870. A great gaping hole was torn in the roof and tons of stone were hurled down upon the worshippers. Three men were killed or died soon after from their injuries. The pipe organ was shattered into a shapeless mass. Tower, roof and floor were soon repaired and, before Christ- mas, a new pipe organ took the place of the one de- stroyed. Then came the disastrous flood of 1913. Water surrounded all the buildings belonging to the parish, church, school and rectory, but it halted, just as it reached the rafters under the first floor of each of these buildings. The water was over five feet deep in front of the church, while the flood was at its height, and the church could not be used from Wed- nesday, March 26th, to the following Wednesday, April 2nd. Extensive damage was done to the basement of the church ; the basement floor had to be re-laid and a ST. NICHOLAS' PARISH, ZANESVILLE 367 coat of paint applied to the walls and woodwork after the thick mud left by the receding waters had been re- moved. New art glass windows were ordered in 1914 from Belgian artists, but the outbreak of the great war made it impossible to deliver the glass in this country. The damage done to the interior decoration by the tor- nado and the dampness from the flood compelled some attention to be given to the renovation of the interior in the body of the church. The people responded generously to Father Kearney's appeal. The work was begun in the summer of 1916 and finished before Christmas. The excellence of the decorative work has brought out better than ever before the rare grace of every curve and line in this Gothic temple. It pro- claims also the devotion of the generous people of the parish to their church and to all that it stands for in their lives. Their zeal is not confined to the material temple of God ; it burned even more fervently for the betterment of the living temple of God, the soul. The most successful mission the parish ever experienced opened on February 11th of 1917, and closed two weeks later They gave their gifts to God and then they gave themselves to Him. ST. NICHOLAS' PARISH, ZANESVILLE. Catholicity in Zanesville covers a period of ninety- seven years. The first Catholic church in Zanesville was built in 1820 and was under the patronage of St. John the Evangelist. The first pastor was the Rev. Stephen Montgomery. He died many years after- 268 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS wards at a ripe old age in Vicksburg. The second pastor was the Rev. Richard Pius Miles, who subse- quently became Bishop of Nashville, Tenn. Rev. Sam- uel Montgomery was the assistant pastor to Father Miles. The third pastor was Rev. Charles P. Mont- gomery who died suddenly on Easter Monday, 1860. Fathers Charles and Samuel Montgomery were broth- ers, while both were cousins to Father Stephen Mont- gomery. The fourth pastor was Father Jarbo who died a few years ago in Somerset, Ohio. He was Chaplain in the Confederate army. While stationed in Tennessee, on one occasion he was nearly shot as A Union spy. The fifth pastor was Father Edelin All the above priests were members of the Dominican order, the pioneer missionaries of Ohio. Soon the church was found too small, for greater work was to begin in 1842. In that year the German and English speaking Cath- olics by advice of Bishop Purcell of Cincinnati, Ohio, separated and formed two parishes. The Irish people built the stone church on Fifth Street and had it dedi- cated to St. Thomas. The Germans built a stone church on the hill at the corner of Main Street and Greenwood Avenue, which was dedicated to St. Nich- olas. Both of these churches were built when Cath- olics were not so numerous in this locality as they are today and the zeal and energy of the projectors are to be commended. The original dimension of St. Nicholas Church were 45x60 feet. It was solemnly dedicated on December 1st, 1842, by Rt. Rev. John Baptist Purcell, D. D., ST. NICHOLAS' PARISH, ZANESVILLE 269 Bishop of Cincinnati, From the Catholic Telegraph of 1836, it appears that the Bishop and Father Stahl- schmidt visited Zanesville and the German speaking people, that year urging the building of a Church for German speaking parishoners. The first church committte consisted of Messrs. Frank Rink, John Gerspach, John Hoff and William Koss. The first members of the parish were Messrs. John Albert, Michael Albert, Mathew Armbrust, Wendolin Christ, Casper Durant, George Durant, Cas- per Dietenbeck, Martin Dietenberck, John Emnieri: Caspel Heibel, John Kellar, Andrew Kimmel, Michael John Gerspach, John Holiman, Casper Hockel, John Hoff, Jacob Hoff, Martin Hoosan, Paulus Hoffman, Caspel Heibel, John Kellar, Andrew Kimmtl, Michael Keiner, William Koss, William Klein, Philip Lehman, Felix Long, Anton Minger, Jacob Oshe, Jacob Paul, Valentine Paul, Ignatius Roll, Martin Riule, Francis Riule, Joseph Rush, Peter Schramm, Christian Lauer, Joseph Soller, Anton Saup, John Deidig and Adam Voll. Christian Sowar (Saup) and others, as trustees of St. Nicholas Church, conveyed to Rt. Rev. John B. Purcell, Bishop of Cincinnati, in trust for the use of St. Nicholas congregation, the lot where the church, the old rectory and school house are now situated. This deed was made June 11th, 1844, and is recorded in Deed Book No. 5, page 224. In 1870 a vacant lot was added to the school grounds. With the building of the church in 1841 and 1842, a school was also opened in a brick building bought and arramged for 270 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS educational purposes. Those who attended this school are old pioneers now, — Dr. J. G. F. Holston, Sr., of this city, whose father was the family physician for General Grant, received his German education in this school. The school teacher lived in a separate building near the school house. The brick building served for fifteen years, when it was replaced by a frame build- ing. Thirteen years later, the frame building gave way to the present structure. The first teachers of the school were laymen of the old "Schuhl Leherrer" type, who were both teachers and organist. About 1872 the Franciscian Sisters of Joliet, Illinois, took charge of the school, but after nineteen years of serv- ice they discontinued. Lay teachers were then em- ployed for two years, when the present Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity of Alverno, Wis., as- sumed charge of the school in 1893. The success of the present Sisters has been most satisfactory. The standard of the school is second to none in Zanesville. It has been much enhanced by the inauguration of a High School by Rev. A. L. Leininger. The average attendance -is about 340. The music department is very thorough and much appreciated. The averag;e number of pupils in this department is about 80. In 1908 the St. Nicholas High School Alumni Associa- tion was established. The annual meeting of over one hundred graduates is an event looked forward to with interest by the graduate pupils. The old pairish house used from the establishment of the parish, is still standing on Greenwood Avenue. It was sold in 1870, during the pastorate of Rev. ST. NICHOLAS' PARISH, ZANESVILLE 271 Magnus Eppink, by the Secretary of the parish, Mr. John N. Steiner, who for more than twenty years rendered invaluable service to the Fathers Eppink and Meschenmoser. After the new school and parish house were built, the residence was changed to East Main Street, near the present school and was used for thirty-five years. Finally, in 1905, it was remodeled and added to the Sisters' residence, who now have fourteen rooms for their convent. A new parish house was bought by Rev. A. L. Leininger from Mr. David Schmidt in May, 1905, a^ a cost of $12,000. It contains eighteen rooms and is modern in all its arrangements. In 1916 a large double porch of brick and stone was added on a new lot recently bought facing Main Street. During the pastorate of Father Heckinger in 1861, the church was enlarged by an addition of 36x45 feet this making the church measure 45x96 feet. During the pastorate of Rev. A. L. Leininger, the new church at the foot of the hill was built. Main Street was cut down, brought to a grade and the street and sidewalks paved. Greenwood Avenue was also graded and paved soon after. On January 16, 1897, a special meeting of the congregation was called and it was proposed to grade the church lots. On the fol- lowing day, sixty men and a number of teams were hard at work. Much of this work was done gratis by the people of the parish and the city. A meeting was called the following year, the purpose of which was to d«vise ways and means for erecting a new 272 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS church. The men of the congregation expressed themselves freely and earnestly that the work should begin at once. It was found impossible to ajppoint a building committee and prominent men of the parish expressed a desire to have the Pastor act as business manager and sole suprintendent, adding that they would lend all the financial assistance possible. The good people subscribed over $16,000 in a short time — thus the work began. The following gentlemen as- sisted in collecting subscriptions: Messrs. A. P. Rogge, J. N. Steiner, Joseph Fix, Stephen Day, Fred Gressel, John Schiele, Heniy Friermuth, Otto Emmert, Jacob Hiebel, Wm. Greten, Jr., Wm. Christ, Christian Hoffer, J. C. Durant and Henry Roll. The old church, built in 1842, is now used for school and hall purposes. The new church is built on the Romanesque Re- naissance style of architecture, — the same as that of St. Peter's at Rome, and St. Mark's in Venice. The struc- ture is of mottled brick with terra cotta trimmings and is 80x120 feet in dimensions. Over the front entrance is a large panel, filled with an elaborate de- sign in Mosaic, representing Christopher Columbus discovering the new land. This work is a masterpiece, showing the three boats, the Nina, the Pinta and the Santa Maria, the mariners kneeling on the shore and the Indians in admiration and wonder on the opposite side of Columbus, who stands near the Franciscan monk, planting the cross. A dome of large, but graceful proportions, surmounts the structure. Red slate is used on the roof. The interior is elaborately ST. NICHOLAS' PARISH, ZANESVILLE 273 finished with a central dome, the ceiHng of which is seventy-two feet from the floor. A two foot walk sur- rounds the interior of the dome. The ceiling of the auditorium as well as the dome, is vaulted with heavy panelled beam finish. The aisles, vestibules and sanc- tuary are tiled. It is beautifully illuminated with elecric lights in vared arch effect, which gives the in- terior an added beauty. Under the entire structure is a high basement which is utilized for the heating ap- paratus, society rooms and a winter chapel. Out of the soHd rock flows a refreshing spring; a beautiful grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes is erected here at na- ture's shrine. Whether viewed from a distance or nearer, St. Nicholas' Church, like the minsters of old, appears grand, imposing and impressive to the eye, a dream of symmetry and grace; but when you enter the church the view is indeed enchanting and the impression the lofty ceiling and beautiful stucco decorations make upon the mind is beyond description. Truly, the Di- vine Master is honored in the erection of this noble edifice. The cornerstone w'ais laid on Sunday, July 10th, 1898, by Rt. Rev. John A. Watterson. On De- cember 11th, 1898, the large bell was blessed by Bishop Watterson. The new church was dedicated August 27, 1899, by Rt. Rev. Leo Haid, O. S. B. Vicar Apos- tolic of North Carolina, as Bishop Watterson had died the previous April, 1899. The solemn High Mass was sung by Rev. A. L. Leininger. The St. Nicholas Cemetery on Wheeling Road was bought from Jacob Magez by Rev. Joseph Gallinger, 874 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS the first pastor of St. Nicholas Church. Revs. Mag- rijus Eppink and Philip Meschenmoser are buried there. The deed of the cemetery was made to the Rev. Joseph Gallinger and his heirs by Jacob Magez and wife, for $200, dated May 4th, 1844. This prop- erty was never transferred to the Bishop of the dio- cese, as the bare legal title is still in the heirs of Rev. Joseph Gallinger. A special Warranty Deed was made in 1904 by Bishop Hartley, to sell a useless por- tion of the cemetery. A massive Vermont granite monument was erected on the Priest's Lot in 1894, by donations of the parish members. The new Mount Olives Cemetery was bought by Rev. A. L. Leininger March 16,1916. It contains one hundred and seventy-four acres of ground. It is located on the East Pike just outside the present city limits. There is a frontage on the East National Pike of twenty-four hundred and thirty-one feet. The cost of this cemetery was twenty-one thousand dollars ($21,000). Large winding driveways with many in- teresting walks between the lots, as laid out, place this cemetery in the forefront of well arranged cemeteries. The engineering work was accomplished by Dr. C. V. Martin. The St. Nicholas congregation has long felt the need of larger and more suitable grounds for burial purposes. The new location is ideal in every way and will in time be much appreciated as a fitting burial place for our dear departed dead. It was solemnly dedicated October 15th, 1916, by Rev. A. L. Leininger, delegated by Rt. Rev. James J. Hartley. ST. NICHOLAS' PARISH, ZANESVILLE 275 On December 26th, 1842, Rev. Joseph Gallinger, misjonary from the airchdioceae of Munich, Ger- many, arrived in Zanesville, having been sent by Bishop Purcell of Cincinnati. He was the first resi- dent Pastor of the new parish of St. Nicholas, and remained until April 4th, 1847. Father Gallinger do- nated to the congregation the cemetery on Wheeling Road. He was succeeded by Rev. Otto A. Borgess, uncle of the late Rt. Rev. C. P. Borgess, Bishop of Detroit. Father Borgess continued here until August 15th, 1849, when he was followed by Rev. Henry Rensen. Following Father Rensen, October 7th, 1849, came Rev. Michael Deselaers, late pastor of St. Michael's, Cincinnati, and he remained here until April 16, 1850. Father Deselaers was born June 16th, 1813, at Wienkirk, Westphalia, studied at Muenster, and was ordained August 10th, 1838, by Rt. Rev. Maximilian. He came to America in 1848. His first appointment was at St. Mary's, Cincinnati. He was sent to Zanes- ville for half a year, was afterwards transfered to St. Michael's, Cincinnati, where, as pastor, he served for forty-seven years. He died June 18th, 1897. He was a lovable man, and no one ever fulfilled his duty better than he. On April 21st, 1850, Rev. M. St. Her- zog, together with Rev. Otto Borgess, were assigned to St. Nicholas. The name of Rev. F. X. Werminger, the celebrated missionary, appears under one baptism, with date of July 27th, 1850. Father Wenninger erected a cross on the lot, which was aifterwards re- moved to the rear of the church for preservation. It S76 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS still remains there well preserved. From Sept. 15th, 1850, until August 25th, 1855, Rev. Wm. Deiters was Pastor. On September 16th, 1855, two baptisms were recorded by Rev. John M. Jacquet, who covered the entire field of Southern Ohio, to Chattanooga, Ten- nessee. Father Jacquet was pastor in Coshocton for many yeairs; celebrated his golden sacerdotal Jubilee in that place. He died in Galveston, Texas, where he spent the last years of his life, with his former altar boy, Rt. Rev. Bishop Gallagher. From October 7th, 1855, until December 4th, 1855, Rev. J. C. Kramer was in charge. Rev. J. W. Brummer succeeded Father Kramer and remained until July 1st, 1857. Rev. Augustine Berger was the next pastor, with Rev. J. A. Bokel present, during the month of November, 1837. Father Berger purchased the organ which served in the divine praises of God until the new Aus- tin organ was bought in 1914. On July 22nd, 1859, Rev. Francis Joseph Goetz, late pastor of Holy Trin- ity Church, Dayton, Ohio, was appointed. Father Goetz was the founder of the Knights of St. John while at Dayton. On November 13th, 1859, Father Berger was re- appointed, and was succeeded by Rev. G. UhUng on March 4th, 1860. From July 13th, 1860, until Febru- ary 16th, 1862, Rev. A. Heckinger was pastor. Father Heckinger lived retired in Lockport, New York, for many years, where he died in 1906. From February 23rd, 1862, until January 18th, 1869, Rev. Joseph Ranch was pastor. He was bom in Fulda, Germany, March 5th, 1817. Ordained by Rt. ST. NICHOLAS' PARISH, ZANESVILLE 277 Rev. John Leonard Pfaf, Bishop of Fulda, December 18th, 1841. Remained in Fulda, Germany, until 1852, when he came to Cincinnati via New Orleans. Cele- brated his golden jubilee in 1891 at Pine Grove. Died All Souls Day, 1894. Rev. J. G. Nordmeier was the next pastor, and he continued here until April 25th, 1869, when Rev. Magnus Eppink was appoinlted. Father Nordmeier died in St. Louis. During Father Eppink's pastorate, the parish house on Greenwood Avenue was sold and the present brick school, convent and parish house were built. The school contains four large airy rooms, the convent for the Sisters, six rooms, and the adjoining parish house eight rooms. In 1905 the parish house was added to the convent by Father Leininger. Father Eppink re- mained here until his death July 7th, 1884. His was the longest pastorate surpassed only by Father Leininger, since the establishment of the parish, be- ing pastor fifteen years, three months and two days. The following is taken from the Signal, (Zanes- ville) July 29th, 1884: "When the dread scourge, small-pox, appeared in St. Nicholas Congregation and threatened to devastate not only it, but the entire city, when the people were panic stricken, and fleeing from the disease. Father Eppink was in the midst of every family attacked, encouraging the dying and consoling the living, doing his duty with a simple heroism greater than many deeds praised by generation after genera- tion." The charitable, self-denying life he led, made him a host of friends, regardless of faith, and the funeral 278 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS was the largest of any in Zanesville. The esteem in which he was held and the affection of the whole com- munity were testified by the outpouring oT the people at the funeral. Rt. Rev. John A. Watterson, Bishop of Coliunbus, officiated. The remains of the good priest who has gone to his reward, rest in St. Nicholas' Cemetery on the Wheel- ing Road. He directed that a simple wooden cross be erected and the following words be printed thereon : "Pray for the Poor Soul of the Priest Waiting the Trumpet of the Last Judgment Under This Cross." Rev. Ignatius Luttig succeeded Rev. Magnus Ep- pink, whose stay was brief, having died October 31st, 1884. On November 2nd, 1884, Rev. Philip Meschen- moser was appointed Pastor. He was born in Augs- burg, Bavaria, August 7th, 1836. He was ordained August 15th, 1863. In 1873 he came to America, be- ing one of he many Jesuit Priests sent into exile during the May Laws of Germany. He was, for a time, at- tached to the Buffalo Diocese as Pastor of St. Ann's, Buffalo, N. Y. In 1876, he was appointed Pastor of St. Rose's, New Lexington, Ohio, where he built the present brick church. In 1884 he was appointed Pastor of St. Nicholas', Zanesville, where he continued until his death, Oct. 22nd, 1893. On Monday morn- ing, Oct. 23rd, his remains were found quietly resting on his couch, whither he had retired, after a hard spent Sunday, in the service of his Master. He literally died in the harness. During his pastorate, the front lot on Greenwood ST. NICHOLAS' PARISH, ZANESVILLE 279 Ave. was purchased. In 1885 the hill was terraced and the Church was reached by ascending forty stone steps and several inclines. The Church was reno- vated about this time and new pews and windows added. Father Meschenmoser was much beloved by his people. A quiet, unassuming priest, always de- voted to the interests of his charge and the strict per- formance of his duty, he was a character to be at once loved and reverenced, and there were many manifes- tations of heartfelt grief from his parishoners at his funeral. From October 23rd, 1893, until December 6th, 1893, Rev. John J. Schneider, late pastor of fronton, served temporarily as Pastor. Father Schneider was suc- ceeded by the Rev. A. L. Leininger, present Pastor, on December 6th, 1893. Father Leininger was born August 17th, 1862, in Navarre, Stark Co., Ohio. He began his early studies in the parochial and public schools in his native town. His classical and philosophical studies were made at St. Vincent College, Beatty, Pa. He then entered St. Mary's Seminary, Baltimore, Md., for theology. He was ordained to the holy priesthood on December 22nd, 1888, by Cardinal Gibbons, Archbishop of Bal- timore, Md. His first appointment was pastor of Millersburg and Missions in Holmes County, Ohio, where he remained five years. On July 17th, 1893, he was transferred to St. John's Logan, Ohio. In De- cember, 1893, the Rt. Rev. John A. Watterson re- quested him to take charge of St. Nicholas' Church, Zanesville, which was accepted on the feast of St. 280 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS Nicholas, December 6th, 1893. His work in Zanes- ville is given above in this ketch, as the builder of the new St. Nicholas Church. He also established the Good Samaritan Hospital, under the care of the Fran- ciscan Sisters of Christian Charity of Alverno, Wis- consin. It represents an outlay of about $125,000. It is situated on the Terrace, a delightful residence dis- trict of Zanesville. During the pastorate of Rev. Fathers Eppink, Meschenmoser and Leininger, the following priests were assistants: Rev. P. Sebastian, O. S. F., Rev. John Larkin, late pastor of St. Bridget's, Memphis, Tennesse; Rev. Cyril Rettiger, O. S. B.; Rev. F .M. Woesman, pastor of St. Mary's, Marietta ; Rev. J. W. McManus, Rev. Urban Nageleisen, Rev. Henry Schlichter, Rev. Francis Seeber, September 8th, 1902, to June 9th, 1904; Rev. Louis Mandery, from June 12th, 1904, to July 12th, 1905 ; Rev. P. C. Schneider, July 12th, 1905, to June 10th, 1907; Rev. J. J. Her- mann, June 10th, 1907, to Dec. 7th, 1912, and Rev. A. C. Baar, Dec. 7th, 1911, the present efficient assistant. Philo or Taylorsville was a Mission attached to Zanesville, to St. Nicholas Parish, and was attended monthly until the death of Father Eppink. To ac- commodate the children living in Wayne Township, there was in 1873 a school conducted during the win- ter months, supported largely out of the revenues of the St. Nicholas Church. For want of attendance it was discontinued in the Spring of 1893. The revenues of St. Nicholas Church were de- rived from subscriptions on special occasions and ST. NICHOLAS' PARISH, ZANESVILLE 281 the regular custom of paying pew rent. When the new church was begun in 1897, the people subscribed over $20,000 in two subscriptions. A monthly en- velope collection was started in 1893 to which the people contributed a part of their earnings each month. The St. Mary's Altar Society held monthly socials after the church was built, realizing several hundred dollars monthly for the benefit of the Debt Fund. The cost of the Church was $46,000 including furnishings as it stands today. Owing to lack of work and the low price of material the Church was built at a time when labor and material were not so high. The present cost of the building would be double the amount. The Church was entirely out of debt in 1905. In order to pay for the rectory, the monthly collections and socials were continued. At present there is only a debt of small proportion on the parish house and the debt of the Mount Olives Cemetery, on which a pay- ment of fifteen hundred dollars was recently madte. The present value of the Church property, consist- ing of the new St. Nicholas Church, the two sub- stantial school buildings, the convent and new parish house, is about one hundred and eighty-five thousand dollars. The saintly pioneer priest of Fort Madison, Iowa, Rev. John G. Alleman, was the first priest ordained in Zanesville. Later his parents moved West. The Rev. Anton Kunkel, S. J., was a son of St. Nicholas Parish. On May 12th, 1901, Most Rev. Henry H. Moeller, then Bishop of Columbus, at Pon- 282 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS tifical High Mass, ordained Rev. Otto H. Von Lin- tel in St. Nicholas Church. On July 10th, 1906, Rev. Sylvester E. Berry celebrated his first Mass and on May 30th, 1915, Rev. George F. Gressel cele- brated his first Mass while Rev. Anthony V. Mech- ler, nephew of Father Leininger, read his first Mass on the same day at St. Nicholas. Rev. Aloysius M. Spangler solemnly celebrated his first Mass in the church on June 4th, 1916. About thirty young ladies of St. Nicholas joined various Sisterhoods, notably the Franciscans of Al- vemo. Wis. On June 30th, 1914, a new Austin organ was in- stalled and dedicated. Popular subscriptions to the amount of forty-five hundred dollars paid for the in- strument. On October 31st, 1915, a magnificent set of group Stations of the Cross in relief, in large size, were placed in the Church, the gift of Miss Clara Emmert in memory of her deceased parents. The present pastor of St. Nicholas Church, the Rev. A. L. Leininger, is now serving his twenty-fifth year as pastor. On December 1st, 1917, the Church celebrated the seventy-fifth anniversary, the Diamond Jubilee, of the dedication of the first St. Nicholas Church building of December 1st, 1842. The chief feature of this event was a two weeks mission given by the Franciscan Fathers of Cincinnati. SACRED HEART PARISH, COSHOCTON 283 COSHOCTON. In the last few years Coshocton has grown to be one of the most flourishing and enterprising of the small cities of Ohio. The people are active, progres- sive and proud of their beautiful home town. The Church has grown from the mission-like character to a splendid parish — with its flourishing school taught by the Sisters of St. Dominic. Even the missions so long attended from Coshocton are now placed in charge of other pastors — thus leaving Coshocton to claim the entire service of its own parish priest. SACRED HEART PARISH, COSHOCTON. It is believed that the sacrifice of the Mass was first ofifered up in Coshocton by Jesuit Missionaries. His- tory tells us that many Jesuits, searching for places in which to direct their efforts, pursued a course from the Great Lakes to the valley of the Mississippi. It is traditional that they followed the waterways of the great tribe of Delaware Indians which was located in the forks. of the two rivers that join to form the Muskingum at the foot of Main Street in the present city of Coshocton. While there are no records on which to base a statement that the Jesuits worked tmong the Delawares, it is known that this particular tribe of Indians was very devout and made frequent efforts to bring about peace between their brethren in other tribes and the white men, and as these activities for peace were coincident with the activities of the Jesuits there is ground for the belief that their attitude 284 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS was due to the labors and the influence of these zeal- ous missionaries. How the very early settlers in and around Coshoc- ton were attended, in so far as their religious needs were concerned, is not positively known. Among the names of those who hewed their way into the almost unbroken forest were many that would indicate Cath- olic parentage, and there is no doubt that from time to time these Catholic pioneers were visited by travehng missionaries or perhaps by priests stationed at more thriving settlements in the surrounding country. It is known that priests of the Dominican Order labored in this section of the country at about the time that they built the first Caholic Church in Ohio, at Somerset, Perry County, in 1818. Their jurisdiction came from Bp. Flaget, then the only Bishop of the Catholic Church between the Alleghenies and the Mississippi River. It is also known that at a very eairly date a Father Goetz was sent out to do missionary work among the Catholics of this locality by Bishop Fen- wick of Cincinnati. The first authentic record of Catholic' ceremonial in Cochoston tells of the visits at interims of a Father Titus, who traveled from Zanes- ville on horseback. This was in the early forties, be- fore the advent of the railroad. Other than from whence he came nothing is known of Father Titus. The Ohio canal, completed in 1830, made possible freight and passenger transportation from the Great Lakes to the Ohio River. This boomed Roscoe, on the canal, and Coshocton, on the opposite side of the rivers. Settlers began to flock to the community, SACRED HEART PARISH, COSHOCTON 285 from 1830 to 1840 the population doubled. In Roscoe a white frame building, which still stands, was erected for the use of congregations of any faith and in the year 1857 Mass was first said in it by Father Bender of Newark. On the Coshocton side Father Bender said Mass in the old Court House that stood in the southeast corner of the present courtyard, also in the Mayor and Guinther and Factor homes. (Mr. Mayer was the father of the late Mrs. Mary McDermott.) After a time Father Bender negotiated for and pur- chased a building^that stood on the southwest corner of Third and Sycamore Streets and this was used un- til the first permanegtifhurch was built. This build- ing was later known to the residents of Coshocton as "Old Fort Sumter." It.stocKi for many years after its occupancy by the Catholics ' and was only razed about five years ago. Into the territory about Coshocton had come little bands of the faithful from the countries of Europe and to these Father Bender gave special attention, building in 1857 at Killbuck, about twenty miles dis- tant from Coshocton, a small log church, which he dedicated to St. Elizabeth. He also built in this same year a church for the French settlers in Franklin township, eighteen miles distant from Coshocton, which he dedicated to St. Nicholas, and a church for the German settles in Linton township, ten miles from Coshocton, which he called St. Mary's. In addition to the churches named he regularly attended missions at Dresden, sixteen miles from Coshocton, and Mat- tingly Settleemnt, twenty miles distant. 286 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS In 1858, Coshocton and her missions having grown steadily, the bishop appointed a resident priest, Father de Stehanlepinoff, a Russian (known locally as Father Serge). The little congregation at Coshocton, and the missions, thrived under his charge. In fact the growth was so rapid that the old building was soon too small. The second year of his residence in the town, in 1859, he purchased a lot on Third Street, between Chestmut and Locust, and here he erected the first Catholic church in Coshocton, which he dedicated to the patronage of St. George. TH^ building of this church was the coalescing of the Catholics of Coshoc- ton and the faith took on a near hold. Father Serge labored earnestly and dilig^'i;iy with his little flock and in 1862, when the feounj;!/ was in the first throes of the Civil War, he was succeeded by Father An- drews. Father Andrews was succeeded in turn by Father Rauch. Nothing of particular importance, in so far as the church was concerned, is recorded during the regime of these good fathers. The attention of everyone was centered at that time on the outcome of the conflict between the North and the South. Father Nortmeyer became pastor about the time the war had reached its most critical stage and it was he who welcomed back to Coshocton those of the faith ■ who had bravely given their services and who had been spared to return. In February, 1869, Father Nortmyer was succeeded by the priest who, more than any other, gave form and order to the building of a substantial Catholicity in Coshocton and vicinity. Father John Mary Jac- SACRED HEART PARISH, COSHOCTON 387 quet is the priest referred to. Father Jaquet was born in Gaucher, France, on August 20, 1817. He was ordained in Lyons, France, by Cardinal Debonald on December 21, 1845. After laboring a short while in his native country he responded to the call for missionaries in the new country of the Western Con- tinent. Coming to America he made his headquar- ters at Chattanooga, Tenn. The limitations of his parish differed greatly from anything that prevails to- day. He not only had all of southern Tennessee but even traveled as far west as Little Rock, Ark. Much of his travehng was done on horseback, all things; necessary for his priestly functions on his long jour- neys being carried in a pair of saddlebags. The re- markable growth of the Church in America in the pust seventy years can be traced from these records of the early labors of .L%tber Jacquet, when as a mis- sionary he visited cities that now have bishops. From the South, Father Jacquet was sent in 1855 to Beaver, Belmont County, Ohio, where he stayed four years. It was here he met the youth, who, in- structed and guided by him, later became the Bishop of Galveston, Texas — The Right Reverend N. A. Gal- lagher. Father Jacquet had a mind of unusual depth and power and he exerted an influence in Coshocton that was felt almost as strongly without his congren gation as within it. He was a strict disciplinarian and he taught his people their religion from the ground up. Under his charge they grew in strength and numbers. In 1874 when he took the first Catholic census ever taken in this community it showed: St. 288 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS George's, Coshocton, 360 members; St. Nicholas, Frankhn township, 95 members; St. Mary's, Linton township, 107 members; St. Elizabeth, Killbuck, 82 members; St. Ann's, Dresden, 101 members; St. Mary's, Mattingly Settlement, 141 members. All of these places were under his personal care. He vis- ited them at regular intervals. The two churches, St. Mary's and St. Nicholas, were located very close together and believing that better attention could be given the people if in one church, the two congregations were combined and the present Wills Creek Church was built in 1886 and dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes. The little log church at Killbuck was now too small for its increasing membership and in 1892 it was re- placed by the present St. Rose Church in the village of Spring Mountain. " In April, 1895, Father Jacquet celebrated his golden jubilee and the whole town rejoiced with him. Thirty years of his priestly life had been spent in Coshocton. In September, 1895, he resigned his charge and jour- neyed to Galveston, Texas, to spend his declining years with his friend. Bishop Gallagher. He died in Galveston, October 24, 1896. Father Jacquet was succeeded by Father Walter A. Ross in September, 1895. To Father Ross belongs the credit of building the present beautiful church edifice in Coshocton. In 1896 he purchased a lot on Eighth Street, between Main and Walnut, on a ter- race overlooking the town, and here on October 10, 1897, the cornerstone of the Sacred Heart Church SACRED HEART PARISH, COSHOCTON 289 was laid with impressive ceremonies. The church was completed the following spring and was dedicated by Bishop Watterson on Sunday, July 17, 1898. The rectory adjoining was also built that year. The total cost of the ground, church, and rectory was $14,000, Father Ross accomplished a great deal in many ways during his pastorate and Coshocton Catholics will never forget that they owe him a debt of graititude for his untiring efforts in their behalf. In September, 1900, Father Ross was transferred to Glouster, Ohio, and was succeeded by Father Owen J. Synan, who immediately began where Father Ross had left oif. Under his charge the debt was cleared away and many improvements made both in the church and on the property. Father Synan saw the great need for a parochial school and the building of it was his objective from the time of his arrival until September, 1907, when a Catholic school, modern in every way, was ready for occupancy. It was a four- room, two-story building with Sisters' house ad- joining and was built at a cost of about $15,000. It was dedicated by our present bishop. Right Reverend James J. Hartley on September 15, 1907. The school was placed in charge of the Order of Dominican Sis- ters, St. Mary's of the Springs, Shepard, Ohio, and was opened immediately on completion with four Sis-, ters in charge: Sister Gonzaga Heflfernan, Superi- oress; Sister Evangela Schilder, Music Teacher; Sis- ter Rapheal McNamara, High School Teacher; Sister Reginald Biggio, Grammar School Teacher; (Sister Gonzaga also in charge of Primary Department) ; 290 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS Sister Mary Clare Friel. Eight elementary grades and three years of high school constituted the course of instruction. The lenroUment on the opening day numbered 110. In June, 1909, the first graduating class was ready for diplomas. Those who were hornored by being the first to graduate from the new Sacred Heart School were Marie Bordenkircher, Es- tella Hartman and Margaret Mary White. Father Synan's influence abroad in Coshocton and his influence in the church and his influence in the school which he established under trying circum- stances is felt to this day. His health failed gradually and he was relieved of the missions at Spring Mountain and Wills Creek. He died August 28, 1910, at the age of forty-four years. His funeral was one of the largest ever held in town. Accompanied by representatives of the con- gregation the body was taken to his old home in Fall River, Mass., for interment. Father T. A. Goebel, the next pastor, came to Coshocton from Woodsfield, Ohio, on August 10, 1910. He pushed along the work that Father Synan had started, introduced a commercial course in the school which has been of great benefit, conducted a very successful mission and labored unceasingly among those whose opportunities for enlightenment on matters of faith had been limited. His regime is noticeable for the marked increase at church devo- tions. Father Goebel was transferred to St. Marys Church at Portsmouth, Ohio, on August 25, 1912, and was SACRED HEART PARISH, COSHOCTON 291 succeeded by present incumbent, Father J. J. Slattery, formerly assistant of St. Peters Church, Steubenville. The Church and school have been improved in many ways during the past few years. In June, 1915, the congregation purchased a very valuable piece of real estate adjoining the Church property at a cost of $7,000. The present property now covers about three acres and is one of the most desirable locations in Coshocton. Sacred Heart School has built an enviable reputa- tion for itself as a capable, practical educator. Its graduates, now numbering forty-four, hold some of the most desirable positions in town. One hundred and eighty pupils enrolled at the beginning of school in September, 1917. The Sodality of the Blessed Virgin has grown into a strong organization for good in the past few years. The Altar & Rosary Society has become a remark- ably serviceable organization to the parish. A Holy Name Society was started some time ago. The League of the Sacred Heart has a large membership. There is a Knights of Columbus Council in Coshocton, a Branch C. M. B. A., and a Branch L. C. B. A., The Spalding Literary Club, which also devotes its efforts to Church activities, is flourishing. There has been a marked improvement in recent years in the frequent reception of the sacraments; last years report shows over 14,000 communions. The census taken this year shows a membership of one thousand and thirty. 292 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS The loyalty of the congregation to the Church and school is commendable. A spirit of good will and harmony prevails within the parish. CHAPTER XIX. NEWARK. Newark is one of the most flourishing and substan- tial cities in the Diocese. It has two parishes — with splendid schools to provide for the education of the children. The Catholic people have always taken an active interest in the growth and prosperity of the city — and today are numbered among the most promi- nent and successful in the business and professional life of the community. The Catholic population is given in the Diocesan census as follows: St. Francis de Sales (about) 2500. Blessed Sacrament, 1088. Children in the parish schools. St. Francis de Sales, 390. Blessed Sacrament, 206. ST. FRANCIS DE SALES PARISH, NEWARK, 1844-1917. The only record which we have now of this parish is the baptismal and burial entries together with some account books. The first in the record is by Rev. J. Lenez Oct. 1st, 1844 "of John Ohear and Mary his spouse" whose infant Helen was baptized on that day. 293 S94 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS The handwriting of this pastor is hard to decipher and he spelt names phonetically Uke the above, which should have been O'Hare. His last entry is without date but was probably towards the end of April, 1845. (2) He was succeeded by Rev. J. Lamy, who attended Newark as a mission from Danville in Knox County until Feb., 1846, when he was succeeded by Rev. N. R. Young, who had charge for only three months, and was followed by Rev. A. P. Anderson, who re- mained from July until June of the year 1847 when Rev. W. Schonat took charge and attended to the Parish until March, 1848, and was followed by Rev. T. J. Boulger, who remained for some time. There is a blank from this date until 1851 when Rev. F. Binder took charge and remained for three years, when Rev. Louis Cartyvels was appointed in 1864 and adminis- tered to the wants of the people for eight years when he was succeeded in July, 1872, by Rev. N. E. Pilger, who stayed until July, 1874. Rev. F. J. Campbell was then placed in charge for a few months and was succeeded by Rev. Louis De- Cailly, who remained until 1884, and he was suc- ceeded by Rev. W. F. Hayes, who built the present Church and school and died in June, 1892, when the present pastor. Rev. B. M. O'Boylan, was placed in charge by the late Rt. Rev. John A. Watterson. There was a parochial school in charge of lay teachers for some time previous to the coming of the Sisters of Charity around 1871 and these were succeeded by the Sisters of St. Dominic a few years later. CHURCH BLESSED SACRAMENT, NEWARK 295 CHURCH OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT, NEWARK, OHIO. For more than half a century St. Francis de Sales' Church was the spiritual home of all the Catholics living in and around Newark. The splendid Church in the parent parish, large and commodious as it is, was inadequate to house all the people; and the con- gregation, scattered over the entire city and a great tract of country district, taxed the strength of Father O'Boylan and his Curate, in their efforts to look after the spiritual needs of the flock. The rapid growth of East Newark, the influx of many Catholic families, the distance from St. Francis de Sales' and the re- quests made to have a Church and School on the East Side, induced Father O'Boylan to lay the matter be- fore the Rt. Rev. James J. Hartley, the newly conse- crated Bishop of the Columbus Diocese. He advised that another parish be formed east of the Licking River, and a Church and School suitable to accommo- date the people be erected. Having considered the proposition, the Rt. Rev. Bishop, in April, 1904, ap- pointed Rev. Charles H. A. Watterson, Pastor of St. Benedict's Church, Cambridge, Ohio, to undertake the work of organizing the new congregation. Five lots with a frontage of 225 feet and a depth of 145 feet were purchased on East Main Street, be- tween Cedar Street and Penney Avenue, for $8200.00. The property had a frame house containing nine rooms which has been used' as the pastor's residence. Father Watterson arrived in Newark on June 9, 1904. He at once began the work assigned him, and engaged 296 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS Mr. Frank S. Gleichauf, a Newark boy and a graduate of St. Francis de Sales' School, to draw plans for a combination Church and School building. On August 29th ground was broken and the work was rapidly pushed forward. The contract for the new edifice was given to L. Ferguson & Son, Newark contractors, and called for an expenditure of $23693.74. The building is a two-story brick structure, cruciform in shape, 135 feet in length, 58 feet in width and having a transept 72 feet wide. The chapel is on the second floor and is amply sufficient to seat comfortably 600 persons. On the first floor are four large school rooms and in the rear of the school rooms is the sis- ter's house, directly under the sanctuary, containing nine rooms. There is a basement under the entire building. On October 16th, 1904, the Rt. Rev. Bishop laid the cornerstone. The Rev. B. M. O'Boylan preached the sermon on the occasion. The following priests were present and assisted the Bishop : Rt. Rev, F. X. Specht, V. G. ; Fathers Clarke, Weisinger, O'Reilly, Leyden, Goldschmidt, Kessler, Mulhane, Leininger, Kelly, O. P., O'Leary, O. P., and the pastor of the new Church. On March 12th, 1905, the Rt. Rev. Bishop Hartley, assisted by Rev. Francis W. Howard, LL.D., of Co- lumbus, several students of the Josephinum and the pastor, dedicated the new building to the service of Almighty God under the beautiful title. The Church of the Blessed Sacrament. Immediately after the dedica- tion Father Watterson, assisted by Father Howard and two students from the Josephinum, celebrated ST. JOSEPH'S CHURCH, LICKING CO. 297 Solemn High Mass, coram Episcopo. The Rt. Rev. Bishop preached the sermon. In the afternoon the Bishop preached again and gave Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. In September, 1905, the School, xmder the direction of the Sisters of St. Dominic, was opened with 115 children in attendance. At present, there are over 200 children in school. The congregation numbers 240 families and there is a steady growth which promises well for the future. As a matter of history, it may be well to state that during the erection of the new Church, services were held in the old Armory building, directly east of the B. & O. tracks on Main Street, every Sunday and Holy Day. The first Mass was said there on Sunday, August 14, 1904. The building is 150 feet long and about 50 feet wide and unplastered. No one who at- tended Mass in that structure during the winter months will ever forget the cold or the inconveniences he was called upon to endure. In spite of the many hardships, the congregation assembled in that bar- racks Sunday after Sunday, and, while making many sacrifices, assisted at the one great Sacrifice. ST. Joseph's church, jersey township, LICKING COUNTY, OHIO. Prior to the year 1843, Mass was celebrated in pri- vate homes by priests who traveled through this neighborhood on horse-back. Among those that came during the early days were Rev. J. B. Lamy, after- 298 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS wards Arch-Bishop of Santa Fe; Fathers Borger. Louis, Daly and Young. In the year 1843 this settle- ment of Irish CathoUcs' began to shape itself into a Mission and about the year 1851 a log chapel was built on two acres of ground donated by William Dusenberry, who had sold farms to many of the Cath- olic settlers. The first priest to attend regularly was Fr. Bender in 1851, who came from Newark and said Mass once a month on a week day. His salary was fifty dollars a year. Rev. Edward Fitzgerald, after- wards Bishop of Little Rock ; Rev. Nicholas Gallagher, afterwards Bishop of Galveston; Fathers John Mur- ray, Meagher and Joseph Fitzgerald also attended to this Mission after the time of Fr. Bender. About the year 1875 Father Jeremiah Murray built on the site of the first log chapel, a frame structure 26x46 feet. For a few years the Mission was not attended regu- larly by any priest. In the year 1880 Rev. D. A. Clarke of Columbus was' appointed pastor and came from Columbus one Sunday every month to say Mass. Under his pastorate the old church was remodeled and enlarged and a beautiful altar, donated by Roddy Laf- ferty, a pioneer member of the Mission, was erected. On Sunday, June 11, 1882, the church was solemnly dedicated by Rt. Rev. Bishop Watterson. He was as- sisted in the ceremonies by Rev. Fathers DeCailly, Mulhane and Clarke. Solemn High Mass followed the dedication in the presence of the Rt. Rev. Bishop. The celebrant of the Mass was the Rector of the Mis- sion, Rev. D. A. Clarke, assisted by Rev. Louis De- ST. JOSEPH'S CHURCH, LICKING CO. 299 Cailly, of Newark, as Deacon; Rev. L. W. Mulhane, Bishop's Secretary, as Subdeacon, and Master Frank Howard of Columbus, as Master of Ceremonies. Father Mulhane came to the church by buggy, twenty miles, having celebrated an early Mass in the Convent of the Good Shepherd, Columbus. After Mass, the Bishop preached a most able and instructive sermon on the Gospel of the day. The non- Catholics in attendance gave the closest attention and afterwards expressed themselves delighted with all they heard. In the afternoon Solemn Vespers in the presence of the Bishop was sung by the same ministers as in the morning. After the Magnificat the Bishop again preached to the large congregation, nearly all of whom had been present in the morning, having partaken in the meantime of the hospitalities of the neighbors, but many had' brought their refreshments. Confirmation was administered to a class of twenty-five, two adults being converts. In the spring of 1883, Father Clarke resigned on account of ill health, but took charge again August, 1884. After two months he was appointed to Holy Family Church, Columbus. Father Schlichter suc- ceeded and was in charge about seven years. For one year no priest was appointed. In 1892, Rev. P. Gladu was sent to the Mission to reside there as Pastor. A year later a Parish house was built. Father Gladu remained about eight years, and was assigned to Wellston. Then followed Fathers Johnson, Ritter, Pohlman, Vonville. In the spring of 300 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS 1912 Father Vonville was sent to Coming as tempo- rary pastor. Father O'Boylan of Newark then took charge of the Mission, and celebrated Mass there once a month. On September 1, 1912, the Rt. Rev. Bishop appointed Rev. WiUiam C. O'Brien pastor of St. Joseph's and Missions. In 1913 the Church and par- ish house were treated to a few coats of paint and other needed repairs. Mass was celebrated two and three Sundays in the month and also on Holy Days from September 1, 1912, to the present time. Father O'Brien did not reside in the parish house at this Mission, but took up residence in a house he had rented in Johnstown. From the year 1880 to the present time there were one hundred and forty-five baptisms at St. Joseph's according to the baptismal record. CHURCH OF THE ASCENSION^ JOHNSTOWN. As far as can be learned Mass was never cele- brated in this town before the summer of 1912. In July and August of that year Fr. O'Boylan of Newark said Mass here in Woodmen's Hall once a month. This was done for the accommodation of some fifty Catholics in and about Johnstown that found it dif- ficult to go five and ten miles to St. Joseph's. St. Joseph's is situated five miles south of Johnstown. About one half of those that belonged to St. Joseph's were too far away to attend Mass at that place. For the benefit of these and others at St. Joheph's that CHURCH OF THE ASCENSION, JOHNSTOWN 301 could conveniently come and also with the hope of conversions among the non-Catholics, it was deemed advisable to try to build a church in Johnstown. Un- der the direction of Father O'Boylan a lot was pur- chased on the main street. It is 60x325 feet deep running through to a street in the rear. The cash paid was two hundred and twenty-five dollars but that was only one-third of the actual cost. The lot was purchased with a string tied to it — ^that is to say it cost two hundred and twenty-five dollars plus a street assessment of five hundred dollars to be paid semi-annually for ten years. The special tax was as- sessed not only for sixty feet belonging to the church but also for sixty-six feet on the lot adjoining. When all the assessments shall have been paid the church lot, 60 ft. front by 325 ft. deep, will have cost about seven hundred dollars. In the latter part of August, 1912, the Rt. Rev. Bishop appointed Rev. William C. O'Brien, assistant at St. Francis Church, Columbus, to take charge of the Missions at Johnstown and Utica. On Sunday, Septem- ber 1, 1912, Father O'Brien said Mass in Wood- men's Hall at Johnstown. In the month of October B. J. Mattingly offered his hall as a temporary chapel. Everything was done to make it as much like a church as possible. A plain and pretty altar was built from a lunch counter and a suitable taber- nacle provided. The platform whereon the altar rested was formerly used as an elevation for the mu- sicians that played for the dances given in that hall. The altar stone, Missal, vestments, etc., were pro- 302 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS vided by the pastor. Pews were purchased from the Presbyterian church at Mt. Vernon. A confessional was built out of a step-ladder. For three years and four months, this hall was used as a church. Plans for a $4000 frame church had already been drawn by F. Gleichauf at the request of Father O'Boylan. These plans could not be used because they made no provision for a basement, fuel and fur- nace room and would not pass the Ohio Building Code. These plans were rejected by Father O'Brien, who paid Mr. Gleichauf $120.00 for his time and trouble. Father O'Brien then offered new plans drawn for a brick structure. These were made by J. P. Brenot of Oil City, Pa., at the low cost of sev- enty dollars. In the fall of 1914, the basement wall for the new church was built and paid for. Late in the spring of 1915 work was resumed, and the church was com- pleted December 1st. The first Mass said in the new church was on Christmas day at 5 o'clock A. M. Many non-Catholics attended and several assisted in singing the Mass. The following spring the church lot was terraced and is now one of the prettiest lots in the village. The new Church was formally dedicated May 30, 1916. The Rt. Rev. James J. Hajrtley, Bishop of Co- lumbus, officiated at the ceremonies of the dedication. Following this ceremony came the celebration of the Mass. Rev. A. M. Leyden, pastor of the St. Francis Church, Columbus, was celebrant; Rev. Charles Wat- CHURCH OF THE ASCENSION, JOHNSTOWN 303 terson of Newark, Deacon; Rev. T. J. O'Reilly of Co- lumbus, Sub-Deacon. The Bishop assisted on the throne and was attended by Rev. Joseph Wehrle, St. Mary's Church, Colum- bus, and Rev. Robert J. Pratt of Kokomo, Indiana. Rev. C. J. Norris of the cathedral at Columbus was master of ceremonies. Within the sanctuary were, be- sides the pastor, Rev. William C. O'Brien, Rev. Wm. Sullivan of McConnelsville, Rev. J. M. Ryan of Glouster, Rev. Edmund Burkley of Columbus, Rev. P. F. Ruane of Newark. At the. end of this service Bishop Hartley preached a very instructive sermon on Catholic belief. He praised Father O'Brien for his zealous work in di- recting the work of building such a substantial and beautiful church and also praised and thanked Cath- olics and non-Catholics for the assistance and en- couragement given. Confirmation was conferred on a class of forty-two, including men, women and children. A select choir from Newark rendered sweet music for all the serv- ices and this combined with the beautiful vestments of Bishop and clergy and the altar decorated with flow- ers and glowing tapers was a scene long to be remem^ beredi by those th Maynard, moved into this; and their former convent became the parsonage. Father McEachen also had charge of Maynard and other missions and therefore was assisted by Father Berry, Father Mehler, Father Robben, Father Plunkett and Father Sullivan successively until 1910 when Maynard became a parish. Until that time the two Sisters who taught in Maynard continued to re- side in Barton. The basement became too small for the school and in 1910 a brick building of four rooms all on the ground floor was put up. There were then three teachers and 200 pupils. The Church was decorated in 1907 by Mr. John MacEachen, a brother of the pastor. He painted four beautiful pictures on the ceiling and finished the side- walls with arabesque figures. The interior is beau- tiful; very good art-glass windows adding greatly to the beauty of the frescoes on wall and ceiling. The Church building was enlarged in 1904 and now has a seating capacity of 272 on the ground floor besides a very spacious gallery. Aug. 1, 1916, Father Vogel was appointed pastor to succeed Father McEachen. At the present time there are 306 children enrolled in the school. There are four teachers, Sr. Anne the directress. The parish now consists of more than a thousand souls; there being 350 Polish, 241 Hun- garian, 235 Slovak, 48 Irish, 22 ItaHan, 11 Bohemian, 10 German. 416 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS The Diocesan census gives the following statistics: Number of souls, 1,052. Children in the parish school, 303. ST. STANISLAUS PARISH^ MAYNARD. Maynard is a mining town of Belmont County, on the C. L. & W. R. R. about 13 miles from Wheeling, W. Va. Father Martin, a Capuchin Father, was the first priest to visit Maynard. He said Mass In the Miner's Hall above McCabe's general store once a month on a week day. This was in the spring of 1888. Father Martin continued this work until the 21st of January, 1890, when the Rt. Rev. John Ambrose Waitterson, Bishop of Columbus, appointed the Rev. Joseph A. Weigand pastor of Bridgeport, to which place Maynard was attached' as a mission. Father Weigand continued saying Mass in the hall on a week day once every month. On their visits to Maynard the home of Mr. Thomas McCabe was the priests' headquarters. This fam,ily. deserves a special mention as much of the success of the work is due to their co-operation. Mr. McCabe at his own expense fitted up a hall which served for both Church and school. Besides this he gave great financial assistance and his entire family was an inspiration for good to the whole community. In the fall of 1899 a parochial school was opened. Two Sisters of Charity of Nazareth came daily from Bridgeport, a distance of twelve miles, to teach this ST. STAINSLAUS' PARISH, MAYNARD 417 school. It is hard for us with our modern conve- niences to realize the greatness of the hardships un- dergone by these good Sisters in the work of pre- serving the faith of the people in Maynard. The school opened with twenty-three pupils, who were children of newly arrived immigrant Poles, Slovaks and Hungarians. The people being poor coal miners and fearing lest they could not maintain their school were not in favor of opening it. The pastor there- fore, Father Weigand, published a monthly magazine known as St. Anthony's Visitor; from the proceeds of this he was enabled to keep up the school, until the people were capable of supporting it themselves. At the close of the first school year sixty pupils were enrolled, showing that the people began to appreciate their school. At the time of the opening of the school there were 260 soids in the parish. The parish growing steadily the people thought it necessary to have a Church ; for this purpose in the year 1901 lots were purchased for the sum of $325.00. Hard times caused some of the people to move away and made it very difficult for those remaining to support the school and pay for the property. Hence the Church was not started until the spring of 1903. It was completed in June, 1904, and was then dedi- cated by the Rt. Rev. Bishop Hartley under the title of St. Stanislaus. The total cost was $2,600.00, of which all but $1,000.00 was paid at the time of its completion. The Church sacristies were purposely built large to serve also as school-rooms, and thus to 418 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS save the additional expense of building a separate school. In March, 1904, Rev. Roderick A. McEachen was appointed pastor of Barton and Maynard. He chose to reside at Barton but attended Maynard every Sun- day. In 1907 aided by Rev. Elwood S. Berry, his as- sistant, be completed the erection of the present pa- rochial school. This is a two-story building made of cement blocks and contains a hall and four large class rooms. The parish grew to such an extent that the Rt. Rev. Bishop decided to give the people a resident pastor; and on Jan. 10th, 1910, Rev. Otto Von Lintel was accordingly appointed in this capacity. In that year he built a pastoral residence and a convent for the sisters. Up to this time the Sisters, although teach- ing in the parish for eleven years, were obliged to live elsewhere. In the fall of 1913 Father Von Lintel was suc- ceeded as pastor by Rev. Francis W. Gloeckner. Owing to a miners' strike of more than a year's du- ration, the people could not aid Fr. Gloeckner in sup- port of the Church but on the contrary had to look to him for financial assistance. In May, 1915, Father John J. Murphy came as pastor to Maynard and after four months was transferred to another parish. The present pastor, Rev. Wm. C. Hayes, took charge of this parish on the ISth of October, 1915. During his time the church buildings, long n^lected on account of the strike, have been repaired'. The ST. JOSEPH'S PARISH, FAIRPOINT 419 necessary repairs being made the congregation tlien turned its attention towards beautifying the interior of the church with the result that the church, now ar- tistically frescoed, is the pride of St. Stanislaus parish. The Diocesan census gives the following statistics : Number of souls, 1588. Children in the parish school, 259. ST. Joseph's pariish, fairpoint. St. Joseph's congregation at Fairpoint was organ- ized in 1905 by Rev. R. A. MacEachen, andi at that time consisted of twenty-five Polish families. The Mass for three years was said in a private house. In the year 1908 the people contributed the sum of $800.00 for the purpose of erecting a church building. In March, 1909, the first pastor was appointed, he being the Rev. James Bieronski. For about a year he lived in a house rented from a coal company. In 1910 he built a house of six rooms. In 1911 due to failing health, he left the congregation for seven months, and his duties were performed by the Rev. Charles L. Walsh. Later on, his health being still poor, he resigned. In May, 1913, Rev. T. Stankiewicz became the pas- tor, remaining for seven months, and resigned from the pastorate at the end of that period because of the dissatisfaction of the people. In December, 1913, the Rt. Rev. Bishop appointed the Rev. S. Szadzinski as pastor. The congregation 420 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS consists mostly of Polish people and has three mis- sions aittached. There are 404 souls in the parish. SACRED HEART PARISH, PROVIDENT. The first mission is the Sacred Heart Church at Provident. The building there is of brick, erected in the year 1911 by the Rev. O. H. Von Lintel. A small school building for sixty children is attached to the Church and a secular teacher by the name of Miss M. Froehlich is there employed. This mission consists of Lithunians, Poles and Magyars mostly. There are 155 souls in the parish. ST. Peter's parish, black oak. The next mission is Black Oak, organized in the year 1907. The Black Oak Coal Company gave, for the use of the people, a small building that was transformed into a chapel. The people bought two acres of land in the year 1914, at Lafferty, and under the direction of the present pastor, selected the plans for a new Church. This Church will cost over $5000.00. The people there are mostly Poles and Slavs. There are 375 souls in the parish. ST. Paul's parish, flushing. The third mission is St. Paul's Church located at Flushing, twelve miles from Fairpoint. This Church building was erected by Father MacEachen in the year 1908, with the help of John Whalen and James Gaif- ST. AUL'S PARISH, FLUSHING 421 ney. A collection was taken and the amount of $1000.00 was raised and paid for the Church building. The building is 49 ft. by 29 ft. and has a seating ca- pacity of 150 people. Though the number of people is small yet they are good and pious people, mostly Poles. The pastor says Mass in every Church every second Sunday. The children are instructed in the catechism before Mass. The trips are made in auto, buggy or horse-back. There are 271 souls in the parish. CHAPTER XXVII. DENNISON. IMMACULATE CONCEPTION PARISH, DENNISON. The parish of the Immaculate Conception, Denni- son, Tuscarawas County, situated on the Penn- sylvania Railroad, one hundred miles east of Colum- bus, one hundred miles west of Pittsburgh, and fifty miles west of Steubenville, had its humble be- ginning about the year of 1869, or contemporaneously with the establishment of the Diocese of Columbus, when the first members, Irish Catht>lics, accompanying the removal of the railroad shops from the city of Steubenville, settled there, taking with them' the priceless gift of Divine faith. Looking around for the essentials for the preservation of that great gift, they invited the Rev. Father Wiseman, pastor of Canal Dover, Tuscarawas County, to come and break to them the Bread of life. This zealous priest was not slow in responding to the call. Among those who joined in making their spiritual needs known were the following: John Lingen, Thomas Finneran, Philip Hart, John O'Brien and Thomas O'Brien (brothers), Thomas McCormack, Timothy Cummings, Thomas Wright (still living), John Casey, John McHatty, Matthew and Thomas O'Donnell (brothers), Patrick Hartigan, Edward Quinn, "Barney" Reilly, James Sweeney, Peter 422 IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, DENNISON 423 Mooney, John Donovan (sons and daughters), Mich- ad McKeon, Patrick O'Brien, Charles Scanlon, Patrick and John SuUivan, Hugh McAleer, Patrick Quirk, John Connors, Timothy Halloren, John Douling, Dennis McCauley, John Bow, WiUiam and John McKeown, one Mr. McManus, John Reddy, and some others who have now faded from the memory of the present people. Holy Mass was offered for the first time in the home of Mr. John Lingen where the first pastor, the Rev. William T. Hawe, was well cared . for by the faithful Mrs. Mary Lingen. The place for hold^ ing Divine services was coveted and provided for at the humble homes of John Casey, Thomas Wright (agent), and others. Later on a place was rented and commodious quarters provided for the worshipers. Previous to the building of the first Church, the mission was visited, as occasion permitted, by the Rev. Father Twomey of Steubenville, Rev. P. M. Heery in 1873, and still later by Rev. H. B. Dues. In A. D. 1870 property on which to build a perma- nent place of Divine worship was acquired by Father Twomey, aided by Mr. Timothy Cumimings and all the rest, as well as many non-Catholics, and a neat little brick building was erected thereon. At this time the people desired a permanent resi- dent priest and their petition to the Right Reverend Bishop Rosecrams was not long delayed. Rev. William T. Hawe was chosen for the growing parish, which to- day is metropolitan in its aspect and quite progressive in its career. During the time of Father Hawe a com- 424 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS modious dwelling, a brick building, was added to the Church property, which later on was enlairged and im- piroved. Besides this, a Church dedicated to St. Joseph was built in a place called Glascow, some four miles north of Port Washington, Tuscarawas County, and about 14 miles from Dennison, which later wais wholly discontinued on account of the iron industry lo- cated there having been removed for want of local supplies. Father Hawe's time as pastor was quite brief but full of enterprise, and lasted about five years and eight months. He died and was buried in Calvary Cemeteiy at Columbus. Rev. Francis J. Campbell became the successor of Father Hawe and eminently served the caiulse of Christ to the faithful for seventeen years. He was dearly beloved by his people and highly respected by all those by whom he came to be known, non-Catholic as well as those of the household of the faith. During his pastorate the first little church was enlarged and furnished, and later on was still further extended and enlarged. Additional real estate was acquired and quite an imposing structure erected thereon for parish school purposes. On the occasion of the Silver Jubilee of the Right Rev. John A. Watterson, the parish of St. Mary's of the Immaculate Conception was among several others in the Diocese constituted an irremovable rectorship and still rejoices in this distinction. Previous to this, a resting place for the deceased members was acquired and blessed for this purpose, known as Calvary Cemetery, where the remains of ST. AGNES PARISH, MINGO JUNCTION 425 Rev. F. J. Campbell await the final summons, "Arise ye dead, and enter into the joy of the Lord." He de- parted this life on the seventh day of February A. D., 1896. On the occasion of the funeral of Father Campbell, Right Reverend Bishop Watterson appointed Rev. P. M. Heery pastor of the parish. During the past few years many substantial and necessary improvements have been made. The Church has been enlarged — a beautiful sanctuary and sacris- ties being added — 'a parish high school inaugurated — the parish house and Sister's convent improved. The Sisters of Charity from Nazareth, Ky., are in charge of the school, which has an attendance of 156 pupils. ST. AGNES PARISH, MINGO JUNCTION. The beginning of the present parish dates back over thirty years. At that time the few scattered Irish Catholic families were attended by the priests of Steubenville. Previous to 1885 Mass was read, con- fessions heard and instructions given, in the house of Mr. Matthew Kane. The present Bishop, then a young curate of the Steubenville church, frequently said Mass for the handful of Catholics who gathered at the home of Mr. Martin Nee in the neighboring village of Brilliant. In 1885 these twin villages were designated missions of St. Francis' Church, Toronto, in charge of Rev. A. M. Leyden. As the number of worshippers increased Father Leyden secured the auditorium of the public school and for two years continued to hold services therein. In 1889 he erected a modest little 426 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS church and for the ensuing three years served this mission from the parent Church at Toronto. Rev. Walter Ross was appointed the first resident pastor in 1892. During his incumbency the present rectory was built. Though the number of Catholics residing in Brilliant was small, Father Ross generous- ly gave his efforts to hold them to the faith and regu- larly said Mass there once each month. The pastoraite of Rev. John Meade began in 1896. He quickly realized the need of a separate school to provide for the children under his charge. His own enthusiasm and energy encouraged the people to make more than ordinary sacrifices to bring this about. Hardships were compensated for in the happiness that followed the opening of the school in 1898. Rec- ognition of work well done and its consequent reward came to Father Meade in his promotion to a wider field of activity, when, in 1904 he was transferred to Wellston. His successor, Rev. D. A. Coffey, came to Mingo in November of that same year. Kind and sympathetic. Father Coffey entered whole-heartedly into the diffi- culties, material and spiritual, which beset the foreign- born peoples who began soon after to flock into the little parish. Their needs became his personal con- cern. Gradually and gently, though firmly, he con- trived that their children were enrolled into the par- ish school. The influence he exerted extended beyond the walls of the foreigners' little cottages. What dif- ferences arose between the workers and the employers were invariably referred to him for settlement. His TORONTO 437 judgment in such matters was regarded as the rule to be followed. The trials incident to the managing of so mixed a congregation, which he jokingly called hisi "five nations," gave scope for exercise of the keen re- sourcefulness which so characterized him. Father Coffey died February 4, 1916 — and was suc- ceeded by Rev. J. F. Dooley, who is at present in charge of the parish. Preparations are being made to build a new Church. A building fund of several thousand dollars is being added to every week — and when conditions permit it is the hope of the parish to erect a splendid new Church to provide for the in- creased membership. The school is in charge of the Sisters of St. Francis from Mt. Alverno, Wisconsin. The Dioceson census gives the following statistics: Number of souls, 1035. Children in the parish school, 323. ST. FRANCIS PARISH, TORONTO. Toronto, originally known as Newburg, and Sloane's Station was a little mission attended from Steuben- ville. The holy sacrifice of the Mass was seldom cele- brated on Sundays for the few families, and so they used to cross over the Ohio River to assist at Mass on the West Virginia side, opposite the present Toronto. Rev. M. A. Hartnedy was the first priest who at- tended the Toronto mission regularly. He celebrated Mass occasionally on week days in private houses, at- tended sick calls and funerals and baptized. 428 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS The first resident pastor was the Rev. Thomas F. Delaney, who was appointed by Right Rev. Bishop ^Watterson late in the year 1885, and remained in diarge a short time. The Rev. Alphonse M. Leyden succeeded Father Delaney, and took charge of Toronto mission on the first of September, 1886. The foundations of the new Church were laid in September, 1886, and the cornerstone was solemnly blessed by Right Rev. Bish- op Waftterson on the nineteenth of September, 1886. The first holy Mass was celebrated in the new Church on the twenty-fifth of April, 1887. The new Church was. dedicated with solemn ceremonies by Right Rev. Bishop Watterson on the twenty-fifth of October, 1887. The Bishop was assisted on the occa- sion by Rev. Father, now the Right Rev. Bishop Hart- ley, Father Hartnedy, Father Reynolds of Wellsburg, W. Va., and Father Leyden. On the same day the Bishop administered first holy Communion for the first time in the new Church, and conferred the Sac- rament of Confirmation. The Stations of the Cross were canonically erected in the Church the nineteenth of April, 1889. The first mission was preached in May, 1891, by the Rev. Father William, Passionist. The number of holy Communions at the first mission was one hundred and thirty. Father Leyden was pastor of Toronto from the first of September, 1886, to the twelfth of May, 1892. Father Leyden built the new Church and' when he left the Toronto mission, all the debts had been TORONTO 429 paid, and some money balance left in the Church treas- ury. Rev. J. T. MacNally succeeded Father Leyden on the twelfth of May, 1892. A few days after the new pastor took charge of Toronto parish, sacriligious hands broke into the Church, and desecrated the tab- ernacle, carrying away with them the ciborium and scattered the sacred Hosts on the Altar cloth. The wretched thieves a short time after the crime met with misfortune, and, as it seemed, were punished by Di- vine Providence for the sacrilege. St. Francis Church has been unusually fortunate in escaping destruction, for it encountered three danger- ous fires on three different occasions, but thanks be to God, the Church on the three occasions escaped without serious damage. In the year 1898 owing to the steady growth of the congregation and the large number of children, the need of a Catholic school was deemed a necessity, and accordingly steps were taken to open the Parochial school, and secure the services of teaching Sisters. ,The project was approved and encouraged by Rt. Rev. Msgr. Specht, V. G., and the school was opened in September, 1899, in charge of the Sisters of Loretto, i from Nerinx, Ky. The Sisters' residence was built in 1899-1900. The nimiber of pupils the first day was seventy, and during the first year one hundred and fifteen pupils answered the roll call. Rev. Father Macnally com- pleted his first ten years as pastor of Toronto parish May 12th, 1902, and during that time, the Church 430 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS was twice thoroughly renovated interiorly ; the pas- tor's residence was built and furnished; the new school was opened, and the Sisters' residence built. The growing congregation became much too large for the church, and the school rooms were too small for the pupils, and so it became necessary to build an ad- dition of sixty feet to the Church-School structure. Rev. Xavier Sutton, Passionist, gave a mission for St. Francis congregation from the tenth to the seventeenth of October, 1887. Rev. Urban Foley, Passionist, gave a mission from the twenty-second to the twenty-ninth of October, 1901. Rev. Herman J. Elscamp, of the Society of Jesus, gave a mission from the thirtieth of April to the seventh of May, 1905. Rev. J. M. Koudfelka, now Bishop of Superior, Wis., gave a mission for the Slovak people in To- ronto and vicinity from the 12th to the 18th of March, 1905. The Carmelite Fathers, Philip Best and Boniface Hund, gave a mission from the eigh- teenth to the twenty-fifth of April, 1909. The Re- demptorist Fathers Grein and Sippel gave a mission in November, 1913. The Dominican Fathers, Connol- ly and Finerty, gave a mission from the first to the eighth of October, 1916. The congregation of St. Francis at the present time, October, 1917, numbers about two hundred and forty families, of whom about sixty families are Slavoks — a few Italian families ; some fifteen Polish families, a few Hungarian and a few Croations. The two lots immediately south of the Church property were purchased recently at a cost of twenty- ST. JOSEPH'S PARISH, AMSTERDAM 431 five hundred dollars for the site for the new St. Fran- cis' Church, which, it is hoped, will be built in the no distant future. The number of baptisms from the organization of the parish is twelve hundred and fifty nine. The number of marriages is one hundred and ■eighty-two. The number of funerals is two hundred and seven- teen. The number of children on the school rolls 1916- 1917 was two hundred and fifty. At the present time, October, 1917, all the school rooms are overcrowded, and more school rooms and more teachers are needed. The debts of St. Francis congregation, at the pres- ent time, October, 1917, are practically "nil" — a few dollars would pay every cent that is due on "the stand- ing debt" of the congregation, which, although poor, has done heroic work at times, and now may be con- gratulated on the success well known to all. The Diocesan census gives the following statistics: Number of souls, 1129. Children in the parish school, 250. ST. Joseph's parish, Amsterdam. St. Joseph's Church of Amsterdam, with Bergholz as a mission, is one of the recently organized parishes of the Columbus Diocese. These missions were attended in former years for the greater part by the pastors of St. Adalbert's Church, Dillonvale. At first by Rev. Casimir Smogor, 432 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS then by those who succeeded him and the present rec- tor. Father Nowogrodlzki, had charge at the time of its organization into a new parish. Rev. John Mattes, when pastor of St. Francis Assisi's Church, attended these missions for some three years. He succeeded in purchasing an acre of land as a site for a new Church in Amsterdam and succeeded in almost starting the building when the place was rent by one of those periodical strikes so prevalent among miners and operators. A bell was also purchased for the new Church at this time. It must be said with all candor that the location of Amsterdam on account of the poor railway service and almost impassible roads for at least six months of the year, made it extremely difficult for the neigh- boring priests to do much for these people, no more than give them what they could. One must be conversant with miners to know the difficulties a priest has to contend with, even if he is pvermanent in their midst, at least in the centers where there is a floating population and he scarcely sees the faces of the same individuals for six successive months. In the spring of 1914 the Rt. Rev. Bishop realized the fact that these missions were large enough to be made into a parish and there was a crying need of having a priest in the midst of the people to attend to their spiritual wants. On April 23rd, 1914, he ap- pointed Father Sullivan, assistant at Holy Name Church, Steubenville, to take charge and to organize a parish under the auspices of St. Joseph in Amster- dam' with Bergholz as a mission. ST. JOSEPH'S PARISH, AMSTERDAM 433 At this time, however, the place looked anything but encouraging. There was a six months' strike in full swing among the miners and operators, so it was not until the next November that any relief could come to the financial situation in the parish. There was no time, however, to lose or to get dis- couraged; it may be remarked also' that Father McEachen of Barton, at the suggestion of the Bishop, was of help in the organization of the parish through his knowledge of the customs and languages of the different nationalities that composed the new parish. The newly arrived pastor and people saw no alter- native but to arm themselves with prayer and confi- dence in God. They started to build at least a base- ment of a Church for Divine worship. All passion and prejudice of the locality was hurled against them. Even the natives held prayer meetings beseeching high Heavens that the sacred spot of Amsterdam should not be contaminated by the scourge of a Cath- olic Church. Even at this, the first thing to be done was to secure some place to say Mass and get the people to attend Divine Worship on Sundays and holy days, at least. Strange to say, no place could be found but a sort of town hall that served as an undertakers' establish- ment. This place served the purpose for three months. It was fortunate that many of the miners were tradesmen, as some did the digging and grading, oth- ers the cement and carpenter work, so in this way 434 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS the basement was fitted! up for the future superstruc- ture. On September 1st, 1914, the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass was celebrated in it, and the bell rang in solemn tones the advent of the newly organized parish. Though the structure built of brick and cement is a basement, it resembles a little mission Church with a small tower and bell. On July 3rd, 1915, ground was broken for a new and commodious rectory, built of brick with all mod- ern improvements. It was ready for habitation the next December. Every effort was made to have the house ready before the Episcopal visitation and Con- firmation, which took place on October 14th, 1915. It was surely a great joy and treat to the people to have the Bishop visit them for the first time in their parish, and they all turned out to greet him. There was a large Confirmation class that day, not only of children but of adults. The people of Steubenville, together with the Rev. T. A. Powers of St. Peter's Church and' Rev. J. A. Weigand of Holy Name Church, were no small aid in furnishing! the Church basement and house. All that pertains to the altar was donated by the Sisters of Notre Dame, who conduct the Tabernacle Society at Columbus. When the parish was organized there was a fair number of parishoners of several nationalities. The Slovaks were in the lead, in fact they outnumbered all others together. There were many Polish and Scotch families, two Irish, and three German fami- lies, in all 132, with some 120 children in Sunday ST. FRANCIS XAVIER'S PARISH, MALVERN 435 School. Catechism is taught in four places, Am- sterdam, Bergholz, Eastern and Wolf Run. These families and school children have fallen oflE at least one-third of late by the conscription act and many moving to the cities to take advantage of high wages in the munition factories, and also to have their children attend schools taught in their mother tongue. According to the Diocesan census the number of souls in the parish is 497. ST. FRANCIS XAVIER^S PARISH, MALVERN. St. Francis Xavier's congregation was organized as a Mission from Marges, Carroll County, by the Rev. H. Mankenhedde. When the first Church was erected in 1848, Malvern was known as Lodi. Father Menkenheidle attended St. Francis Xavier's till 1854 and was succeeded by the Rev. D. M. Winand for two years. Then came the Rev. J. S. Goetz in 1856 and administered to the spiritual needs of the Mission un- til 1861. The Rev. H. Fehling followed Father Goetz for two years. In 1863 Rev. Joseph Anthony Heime came and remained till 1868 and was succeeded by the Rev. Bernard Wisman for one year. The year 1868 saw the advent of the Rev. H. H. Mayrose, who remained till 1877 and was followed by the Rev. H. Fischer for one year and the Rev. P. Enimanuel for one year. Rev. P. J. Weisenberger was in charge of St. Francis Xavier's from 1880 to 1882. By this time the Mission had grown to such an extent as to require 436 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS the presence of a resident pastor. Accordingly, Rev. Bernard Wisman was appointed by the Rt. Rev. Bish- op Watterson as first resident pastor of St. Francis Xavier's congregation. When Father Wisman became pastor, he found the church too small for the accomi- modation of the people of the parish which was with- out a residence. During the following years the Church was enlarged by the addition of thirty feet. It is still in good condition and has been in continual use all these years. Father Wisman also built a residence near the church, which was a substantial brick build- ing, like the Church. From the beginning of 1883 till his death in 1891, Father Wisman faithfully minis- tered to the faithful of Malvern. He was not only a pattern to his own flock, but gained the good will and respect of the whole community, regardless of religious convictions. Upon the death of Father Wis- man, the Rev. Thomas A. Powers was appointed pas- tor of Malvern. Father Powers was transferred after a few months and was succeeded by the Rev. Edward L. Fladung in the spring of 1892. During the pastor- ate of Father Fladung, a new parish residence was erected at a cost of several thousand dollars. A num- ber of improvements were made in and about the Church. It was with much regret that the people of St. Francis Xavier's saw Father Fladung transferred to Pameroy in the autumn of 1907, after faithfully ministering to their spiritual necessities for nearly sixteen years. The Rev. Bernard Vogel succeeded Father Fladung and remained until July 1, 1908. Rev. Clement B. Teipe then became pastor of Mai- ST. PATRICK'S MISSION, MINERAL CITY 437 vern. During Father Teipe's pastorate a number of improvements were added to the Church and parish house. He remained in charge of the parish until the spring of 1912. At that time the Rev. Otto P. Trogus assumed charge of St. Francis Xavier's and remained till August, 1916. Much good was accomplished, both spiritually and temporally, during these four years. On account of faihng health, Father Trogus was transferred in August, 1916, to less arduous duties in Columbus. The Rev. Chas. L. Walsh was then ap- pointed to St. Francis Xavier's parish and is still in charge. ST. Patrick's mission, mineral city. St. Patrick's Mission, Mineral City, was organized by the Rev. H. B. Dues, pastor of Canal Dover, in January 1881. It remained attached to Canal Dover until January 1, 1884. During that time, Father Dues erected a Church for the few families who re- sided at Mineral City at an outlay of several hundred dollars. From 1884 till June 7, 1892, this Mission was attended by the Rev. Walter Ross, pastor of Marges, Carroll County. In June, 1892, Mineral City was attached to Malvern, Carroll County. At this time Rev. Edward L. Fladung took charge of St. Patrick's Mission and continued to serve the wants of the people there till December, 1907. During that time Father Fladung purchased a new site for a Church, which has served the little congregation to the present time. Rev. Bernard Vogel succeeded Father Fladung in December, 1907, and remained in 438 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS' charge till July, 1908. He was followed by the Rev. C. B. Teipe, who made quite a number of improve- ments in and about the Church. Father Teipe had charge of St. Patrick's Mission a little over four years and was succeeded by the Rev. Otto P. Trogus, Sep- tember, 1912. Father Trogus cared for the spiritual needs of the people till August, 1916, and was suc- ceeded by the Rev. Chas. L. Walsh, the present in- cumbent. ST. MAEY^S PARISH, MARGES. St. Mary's Church, Marges, Carroll County, ninety miles from Cleveland, is one of the few original churches organized by the first missionaries. The first priest that visited the Catholics in this locality and said the first Mass was Rev. John Martin Henni, afterwards Vicar General of Cincinnati and the first Bishop and Archbishop' of Milwaukee, Wis- consin. Rev. John Martin Henni was born in Misanenga, Switzerland, June 15, 1805, and died in Milwaukee, September 7, 1881. Rev. Frederick Rese, Vicar Gen- eral of Cincinnati, was sent by Rt. Rev. Bishop Fenwick, a member of the Dominican Order, to Europe to obtain students or priests. The young levite, John M. Henni, volunteered to come to the United States. He arrived in New York May 28, 1828, and a few weeks later in Cincinnati. Bishop Fenwick ordained on February 2, 1829, John M. Henoi and his friend and companion, Martin Kundig, priests. During Easter time, 1829, Bishop Fenwick called ST. MARY'S PARISH, MARGES 439 Father Henni and said to him, "A parish I cannot give you because no one can give what he has not, but work you will find plenty. Travel through the State of Ohio, administer the Sacraments and whenever you find enough people, settle down and make your home there." Father Henni was willing to go and after receiving the Episcopal blessing, set out on his first missionary tour. After traveling through South and middle Ohio, he came to Canton, Stark County, where he found a sufficient number of Catholics, who were willing and able to built a Church. This was in the fall of 1829. He built St. John the Baptist Church and from Canton, visited the sur- rounding territory. In Moregg, now Marges, Carroll County, he built a log chapel 40 by 26 and placed it under the patronage of St. Fidelis of Sigmaringen, "Protomartyr Propadanda". The first baptism was that of Thomas Kohler, son of Joseph Kobler and Catherine Verne, June 26, 1834, by Rev. John M. Henni. Before the chapel was built. Mass was said in a near neighbor house of John Waggoner. Father Kenni came on his visits always on horseback. He always stayed at the Waggoner house. On one occasion he had torn his trousers and he had to go to bed till Mrs. Waggoner had patched them. She said, "Father Henni, I have no black patches to mend your trousers, but light patches." "Put one of them on as long as the hole is shut." A year after the chapel was built, a log school 440 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS' house was erected beside the chapel. John Vemi was the first teacher. There is no school at present. The congregation grew and the people were able to build a new Church in 1851. The bricks were made on a farm near the Church property. Mr. John Waggoner donated two acres of his farm for Church purposes. The Church is a substantial, plain, red brick building of Gothic architecture, and has a seat- ing capacity of five hundred persons. The cost of the Church was $2800. All the labor that could be done by the farmers was done and do- nated. Father Goetz built the priest's house of the same kind of brick in the year 1855 at the cost of $1100. There was a good size congregation at all times till about twenty years ago. Since then the allurement of city life drew all the young people away. The old farmers died, and no new families came in, so the parish has dwindled down to a Mission stage. Marges is situated on a beautiful elevation near the limits of Carroll and Stark Counties, three miles from Waynes- burg and Magnolia, each about one thousand inhabi- tants. The stage road from Steubenville to Canton passes in front of the house. Rural delivery and telephone are the only improvements since the existence of the parish. The people are all of Alsatian descent. The priests who have had charge of the parish were: Rev. J. Martin, 1829-1834; Rev. J. Alteman, 1834-1835; Rev. F. Tschenhens, 1835-1838; Rev. M. Wuertz, 1838-1840; Rev. L. de Goesbriand, 1840- ST. MARY'S PARISH, MARGES 441 1841 ; Rev. John M. Martin, 1841-1842; Rev. Michael Wurtz, 1842-1843; Rev. John Baptist Tacent, 1843- 1846; Rev. J. H. Luhr, 1846-1851 ; Rev. F. H. Muck- erheide, 1851-1853; Rev. P. M. Winants, 1853-1856; Rev. J. H. Goetz, 1856-1858; Rev. O. H. Borgess, 1858-1861; Rev. Father Hergenrother, 1861-1864; Rev. Joseph A. Heimo, 1864-1867; Rev. B. Wiseman, 1867-1868; Rev. H. H. Mayrose, 1868-1870; Rev. John Gamber, 1870-1874; Rev. Julius Fisher, 1874- 1877; Rev. F. Emmanuel O. M. Cap, 1877-1880; Rev. P. J. Weisenherger, 1880-1886; Rev. T. J. Lane, 1886- 1889; Rev. Walter Ross, 1889-1893; Rev. Edw. L. Fladung, 1893-1895; Rev. Joseph O'SuUivan, 1895- 1899; Capuchin Fathers, 1899-1900; Rev. Louis Grimmer, 1900-1902; Rev. Otto P. Trogus, 1902- 1905, and Rev. Louis Mandery since 1905. CHAPTER XXIX. CANAL DOVER. The following sketches give us the interesting facts connected with the growth of the Church in the pres- ent flourishing cities of Canal Dover and New Phila- delphia. Some of the old Missions adjacent to these two cities are still in existence, and while the number of Catholics is not very large — nevertheless the faith is kept alive by the few devoted families who still go to Mass regularly at the neat little churches and chapels provided for their convenience. ST. Joseph's parish, canal dover. The number of Catholics, if any, living in Tuscara- was County up till 1835 can not be ascertained, but it is a fact that from 1835 till 1845 several Catholic families, mostly Hessians, located in Dover, Franklin and especially Lawrence Townships, and with great difficulty they erected a small Church, the present St. Peter's Church, situated in Lawrence Township. As money was very scarce at the time, the people decided on building the Church themselves, each one perform- ing that part of the work to- which he was best adapted. Some of these pioneers tell of dragging the material several miles, partly because they were unable to pro- 442 ST. JOSEPH'S PARISH, CANAL DOVER 443 cure teams, partly because the roads were very dfe- ficient. The first priest coining to Tuscarawas County was Rev. F. H. Luhr ; he traveled from Canton by way of the canal, this being the only means of transportation ait the time. It was in the year 1840 that the first services were held in St. Peter's Church and ever af- terwards Father Luhr and other missionaries came about every month to say Mass and administer to all Cathelics found scattered in the neighborhood of this pioneer Church. Beginning with the year 1845 Father Luhr occasionally went to Dover to hold services for the Catholics residing there. The first Mass was said in a private residence on Canal Street, after that in a dwelling at the corner of Factory and Third Streets. The number of Catholics at Dover gradually increas- ing, Father Luhr began the necessary arrange- ments for the erection of a Church. In the year 1848 he bought two lots, the ground plot and site of the present St. Joseph's School and Convent. These lots were the property of Mr. Slingluflf, at that time doctor of medicine. In 1849 the Church was started, was completed in 1850 and served as the House of God un- til the year 1898 when the present St. Joseph's Church was finished. In 1850 Rev. Father Muckerheide was transferred to Dover to act as pastor of the new Church and at the same time he took charge of St. Peter's Church, which was then regarded as a Mission of St. Joseph's until 1872. Fother Muckerheide remained until 1853 444 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS and was succeeded by Rev. D. M. Winands. In 1857 this zealous priest, at his own expense, erect- ed the brick building situated beside the present school and used it as a parsonage and a place of education for the children. He paid the sum of $1,560 and sold it to the St. Joseph's congregation for $1,200. The document for this sale was signed by thirty men of the congregation, who pledged themselves to pay the sum tO' Father Winands as soon as possible. In 1858 Father Winands paid $100 for the erection of the main altar and' put up the first organ which cost him $576.82. The following is a list of the priests who had charge of St. Joseph's Church until 1886, when it was placed into the hands of the Capuchin Fathers : Rev. Muckerseide, 1850-1853 ; Rev. D. M. Winands, 1853- 1860; Rev. F. J. Goetz, assistant, 1854-1860; Rev. Const Hergenroether, 1860-1861 ; Rev. H. Fehling, 8861-1863; Rev. Jos. Heimo, 1683-1864; Rev. F. M. Andrews, 1864-1865; Rev. Bernard Wisman, 1865- 1876; Rev. H. B. Dues, 1876-1886. In 1886 Rev. B. Wisman built the frame structure opposite to the old Church and used it as a school ; he bought the ground which is at present called the St. Joseph's cemetery and in 1869 he installed an organ in the Church for the sum of $1,300. At the time of the removal of Father Wisman in 1876 the congrega- tion was completely free from debt. March 3, 1868, Rt. Rev. Bishop Rosecrans, Auxil- iary Bishop of Cincinnati, was transferred to Colum- bus, to act as Bishop of the Columbus Diocese and ST. JOSEPH'S PARISH, CANAL DOVER 445 from that time Tuscarawas County fell to the care of the Bishop of Colimibus. Bishop Rosecrans was suc- ceeded by Rt. Rev. Bishop Watterson, August 8, 1880. Toward the close of the year 1876 Rev. H. B. Dues- was transferred from Steubenville to Dover to take charge of the parish, which was then in a very pros- perous condition. In the month of June, 1877, Rev. George Montag celebrated his first Mass at St. Joseph's Church. Father Montag was the first priest to claim the seem- ingly insignificant but neat and cozy little city of Dover as his birthplace and home. In 1881 the Rev. H. B. Dues bad the windows of the Church replaced at the cost of $452; he put a fence around the cemetery and placed it in a good and respectable condition. In 1885 he introduced the Sisters of the Humility of Mary from Bedford, Pa., to succeed Mr. J. J. Jurgens in educating and instruct- ing the children. About the same time two new altars were erected and paid for by several members of the parish. Father Dues died on the 4th of April, 1886, and was buried in the St. Josep's cemetery. Rev. W. 'Ross of St. Stephen's Church, Bolivar, then took charge of St. Joseph's until the 11th of June, 1886, when the Rt. Rev. Bishop Watterson placed St. Joseph's Church in the hand's of the Capuchin Fathers of the Province of Pennsylvania. In the month of September, 1886, the Sisters of the Humility of Mary were replaced by the Sisters of Di- vine Providence, wh back to 1840 when the Riley and McLean families settled in the town. A number of the pioneer Catholics were Germans, the Miller brothers, the Snyders, the Bayers, the Uckers, the Smiths, the Wolfes and the Dreschers. Many of their descendants are now members of the congrega- tion. The Sweetmans, the Lowers, the Morans, the Howards and Kirwins were also among the pioneers. The parish of St. Joseph's has given two priests to the Church, Rev. J. M. Kirwin and Rev. John M. Haughran. The first priest to visit Circleville was Rev. Domi- nic Young who with his uncle, Rev. E. D. Fenwick (first Bishop of Cincinnati) have been called the apos- tles of Ohio. Father Young was ordained December 498 ST. JOSEPH'S PARISH, CIRCLEVILLE 499 17, 1817. He was provincial of Dominicans from 1832 to 1838 and was one of the founders of St. Joseph's priory, Somerset, in 1818. Another Father Young (Joshua) also visited Circleville in the forties. He continued until 1873, and years afterwards be- came the first Bishop of Erie, Pa. It is a curious fact that Mass was celebrated in Protestant homes in those early days by the missionary priests. Other priests who came to Circleville were Father Juncker, first resident pastor of St. Peter's Church in Chillicothe and afterwards Bishop of Alton, 111., Fathers Calker, DeHope and Carroll. The first Church was erected in 1848 and dedicated by Archbishop Purcell. The first resident pastor was Rev. P. Tschieder, a Jesuit priest who came in 1850. He was succeeded by Rev. Michael Forde in 1852. Father Nicholas Thisse came in 1854 and built the first pastor's residence. In December, 1856, Rev. John D. Duffy became the pastor of the parish, who was as- sisted by Father Fitzgerald (afterwards Bishop of Little Rock, Ark.). Rev. C. L. Pindar was pastor from 1868 to 1869. It was in Father Pindar's time that work of building a brick church began which was dedicated by Bishop Rosecrans in 1868. It cost $15,000. In 1869, Rev. Sergius de Stchoulepnikofif, son of a noble Russian family, was appointed pastor and re- mained until June 23, 1872. Father Sergius was suc- ceeded for a few months by Father Mazeau. Then come Father Cull in 1872, who was transferred' to Holy 500 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS Redeemer in Portsmouth in April, 1874. Father Walker was the next pastor and remained in charge for eight years. The Catholic Cemetery was purchased during his pastorate. Rev. M. M. Meara was appoint- ed pastor of St. Joseph's on April 20, 1882, and con- tinued to November, 1900. It was during Father Meara's pastorate that a school building was erected and dedicated by Bishop Watterson in 1886. The school is in charge of the Sisters of Nazareth, Ken- tucky. Rev. C. H. A. Watterson was appointed tem- porary pastor and on July 2, 1901, Rev. John S. Han- nan, the present incumbent, was placed in charge of St. Joseph's congregation. His record at Shaw- nee preceded! him to Circleville, and soon plans were formulated for the building" of a new Church, the cornerstone of which was laid on April 10, 1910, by Bishop Hartley. It was dedicated on June 25, 1911. An eloquent sermon was preached on the occasion by Father Kearney, O. P., of Zanes- ville, and an imposing demonstration was held in the afternoon after which Hon. T. S. Hogan, Attorney General, delivered an address. Fathers Kirwin and Haughran of Texas were present at the dedicatory exercises. Under the spiritual guidance of Father Hanman the parish has accomplished much and the people are devoted to him. The well conducted' schbol has graduated many who have achieved success in the business and professional world. The St. Joseph's Reading Circle, a splendid aid society for Church work, has accomplished much along literary and so- cial lines. ST. MARY'S PARISH, DELAWARE 501 DELAWARE. St. Mary's at Delaware has always had a good con- gregation. With all the changes that have come over the industrial interests of the city, the parish has never fallen below three hundred families. There is a splendid Church with a sweet chime of bells — a parisb school with ample accommodations for the pupils^ — a comfortable parish house — a convent for the Sisters — and a residence for the sexton. Everything looks promising for a prosperous future. Cardington is a small Mission with a Church and about ten or fifteen families. Mt. Gilead, a prosperous little town a few miles away has only a few Catholics and no Church. BRIEF HISTORY OF ST. MARY^S PARISH, DELAWARE. The origin and foundation of St. Mary's Church, Delaware, Ohio, as a separate parish, with its own resi- dent pastor, dates back to December 1st, 1856, when Archbishop J. B. Purcell of Cincinnati, whose vast Diocese extended over the entire State of Ohio, sent the Rev. Caspar Wiese to Delaware as first permanent pastor. Within the parish, however, were comprised all the Catholics of the Counties of Delaware, Mor- row and Union. The only Church edifice existing in those three Counties was a small and very plain frame building^, 60 by 30 feet in dimensions, which stood' on the south side of what is now called University Ave- nue, about 200 yards from Main or Sandusky Street, and approached from the steepest end of the street. As far as can be ascertained with any degree of ac- 502 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS' curacy, the first Mass was said in Delaware as far back as 1835 or 1836 in the house of Adam' Mueller on Park Avenue. The celebrant priest was one of that noble band of French missionaries who for many years in the first half of the 19th century were the only Catholic priests in Ohio. For nearly twenty years after the first Mass was said in Delaware, there appeared to be no thought that a small Church edifice ought to be erected; and until the year 1854, whenever a priest did pay a visit to the town, he received welconie and said Mass at the humble residence of Adam Mueller on Park Ave- nue. But when a large number of railroad workmen, nearly all Irish Caiholics, made Delaware and the sur- rounding country their residence, a Church became a matter of absolute necessity. A lot was therefore bought on the incline of Hill Street in South Dela- ware, chiefly thrpugh the eiiforts of Adam Mueller, and in 1854, a small frame building surmounted by a rude wooden cross indicated that Catholicity had at least a visible foundation in Delaware. It was blessed and dedicated by Bishop Purcell soon after its completion under the title of St. Mary's, and attached as a Mission to Holy Cross parish, Columbus, from which place it was attended for two years longer. Previous to that, however, from 1848, Delaware had been visited at least one Sunday in the month, either by Father Borgess, the pastor of Holy Cross Church, and afterwards Bishop of Detroit, or Father Edward Fitzgterald of St. Patrick's, who be- come likewise a Bishop in after years, at Little Rock, ST. MARY'S PARISH, DELAWARE 503 Ark. This circumstance explains why records of baptisms or marriages from Delawaire, prior to De- cember, 1856, must be looked for in the early Church records of Holy Cross or St. Patrick's, Columbus. During the twenty-eight years of this period, as many as twelve Priests succeeded each other as pas^ tors of Delaware and surrounding Missions of Marys- ville, Cardington and Lewis Center, and as a rule, at very short intervals. Of those twelve priests, only one died in Delaware, the Rev. Joseph McPhillips, on February 14, 1874; whilst tvv^o of those pastors. Rev. J. C. Goldschmidt and Rev. M. M. Meara are still liv- ing in Columbus. The average time during which those twelve priests remained in Delaware, did not exceed two years and four months for each. The long- est pastorate was that of Rev. N. E. Pilgar, who died in Lancaster a few years ago, who was twice ap- pointed pastor of Delaware and who resided alto- gether nine years in this parish. In the year of 1874 alone, five different pastors had charge of the congre- gation. We record hereby the names of the different pas- tors of St. Mary's Delaware who resided here be- tween 1834 and 1884: Rev. Caspar Wiese, three years, nine months. Rev. Edward Fitzgerald, four months. Rev. Joseph Fitzgerald, two years and eight months. Rev. Henry Fehling, five years and seven months. Rev. John McSweeney, three months. 504 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS Rev. Joseph McPhilips, four years and seven months. Rev. A. O. Walker, two months. Rev. K. C. Goldschmidt, eight months. Rev. J. B. Goldschmidt, less than one month. Rev. N. E. Pilger, three years, and one month. Rev. J. Meara, and Rev. M. M. Meara, three months. Rev. N. E. Pilger, six years. This shows that twelve priests succeeded each other as pastors of St. Mary's in this period of twenty- eight years, and if we cddnt in Rev. John Meara, who was indeed appointed, but had to retire on account of sickness after a couple of weeks, their number reaches thirteen. In July, 1884, Rev. Ph. Steyle, pastor of Holy Re- deemer Church, Portsmouth, Ohio, was transfered to Delaware. In a few years through the strenuous ef- forts of Father Steyle, by far the finest church build- ing in Delaware was erected ; also a new school house, a Sister's Convent, and a new parsonage were erected. St. Mary's Church, is a very neat and imposing edifice of brick trimmed with sandstone, pressed and colored brick and ornamental terra-cotta. The front especially, with its two well proportioned towers and three large roomy entrances looks unusually elegant and is a great ornament to that wide street, when looked at from the opposite side. St. Mary's Church as it stands today, with all its' furnishings and counting its valuable chime of twelve bells, costs all together about $60,000.00, and few ST. CECELIAS' PARISH, GALLOWAY 505 when looking at it now, could suspect that it could have been built for that sum. The foundations of St. Mary's Church were laid in 1886, and they are built entirely above and below the ground, of huge blocks of that renowned Delaware blue limestone, which keeps its beautiful color for a long! number of years. The comer-stone was laid in May, 1887, St. Mary's was solemnly blessed by Bishop Watterson, October, 1888. A plain, though substantial schoolhouse faces Henry Street, and was erected in 1885, three years before the church was built. There ^e four schoolrooms on the first floor, for the lower grades, which rooms all communicate with each other and have two easy out- lets. The upper floor has two classrooms and a large assembl)' room for the high school. St. Mary's parish is proud of its school, especially its high school. The sudWen and unexpected death of Rev. Ph. Steyle on December 9th, 1915, cast a shadow of gloom over the entire parish Rev. G. F. Gressel of Colum- bus, was acting pastor during the time intervening Rev. Ph. Steyle's death and the arrival of Rev. J. H. Wagner, June 22, 1916. Since Rev. T. II. VV'agner's advent to Delaware the handsome property adjoining the church has been pur- chased for the new Convent, and several acres has been purchased to enlarge the cemetery. ST. Cecelia's parish, galloway. In the year 1881, the Catholics of Galloway, Grove City, and the surrounding country, numbering about 506 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS twenty-five families, under the leadership of Mr. Jacob Schmelzer, St., petitioned Rt. Rev. John A. Watterson, Bishop of Columbus, to establish a mis- sion in that locality. Rev. W. F. Hayes, pastor of the Holy Family Church of Columbus, was appointed to select a suitable place and collect the necessary funds to build a church. He selected Galloway, a flourishing little village as the most suitable place. The land was donated by Mr. Fidelis Huf. A frame church was erected by the congregation, dimensions being sixty feet long and thirty feet wide. The church was dedicated under the patronage of St. Cecelia on September 3, 1882, by Bishop Watter- son, assisted by Revs. W. F. Hayes, Rev. J. C. Gold- schmitt and D. A. Clarke. The dedicatory ceremony was witnessed by ai large congregation. At the door of the church, the Bishop gave a short instruction on the ceremony of d'edication and the sancity of the House of God. High Mass was sung by Rev. D. A. Clarke after which the Bishop preached a sermon on the Gosepl of the Sunday. In the afternoon at 3 o'clock Vespers! were sung by Fr. J. C. Gold'schmitt of Columbus, and another sermon preached by the Bishop. The Mission was attended by Father Hayes for a year, Rev. H. Schlichter succeeding him. Father Schlichter remained in charge of St. Cecilia's until 1896, Rev. John Mattes succeeding him. On Novem- ber 2Sth, 1902, Father Mattes was appointed pastor of the Sacred Heart Church at Pomeroy. Rev. Ber- ST. MARY'S PARISH, GROVEPORT 507 nard F. Hanna was appointed to succeed him, taking charge of the Mission on December 3, 1902. ST. Mary's parish^ groveport. In the year 1870, the CathoHcs of Groveport, and the surrounding country, numbering about fifteen families tmder the leadership of Mr. Michael Corbett, petitioned the Rt. Rev. S. H. Rosencrans, D. D., Bishop of Columbus, to estabhsh a mission in Grove- port. Rev. Nicholas Galagher, the present Bishop of Galveston, Texas, was appointed to organize a con- gregation and collect the necessary funds to purchase the church property. The following year, 1871, they purchased a small brick church built in 1856 by the United Brethren and used by them until 1869, when the congregation disbanded. In the Summer of 1871, the church was blessed by Bishop Rosecrans and dedicated to God in honor of the Blessed Virgin, under the title of St. Mary. The Mass was said by Father Galagher and served by Father Michael M. Meara and his brother, the late Rev. John Meara, who were at that time attending the seminary. The mission was attended from St. Patrick's Church and St. Joseph's Cathedral, the fol- lowing priests attending: Father Nicholas A. Gal- lagher, Father M. P. Kierman, Father F. J. Camp- bell, Father H. Anderson, Father T. J. Lane, and Father Kuhn. On March 7th, 1880, Rev. D. A. Clarke was ap- 508 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS pointed by Bishop Watterson to take charge of the missions of Franklin County. He attended Groveport until April 1st, 1883. Father Clarke was succeeded by Father H. Schlichter, who attended until 1896. He was succeeded by Father John Mattes, who re- mained in charge until November 25, 1902. Father Bernard F. Hanna, the present pastor, was appointed by Rt. Rev. Henry Moeller, D. D. to succeed Father Mattes and took charge on December 3rd, 1902. CHAPTER XXXIV. CAMBRIDGE. It is not very long ago that Cambridge was a mis- sion with a few Catholics attended by the pastor of Reaver and Temperanceville. Now all is changed, the city has grown in population and is a stirring busi- ness center. There is a parish church and school, a Sisters' Convent and parish house, all coming into existence in the last few years. It is another living evidence of what the Catholic Church does for a com- munity, and also what a parish school does to give character and prosperity to the parish itself. Just a few miles away there has grown up another large parish, at Byesville. There are over three thou- sand Slovaks within a radius of five or six miles. A new parish church will soon be completed! to take the place of the one that was entirely destroyed by fire about one year ago. At Pleasant City a few miles further on, there is a beautiful new church just finished for the Ruthen- ians. Here there are also Roman Catholics attended by the priest from Byesville. HISTORY OF SAINT BENEDICT'S PARISH, CAMBRIDGE. The construction of the Baltimore and Ohio Rail- road throt^h this section of the State brought many Catholics to Guernsey County. A number of these families found their way to Washington, a small vil- 609 510 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS' lage about seven miles east of Cambridge, to labor on a proposed railroad from Pittsburgh to Cincimiati, which was to pass through Wasihington. It was here in Wasihngton about the year 1840 that the first Catholic Church was built. Previous to this time and in the years that followed till 1865, the spiritual interests of the Catholics were attended to by mis- sionaries. The earliest priest remembered at this date was Father Broomer, then stationed at Beaver, near Temperanceville, Ohio. Besides the church at Washington, the Catholic people gathered for services in private homes, gnated by Friedman Brothers. The comer- stone of the Church was laid by the pastor six months to the day after the congregiation was organized — June 3rd, 1912. The Feast of the Seven Dolors, Sep- tember 16th, 1912, was a day of rejoicing for the young and struggling parish, for on that day Right Reverend' James J. Hartley, D. D., dedicated the Church, placing it under the patronage of St. Philo- mena, and confirmed the first class of children and adults — nine boys, 1 9girls and three adults. In the almost six years of its existence . there were 31 Catholic marriages, 11 mixed; 211 baptisms, 49 funerals. A census of the parish, just completed, shows the parish to consist of 520 souls, divided as follows: One hundred and fourteen English speaking, 234 Polish, 50 Lithuanians, 109 Slavish, nine Hungarians and four Syrians. ASCENSION PARISH, BELLE VALLEY 519 ASCENSION PARISH, BELLE VALLEY. December 3rd, 1911, the parish of the Church of the Ascension of our Lord, in Belle Valley, Noble County, was organized. Previous to this time, the people composing this parish were members of the Holy Trinity parish, Byesville, 20 miles distant. Four or five times a year Rev. Father E. S. Berry, pastor, came to Belle Valley and said Mass in the local public school house. Rev. J. J. Herman was assigned as pastor about the time the new Church building was under construction and offered the Holy Sacrifice in the new Church, before it was completed, so anxious were these people for Mass in their own Church property. During the past six years of its existence there were: Catholic marriages, 19; mixed marriage, one; baptisms, 181 ; funerals, 37. A census, just finished, shows the parish made up of 530 souls, as follows : English speaking, 14 ; Polish, 30 ; Lithuanian, 52 ; Slavish, 423 ; Himgarian, 11. FULDA. The old parish of Fulda was formerly called Enoch. It is still a strong flourishing country parish — one of the very best in the Diocese. The Ursuline Sisters — after standing' the required examinations — ^teach, the public schools — nearly all the children being Catholics. Another happy sign of Catholic progress was the building of the beautiful Church at Caldwell, the county seat. There were only four or five families there who were obliged to go to Fulda to hear Mass. 520 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS Now there is a promising parish, with a resident par- ish priest. One mile farther on is the little town of Belle Valley, with its own parish Church attended' mostly by Slovaks who work in the -coal mines. The pastor of St. Philomena's at Caldwell also attends the Church of the Ascension at Belle Valley. IMMACULATE CONCEPTION PARISH, FULDA. The early thirties of the past century saw the be- ginning of a prosperous settlement in Noble County by Catholic immigrants from Germany. When the settlement had grown to be of some importance it was; named Fulda. The spiritual wants of the first set- tlers were provided for on occasional visits by the Rev. Fathers Reed, McCallion, Finley and Murphy until the year 1847, when Rev. J. C. Kraemer of Mil- tonsburg began to make semi-monthly visits to the fast g)rowing congregation. A small brick Church building was dedicated for the community to the serv- ice of God under the patronage of The Immaculate Conception of the B. V. M. in 1853 by the Most Rev. Archbishop Purcell. In 1857 Rev. J. W. Bruemnier was appointed as the first resident pastor. He was succeeded in 1860 by the Rev. D. J. Klueber. A pe- riod of extraordinary activity ensued, extending over twenty-three years. A school building was erected in 1863, and three years later a pastoral residence. The latter was quite pretentious for the times, cost- ing $2500. The first Church edifice having be- IMMACULATE CONCEPTION PARISH, FULDA 521 come inadequate for the wants of the congregation arrangements were made for the building of the present one. This is an imposing structure, of brick, 60x120 feet, with a seating capacity of 600, and cost at that time $28,000. It was dedicated in 1875 by the Rt. Rev. S. H. Rosecrans. On the death of Father Klueber Rev. Ignatius Luetting assumed charge of the parish. He was an elderly man of fine attain- ments, but failing health soon induced him to re- linquish the charge. In 1884 Rev. E. L. Fladung was appointed to Fulda. Under his direction the present pastoral residence was built at a cost of $4000. During the pastorate of Rev. B. H. Hansen, which began in 1889 and lasted ten years, hard times made further improvements impossible. In 1900, however, extensive repairs on the exterior and inte- rior of the Church were begun by the Rev. Jacob En- gels and completed in the following year by the Rev. Joseph Pollmann. Their estimated cost was above $14,000. In 1904 the remainder of the debt, amount- ing to $6000, was liquidated by Rev. J. R. Oeink in the early months of his pastorate. Eight years later $3500 was expended on improvements, in the ceme- tery. The parish is strictly rural. Its limits comprise a territory of thirty square miles, which area is popu- lated exclusively by Catholics. The families num- ber 135. A high standing of religiousness was set up by Father Klueber, which all his successors strove to maintain, adding to it what special work their own zeal prompted and their talents enabled them to db. 523 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS' The services consist of an early low Mass for the convenience of communicants, of the ten o'clock high Mass which is attended by all the members of the congregation of Church going age not detained at home, and of Sunday school, vespers, and Benedic- tion on all the Sundays and holy days of obligation in the year . A festivity of exceptional splendor is the Corpus Christi procession, which is held in Fulda out of doors. Another is the visit on All Soul's day to the cemetery adoining the Church premises. A notable event in the history of the parish was the ovation given Bishop Hartley on occasion of his first official visit to Fulda in 1906. The surreys and buggies in the parish were mobilized and gaily decked with flags and bunting. They formed a parade a mile and a half long to escort the Bishop's surrey from the rail- way station to the Church. Caldwell, which is the county seat and railroad sta- tion, had taken advantage of the Bishop's presence there to give him a splendid reception at which sev- eral of its prominent citizens, among them Judge Dye and W. C. Archer, made addresses welcoming the Bishop to the County. To them Bishop Hartley re- plied in a most interesting manner and at considerable length. The Caldwellians were handsome that day. The parish has been fruitful in vocations to the re- ligious life. Very Rev. Benitius Heil, ex-Provincial of the Servites, Rev. Albert Kress, Rev. Caspar Gerst and Rev. Clement Croak were born and bred in the parish. The following is a list of ladies who have IMMACULATE CONCEPTION PARISH, FULDA 523 consecrated their lives to God in the cloister: Chris- tina Singor, Ottilia Kullmann, Mary Wehner, Cather- ine Kraft, Mary Kraft, Gertrude Noil, Margaret Schaefer, Catherine Crock, Barbara Block, Gertrude Block, Johanna Nau, Barbara M. Block, Matilda Cor- nett, Eva Heil, OttiUa Heil, Mary Heil, Mary Hart- mann, Rose Raab, Eva Schoeppner, Catherine Kull- man, Rose Schneider, Amelia Holman, Cecilia Crock and Mary Ruppel. The school conditions of the parish are unique in this respect, that unlike all the other schools in the diocese Immaculate Conception sch^l is also a State school, organized according to the laws of the State, under State supervision and supported by the State. It was not always that. For fifteen years after its inception it was, strictly speaking, a parochial school. As the debt on the new church then weighed heavily on the congregation, some members sought relief in the advocacy of State monies for teachers' salaries. The innovation seemed all the more plausible for this, that all the patrons of the school were Catholics and likely to be that ; hence no difficulties would probably ever come in the way of conducting the school very much as any Catholic school should! be conducted. Besides, the taxpayers of the Fulda community ap- peared to be as much entitled to draw on the funds of the State for the education of their children as were the taxpayers of any other School district in the State. The Bishop consented to the change on the conditions that the parish priest remain forever in control of the school and have the decisive word in the selection 524 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS' of the teachers. For now forty years the plan worked with varied success. The teachers were always Cath- olics, at times Sisters. At the present time the school is probably more thoroughly Catholic in spirit than the ordinary parochial school in the country. The arrangement looks fine, but it is a rose with thorns a-plenty. It will be that always and' everywhere. A band of nine Ursulines, from the motherhouse at Erfurt in Germany and under the leadership of Rev. Mother Salesia, was received into the diocese by the Rt. Rev. Bishop in June of 1915 for the purpose of making a foundation. The Fulda convent was desig- nated as the temporary motherhouse of the Sisters in this country. The Sisters teach the schools in Fulda, in Burkhart, and one in Columbus. Like all persons of higher education in Germany they speak English fluently. Their certificates of normal training from the authorities in Germany were of such a high order, that the State Superintendent of Public Instruction in Ohio dispensed the Sisters without hesitation from attendance at the normal schools recognized by the State. On the strength of this recognition of their proficiency as well as on their own merits at test work, the County Board of Examiners presented them with three year certificates, twice renewable accord- ing to law. The Sisters' fervent desire is to ac- quire postulants and many of them. ST. henry's parish, harriettsville. The land (three acres) for St. Henry's Church and Cemetery was donated by Wm. Smithberger, Theabold ST. MARY'S PARISH, HARRIETTSVILLE 525 and J. J. Burkhart. The site is two miles east of the village of Harriettsville. The corner stone of St. Henry's Church was laid in the year 1867. It was a frame Church 25x40 and was blessed by Rt. Rev. Rorecrans, 26th Aug., 1868. The cost of the Church including Altar railing, Confessional, Sacristy, Gal- lery seats. Organ, and Bells, was $1,795.00. At this time there were only six families. St. Henry's was a mission to Fulda, and Mass was said at irreg- ular intervals averaging about once every two months. In the year 1871 the Priest's house was built for $939.00. January, 1871, Rev. Fladung was appointed Pastor of St. Henry's Church. In 1879 a school house was built and the first year there were 30 chil- dren. From the year 1871 St. Patrick's Fox Settle- ment was made a Mission of St. Henry's. In the year 1894 one acre of land was bought from Phillip UUmann, for a site for a new Church. The corner stone was laid in the Spring of 1894 by Rt. Rev. Bishop Watterson. The stone was all quarried out and hauled free of charge by the congregation. The present structure, a beautiful stone building, was completed and blessed in the Fall of 1894. The cost of the Church, Priest's house and school house was $12,000. School was taught here for seven months in the year 1904 by a lay teacher. There were 19 school children. Owing to the fact that the people lived so far away from church and school, the school was discontinued. The most of the Church debt was paid by donations from the members of the congregation. 526 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS' Deserving of special notice are, John Smithberger, Joseph Crock and Nicholas Schott, all of whom gave over $1,000, besides their work. St. Henry's Church is in a flourishing condition and has 48 families. The following Priests were the successive Pastors of St. Henry's Church: Rev. D. F. Klueber, 1868 to 1871; Rev. Fladung, Jan., 1871 to Aug., 1872; Rev. Grimmer, Aug., 1872 to Aug., 1873; Rev. Ryan, Jan., 1874 to Jan., 1876; Rev. Newmayer, Jan., 1876 to Sept., 1877; Rev. Klueber, occasionally, 1878; Rev. Neumayer, Sept., 1878 to Apr., 1881 ; Rev. Camber, Oct., 1881 to Sept., 1887; Rev. McCann, 1887 to 1891; Rev. Nageleisen, 1891 to 1897; Rev. Blum, 1897 to Apr., 1901; Rev. Horan, 1901 to Nov., 1902 ; Rev. Dengler, Nov., 1902, to 1908; Rev. Plunkett, Sept., 1908 to Apr., 1909; Rev. J. G. Mehler, Apr., 1909, is present pastor, October 6, 1917. ST. MTCHAEL's parish, CARLISLE. In the year 1840, Rev. Father Cramer said Mass in the barn of Mr. Michael Archer. Here also Bishop Purcell of Cincinnati, said Mass and preached to the few Catholic settlers. Mr. Michael Archer donated land for a Church and Cemetery. Mass was then celebrated in Mr. Archer's house until the Church was built and finished. The members got together and built a brick Church 30x50, in the year 1841. From that time on Mass was said once a month by the Pas- tor of the Immaculate Conception Church of Fulda. St. Michael's remained a Mission of Fulda until the ST. PATRICK'S PARISH 53T year 1900. The old St. Michael's Church became un- safe and on January 27, 1900, at a meeting held by the congregation and presided over by Rev. Jacob Engles, it was decided to build a new Church. About one acre of land was purchased in the little village of Carlisle, as a site for a new Church. This is one and a half miles from where the old Church stood. On the 25th of June an article of agreement was drawn up and contract let for the new St. Michael's Church, a frame building 33x60. It was completed in the Spring of 1901 at a cost of $3,000.00. Most of the money was donated by members of the congrega- tion. On completion of St. Michael's new Church it was attached to St. Henry's as a mission and Mass is said there three Sundays in the month during Sum- mer months and twice a month during Winter. There is no Catholic School. The Church is out of debt and the congregation of 46 families is in a flourishing condition. ST. Patrick's parish. The first settlers of Fox Settlement" came from Ire- land — William Fox, A. D. 1841 ; Patrick Fox, James McCormack, Terrance McKenna, Charles Cawley, Patrick Gallagher and others. The first Priest who visited the Catholics around this place was Rev. M. Callen, then Father Jacquet, at that time stationed at Beaver, then Father Kramer and Father Klueber, stationed at Fulda. All the Priests said Mass in the house of Mr. Terrance McKenna. The land for the 528 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS Church and Cemetery was donated by James and Sarah McCormack to John B. Purcell, Archbishop of Cincin- nati. St. Patrick's Church was commenced in 1863, dedicated 27th Aug., 1863 by Rt. Rev. Bishop Rose- crans. The Church edifice, fence and furniture cost $464.00. After the Church was built the. congregation, was at- tended from Harriettsville, of which place it became a Mission. In the year 1884 it was decided to build a new Church, but the members would not agree on the place where to build the new Church, until Rt. Rev. Bishop Watterson, of Columbus, decided the dispute at the time of his visitation on May 4, 1885. Three acres of land was donated by a member of the congre- gation, O. Fonier and Father J. B. Gamber, began at once to push the work of building a new Church. The new St. Patrick's Church is 40x70, frame. Mr. Dem- ning of Chicago, drew up the plan and specifications in the Fall of 1885. The foundation was built during the following Winter. Mr. J. J. Weisandt and James McKenna, members of the congregation, did the car- penter work. The corner stone was laid by Rev. J. B. Camber, May 16, 1886, and thei Church was com- pleted in October, 1886. The cost of the building was $2,500.00. The debt was mostly paid by donations from members of the congregation; in a few years they had the debt all paid. St. Patrick's was then a flourishing Mission with 60 families. But the land around that part of the country is very poor and very ST. PATRICK'S PARISH 539 hilly and the people have a hard time to make a living, so they have been moving away to better lands, until now there are only 18 families where there used to be 60. Mass is said once a month in Summer and not at all in Winter. CHAPTER XXXV. ST. LOUIS PARISH, GALLIPOLIS. Monseigneur DidUr was the name of the Catholic priest who came over with the French colony in June, 1790. He only remained for a year or so — and the failure of the colonists to give him proper support caused his departure. For a period of aibout 25 years no priest attended their wants in spiritual affairs at all. During the absence of a priest — the documents bearing on the subject — speak of one Jean Baptiste Betrand who catechised and instructed the children in the faith — and who was known as a very religious man. He was the last of the original male settlers to die, at the age of 94, in 1854. The name of the Bishop intended for Gallipolis at the time the colony left France was the Abbe Baisnau- tier — a Canon of St. Denys, Paris. He was actually appointed Bishop by Pope Pius VI — but did not come here, as perhaps Rome changed the plan when it was found out that a great fraud and swindle perpetrated by an Englishman, Playfair, had done a land office business in Paris and had induced the migration to Gallipolis on fraudulent titles to land. In 1818 another priest, Father LaFont, arrived in Gallipolis, and finding no Church, he made an effort to build one, but through want of support failed — 530 ST. LOUIS' PARISH, GALLIPOLIS 531 he then taught school here for two years, afterwards leaving for New Orleans. The original setlers were revolutionists, and showed very little reverence for religion — and took no interest whatever in building up the Church. In fact scarcely anything was done until Father Albrink of Cincinnati built the Church in 1850. Previous to that services were held in the home of Mr. Dagjes. The little Church built by Father Albrink was paid for with missionary funds from France. The first name that apepars on the Baptismal Reg- ister is Rev. F. P. McKernan who was in charge of the parish for two years. During his pastorate a very fine piece of land was purchased. A portion of this was consecrated for a Cemetery and the rest was in- tended for a Seminary, but after Father McKernan's departure the ground was sold to the town and is now the public cemetery. After Father McKernan left the parish was without a pastor for about four years and during this time it was attended from Athens and Jackson by Fathers Darcy, Campbell, Hartnedy and Grimmer. Rev. J. R. Camber was the next resident pastor and remained in charge about four years, dur- ing which time he built an addition to the Church. In 1888 Rev. J. B. 0«nk was appointed pastor. He built the priest's residence and gathered the few chil- dren together and started a parish school. He re- mained in charge four years and after he left the par- ish school was abandoned. The parish was without a resident pastor until 1902 when Rev. Lucius Kessler was appointed. 533 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS' In 1909 Father Kessler secured a more desiraible location and built a beautiful little Church complete in all details, with a most comfortable parish house for the priest at a cost of about $12,000. Father Kessler was succeeded by Rev. John J. Murphy who remained in charge one year and was succeeded by the present pastor. Rev. George Gressel. There are at present in the parish about twenty families and a total population of 103 souls. The State Hospital for Epileptics is also attended by the pastor. At present writing there are about 180 Catholic inmates. THE HISTORY OF SACRED HEART PARISH, POMEROY. Sacred Heart Parish, Pomeroy, was organized by Rev. Theophile Kraft in the year 1849. Under his leadership the men of the neighborhood went back of the village, felled their trees, hewed them and sawed board's, from which a church sufficiently large to ac- commodate their numbers was built. This building with two additions, served the parish for fifty years. In December of the year 1851, the first pastor was succeeded by the Rev. Nicholas Wachter, who re- mained a little over three years in charge of the young parish. The Rev. J. C. Albrinck, who was afterwards to become the Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, was appointed to Pomeroy in January of the year 1854 and in turn was succeeded by Rev. B. Maria Cells. The latter remained from May, 1858, until December, 1862. When Rev. Father Tappert SACRED HEART PARISH, POMEROY 533 arrived, he discovered the parish to be of sufficient dimensions to support a parochial school. Its origin was humble and without a special building, the classes were held in the basement of the church, under the care of a lay teacher, whose name is now remembered simply as Captain Hein. The little village whose chief industry was Salt, had no paved streets or walks and the children coming from the runs between the hills or from Middleport, made great sacrifices to ob-^ tain a Christian education. Father Tappert returned to Cincinnati in the sum- mer of 1863, and was replaced by Rev. J. C. Albrinck, who remained until November of the following year, 1864. The first record of the next pastor, Rev. John Kalenberg, is found in the Baptismal Record, under the date of November, 1864. His congregation gath- ered from Pomeroy, Middleport, a village two miles down the Ohio river from Pomeroy, from Syracuse, a village about six miles up the river, and also from Mason City, W. Virginia, just across the Ohio. The original church on Mulberry Street, situated upon the hillside that flanks the natural water drain called Sugar Run, was enlarged in 1865 with the addi- tion to the front. The school accommodations were now too small. A new building was decided upon and built of brick just across Mulberry Street from the church during the spring and summer of 1866. It opened in September of that year with about two hundred children in care of four Sisters of Charity 534 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS' from the Cincinnati province. Sister Qara the su- perior is still held in veneration by her old pupils. Rev. Joseph Jessing became pastor in 1870. Dur- ing the first year of his administration a residence just east of the church was purchased for the care of orphan children. The Ohio Weisenfreund, now so widely circulated among thei German speaking people of the country was established as a medium of pub- licity for the aid of this Catholic charity and was printed for the first time from a hand press in the basement of the church. The people of Pomeroy feel a just pride in stating that the Pontifical College and its Orphanage in Columbus, was founded in their midst and received its first support from their con- tributions. The Orphanage and the Weisenfreund grew in the space of five or six years to the extent of absorbing all the time of Father Jessing and the Par- ish was placed in charge of Rev. N. N. Kempen, dur- ing the year 1876. Father Jessing remained a year or two longer with his orphans and then sought larger accommodations and easier access to the railroads in the city of Columbus. He was obliged to put his printing press upon a packet boat at Pomeroy and go dt)wn the Ohio river to Cincinnati, there trans- ferring to the railroad, in order to make this change. With the departure of Father Jessing the Franciscan Brothers from Cincinnati who were the teachers of the school left and were replaced by Franciscan Sis- ters from Minnesota. Father N. N. Kempen was succeeded) by Father Ig- natius Luettig in September, 1878, Father Bede Han- SACRED HEART PARISH, POMEROY 535 son in 1883 and Father P. T. Thurheimer in Sept., 1889, whose work and memories are all dear to the people of the parish. The school received a change of Sisters to the Franciscan Sisters of Milwaukee. Father Hansen built a small church for a farming community about sixteen miles east of Pomeroy, where there were about ten families of Catholics. This Mis- sion, known as Our Lady oi Loretto is still attended once a month from Pomeroy. Father Thurheimer began making preparations for the building of a new church. It required however, a number of years to convince the parish which had now decreased to about one hundred and twenty-five families, that they were able to accomplish this task. Father Thurheimer was changed in June, 1896, before his ambition, the new Church, was fulfilled. Father Schneider, who suc- ceeded him, finally established the need of a new church in the minds of the people. The old orphan- age property was available since the house had long since been dismantled, but its position on the hillside made building there a difficult proposition. Several sites on the river front were examined and found to be within the high water district, when a more than ordinary spring freshet came down the Ohio river. So that the Orphanage site, in spite of its peculiarities, was chosen. A Gothic building of native sand rock was drawn up by the architect, Mr. Fred Heer of Dubuque, Iowa. The members of the congregation, miners and rolling mill men who were not at work during the spring and summer of the year 1898, cheer- fully donated their labor during the day, while the 536 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS' business men came out in the evening and worked till midnight to make the excavation. Mr. John Teibe of Dubuque, Iowa, put in the foundation, a base of massive stone 50 feet high in the rear and about twenty in the front, during the fall of the same year. The church was completed the following year and dedicated by the Very Rev. Msgr. Specht, Adminis- trator, Nov. 5, 1899. Its entire cost with new Altars, Pipe Organ and Pews was about $42,000. The par- ish, willingly working, reduced this debt to about $14,000 in 1902, when Father John Schneider was re- moved and succeeded by Father John Mattes. His period was marked by a decline in the prosperity of the city, also of membership of the parish. So much so that the school was abandoned in 1904. Father Edward Fladung was made pastor in Dec, 1907. He succeeded in re-establishing the parochial school with a lay teacher in 1910. 1912 found the Sisters of Di- vine Providence from Newport, Kentucky, in the school, with about eighty pupils. Father Fladung re- signed on account of failing health in June, 1914, and was succeeded by the present pastor, P. Cornelius Schneider. The present parish is composed of about one hun- dred families. There is a debt of about two thousand dollars on the parish. The school has been made free with about ninety-five scholars. The parish is well organized with societies and in a flourishing condition. ST. MARY'S PARISH, MINERTON 537 BRIEF HISTORY OF ST. MARY's PARISH NEAR MINERTON, VINTON COUNTY. Early Struggles and Hardships Endured by the Pas- tors' — Their Work a Blessing to the Present Gen- eration. In tracing the early history of St. Mary's Church, we find that Patrick Quinn and wife, with their son Daniel, his wife and small family; Bridgtet Dolan, dlaughter of Patrick Quinn, her husband, Simon Do- lan, P. K. Dolan and daughter Katherine, and James Kerr (afterwards known as Uncle Jimmie), his son John, left New York City where they owned valuable property, on an inspection tour of the country, and in the year 1837 they settled in the neighborhood of the old St. Mary's Church. Patrick Quinn being of a speculative nature, pur- chased quite a large tract of land, chiefly for the timt- ber, in Wilkesville Township and vicinity. In order to dispose of part of his investments, he built a small frame church, 24x30 feet and named it St. Mary's. Mr. Quinn also donated part of a section of land for the exclusive benefit of St. Mary's Church. The first priest that ever visited this place was Rev. Joseph O'Mealy from Portsmouth. His visits were of an occasional nature and continued until the year 1844. He afterwards went to Pittsburg and St. Vincent's Monastery in Westmoreland County, Pa. From those two places he spread the news of this new Cath- olic settlement and the cheap lands, which settlers called purchases. 538 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS It is a matter of very interesting' history that the year 1846 found only six Catholic famalies belonging to St. Mary's Church. From 1844 to 1851 the small Catholic membership of the first St. Mary's Church was visited by Rev. Emmanuel Thienpont of Portsmouth. He was a most earnest, untiring, true missionary priest, making his quarterly visits on horse back. The old citizens who lived at Pine Grove, Furnace and Gallipolis, always gave him a hearty welcome as he rode past in the ful- fillment of his mission. In those early days we had no telephones or any- thing of the sort to tell the g!lad news that the priest had come, but there were many little boys and girls to run over the settlement notifying everybody that the priest was here. On this occasion every member rushed to the confessional and communion for fear it might be the last chance. At this time in the history of our church quite a large number of families emigrated from Pittsburg and settled in the neighborhood of St. Mary's Church, becoming useful members of our Church. Rev. David Kelly was our first resident priest. He came among us in 1851. When Father Kelly came here, it was under most trying circumstances. We had no accomimodations for him, not even a respecta- ble house in which to live. He was contented how- ever, to move into a miserable round log hut where there was but one large room, which answered for parlor, sitting room, study, dining room, kitchen and bed chamber. The chimney connected with the hut ST. MARY'S PARISH, MINERTON 539 was an old fashioned stick chimney made of split sticks and clay. Something that came to my mind I heard that happened about the time which will show the young generation how the people lived in early days. Someone gave the alarm that the stick chimney was on fire and about to set fire to the old hut. All in the house rushed for buckets and water to put the fire out. Father Kelly rushed out with a bucket of water to help extinguish the fire. The aged housekeeper who assisted the priest's sis- ter in doing the work rushed after him, demanding the bucket of water, and asking him not to waste it as she wanted it to get supper with. Think of it! Father Kelly was content, however, to move into this miserable round log hut way out in an open field where he, his sister and brother spent several years strugigling to build up our Church and secure better living facilities. During Father Kelly's stay he built a house and re- modeled and enlarged the Church, making it suffi- ciently commodious for the congregation at that time. Father Kelly's duties became most laborious. He had so miany small missions to attend to, that the con- gregation made a collection to raise enough money to buy him a good horse. His out missions through the week consisted of once a month to Gallipolis, 24 miles, Jackson 16, La- trobe Furnace 9, Iron Valley Furnace 8, Zelaski 18, Vinton Furnace 12 and Eagle Furnace 8. Here he put up with a rich farmer who was a non-Catholic. 540 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS' He gave him permission to say Mass in his parlor for the accommiodiation of the nearby CathoUcs. I have this from one of Mr. Jones' sons, Homer C. Jones, who is now an attorney for Vinton County. He told me that we were all welcome as was also Father Kelly, consequently we thought very well of him. Mr. Jones ran for Auditor of Vinton County and the Catholics didn't forget him for the kindness shown them. He was elected. In 1857 Father Kelly was sent to Dayton, notwith- standing the earnest desire of his congregation to still keep him. They felt his loss keenly and when the good priest left he bore away the love, devotion and confidence of his little flock of faithful followers of St. Mary's Church. From 1857 to 1864, Rev. Fr. McMahon was resi- dent priest, also Fr. Tierny assisted in the church dur- ing part of the time. From 1864 to 1865, Rev. J. C. Albrink from Pom- eroy and Rev. James Donahue of Chillicothe made occasional visits to our Church. On several occasions Fr. Gilmour (afterwards Bishop of Cleveland), came to visit us. Rev. Michael Ahern was the regular pastor of St. Mary's from 1865 to 1872. He came from Cincin- nati. From 1872 to 1873 Rev. Daniel Cull had charge as pastor of the Church. Rev. Fr. Thomas Darcy came to St. Mary's in No- vember, 1873. Unfortunately his pastorship of St. Mary's was but one week's duration, as St. Mary's ST. MARY'S PARISH, MINERTON 541 took Are at 9 o'clock a. m. Sunday and was burned to the ground. As the cruel flames destroyed the church and everything with it, the little band of faith- ful members stood silently by watching their sacred place of worship being reduced to ashes. A total loss as there was no insurance on it. Father Darcy felt keenly their loss. He called his flock about him, and over the ashes of the burned structure they agreed that Mass should be held in the open air. It was a beautiful sight to behold the entire congregation Imeeling upon the ground holding Mass. Father Darcy was a man who knew no such thing as fail. Through his kindness he gave up his little parsonage every Sunday to the congregation for di- vine worship. Services were conducted in this man- ner until the new St. Mary's was enclosed. In the winter of 1874 money was raised by subscription to build the new church, the contract being awarded to Nicholas Fagfan. The work on the new church was started in the spring of 1874. Services were held in the new edifice as soon as it was enclosed, without plastering or pews, the entire congregation being re- quired to stand or kneel during Mass. We now have arrived at the early history of the second St. Mary's Church. Rev. Fr. Louis Grimmer on the first day of June, 1878, assumed the official capacity as resident pastor, in which capacity he served the people faithfully for 13 years. During his stay he made many needed improve- ments in and about the church property such as plas- tering the church, erecting pews and altars, also a new 542 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS' organ and other church requisites. He also had built a new and commodious parsonage which cost about fifteen hundred dollars. All these improvements Fr. Grimmer had paid for in full when he left in July 19, 1891. It has been said of this distinguished priest that he was a splendid financier, and no occasion ever pre- sented itself where money for the church was needed, that Father Grimmer on very short notice raised the same by very liberal donations. The people liked him, and were ready to give freely to any cause in which he was interested. Rev. J. J. McCann assumed pastoral charge of St. Mary's July 19, 1891, remaining in charge until June, 1899. During his stay amongst us, it was learned that he like a number of the preceding priests, felt it his duty to make substantial improvements. He had an addition built to the church in the shape of a beau- tiful tower, costing about $1,200.00. Healso had a beautiful bell placed in the tower, the first bell being damaged by fire. This bell could be heard for miles around morning, noon and night, reminding the people of the sacredness and duty of religious worship. St. Mary's congregation was most prosperous and its membership greater in 1889, at which time its reg- ular communicants numbered over 400, some 75 fam- ilies. The Iron Furnace nearby going out of business naturally took a great many people to seek homes and employment elsewhere. Father D. E. Meara, a young, brilliant priest, lately ordained in Cincinnati, was sent amongst us to take ST. MARY'S PARISH, MINERTON 543 charge of St. Mary's congregation in June, 1899. He officiated amongst us until Jan. 19, 1901, when his jhealth failed, and he had to give up his charge, leav- ing us without a priest for some time. During Father Meara's stay he was not idle, as he made many neces- sary improvements, both in and out of the buildings, such as painting, placing stone sills to the windows, and replacing the wooden windows with fine frames and stained glass. He also bought a new organ and placed it in the gallery. During; January 19, 1901 to April 12th we were visited by priests from Colum- bus. Father Kessler came amongst us April 12, 1902, but not as a resident pastor, as he was assigned to live in Gallipolis, and visit us every other Sunday, giving us all the feast days. It was quite a shock to the con- g'regation to be so deprived of a resident pastor. Father Kessler was obliged to endure the hardships of leaving home Saturday and bringing all the neces- saries he would need to last him two or three days. He also had to walk through mud and snow, and then find a building without fire or any comfort await- ing him. We hope and pray for a resident pastor in the near future, for there is a great opening here for a large congregation. We wish for the day to come when St. Mary's Church will be so full of faithful worshipers that every nook and comer will be crowded. Look the surrounding country, the richest in the state for its mineral resources, three veins of the best coal, averaging 3 1-2 to 5 feet thick, besides the best 544 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS' of limestone for cement fire clay and also oil. Geol- ogists say we are right in the oil field. The best of fire clay can be found here without much effort. The Toledo and Hocking Valley railroad runs through this part of Wilkesville Township. In conclusion, with the history given, I desire further to mention other facts and that Is regarding Mr. Jamies Durbin, a for- mer resident of Zanesville, an old gentleman and his wife who live in the northeast of Wilkesville Town- ship, about six miles from St. Mary's. Mr. Durbin asked permission of Bishop J. B. Purcell, afterwards Archbishop of Cincinnati, to build a new church on his farm. The permission was given some time in the year 1858. Mr. Durbin and the nearby Catholics commenced the erection of the new church. In the fall of 1858 the corner stone was laid by Rt. Rev. Rosecrans of Columbus and he christened the new edifice St. James. Rev. Father Ahern gave St. James one Sunday out of every month for awhile. It did not continue to prosper as was expected, and Father AJhern being needed at St. Mary's, he discon- tinued services. In the meantime Mr. Durbin and wife passed to the silent beyond, having at least made the world better by Uving amongst us. The Durbin Church not being of sufficient numbers to continue a separate congregation, and the Church property being neglected finally crumbling into ruin, Father Grimmer thought it 'best to sell the building and the 35 acres of land, which was done, andl the ST. MARY'S PARISH, MINERTON 54& money realized was appropriated for the benefit of St. Mary's to pay a balance due on Church debt. Before finishing' my narrative, I must mention a few more facts and without them my history would be incomplete. I must mention the names of a few more worthy priests, that visited us occasionally: Rev. Patrick McClory, O. S. F., in his youth a member of St. Mary's and who served as an altar boy until his par- ents moved to Effingham, 111., where he studied for the priesthood. He visited us on different occasions to assist Fr. Grimmer at Forty Hours devotion. Three other priests came at different times to visit the aged Germans in order to have them make their Easter duty. Rev. Father Garke of Portsmouth, and Fathers Wachter and Diltz of Pomeroy. Father Diltz gave us quite a surprise one Sunday morning, after reading the Epistle and Gospel of the day in English and German, he gave us a most elo- quent sermon in German. It was quite a treat to the few who understood him. He was a most forceable preacher. I remember his text this very day although over 30 years ago. The majority of the congregation did not understand him, but they could see from his gestures and the rise and fall of his voice that his ser- mon was a very interesting one. It was the first and only German sermon preached at St. Mary's. The first settlers and pioneers are nearly all gone and laid to rest at nearby cemetery to await the Resurrection. During Father McCann's pastorate an acre of ground was donated to the parish by Coultrap and 546 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS' McGilvrey. Since then the following have been the pastors of St. Mary's Church — Fathers Meara, Kess- ler, Pollmann, and Father Vonville, the present pastor Philip Kick. STS. PETER AND PAUL'S CHURCH, WELLSTON. The town of Wellston is of comparatively recent origin, dating back to about 1874. There were al- ways a few scatered Catholics there, and the growth of the Church has kept pace with the growth of the town. Until 1881 when the Church was built, Wells- ton was attended as a mission by priests from Athens, Zaleski or Jackson. The first priest to visit Wellston as a mission was Rev. James Slevin, then pastor at JacksOn. Wellston's first Catholic Church was dedicated on Sunday, Aug. 24, 1884, by Bishop Watterson. Father Thuerheimer, was then looking after the spiritual in- terests of the people and it was under his direction that the Church was built. Early in 1886, Rev. John Larkin was made the first resident pastor, remaining until June, 1887, during which time he built a fine brick rectory. Father Slevin, who succeeded Father Larkin, was pastor for about ten years. Others who bad charge of Wellston for brief periods until Father Meade's appointment were. Rev. A. J. Johnson, Father Gladu, Father Blum, Father Land and Father Han- son. At the time Father Meade was appointed pastor, the Church that had ben erected in 1881 was in a very ■dilapidated condition, it having been but a frame struc- ture. All children of the parish were attending pub- STS. PETER'S AND PAUL'S, WELLSTON 547 lie schools as no provision for education had ever been made by the parish. Recognizing the necessity of a new Church and a Parochial school, it soon became the desire of Father Meade, and the evident under- standing of all the good people of Wellston, that a suitable temple, one that would be a lasting monumient to the faith and generosity of the congregation should be ererted, and also a school that would afford all the opportunities of a Christian and secular education for their children. The old Church had been in the west end of the town, and had outgrown its central location, so a site in the most attractive and central part of Wellston was chosen, situated on Pennsylvania Ave., with a frontage of one hundred and forty-eight feet and a depth of three hundred feet, and was purchased Oct. 31, 1906. Plans, which called for a fifty thousand dbllar new structure, were immediately drawn, to the satisfaction of the Pastor and the building committee. The work was begun as soon as the spring of 1907 opened. The corner stone was laid Aug. 11, 1907, and bears the in- scription : "For God and. for Country." On this oc- casion the Right Reverend Bishop presided over the ceremonies and Rev. F. M. Woseman delivered a most impressive address. Then arose a very pretty stone and brick building, ■a combination Church and School, satisfying the two- fold need of the congregation. The first Mass said in the Church was celebrated on May 3, 1908, and the new Church was dedicated on the 17th of the same 548 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS' month. The building is one hundred and twenty-five feet long, and seventy feet wide exteriorly. The front entrance of the building leads to the ground floor, on which is the Church, where divine services are held. On either side of the exit from the Church are stairs leading to the school and to the side entrances. On the second floor is the school consisting of six excel- lent classrooms and all appurtenances including a lab- oratory. All stepped forward to help the Pastor meet the obligations of this great undertaking. Protestants as well as Catholics acted in a spirit of noble generosity. Each member of the parish subscribed to the fund; the Y. M. I. gave four hundred and the Hibernians three hundred dollars. The following September, every child of the Par- ish, without exception, was enrolled in the new school, for the charge of which Father Meade secured the Franciscan Sisters of Alverno, Wisconsin. A four year high school, with a classical course was organized simultaneously with the grades and thus Father Meade saw every Catholic child in a Catholic school. The total enrollment at that time was about three hundred. ST. Sylvester's parish, zaleski. Zaleski got its name from Peter Zaleski, an exiled Polish nobleman, who took up his residence in Eng- land. He formed a company for the purpose of de- veloping; coal fields in the United States. In the course of time a Mr. Hazeltine was appointed general ST. SYLVESTER'S PARISH, ZALESKI 549 manager of the company and he with several others found their way to Vinton County where they bought four thousand acres of land. As Peter Zaleski wag president of the corporation he was honored' by his associates by giving the name Zaleski to the purchased territory. In order to develop the coal fields a rail- road was quickly constructed. The first train was run over it, April, 1857. Many nationalities were rep- resented in its construction, particularly the Irish, German and Welch. It was a difficult task for the few scattered Catholics to keep the faith in those days. However they kept it through the ministrations of self-sacrificing soggarths who came four or five times a year and broke to them the Bread of Life. The Holy Sacrifice was offered up in many ai humble cabin that has no wfallen into decay. Some of the priests wlio braved the storms in those days were : Revs. D. J. Kelly, 1853-1857; Philip McMahon, 1857-1858; Jas. b'Donohue, 1859-1860; T. J. Tierney, 1860-1864; Robert Kelcber, 1864-1865; Geo. Kerston, 1865. On Christmas Day, 1861, Father Tierney celebrated Mass in a double logged cabin owned by Mike Ryan (now known as the Oscar Gibbs place). He an- nounced a collection for a church. The poor people responded geenrously, and contributed over six hun- dred dollars. Mr. Hazeltine (thougih a non-Catholic) realizing the necessity of a permanent place where the people could worship God, lent his assistance to the project and donated a site for a church as well as an acre of ground for cemetery purposes. However, the plans of Father Tierney did not fructify till Father 550 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS McSweeney was appointed regular pastor, under whose direction the present church was built. The church was dedicated about 1869 by Archbishop Pur- cell. During the pastorate of Rev. Father Slevin two lots were bought and a rectory built. Since the for- mation of Zaleski into a regular parish the following priests were in charge: Revs. J. E. McSweeney, 1866-1868; Henry C. Lipowisky, 1869; F. O'Brien, 1869; Wm. O'Rilley, 1869-1871 ; J. Hagan, 1871 ; J. J. Slevin, 1871-1884; J. H. Cotter, 1884-1889; P. Gladu, 1889-1891; J. B. Mattingly, 1891-1893; F. E. Clarke, 1893-1896; J. R. Mattingly (attended from Athens), 1900; J. B. Rooney, 1901-1913; J. W. Byrne, Sept. 21, 1913 to present time. ST. Mary's of the river, little hocking, washing- ton COUNTY. This church was built during the years 1877-1878 by Rev. Father Hartnedy the then pastor of Athens. Mass was celebrated in it for the first time June 9, 1878. It is now a mission of Zaleski. ST. AMBROSE CHAPEL, BELPRE, WASHINGTON COUNTY. This is also a mission of Zaleski. Before this chapel materialized Mass was celebrated in some of the houses by priests who came from Marietta and other places. In 1901 a good Catholic woman, Mrs. Connor, donated for church purposes, a lot on which stood an old one story frame house. This, Rev. Fr. Rooney repaired and fited up for services. HOLY TRINITY PARISH, JACKSON 551 HOLY TRINITY PARISH, JACKSON. The early history of CathoHc Hfe in Jackson is rather obscure. Little is known of the date when Catholic people settled in the town and county of Jackson. The town of Jackson was laid out in the year 1817 ; its population came from various states : Viirg^nia, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, but chiefly from England and Wales. Jackson town was always known as a Welsh setlement. The Welsh have proved intelli- gent, industrious, honorable citizens and have always been amiong the most substantial residents of the town and county. The principal Protestant sects were represented at that date: Baptists, Methodists, Presbyterians, Episco- palians — ^but no Catholics were found among them; it was not before the year 1860, when the coal fields were discovered and the coal mines opened, that Catholics made their appearance in this section of the state of Ohio — some of the Catholic settlers came from other parts of Ohio; some from other statesi and not a few came as immigrants directly from Hol- land and Germany. They formed into a Mission, be- ing visited occasionally and having their religious wants attendted to by priests from the neighboring towns of Portsmouth, Chillicothe, Ironton, Gallipolis, Athens. The last Missionary of this kind was Father Jas. Slevin, who then resided at Zaleski These visit- ing priests said Mass and held divine services in the humble homes of some of the faithful, but soon a 552 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS little brick building which had served as a public school house was purchased from the town and con- verted into a house of Catholic worship; and in this humble structure divine service was held for many years until the completion of the new Church building' in 1881. Father Slevin, as a zealous missionary, made also attempts to have a new church built in Jackson, for which purpose he collected the sum of $500, which proved a very comfortable addition to the new church building fund. Now the year 1875 had arrived which marked the establishment of a regular parish in this town, with a resident pastor. The first resident pastor was Father Louis Grimmer. He held charge of the place for three years, when in the spring, 1879 he was sent to Minerton, Vinton County, as Pastor of the little congregation there. From spring to fall there was no priest in Jackson, Father Grimmer still visiting the flock occasionally. In September of the same year, 1879, the present occupant of this parish, Father Thurheimer, came here, sent by the then administra- tor of the Columbus Diocese, Rt. Rev. Nicholas Gal- lagher, Bishop of Galveston, Texas. He found here a congregation of about 45 families, all poor, and a little but for a church, already mentioned. The necessity for a new Church building was ap- parent; so immediately steps were taken to prepare for it. Plans for a Gothic brick Church 37x85 feet were drawn by Architect Alger of Portsmouth, for the very small sum of $50.00. The site of the Church HOLY TRINITY PARISH, JACKSON 553 had been secured some years before under Father Slevin, and all that was wanting yet was the money to build with. But little money could be expected of the congre- gation in the way of subscriptions, on account of the poverty of the individual members. The sum total raised by subscription amounted to no more than about $1,800.00. Five hundred dollars were on de- posit in bank, so all the rest of expense was made up by fairs and entertainments. Much money was raised and the building could go on without any trouble. In our efforts to raise funds for the new Church we were nobly and generously assisted by the respectable non-Catholic portion of the town. With admiration and gratitude we still remember this kindness. The building of the new Church began in Spring, 1880, and finished in Summer, 1881, at a cost of about $8,000. The dedication of the Church by Bishop Watterson took place Sept. 10, 1881. At the time the Jackson Church went up. Father Thurheimer built also a Church in Wellston, the con- gregation there having increased to about 35 families. Several very successful fairs were held and the Church, a frame building, was erected and completed and furnished inside, without borrowing a dollar. The site on which the Wellston Church was erected was donated by the Milton and Wellston Furnace companies. In the same year, 1881, the parish house in Jackson was built, at a cost of about $3,500. 554 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS' Now money had to be borrowed to the amount of $1,500 to complete and furnish the parsonage, but all with the exception of $300 had been paid, when in September, 1889, Bishop Watterson transferred Father Thurheimer from Jackson to Pomeroy; but in Jan., 1879, he was, at his own request, returned to Jackson. During his absence in Pomeroy, the following priests had charge of the Jackson congregation: Father Lane, who stayed two years, got sick and died in a hospital in Cincinnati. Father Francis Howard succeeded, remained four years. Father Chas. Jungblut was next and stayed about ten months. Father Owen Synan followed, being in charge for about seven or eight months. Father Thurheimer succeeded Father Synan, tak- ing charge again of his old field of labor on Jan. 27, 1897, and has ever since had charge of it. He was not idle. He revived the Catholic spirit of the peo- ple, took a strong hold of the children, catechising them and infusing in their hearts love and respect for the Church. Great pains were taken in forming a good Church choir and several hours were spent every week in in- structing and training singers in classical church mu- sic, i. e., of the Palestrina or Caecilia style. Several Missions were held and everything dtone for the prog- ress of spiritual life in the congregation. Nor were the Temporals of the Church neglected. HOLY TRINITY PARISH, JACKSON 555 Two new side altars and a beautiful Gothic Confes- sional were placed in the Church. A fine metal Sanc- tuary lamp was bought and the Sanctuary floor re- carpeted with a costly carpet. Six years ago the in- terior of the Church was re-frescoed, pews and all woodwork repaired and re-varnished. The church grounds which were much neglected during Fr. Thuerheimer's absence in Pomeroy, were re^improved and ever since been kept in iine trim, so that the Catholic Church property is universally al- lowed to be the finest property in the town of Jackson. The title of the Church is: Holy Trinity Church. The number of families at the present date, 49. CHAPTER XXXVI. WOODSFIELD. ST. Sylvester's parish, woodsfield. Woodsfield, situated in the eastern part of the Dio- cese of Columbus, is the county seat of Monroe County. The few Catholic families living in and about the town formed originally part of the Miltons- burg Parish. In the year 1866 Woodsfield was formed into a new parish under the title of "Saint Sylvester's Con- gregation." Rev. Father Pilger was appointed first pastor and he immediately set to work building a church in 1867. Having labored zealously for the up-building of the parish for six years, Father Pilger was succeeded by Father Fladung as pastor from 1872 to 1874. Between 1874 and 1880 Fathers Buss, Ritter and Weisenberger successively attended to the spiritual wants of the people. Father John Weisenberger became pastor in 1880 and remained in charge until his death in 1888. Father Weisenberger labored very hard for the good of the congregation; he enlarged and beautified the church building, erected a school building] and built the present parish house. Father Lane succeeded Father Weisenberger in 1887. Father Cawley was pastor from 1893 to 1902. Father Goebel took charge in 1902 and he was fol- 556 ST. JOSEPH'S PARISH, BURKHART 55r lowed in 1910 by Father Seeber as pastor. The con- gregation at the present time consists of about eighty famihes. The new school building was completed in 1912. It contains two large class rooms and a fine basement; about seventy- five children attend school. The Sisters of Charity from Manitowac, Wisconsin, have charge of the school. ST. Joseph's parish, burkhart. Divine services were held for the first time in the home of Michael Spangler in the so-called Biz Hollow — located in the southeastern section of Seneca Town- ship — by Rev. Father Kraemer of Miltonsburg, about 1848. The first building for a Church was erected in 1854 by the same priest. It was located one mile south of the Spangler home mentioned above — on one of the highest hills in Monroe Cotmty — also in Seneca Township. Its seating capacity was about three hun- dred. The following is a list of the pastors who served the parish: Rev. Father Kraemer was pastor from 1848 till 1863. He resided in Miltonsburg. Rev. D. J. Klueber was pastor from 1863 till June, 1865. He resided in Fulda, Noble County — and started a special Baptismal Record for the parish. The following are the names of those pastors who resided in Miltonsburg: Rev. Tsf. J. Pilger, from July, 1865-May, 1872. 558 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS' Rev. Ed. E. Fladung, from July, 1872-Novemiber, 1874. Rev. Joseph Briss from November, 1874 — ^January, 1877. Rev. J. Ritter from January, 1877— April, 1878. Rev. P. J. Weisenberger from April, 1878 — ^January, 1880. Rev. J. B. Weisir^er, February, 1880 — November, 1883. He resided for a time in Miltonsburg and later in Wood'sfield. Rev. Ignatius Sagerer, November, 1883. Died No- vember 22, 1905. He was the first resident pastor of the new St. Joseph's Church in its present location. Rev. Joseph B. Schmitt, March, 1905— July, 1914. Rev. Theodore Igel was appointed August 25, 1914. Rev. Father Seeber of Woodsfield had charge of the parish from July 8th, 1914, to August 2Sth, 1914. The frame building on the hill — called Chapel Hill — was torn down in 1894. The cornerstone of the present beautiful church was laid in 1893 and the building was finished in 1894. It is located in the western section of Summit Township — one mile south- east from^ the old location on the hill — and is near the failroad station of the O. R. and W. Ry. It cost $12,033.28. The first school building was a log structure. The present school and Sisters' house was built in 1889 by Rev. Ignatius Sagerer on Chapel Hill — ^anid' moved to the present location in 1895. Its cost was $751.57. Lay people were the first teachers and for a few ST. JOHN'S PARISH, MILTONSBURG 559 years Sisters taught in the school. In 1915 the Ursu- line Sisters took charge of the school. The parish residence was erected in 1883 by Rev. Father Sagerer, and in 1895 the building was moved to its present location. It cost $1447.25. At present there is no debt on the parish and since January, 1917, the support of the school is taken from the ordinary income of the parish. The total membership of the parish is about 300— and the num- ber of pupils attending school 39. ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST PARISH. The parish of St. John the Baptist, Miltonsburg, was formally established about the year 1841, the present three acres of ground having been donated by Marcus Yunkes on July 19th of the same year, though the deed of transfer, which is in the name ol Bishop Purcell of Cincinnati, is recorded under date of ]an- uary 29, 1842. The property on which the present church stands is one-half mile northwest of Miltonsburg, an in- corporated village of about ninety-five inhabitants, in the northwestern part of Monroe County. Four German families comprised the first Catholic settlement, which arrived here about the year 1831. For this embryo congregation, the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass was first offered up about the year 1839 in a log house one-half mile south of Miltonsburg and this, probably, by Rev. Charles McCallion, whose minis- 560 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS trations in behalf of that little flock are mentioned in the year 1841. In the days of its infancy the parish extended over the whole of Monroe County, but with the erection of churches at Woodsfield and at Burkhart, it took on territorial limitations. In the year 1842 the first Church, a small brick edifice, was erected and this served the needs of the congregation until the close of the last century when it was determined that the old building be superseded by a more modern and spacious structure of stone. The latter, with a seating capacity of four hundred, was brought to completion during the pastorate of Rev. Tiburtius A. Goebel and dedicated by Bishop Moeller June 8, 1902. At the time of dedication the building was free from debt, the total cost, $10,536.12, having been paid through contributions of cash, lumber, hauling and labor. Non-Catholic friends contributed the sum^ of $14275. The largest amount given by a single par- ishioner was the cash donation of $1155.00 from Mrs. M. ! L. Miles. As a benefactor of the parish, Mr. Krebs of Kansas City is also deserving of special mention. On the east side of the Church and immediately ad- joining the same lies the cemetery, a plot of about one acre. In the early days when the parish was large, the children enjoyed the benefits of a parochial education. Later, however, the tide of emigration swept over the farms and the membership of the congregation rapidly ST. JOHN'S PARISH, MILTONSBURG 561 decreased, with the result that the maintenance of the parish school was no longer possible. The little frame school house is still standing. In April, 1909, the present rectory, situated in the village, three-fifths of a mile from the Church, was purchased at a cost of $1500.00, it having formerly served as a hotel. In the present congregation there are about forty- three families, almost all of these being of German de- scent, the total number of souls being about two hun- dred and eighteen. The names of the successive pastors, with the time of their charge, are herewith given : Rev. J. C. Kraemer, March 11, 1847— April, 1856. (During his pastorate Bishop Purcell visited the par- ish, baptized four persons and donated $60.00.) Rev; Dr. Lorg, April 14, 1856—1857; Rev. J. W. Brum- mer, July 12, 1857— July, I860; Rev. W. Wilkens, July 12, 1860— April, 1861 ; Rev. D. J. Klueber, April, 1861— January, 1865; Rev. Nicholas M. J. Pilger, July, 1865— May, 1872; Rev. Edward Fladung, June, 1872 — August 16, 1874; Rev. Joseph Buss, October, 1874— December, 1875; Rev. J. Ritter, May, 1877— June, 1878; Rev. P. J. Weissenberger, June, 1878— January, 1880; Rev. J. B. Weisinger, February, 1880 — May 6, 1883 ; Rev. Ignatius Sagerer, November 18, 1883— December, 1899; Rev. Tiburtius A. Goebel, March 9, 1902— September, 1904; Rev. Joseph B. Schmitt, February 26, 1905— July, 1908; Rev. Theo- dore Igel, July 6, 1908— June 12, 1915; Rev. Francis S. J. Mueller, June 12, 1915—. 562 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS During the pastorate of Father Sagerer, the parish became a mission to St. Joseph's at Burkhart. Later it was tended by the pastor of St. Sylvester's, Woods- field, and once more became a mission to Burkhart under the pastorate of Rev. Joseph B. Schmitt. When, after a lapse of many years, a resident pas- tor was secured in the person of Father Igel, the parish of the Immaculate Conception at Ozark was annexed as a mission. The latter parish, which had its foundation August 31, 1875, has about sixty-four souls, the number of families being about fourteen. Mass is said here on the fourth Sunday and on the second Saturday of each month. The Church building is a frame structure, with a seating capacity of about one hundred and fifty. The little cemetery is to the north, immediately ad- joining the Church. ST. Joseph's parish, tiltonville. About two years ago ground was purchased and a small church built at Tiltonville, a most promising manufacturing centre a few miles distant from Martins Ferry. A large smelting works, a tin mill and other factories are built or being contemplated. During the past year a comfortable parish house has been built for the pastor and sufficient ground purchased for the building of a school. There are about 600 Catholics of all nationaHties living within a radius of three miles. ST. MARY'S PARISH, BREMEN 563 The parish is placed under the protection of St. Joseph. Rev. Father Crelly has just been appointed pastor. ST. Mary's parish, bremen. During the past year a new parish has been started at Bremen, a flourishing little town three miles from the old parish at Geneva. Property was purchased with a house already built which is used as the parish house for the priest and a neat little church has been built. The Church has been named St. Mary's. Rev. Lucius Kessler is the pastor, and from here attends the parish at Geneva. CHAPTER XXXVII. JOSEPHINUM COLLEGE, COLUMBUS. The visitor to the city of Columbus will find on Main and Seventeenth Streets the Josephinum, an es- tablishment unique among ecclesiastical institutions. The founder, Joseph Jessing, a native of Muenster, Germany, after a brilliant career in the Prussian army, came to America and exchanged the soldier's uniform for the humble robes of an ecclesiastic. From childhood he devoted his leisure hours to study. As a soldier he found .time and opportunity to visit the military academy, but his irnmediate preparation for the priesthood was made in our own country and State at Mount St. Mary's Seminary, Cincinnati. At this institution he completed his theological studies and was ordained to the Catholic priesthood. His first charge was the Sacred Heart parish of Pomeroy, Ohio. Here he founded the Ohio Waisenfreund, a weekly paper for the support of orphan boys. The success with which he met soon enabled him to open the St. Joseph's Orphan Asylum. Two years later, in 1877, the entire establishment, newspaper and orphanage, was transferred to its present site in Columbus. Here the boys received not only a good Catholic education but also a thorough training in vari- ous technical branches, towit : wood-carving, printing, tailoring, shoemaking, farming, etc. 564 JOSEPHINUM COLLEGE, COLUMBUS 565 In 1888 Father Jessing, finding that the orphanage did not entirely exhaust his resources, conceived the idea of aiding a few young men wishing' to enter the sacred ministry but who lacked the means to pursue the necessary studies. Over fifty responded to the in- vitation inserted in the Ohio Waisenfreund. Of the fifty he chose about twenty. This was the beginning of the college. Father Jessing being the sole profes- sor, his private apartments serving as classrooms. Be- ing successful the first year, he repeated the experi- ment, and year after year added new classes until the college was completely equipped for its purpose. The seminary was opened in the fall of 1894. The college course extends over six years and com- prises religion, ancient and modern languages, mathe- matics, natural sciences, history and shorthand. The seminary offers two courses: philosophy and physics, chemistry church history, Hebrew and sacred eloquence, extending over two years; and theology in its various branches, a course extending over four years. In teaching both courses the Latin language is used almost exclusively. After twelve years of study ajnd probation the young man is ordained to the holy priesthood and sent into the missions where his services are most needed. To insure the aim for which the institution was founded, namely to provide German speaking priests for German Catholics of the United States, Father Jessing asked the Sacred Congregation of the Propa- ganda to accept it under its immediate jurisdiction. On December 12, 1892, the Sacred Congregation ar.- 566 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS' cepted the proposal and gave the Josephinum a consti- tution. From this time on it was known as "The Pon- tifical College Josephinum of the Sacred Congrega- tion for the Propagation of Faith." Under this title it was incorporated 1894, under the laws of the State of Ohio, as a legal body with power to confer degrees and academical honors. The income from the Ohio Waisenfreund and dona- tions proved inadequate to defray the expenses of the growing college. Relying explicity on the generosity of the German Catholics of the United States, Father Jessing proposed the plan of founding] scholarships, the interest of which should pay for the education of the students. He was not disappointed in his, hopes. So generously did they respond that the institution is today on the way of being placed on a firm finan- cial basis. In order to show his appreciation for Father Jes- sing's singular zeal, courage and wisdom the late Holy Father Leo XHI. conferred upon him the dignity of Domestic Prelate. Monsignor Jessing lived but a few years to enjoy the well-merited' honor. Though of an iron constitution, he had undermined his health by his incessant labor and extreme self-denial. After lin- gering for a few months he died November 2, 1899. He is still so well remembered in Columbus that peo- ple even today 'speak of the Josephinum as "Father Jessingfs Place." The dying prelate, Monsignor Jessing, upon the instigation of the reverend professors, appointed thie Rev. Joseph Soentgerath, D.D., temporary rector. AQUINAS COLLEGE 567 asking the Sacred Congregation to ratify his appoint- ment and to make it permanent. The Sacred Congre- gation of the Propaganda acceding to his wishes and those of the reverend professors, ratified the tempo- rary appointment and by decree of January 8, 1900, appointed him definitely successor to the late founder. AQUINAS COLLEGE. In January, 1905, the Right Reverend James J. Hartley, Bishop of Columbus, requested the Dominican Fathers of the Province of Saint Joseph to take charge of the new High School and College which he wished to have established in the capital city. The offer was accepted by the Very Reverend Father Kearney, O. P., Provincial, and arrangements were made to secure the present location and to erect a suitable building during the same year. The first classes were opened with sixty-two stu- dents enrolled on September 12, 1905, occupying three rooms in Saint Patrick's Parochial School Building, corner of Grant and Mt. Vernon Avenues. The site selected for the new building was the one at present occupied, a block of ground containing four acres fronting on Mt. Vernon and Washington Ave- nues. The building, providing six class-rooms with large hall, and a residence adjoining for the teachers, was begun in June, 1905, and completed in January, 1906. The classes were opened in the new school Feb- ruary 6, 1906. Accommodations were provided for some few board- 568 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS' ing students. As the first classroom building had a capacity of 150 only, an addition was planned in the fall of 1911 at a cost of thirty thousand dollars. Ground was broken for this addition March 25, 1912, and the building was ready for occupancy in Septem- ber, 1912. The addition includes four classrooms and a High School Laboratory of fire-proof construction, and a dormitory with domestic building for boarding students. The object of Aquinas College is to offer to the Cath- olic youth of the Diocese of Columbus the advantages of a higher Catholic education. Until the year 1912 the school was known as Saint Patrick's College. Application for a charter, how- ever, was not made until December, 1911, at which time it was decided that the new institution, as named in the charter, should! be known as Aquinas College. The application for the charter was filed with the Sec- retary of State December 13, 1911. The diploma granting the charter was received from the Secretary of State December 18, 1911. Rev. M. S. Welsh, O. P. is President of the College, assisted by a faculty of 12 Dominican Fathers. At present there are 238 students in the College. DOMINICAN SISTERS ST. MARY^S OF THE SPRINGS. The Dominican Fathers, filled with the zeal of their devoted founder in the United States, Father Edward Dominic Fenwick, had, for a quarter of a century, been laboring as pioneers of the Christian faith in the West ; ST. MARYS OF THE SPRINGS 569 and the first Dominican Sisters had for nearly ten years been consecrating their lives to the cause of catholic education in Kentucky when the congregation that forms the subject of this sketch had' its beginning. It drew its life from the earlier foundation — then St. Magdalen's, now St. Catharine of Sienna's — es- tablished in 1822 by Father Wilson near Springfield, Kentucky. Father Fenwick had been made Bishop of Cincinnati. Interested in all that concerned the Order, and still more deeply in the welfare of souls, he desired to extend the Sisters' sphere of usefulness, and in 1830 obtained for his diocese four Sisters from the Convent of St. Catharine of Sienna. It was midwinter when the little band, which con- sisted of Mother Emily Elder, Sister Benvin Sans- bury, Sister Agnes Harbin, and Sister Catherine Mudd, set forth from the Kentucky home to brave the hard- ships incident to the establishment of a new founda- tion. Their destination was Somerset, a then prom- ising little town in Perry County, Ohio. Arriving there they found a gratified public waiting to receive them. A small brick house, together with an acre of land, had been assigned them, and an adjoining car- penter shop had been fitted up as a school. Conventual life was at once entered upon, and the new foundation was named St. Mary's and placed in a special manner under the protection of the Queen of Heaven. A novitiate was also established, the first novice being Sister Rose Lynch, identified in later years with the Galveston Community. However, the Sisters con- tinued to receive reinforcements from St. Catharine's, 570 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS both houses being under the government of the Order. On April 23, 1833, Sister Angela Sansbury — ^the foundress of St. Catharine's — arrived at St. Mary's, where she remained, filling the office of Prioress until her holy and beautiful death, November 30, 1839. As Catholic education was from the outset the in- forming purpose of the Institute, no time was lost in opening a school, in which on the 5th of April, 1830, forty pupils were enrolled. The establishing of a boarding school in connection with the day school had not entered into the original design of Bishop Fen- wick, but while making his visitation of the diocese, finding the current of popular feeling strongly in favor of such an academy, he saw the advisability of altering his plan. Accordingly, St. Mary's became a boarding school, and before the close of 1830, was legally in- corporated under the title: "St. Mary's Female Lit- erary Society." .^, More commodious quarters having become an im- perative necessity, under the changed conditions, the Sisters, with the approval of the Bishop and the gen- erous help of kind friends in Somerset, began the erec- tion of a new convent. It was a substantial brick structure, three stories in height, with attic and base- ment, and was ready for occupancy by the winter of 1831. . By 1850 the membership of the congregation had increased sufficiently to warrant the establishment of other independent houses. The next ten years con- stitute, as it were, an era of new foundations. Taken in order of time, these were as follows: Memphis, ST. MARYS OF THE SPRINGS 571 Tennessee, 1850; Monterey, California, 1851; Benton, Wisconsin, 1854; Zanesville, Ohio, 1855; Nashville, Tennessee, 1860. Of these, the community of Mon- terey was founded by a French Sister of the Second Order and two Sisters from St. Mary's ; that of Ben- ton had already been in process of formation several years when it was given definite organization by Sis- ter Joanna Clark from St. Mary's ; the Zanesville Sis- ters never entirely severed their connection with the mother house, and in later years their institution merged into a parochial school in dependence upon St. Mary's. The Memphis foundation was undertaken conjointly by Sisters from St. Catharine's and St. Mary's. While thus actively engaged both at home and abroad, a severe and unexpected trial awaited St. Mary's community. In the early summer of 1866 fire broke out in the convent building. It gained head- way so rapidly that little could be done beyond saving the lives of the inmates, and Sisters and pupils, from a safe distance, sorrowfully watched the complete de- struction of their beloved home. Through the kind- ness of the Dominican Fathers, the Sisters were at once provided with a home; sending their novices to St. Rose's, Kentucky, they gave to the Sisters the building which they had used as a novitiate. There, accordingly, the Sisters took up their residence and there conducted their school during the two years fol- lowing. In this hour of trial for the Sisters other friends, too, came forward, chief among them Mr. Theodore Leonard of Columbus, Ohio, who not only offered the 572 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS community any part of his land in Columbus as a site for a new convent, but pledged his further assistance in building. The offer was gratefully accepted, and the present location, — now designated Shepard, Ohio, — about one mile northeast of Columbus, was selected. It was a charming and attractive spot, rolling away on the east in a broad undulating sweep, well wooded on the west, broken here and there by a picturesque ravine, and watered by the silvery thread of a tiny stream that wound its way to Alum Creek. Springs which have long since disappeared gushed here and there, and from their beauty and abundance the place received its name, "St. Mary's of the Springs." In this favored spot, then, with the permission of the Right Reverend S. H. Rosecrans, then just in- stalled as first Bishop of Columbus, the Convent and Academy of St. Mary's of the Springs was erected. The Sisters took possession of their new quarters September 1, 1868. They then numbered twenty-six, and Mother Rose Lynch, who had held the office of Superior for some years, became the first Prioress of the new establishment. Almost coincident with the change of location, bringing with it enlarged facilities for prosecuting work in educational fields, other changes were in operation which, though seemingly unpropitious, made in their final outcome for the greater solidarity of the institute. Founded by the Dominican Provincial, St. Mary's and its sister institutions were for a number of years immediately under the jurisdiction of the Order, but in 1865 Most Rev. A. V. Jandel, Master-General of ST. MARYS OF THE SPRINGS 573 the Dominican Order, felt himself constrained to withdraw this jurisdiction. It had been granted mere- ly in view of special exigencies existing in the United States, and these no longer demanded such conces- sions. Thus the Sisters, while still receiving counsel and guidance from the Fathers and enjoying the privi- lege of their ministrations as chaplain, were left with- out definite canonical status. Moreover, the Consti- tutions under which they were living — compiled in part from those of the Fathers, and modified from time to time by regulations and ordinances from other com- munities — were incomplete and imperfect in many respects. As the community increased in numbers year by year and mission houses multiplied, the neces- sity of a more thorough organization became evident. The Rule of the Congregation of the Most Holy Rosary, approved by the Propaganda, was taken as a basis for the new Constitutions, certain changes and modifications being introduced which special circum- stances rendered necessary. In 1893, through the valuable assistance of the Very Rev. Father Cicognani, Procurator-General of the Dominican Order, this Rule was approved by Rome for five years. By it St. Mary's of the Springs, with the missions and acade- mies dependent upon it, was organized into a Congre- gation under the direct control of a Mother-General. In the autumn of the same year. Sister Vincentia Ers- kine was elected to fill this important office, which she continued to exercise by successive re-elections until 1916, whn she was succeeded by Mother Miriam Masterson, the present Mother-General. 574 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS After a series of delays these Constitutions, some- what modified to conform to the "Normae" for religi- ous institutes prescribed in the meantime by Rome, received in 1903 the final approbation of the Holy See. Under the new Constitutions the Congregation re- ceived the official designation: "The American Con- gregation of Dominican Tertiaries of the Blessed Vir- gin Mary." These Constitutions, while making defin- ite provisions for the government of the Congregation in all its departments, likewise exemplify that blending of the active with the contemplative life that has been the well-spring of Dominican power since the founda- tion of the Order and one of the secrets of its adapta- bility to changing conditions. The Congregation is devoted exclusively to teach- ing, conducting parochial schools in New York City, New Haven, Conn., Pittsburgh, Pa., Columbus, Ohio, and in many smaller towns of the last named state, be- sides several boarding and day Academies, the chief of which is at the Mother-house, Shepard, Ohio. SISTERS OF NOTRE DAME, ST. JOSEPH'S ACADEMY. The Sisters of Notre Dame were founded in 1804 by Blessed! Julie Billiart and Francoise BUn de Bour- don. They established their Mother House in the city of Namur, Belgium, in 1812, and there in 1839 the Most Reverend John B. Purcell, Bishop of Cin- cinnati, was a visitor. He admired their system of education and desired to have a colony of them for his episcopal city. His request was granted by the ST. JOSEPH'S ACADEMY 575 ecclesiastical superior, the Rt. Rev. Bishop of Namur, and the Reverend Mother General Sister Ignatius, and in the fall of 1840 eight Sisters arrived in Cin- cinnati. They opened a parochial school in St. Xavier's parish where their convent was located, and an academy for young ladies on the Convent premises. The academy was for boarding and day scholars, but its rapid growth forced the Sisters to transfer the boarding school to Reading, Ohio. From this Convent on Sixth Street, which was also the Novitiate of the Order in the eastern United States, in 1855 four Sisters, at the request of Father Borgess, pastor of Holy Cross parish, and of Father Meagher, pastor of St. Patrick's parish, came to Co- lumbus to open schools in both parishes. Their first liouse on Gay Street was a small frame one and as the law seems to be "the seed must die ere it can bear fruit," the first years in Colutnbus were trying ones as an incident may illustrate. Rev. Father Borgess cam.e one evening to say that Rt. Rev. Bishop Young was his guest, and the next morning the Bishop would come to say Mass in the Convent chapel. The Sis- ters bad no wine, so they appealed to Rev. Father Meagher, who assured them it would be there in the morning, but it did not come before the Bishop ar- rived. He was told the wine had not come but he began the Mass. When he reached the offertory and there was no wine, he turned and gave the community a beautiful sermon on holy poverty and leaning on the providence of God. Before he had finished, the wine came and he proceeded with the Holy Sacrifice. 676 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS In 1855, the Sisters organized the Living Rosary at St. Paitrick's parish, and in 1856 in Holy Cross. In 1858 sodalities of the Blessed Virgin were organized for young ladies and for married ladies. On February 2, 1859, the Sisters prepared the sodalists for the first reception and consecration into the sodality. In 1867 they were honored by a visit from Rt. Rev. Bishop Rosecrans. Later he said Mass in their chapel and for years imposed on himself the duties of extraordinary confessor of the community. In 1867 the first retreat for sodalists was gjiven and the devoted Bishop directed it. The meetings were held in the Sisters' chapel during the retreat, and for several years the sodalists continued to assemble there under the directress, Sister Mary Ligouri, the Superior of the community. In 1872 a new school house at Holy Cross with a convenient chapel enabled the sodalists to meet there, and later the sodalists of St. Patrick's parish as- sembled in the class rooms of the parochial school. In 1875 the growth of the city in population and wealth called for another school beside the parochial. The Rt. Rev. Bishop requested the Sisters to open an academy. His request was supported by the assur- ance of some prominent citizens that they would help to raise the necessary funds. On April 15th the cor- nerstone of St. Joseph's Academy of the Sisters of Notre Dame was laid by Rev. J. B. Hemsteger, pastor of Holy Cross, assisted by Rev. J. C. Goldschmidt and Rev. J. B. Eis. On September 6th the academy open- ed and began its refining and elevating influence on ST. JOSEPH'S ACADEMY 577 the children who have been trained in its class rooms. The Sisters of Notre Dame had been invited by Rev. P^ather Specht to take charge of St. Mary's schools, but in this year they withdrew from this school, and were replaced by the Franciscan Sisters. The sorrow that fell upon the diocese of Columbus in the October of 1878 was keenly felt by the Sisters of Notre Dame who lost hy the death of the Vicar General, Rev. J. B. Hemsteger, a wise counsellor and devoted friend, and by the death of the Rt. Rev. Bish- op Rosecrans, a true father. The increase in the community made it necessary to have a new chapel. The cornerstone was laid by the administrator of the diocese, Very Rev. N. A. Gallagher, on February 3, 1880. He was assisted by Rev. George Ahrens, pastor of Holy Cross, and Rev. Clement Rhode. It was dedicated October 28, 1880, by the new Bishop, Rt. Rev. J. A. Watterson, who ang Pontifical Mass, and thus began the long list of favors this devoted Bishop conferred upon the Sisters during his episcopate. In 1878 for the benefit of former pupils and other Catholic women, a Ladies' Literary Circle was or- ganized to meet at the academy every fortnight. This society was discontinued in 1885, but was revived in 1895 as the Watterson Reading Circle. On December 27, this society gave its first reception in honor of the Rt. Rev. Bishop and the clergy. A Ladies' Matinee Musical Society was formed and flourished some years. It is represented now by the Cecilian Society, composed of pUpils attending the 578 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS academy, whose recitals and annual concerts are nracfi! admired by those who attend them. Many good or- ganists and excellent music teachers have received their education in music and made their entrance into the music clubs of the city, because of the impetus, given to their ambition and the thorough musical training given them at St. Joseph's Academy. In 1895 a branch of the Tabernacle Society was es- tablished at the Convent of Notre Dame, and affiliated to that of Rome. Each year it has an exhibit of vest- ments and linens, made by its members for distribu- tion among the poor churches of the diocese. An X Y Z club formed in 1901 for the study of history is now the Notre Dame Literary Circle, and has grown into a flourishing society, numbering sev- enty-five members. At the suggestion of Rt. Rev. Bishop Hartley, during the present year (1917-1918) they are devoting themselves to the study of the cate- chism, under the direction of Rev. Father Bean of the Josephinum. The Sisters as well as the members of the circle rejoice in this opportunity to second the Bishop's well-known zeal for the study of the cate- chism. From the beginning of the Cathedral parish, the Sisters of Notre Dame had directed the Sunday school and' prepared the children of the public schools for the Sacraments. In 1907, when the parish opened its first school, the Sisters took charge of the classes. In the same year the school which was opened in the new parish of St. Aloysius was placed under their direction, and although it is a long distance from the ST. ALOYSIUS, NEW LEXINGTON 579 convent on Rich Street to West Broad Street "Hill- top," four Sisters go there every school day and on Sundays and holy days. An account of the Sisters of Notre Dame would be incomplete were mention omitted of the devoted serv- ices of Rev. Dr. Pinter and Rev. Father Philip. Since 1902, the Sisters have been blessed in having as chap- lains, these two priests from the Josephinunfi. At present the community numbers fifty-eight Sis- ters, teaching in St. Joseph's Academy and four pa- rochial schools, and instructing and preparing for the Sacraments, the Catholic children in the Institution for the Blind, of which work they took charge in 1898. ST. ALOYSIUS ACADEMY, NEW LEXINGTON. On one of the old Perry County hills just outside New Lexington, stands St. Aloysius Academy, a flourishing boarding school for young ladies. This institution was opened in 1876. A wealthy farmer, Hugh Donally by name, donated the site of the pres- ent building to the Rt. Rev. Bishop Rosecrans, stipu- lating that an establishment for the education of young ladies be erected here. Bishop Rosecrans accepted the gift and looked about in search of Sisters who would undertake this good work. In consequence of the iniquitous "Mjay Laws," passed by the Prussian government against religious orders in 1871, a great many exiled Sisters of St. Francis had come to America with the hope of open- ing schools for Catholic children. To a number of 580 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS these, — Mother Euphrasia and companions, the care of the orphans of Columbus had just been entrusted by the Bishop. He now requested Mother Euphrasia to arrange for some of the Sisters to go to New Lex- ington. Accordingly Mother Gonzaga and five other Sisters were detailed to undertake the foundation. Rev. Father Moitrier was ordered by the Bishop to beglin the building of an eight-roomed house which for the present would suffice. But the difficulties attendant on the prosecution of the work were so great that the Sisters, inured as they were to hardships and suffering, would have lost courage and given up the attempt had it not been for the encouragement and live interest of Rev. J. B. Eis of Columbus, who insisted that the work be carried on. Finally the building, a very poor one, was completed. School opened in September, 1876, with five pupils, of whom one was a boarder. On the following feast of St. Francis the dedication took place and the School was named St. Aloysius Academy; the chapel was placed under the patronage of Immaculate Concep- tion. Very soon, however, the Sisters found it necessary to build again. Several rooms were added, but it was not possible, on account of the want of funds, to build on a large scale. In 1887 further additions were made, and in 1891 a large new chapel was under roof. In 1892, new class-rooms and dining rooms were com- pleted. In their difficulties the Sisters found some kind friends among the New Lexington people, above all old Mr. and Mrs. Johnson, \vh6se generosity the ST. ALOYSIUS, NEW LEXINGTON 581 Sisters can never forget. Dr. and Mrs. Taggert, too, were very kind, and also Mrs. Jackson. Mother Gonzaga, who had been Superior of the In- stitution since its foundation, was called to Buffalo in 1904. She has since passed to her eternal reward and will be remembered by all with affectionate admi- ration. Her place was taken by Mother Isabella who, in 1907, greatly improved and enlarged the academy. A magnificent new wing, containing class rooms, dining room, study hall, laboratory and art studio was erected and, in a separate building, an audi- torium and gymnasium. Summoned in 1909 to take Mother Gonzaga's place as Superior of the Buffalo Academy, Mother Isabella was succeeded by Mother Borromea, who, in her turn was replaced in 1912 by Mother Aquinas, the present Superior. Of late years many improvements have been made and many comforts provided for the pupils. The playground notably has been generously equipped with swings, teeter ladders, porch, etc. The priests of New Lexington, Rev. Fathers Moi- triers, Meschenmoser and Cush, have always been most kind and helpful ; the same must be said of Msgr. Specht of Columbus. And the Sisters of St. Aloysius Academy are proud to reckon among their loyal friends the reverend chaplains who have been at- tached to the institution: Father Hormich, the first to fill this position, had the following successors : Rev. J. Schmidt, R. I. P.; Rev. Fathers Wittman, Beagan, Father Kenedy, O. P., Father O'Leary, O. P., Father 582 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS Shiels, O. P., Father Spence, O. P., P. Ruane, C. Nor- ris, E. Suppan. And above all the Sisters have always been helped and encouraged by the Rt. Rev. Bishops of the dio- cese — Bishop Rosecrans, Bishop' Watterson, Bishop Moeller, and the Rt. Rev. Bishop Hartley have earned the Sisters' gratitude by their kind advice and en- couragement. Thus the work begun so humbly and undter such discouraging circumstances has flouished and pros- pered with the blessing of God. Hundreds of pupils have left the shelter of its roof, to lead noble and use- ful lives in the world or in the cloister. The motto of St. Aloysius Academy: Deus Lux Mea, God my Light, indicates the goal which the Sisters have ever endeavored to attain in their educational labors: — to shed true light, the light of God upon the mind and heart of their pupils. CHAPTER XXXVIII. ST. Vincent's orphan asylum. About five or six years after the establishment of the diocese of Columbus, the pressing need of an orphan asylum was felt by the Bishop and Priests of the Diocese. Good Bishop Rosecrans and his devoted Vicar General, Very Reverend Bernard Hemsteger, anxious for the protection of the little ones of the diocese, in the autumn of the year 1874 made applica- tion to the Mother-House of the Sisters of St. Francis, Nonnenwerth, near Cologne, Germany, who through the persecution of the Bismark-Cultur-Kamph in that country, were exiled and compelled by the government to give up their educational work. His Lordship, Bishop Rosecrans, gladly engaged them to take charge of the orphanage to be established in the diocese. For this purpose three sisters, with Mother Euphrasia as superioress, subject to the authority of the Ordinary of the diocese, were sent by the Superior General of the Mother-House of the Sisters of St. Francis. On the 2nd of February 1875, Feast of the Purification of the B. V. M., Rt. Rev. Sylvester H. Rosecrans D. D., of holy memory, dedicated and opened St. Vincent de Paul Orphan Asylum, assisted by the priests of the city of Columbus and in presence of a large concourse of people. The site for the orphanage on East Main Street (formerly named Friend Street) and Rose 583 584 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS' Avenue, a property consisting of a private residence with its grounds comprising nearly 7 acres, was bought by His Lordship Bishop Rosecrans, from Mr. Louis Zettler for $25,000.00. Of this sum Mr. Zettler donated $10,000.00 toward the charitable enterprise, and the rest ($15,00.00) to be paid in ten years at 5% interest. After the Bishop had dedicated the little Asylum, the former private dwelling of Mr. Zettler, a two-story house of about six rooms with a small out- building attached, the three Sisters of St. Francis en- tered upon their work of taking charge of eight little orphan girls, who so far had been cared for through the kindness of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd. The few rooms were arranged for the children and the Sisters; also a chapel, schoolroom, kitchen, etc., for the most necessary requirements. Soon application for admission of other orphans was made by several pastors of the diocese, so that after a few months of the good work by the good Sisters the humble apart- ments of the institution already sheltered about fifty orphan girls. Boys, although applications for them were also made, could not yet be received for want of accommodations. Bishop Rosecrans, at the founding of the Asylum, appointed Rev. Father J. C. Gold- schmidt as chaplain and director of the institution, who thereafter for nearly two years resided with Vicar General Hemsteger at the Holy Cross Parsonage, from which place he attended the St. Francis Hospital and the humble Orphanage just started. As soon however as arrangements could be made at the Asy- lum, he took up his residence there. ST. VINCENT'S ORPHAN ASYLUM 585 During the first year of St. Vincent's a picnic was held for its benefit, and about $1,000.00 were realized. Immediately a new and suitable addition was begun, so that provision could be made also for the receiving of boys. The new addition thus erected consisted of a three story building and basement, comprising the kitchen, refectory, school-rooms and dormitories, which was completed and dedicated by Rt. Rev. Bishop Rosecrans in the year 1876. Later on minor buildings were added. In the year 1878 the new north main building was erected, and was about to be dedicated by Bishop Rosecrans, when a few weeks before the time set for the solemn ceremonies, the beloved Pre- late was called to the eternal reward for his arduous labors. Rt. Rev. John Ambrose Watterson, D. D., having become second Bishop of the Columbus Diocese, in the autumn of the year 1880 dedicated the new north main building which had been erected under the late Bishop Rosecrans. The present Church or Chapel was undertaken in the year 1883, its corner-stone laid with appropriate ceremonies by Bishop Watterson July 27, 1884, and was also dedicated by His Lordship together with the pastor's house on the 9th of August 1885. As from the beginning divine services were held at the little chapel in the house for the Sisters and the orphans, a few Catholic neighbors, who however could not without great diiSculty attend Mass elsewhere, de- sired to come to the Asylum, which the Bishop for thte time permitted. With the increased population of 586 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS' Catholics in the eastern part of Columbus, and the in- sufficient room for them in the little chapel, Bishop Watterson authorized the Chaplain, Rev. J. C. Gold- schmidt, to build St. Vincent's Church, to be the place of divine worship for the inmates of the institution as also for the congregation, appointing Father Gold- schmidt as the Pastor. After the dedication of the new house of worship, divine services were arranged for two masses for Sundays and Holy Days of obli- gation, to accommodate the inmates and the people of the congregation. The new south main building facing Main Street and Rose Avenue, was commenced in the year 1892; when completed for occupancy was dedicated with solemn ceremony by Rt. Rev. John A. Watterson, D. D., October 28th 1894. After his many hard labors in the diocese, the Reverend and lamented Bishop was called to his eternal reward on the 17th day of April 1899. He was succeeded in the Bishopric of Columbus by the Rt. Rev. Henry Moeller, D. D., who is now the Archbishop of Cincinnati. Bishop Moeller during his short incumbency made great improvements in the Diocese, and when in the year 1902 the Fourth of July Orphan's Picnic could not be held as usual, he ordered a special collection to be taken up in the Diocese for the needs of the orphans. Bishop Moeller having been appointed Coadjutor Archbishop to Archbishop Elder of Cincinati, Rt. Rev. James Joseph Hartley, D. D., succeeded him, being consecrated Bishop of Columbus February 24th 1904. Under his wise administration the elegant recreation building was erected and blessed, ST. VINCENT'S ORPHAN ASYLUM 587 besides, many improvements were made by him at St. Vincents, as also the starting and building of St. Ann's Infant Asylum. A few years after the dedication of the St. Vincent's Church in 1885, the little congrega- tion there increased to such proportions that it needed a larger building for its accommodation. So in 1903 a church building fund was started at St. Vincent's, and in 1905 Bishop Hartley authorized Rev. Francis W. Howard to erect the Holy Rosary Church on East Main Street and Seymour Avenue. This edifice was completed and dedicated in 1907 and the good people who so far had united in divine worship at St. Vin- cent's took possession of their own place of worship. About this time, good Mother Euphrasia, the first, and for about thirty years the self-sacrificing superioress at St. Vincents, now, that after much anxious care and ■work, health and strength were failing her, retired to the Mother-House of her Community at Buffalo, N. Y. Mother Lucia became her successor, who after about five years of successful and unselfish labor was called by her superior to a special position at the new Mother- House, Stella Niagara, N. Y. In August 1914 the present superioress. Mother M. Borgia, was appointed for St. Vincents. She has ever since endeared herself to all at the Asylum. The Orphanage is chiefly supported through the collection which Bishop Rosecrans ordered to be taken up on Christmas Day in all the churches of the Diocese for the benefit of the orphans ; which regulation his successors as Bishops of the Diocese have in like man- ner ordered to be observed. By means of this coUec- 588 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS' tion the Orphanage has been enabled partly to meet the current expenses. There was however at the time, be- sides this demand, the debt of $15,000.00, with interest at 5% to be paid; moreover the urgent need of build- ings to be erected, with other requirements to be con- sidered for the institution. To obtain relief in these necessities, recourse was had to the holding of picnics, soliciting of donations and other devices, as also of lectures; but the special means of help were bequests, annuities, and generous donations of friends and bene- factors. Very strict and prudent economy was also observed at the Asylum in everything, with prayer and reliance upon Divine Providence. In this way the necessary buildings were erected at St. Vincents and paid for, as also in time the $15,000.00 debt on the Orphanage. All the buildings at St. Vincents are constructed of brick and are partly fire-proof. The inteirior apart- ments are properly and suitably arranged for boys and girls who daily meet in common with the Sisters in the Chapel for divine services. During the past forty- two years over 1,500 orphans have been prepared for the Sacraments of the Church, and were also confirmed at the Asylum by the Bishops in their time. The Pas- tor, Rev. Father Goldschmidt, on various occasions, has been assisted in the work of the institution by the Revs. Fathers Howard, Begin, O'Neil, Trogtis and Goetz, as also by the Fathers of the Pontificial College Josephinum. In the first start of the Orphanage, Rev. Father J. B. Eis, who was then the assistant of Very Rev. Vicar General Hemsteger, of Holy Cross Church, ST. VINCENT'S ORPHAN ASYLUM 589 was active in making the necessary preparations, as also by his generous assistance in the beginning of St. Vincents. Making allowance for a rough estimate on the dififerent buildings erected at various times with- in thirty to forty years at St. Vincents, the many im- provements, the brick wall enclosure, the pavements of road and playgrounds, the sewerage, etc., etc., the amounts contributed and expended may easily be placed at $300,000.00. The first, as also the other buildings put up at St. Vincents although erected sub- stantially, were not expensive, as labor and material were then quite cheap. Taking now a retrospect of the early events of the Asylum — ^the labor and hardships in its beginning, the eight orphans, the three Sisters, their unselfish work as also the humble scant buildings, the sphere of the Sisters activity : not unlike a mustard seed St. Vin- cents has steadily increased, so, that during the forty- three years the Orphanage has harbored about 4,000 orphans, sheltering at present over 300 orphans within its hospitable walls. As the good work at St. Vin- cents extended and multiplied so, too, more laborers were required, and from three Sisters in the bginning now thirty-five are on duty, either as teachers or oth- erwise engaged in the general work of the institu- tion. During these many years of charitable work and care, as also of hardships endured at the Asylum God's blessings 'have been multifarious and palpable at St. Vincent's for which our hearts expand in loving gratitude to our Heavenly Father. Most hearty thanks are also due to all who have been instrumental 590 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS' in the accomplishment of the good work performed in behalf of the Orphanage. All benefactors, patrons and friends will ever be gratefully remembered by all at the Asylum, and St. Vincent's will be a credit and a standing monument to the charity of the Columbus Diocese. ST. Ann's infant asylum, 1555 bryden road, COLUMBUS. When St. Vincent's Orphan Asylum was building no provision was made for the reception and care of young infants. Abandoned babes and others whose parents were not able or were unwilling to care for them nrnist be protected the same as the orphans. Hence the establishment of an Infant Asylum became an ur- gent necessity for the Diocese of Columbus. At Christmas, 1906, Rt. Rev. Bishop Hartley made a strong appeal to the priests and people of the diocese in behalf of a home for infants. For this purpose, the late lamented Rev. James J. Slevin had come into possession of a sum of $10,000, which he placed at the disposal of the Bishop with the request that a ma- ternity hospital be connected with the asylum. Accordingly Bishop Hartley purchased nine lots, something over an acre, on the corner of Bryden Road and Rose Avenue. The erection of a three-story fire- proof building with basement was begun immediately and work thereon was so far advanced that the cor- nerstone was laid on the feast of St. Vincent de Paul, ST. ANN'S INFANT ASYLUM 591 July 19th, 1907, by the Rt. Rev. Msgr F. X. Specht, V. G. One year later on the feast of the Most Holy Trinity, June 14th, 1908, the Rt. Rev. James J. Hart- ley solemnly opened and dedicated the modern fire- proof building as St. Ann's Infant Asylum and Ma- ternity Hospital. The following day four Sisters of St. Francis, with Mother Hermana as Superioress, took charge of the work and management of the institution. All the orphans under six years of age at St. Vin- cent's were transferred to their new apartments at St. Ann's. It may be stated here that the work of build- ing St. Ann's was carried on from St. Vincent's, which from the very beginning to the present time, has sus- tained and fostered St. Ann's with a mother's solici- tude for her own child. In the institution a neat little chapel was provided and divine services are conducted by priests from St. Vincent's. The little ones that are not adopted or placed with families remain at St. Ann's until they complete their sixth year when they are transferred to St. Vincent's to enter school there. In a few years the number of children increased to such an extent that the asylum became overcrowded and it was nec- essary to provide more room and accommodation. After due consideration Bishop Hartley consented to the erection of an addition, which now forms the east wing of the building. This addition, like the main structure, is of brick and fireproof throughout. It 592 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS' was dedicated by the Rt. Rev. Bishop on the feast of St. Anne, July 26th, 1916. Although St. Ann's is chiefly intended for the care of infants it is also arranged for a maternity hospital with all the necessary furnishings and conveniences in the east wing. As the institution enlarged its sphere of activity more help was demanded and hence eight Sisters and a corps of fourteen nurses with eight helpers are employed almost day and night attending to the needs of their delicate proteges. During the past years 1315 children have been cared and provided for; 102, after completing their sixth year, were transferred to St. Vincent's to enter school there ; 90 were adopted by good families, 858 returned to their relatives or guardians and 109 are at present at the institution. St. Ann's is a diocesan institution in the same sense as is St. Vincent's and like the latter receives its chief support from the Christmias collection taken up throughout the diocese annually. Its other sources of assistance are bequests of generous benefactors, pri- vate charitable donations from friends, the Fourth of July picnic and October donation day. In the erec- tion of the building subscriptions and donations of friends have been of much encouragement and assist- ance. The amounts contributed and expended in va- rious ways in buildings and improvements may safely be stated at $100,000. There is still a debt of about $15,000 on the east wing addition. For what has been accomplished at St. Ann's, all at the institution render most grateful THE CONVENT OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD 593 thanks to Almighty God, who has so notably blessed the work and inspired so many friends and benefac- tors to generously contribute towards its successful maintenance. To all the contributors most hearty thanks are extended with the wish and prayer that God will reward them in eternity. THE CONVENT OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD. This institution is situated at the corner of Broad and Sandusky Streets, but was commenced in Spring Street on the 8th day of May, 1865, by four Religious of the Order of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd of Anglers. The small number of four Re- ligious first to arrive has gradually increased accord- ing to the needs of caring for the children who have come here for shelter. The additional members of the community are supplied from the Provincial House at Carthage, Ohio, which controls ten other houses. Mother Mary of St. Joseph David was Superior Provincial at the time' of foundation and Bishop, the then Rev. Edward Fitzgerald, was the prime mover to establish it. He in harmony with the late Mr. Sam- uel Madera purchased the present site and property from the SuUivant estate, to which the Sisters moved in March, 1866. Necessary improvements and build- ings were erected from time to time to meet the de- mands of the growing household until their crowning glory of a new chapel was planned and carried out in 1906. The ground was broken April 24, 1906, and on July 29, of the same year the cornerstone for the new 594 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS structure was laid. Under date of December 10, 1907, the edifice, one of the most beautiful of its kind, and designed by Mr. H. J. Rill of Detroit, was solemnly dedicated. The chapel proper is cruciform, a trans- cept for each division. The center comprises a mag- nificent white marble sanctuary and altar overlooked by a large dome admitting light through a pretty stained glass window representing the Good Shepherd. This is immediately surrounded by eight large oil paintings. The windows, oil paintings throughout the chapel and statuary are all most attractive and in har- mony with the general color of the walls, that of buff and gold. Electric illuminations enhance the beauty on all festal occasions. The several successive prelates who have sustained this beautiful work in behalf of the salvation of souls, were the Rt. Rev. Bishop Rosecrans, Rt. Rev. Bishop Watterson, Rt. Rev. Henry Moeller, now Archbishop of Cincinnati, and our present esteemed Bishop Rt. Rev. James J. Hartley. The ReligSous Superiors governing this particular foundation were Mother Mary of St. Gertrude Mol- loy, who ruled twenty-five years from the time of its first beginning. Her worth and wise management were so highly esteemed at the Mother-house that she was then appointed Superior Provincial of the Pro- vince of Philadelphia, Pa. Mother Mary of St. Teresa Carroll was next in office as Superior, and after nine- teen years of the most prudent and gentle guidance, she died in the odor of sanctity in the year 1906. Since that time Mother Mary of St. Stanislaus Pilk- DOMINICAN SISTERS OF THE SICK POOR 595 ington. Mother Mary of the Holy Family Motz, Mother Mary of St. Agnes Kister have been the Su- periors in succession. The resident Chaplain Rev. B. F. Hanna has de- voted himself entirely to the interests of this institu- tion for a period of nearly fifteen years. DOMINICAN SISTERS OF THE SICK POOR. In the Convent of St. Rose of Lima — on Lincoln Street — live the Dominican Sisters of the Sick Poor whose special work is to care for the sick poor in their own homes. To begin the work the Rt. Rev. Bishop gave them their present convent home which is adjacent to the Italian Church on Lincoln Street. In introducing them to the public of Columbus, the Bishop gave the following explanation of their work in his letter of September 12, 1912. The nature of the work to which they have con- secrated their lives may be described in this one sen- tence — caring for the sick poor in their own homes, free of charge, regardless of creed, race or color. No remuneration whatever is taken for their services. Where it becomes absolutely necessary, they will even remain during the night with the sick. They provide the sick poor with food, clothing, medicine and such other necessities demanded in a poor family. In order to help to carry out this noble work in an intelligent and efficient manner, the Bishop wishes that a St. Vincent de Paul Society be established in 596 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS each Parish. Once every month the president of each St. Vincent de Paul Society will meet with the Bishop' or the Spiritual Director in the Office of the Home on Lincoln street to discuss affairs and make all necessary provisions for the work of the Sisters. It is now over five years since the Sisters began their work— and today they are known in every quarter of the city. The good they have done is not to be recorded here — it is already written in the Book of Life. Day and night they have answered every call. The great regret is that the little Community has not a sufficient number of Sisters to meet the de- mands upon them. Their Mother House is in New York City. The following members of the Central Council of St. Vincent de Paul Society have been unceasing in their efforts to supply the Sisters with the means to carry on their great work: Bernard Smith, Frank L. Stein, John M. Caren, Thomas McGovem, Albert Bringardner, Rev. J. H. O'Neil, Spiritual Director. They meet every month in the Convent with the Rt. Rev. Bishop to look after the promotion of the work. CHAPTER XXXIX. ST. FRANCIS HOSPITAL, COLUMBUS. At the comer of Sixth and State Streets stands one of the most venerable and famihar of the Catholic Institutions in the city of Columbus — St. Francis Hospital. It owes its foundation to the courage and devotion of a little band of Franciscan Sisters who came to Columbus in January, 1862 — and began their great work of charity in a small dwelling located on Rich St. close by Holy Cross Church. This Uttle Hospital with difficulty made provision for 24 patients. The number of sick applying for admission made it necessary for the Sisters to secure a larger building. In 1864 three lots were purchased on East Main Street on which it was proposed to erect a new Hos- pital trusting to the kindness and charity of the gen- erous people of the city to furnish the means to pay for the same. Doctor Starling Loving who had always been a staunch friend of the Sisters took it upon himself to ask for subscriptions among the more wealthy citi- zens. While talking the matter over with Dr. J. W. Hamilton who was also a good friend of the Sisters — Starling Medical College on the comer of State and Sixth Streets was suggested as being a dtesirable place to establish the new Hospital since in the construc- tion of the same some provisions had been made for 597 598 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS' caring for the sick. He suggested to the Sister Superior to apply for it. When the Sister Superior brought the matter to the attention of those in charge some opposition was raised — many thinking the build- ing was too stately and beautiful for a Hospital — oth- ers objected to having a Hospital in the neighborhood. — such an institution being' considered undesirable in that locality. Father Clarke tells the story in the fol- lowing words : When urged by their friends to make reply to the charges and objections of the local press, the Sisters simply said : "If it is Gods' will that we should get it, we certainly will succeed." Unknown to the Sisters a Protestant glentleman by the name of Gilmore de- fended the justice of their cause and thus silenced the prejudices lexpressed by the newspapers. When all the preliminaries had been completed, a special meet- ing of the College trustees was called at the residence of Mr. William Sullivan. The Provincial Superioress and the Sister Superior of the hospital as well as sev- eral members of the faculty of the College were pres- ent. The trustees laid down the following conditions Upon which the Sisters could establish their hospital in the College : The Sisters to pay $16,000 for a lease of ninety-nine years, which amount was then an incum- brance on the building ; the part which the Sisters thus leased to be used for hospital purposes only and not for a school or a home for the aged, which limitation as to the old was afterwards modified so as to allow a few invalid's to be admitted ; if for urgent reasons the Sisters were to leave the institution, the money was to ST. FRANCIS' HOSPITAL, COLUMBUS 599 be refunded. The trustees retained the right to remove the Sisters should they fail in this latter condition as to the patients, the sum agreed upon for the lease to be refunded to the Sisters should they be required to leave. When the final contract was closed, the trustees accepted the house on Rich Street which they were then using as a hospital, in payment for $6,000, re- ceiving, however, only $5,500 for it, thus requiring the Sisters to supply the balance of $500. The amount asked for the lease was afterwards reduced to $10,000, leaving only $4,000 to be made up. Through the kind"- ly interest of Rev. Edward M. Fitzgerald, pastor of St. Patrick's Church, and Rev. John B. Hemsteger, pas- tor of Holy Cross Church, the only Catholic Churches then in the city, a grand union fair was held in the old theatre on State Street and something over $4,000 was realized for the benefit of the hospital, thus enabling the Sisters to meet their obligations. The enthusiasm and kindly interest of the citizens in general were now aroused in behalf of the new hospital. Prejudice against the institution had nearly died away. Old bat- tle-scarred soldiers were returning from the war and they told of the work of the Sisters of Charity in the face of danger to life and limb. Their heroic sacrifice appealed to the generous American heart ^nd the ladies of the different religious denominations united in a grand fair for the hospital. The sum of $3,000 was realized, andl with this the Sisters hoped to pay for necessary alterations in the building and for furnishing the wards. The lots on Friend Street were sold, small 600 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS' payments only having been made on them, and on Feb- ruary 17, 1865, the Sisters moved into the handsome college building which they today occupy. In 1875, the medical staff of the College, appreciat- ing the crowded condition of the hospital, granted the use of some of their apartments and! one large lecture- room which was converted into two commodious and airy wards. A few years later the numerous friends of the institution contributed means to put in an elevator by which the sick and lame could be carried from floor to floor. Improvements have thus been gradually made, and in 1891 the interior underwent a thorough change. The apartments of the Sisters were so arranged as to improve their sanitation, which had been so imperfect heretofore as to cause much suffering and several deaths among the Sisters. A new chapel was fitted up in the second story, as the former one on the first or ground floor was too small to accommodate the Sis- ters and patients during divine service. An addition was also built in 1891, on the west side of the building, and in 1913 more improvements were added by the Sis- ters, making the building more comfortable and com- modfous for the accommodation of the sick. It ought to be a joy to the city of Columbus to know that the doors of this hospital open day and night to the sick and poor — without one cent of recompense being asked. The city government has never yet shown the substantial appreciation it ought to show to this institution that cares for those whom it would be obliged to provide for — if the gt>od Sisters of St. Francis did not do so in their kind and generous way. ST. ANTHONY'S HOSPITAL 601 The patrol wagon and the city policemen can bear testimony day and night to the many thousands of dol- lars expense spared the city every year by the Sisters of St. Francis Hospital. The present chaplain is Rev. Edward J. Leinheuser. ST. Anthony's hospital. St. Anthony's Hospital, located on Hawthorne Street and Taylor Avenue, is one of the well known charitable institutions of Columbus. The first portion of the property was bought in March, 1889, and the work of excavation began in June of the same year. The hospital building, three stories iu height was dedicated by Rt. Rev. Bishop Watterson, on Novem- ber 22, 1891. The property consists of eight acres of ground in addition to the well-equipped building worth $100,000. It is maintained by donations from churches, societies and individuals. The Sisters of the Poor of St. Francis are in charge. The first patient was received December 7, 1891, and up to the present time many thousands have been relieved by the self-sacrificing Sisters in charge of St. Anthony's. It has a capacity to accommodate over 200 pa- tients. A great many old folks who have been left alone in the world find care and comfort here in their declining years. The people of the city of Columbus ought never to forget all that St. Anthony's Hospital does for the poor and sick. No one is ever refused admittance — and all receive the best of care. The present chaplain is Rev. John Goetz. 603 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS MX. CARMEL HOSPITAL. The following sketch of Mt. Carmel Hospital sit- uated on the west side of Columbus, is taken from the "Souvenir" published on the occasion of its Silver Jubilee celebrated in 1911. Thirty-two years ago, the nucleus of the great hos- pital which is today the pride of the citizens of Colum- bus, a credit to the Church and an enduring monument to the indefatigable labors of the Sisters of the Holy Cross, was placed under the patronage of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and formally opened for the recep- tion of patients. The initiative of this praiseworthy undertaking was due to W. B. Hawkes, M. D., who in 1885 founded the institution, and together with J. W. Hamilton, M. D., planried the original building. Death claiming Doctor Hawkes before the project was fairly under way, through the efforts of Doctor Ham- ilton, the building was completed and placed under the direction of the Sisters of the Holy Cross. The hardships and inconveniences attendant upon new foundations were not lacking in Columbus, but the devotion of friends, and the willing hearts and hands of the Sisters, smoothed away the difficulties upon which some still living, look but to smile, with a joy more intense even than they experienced that July morning of 1886 when the hospital was dedicated to the loving Queen who has so carefully watched its interests for thirty-two years. Not forgotten was the generous founder whose name is always linked with the institution which is known as Hawkes' Hospital MT. CARMEL HOSPITAL 603 of Mount Carmel. The building was blessed early in September of the same year by the Vicar General of the diocese, Father Spect. In less than four years from the date of opening, the apartments were found inadequate to meet the demands made on them for admission. Accordingly, in the autumn of 1887, a piece of ground one hundred and fifty feet square, directly east of the Hospital, was purchased and after an unavoidable delay, it was de- cided that the new building should be so constructed as to join it with the original one by a wide wall, thus closing with the consent of the city council, the public alley which would otherwise separate them. The cornerstone of the new building was laid with great religious solemnity by Right Reverend Bishop Watterson., May 31, 1891. Through the benefactions of friends and former patients, many rooms were luxuriously furnished and the general equipments made perfect in every detail. The hospital being non- sectarian, and evidence having been given as to the amount of charity done by the institution, it was de- clared in 1899 by the governor, attorney general and state auditor, free from taxation, and back taxes re- mitted. Notwithstanding the increased accommodations sup- plied by the additional building and other marked im- provements, the insistent demand for more spacious quarters again met a response, and ground was broken July 16th, 1906, the twentieth anniversary of the open- ing of the hospital, for the new wing and service building. Right Reverend Bishop Hartley celebrated 604 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS' the Mass which conchided the Forty Hours Devotion, and immediately after took the first shovel full of earth from the excavation. For two years eager friends and anxious physicians watched with interest the progress of the new building, until again on the dear Feast of Mount Carmel 1908, the Right Reverend Bishop returned to bless the splendid chapel and addi- tion and to participate in the rejoicing of all connected with an institution which during its existence has aided so materially God's suffering ones, irrespective of race or creed. So thorougti has been the renovation and remodel- ing of the old building and of the first addition, that with the new wing the entire edifice is a marvel of perfect sanitation and up-to-date equipment. From the moment a patient or visitor enters the spacious hall and is brought face to face with the beautiful statute of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, until he leaves the build- ing, a sense of rest and peace pervades his being. Private rooms, wards, solaria and operating rooms are all most modem and complete. Sound-deadening walls and partitions of hollow tile prevent the dis- tressed moans of patients from disturbing those in ad- joining rooms. All corridors, halls, baths, etc., are finished in marble and mosaic, while the furnishings of the rooms are in quartered oak. One of the many novelties of the new wing is an artificial ventilating system, so nicely operated that the temperature of any room can be changed within a few minutes, and an en- tirely fresh supply of air secured. The new portion is a six-story building with a base- MT. CARMEL HOSPITAL 605 ment story above ground. The building is 42 feet wide and 138 feet long and; is entirely fireproof with steel and tile floors. The exterior is a simple design of a dark red brick with limestone trimmings. This building is connected with the old hospital on the base- ment, first, second and third floors, and in case of fire can be entirely shut oif from the old portion by means of automatic fire doors of metal. Each floor has 15 guest rooms about 10 feet x 19 feet in size, several of which have private baths con- necting. At the other side of the old buildings is the new chapel connected with the old buildings by a covered passage in basement, second floor, and third floor. The main portion of the chapel is in the first floor and will seat comfortably 150 people. In the base- ment is another auditorium used for lectures, plays, etc. The walls of the interior of the chapel are of rough plaster, the roof trussed with the timbers ex- posed and stained a dark brown color to resemble old English oak. Recognizing the need of competent nurses, since it was not possible to fill the demand for Sisters. The Training School long contemplated was organized in September, 1903, and since the first five graduates re- ceived diplomas June 13, 1906, every year has wit- nessed a large and efficient class of trained nurses going forth well prepared to take up their work wher- ever their services may be called for. Mt. Carmel Hospital holds a warm place in the hearts of the citizens of Columbus — the Sisters being 606 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS held in the highest esteem by all — especially by the non-Catholics — ^many of whom meeting a Catholic Sister for the first time have learned to respect the Church, and revere the religious who consecrate them- selves to the noble work of caring for the sick, the suf- fering and unfortunate. ' GOOD SAMARITAN HOSPITAL, ZANESVILLE. The history of this institution is, in many respects, similar to that of others which, like it, were founded upon a very humble beginning. The Margaret Blue Sanitarium, situated on the South River Road, had been erected by Mrs. Blue in memory of her invalid daughter, for hospital purposes. It was put into the hands of trustees, and conducted by them for a short time, but met with little success. Dr. H. T. Sutton, one of the trustees, thinking it advisable to place the institution into the hands of some Sisterhood, consulted with Rev. A. L. Leininger, as to what course to pursue. The result was a decision to secure Sisters of the same Order as were teaching the St. Nicholas Parochial School, and an appeal to this efifect was sent to the Motherhouse of the Order at Alvemo, Wis. In response to this appeal, five Sisters were sent to take charge of the work. The little hospital was a frame building, consisting of thirteen small rooms. It was dedicated on May 1, 1900, by the Most Rev. Archbishop Katzer of Mil- waukee, Wis. The manner in which the good people of Zanesville participated in the dedicatory celebra- GOOD SAMARITAN HOSPITAL 607 tion spoke loudly for their appreciation, and gave ample reassurance of their subsequent support. This support has never failed. From this day forth, the little hospital was never without patients, especially the poor, and inside of eighteen months the patronage had increased to such an extent, that larger accommodations were absolutely necessary. The location of the Sanitarium was rather undesir- able, there being no street car service within one and one-half miles, no paved streets nor even sidewalks, thus making a very difficult approach. Neither was there much ground connected with the property to al- low additional building. Negotiations were entered into at once for the pur- chase of another site in a better part of the city. The old Brush property on the Terrace was then for sale, and it being an ideal place for the purpose in hand, it was purchased for a consideration of $7,500.00. It consisted of three lots, a two-story brick building of fourteen rooms, magnificent old shade trees and some fruit trees. Adjoining this property was another lot and a 9-room frame house, owned by Mr. George Orr. This also was purchased for the sum of $2,750.00, and the frame house sold and moved away. Thus the hospital property acquired the dimensions of 350 by 180 feet, extending from Ashland Avenue to Myrtle Avenue, and from Laurel Avenue to the Alley. To raise at least a part of the necessary money, a plan was adopted which resulted in subscriptions for $10,000.00. These subscriptions of $100.00 each, 608 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS were payable in four installments, and entitled the sub- scriber to six weeks' hospital care. Besides this a number of voluntary donations were received, and thus the Sisters were enabled to proceed toward the desired end. On October 15, 1901, the contract was let to Evans Bros, for an addition to the old Brush building. This addition consisted of twelve rooms and a large up-to- date operating room; it was completed in June, 1902, at a cost of nearly $9,000.00. This building, under the title of Good Samaritan Hospital, was dedicated June 27, 1902, by Rt. Rev. Bishop Moeller, of Columbus, Ohio. The Sisters could now accommodate 25 patients, but, what at first seemed ample room for some time to come, proved very soon too circumscribed to meet the constantly growing demands, indeed so much so, that in the spring of 1905, the physicians connected with the institution as well as the Sisters, felt the ur- gent need of a large up-to-date hospial. Accordingly, plans were drawn by Architect Wm. Dunn, of Cleveland, Ohio, and on July 13, 1905, the contract for a $65,000.00 structure was let to Adams Bros., under the supervision of Rev. A. L. Leininger. The new hospital was dedicated October 23, 1906. The good citizens of Zanesville, true to their generous spirit, had taken an active part in the necessary prep- arations for the day. The Rt. Rev. Bishop Hartley of Columbus, Ohio, performed the ceremonies, and the entire day was one of general rejoicing. GOOD SAMARITAN HOSPITAL 609 On November 5th the patients were removed from the old into the new hospital and the work begun little more than six years before, in such an humble way, could now continue to grow. This it did to such an extent, that six years later even in his large building, every available space was pressed into use, and it be- came evident that something must be done to relieve this crowded condition. It was decided to add a wing to the hospital on Ashland Avenue and a campaign was planned to raise the necessary fund, but this plan, for various reasons, did not materialize. Owing to the heavy debt still remaining, the Sisters could not as- sume the additional burden, which the building of the proposed structure would require, without the aid of a campaign; therefore this plan was abandoned for the present, and the erection of a Nurses' Home de- cided upon. By this means the space occupied by them in the main building could be fitted up for patients. Work on the home was begun in May, 1914, and completed in November. The cost of the building was $10,000.00 without furniture, and the opening was marked by a bazaar, which proved a magnificent suc- cess. It is hoped that the contemplated wing on Ashland Avenue may yet become a reality, in order that the work, thus far so singularly blessed by God, may con- tinue to prosper and extend its charitable mission. ST. Catherine's chapel at the ohio penitentiary. As long ago as the days when Rt. Rev. Bishop Fitzgerald was pastor of St. Patrick's Church the 610 DIOCESE OF COLUMBUS' Catholic priest has Icxjked after the spiritual wants of the prisoners at the Ohio Penitentiary. For many years Father Aherns when professor at St. Aloysius Seminary said Mass for them every Sunday. Afterwards the priests from the cathedtal attended the institution. Then when the Dominican Fathers came to take charge of St. Patrick's parish the work was entrusted to their care. For more than twenty years Fr. Kelly, O. P., has given all his time to the work — and only those who have visited the place and observed for themselves the great interest he takes in the prisoners can fully appreciate all that he has done. He has succeeded in having a beautiful chapel built for the exclusive use of the Catholic prisoners — and there he is found every day caring for them with all the de- votion that any pastor can bestow upon his flock. As a rule there are about four or five hundred pris- oners to be looked after every year. STATISTICS OF DIOCESE 611 The following statistics have been furnished the Catholic Directory for the year 1918. They have just been compiledi from the latest census of the Diocese: Secular Priests 118 Priests of the Josephinum 20 Priests of Religious Orders 36 Churches with Resident Priest 97 Churches without Resident Priest 38 Stations _ 22 Chapels 19 Sisters i.. :„835 Students studying for the Diocese 24 Parishes with Parochial Schools 59 Pupils 14,512 Converts during 1917 570 Total Catholic population 103,970 Cornell University Library BX 1417.C7D58 Diocese of Columbus :the history of f iff 3 1924 012 522 870 'i^N'.^ M ^\ V __.\.'.^,\..S.^.,\*.«i.i..Ni_>i.M,A.A\_.