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Brookville, Franklin County, Indiana. Written by Ann Mensch, using the information presented by Rev. H. Alerding, in "A History of the Catholic Church in the Diocese of Vincennes...", published in 1883. 
Though now the county seat of Franklin county, Brookville, the Catholics scattered along the White Water river, working on the canal, ca. 1838, had no church. These early Catholics were visited occasionally by Rev. Joseph Ferneding, of New Alsace, with Divine services being held in private houses, or in the shanties of the laborers. Most often, the house of Michael Schrank, to the south of Brookville, served as a place of worship. By about 1849, the congregation which was to become St. Michael's, was regularly visited, about once a month, by Rev. William Engeln, the resident pastor of St. Peter's, Blue Creek, in Franklin county. Father Englen was succeeded in his pastoral charge of St. Peter's, St. Joseph's, St. Mary's of the Rocks and Brookville, by Rev. H. Koering in 1854. At that time, Rev. Koering found only 15 families in the Brookville congregation. He was a zealous and active priest, however, and began working toward providing a church for this small Brookville congregation. Money was raised by small contributions from all quarters, both Catholic and non-Catholic, and a lot, "with a small brick dwelling, situated on the southeast ridge of the town, was bought for six hundred dollars, and fitted up as the first church." (p. 391)1 In the spring of 1857, Father Koering was succeeded by Rev. Januarius Weissenberger who took charge of St. Michael's, Brookville, and St. Mary's of the Rocks. Rev. Alerding described Father Weissenberger as a priest "of a strong bodily frame, a still stronger mind and energy of will, fired by indomitable zeal for religion." (p. 392)1 Upon his arrival, Rev. Weissenberger had found the Brookville congregation had grown to about 40 families, and was steadily increasing in numbers. A new church was needed for the growing congregation, and Rev. Weissenberger had the prudent foresight to desire to build, not only for the present, but for needs of the future as well. The large brick church which was desired, was to cost about $10,000. Since this was a congregation of very moderate means, this was no small amount. "Anybody can easily understand that a church adapted to probable future wants would entail over taxation of the present members." (p. 392)1 The size of the church, therefore, became a bone of contention, with several men willing to make any possible sacrifice, and others yet undecided. Foremost among those willing to sacrifice was Mr. Melchior Witt. Mr. Witt had come to Brookville in 1840. Though he died in 1867, his reported actions during this controversy give us a glimpse into his character: "Whilst the congregation was yet undecided, Mr. Witt began to haul an immense pile of stone, to the greatest surprise of all who were going to church, following Sunday. One asked the other, 'What does this mean?' Mr. Witt's answer was: 'The church will now be built, even though I have to build it myself.' All took courage. The work was commenced and successfully finished." (p. 392)2 The new church appears to have been completed by 1859. In 1959, St. Michael's was attended by Rev. Leo Osredkar, who was residing at St. Peter's. Father Osredkar pastored the congregation until the arrival of Rev. G. H. Ostlangenberg, in 1863. In that year, Rev. Ostlangenberg became the first resident pastor at St. Michael's. He remained at St. Michael's for 5 years, and also made visits to St. Philomena's Church at Wolf Creek. In 1868, Rev. Meinrad Fleischmann became the pastor of St. Michael's. Father Fleischmann was born at Lachen, Switzerland, 16 June 1844. His parents had emigrated and settled in Spencer county in 1847. Meinrad Fleischmann studied at the school which shared his namesake, St. Meinrad, in Spencer county. He was ordained there by Bishop de St. Palais: Tonsure and Minor Orders, May 25, 1866; Subdeacon, June 17, 1867; Deacon, June 18, 1867; and Priest, June 21, 1867. He labored a short time in New Albany and Jeffersonville prior to his arrival at St. Michael's. The year after his arrival, he purchased 3 acres, at the north end of town, to use for a cemetery. Sadly, the first burial at the cemetery was an infant, reported to be the child of Billy Hart. In the fall of the same year, Rev. Fleischmann bought two lots near the church. An imposing school-house was erected on these in 1873. The Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis took charge of the parochial schools, and also purchased a beautifully situated lot and house for their residence as well. At that time, there were about 120 children in attendance. Father Meinrad Fleischmann was joined by his younger brother, Rev. Joseph Fleischmann, in the fall of 1874. He had just been ordained to the priesthood, came to assist his brother at St. Michael's. Father Joseph Fleischmann was born 14 September 1846, and he too studied at St. Meinrad and was ordained by Bishop de St. Palais: Tonsure and Minor Orders, September 17, 1872; Subdeacon, September 18, 1872; Deacon, November 1, 1873; and Priest, September 6, 1874. The need for an assistant gives evidence for the growth of St. Michael's parish. The town had grown as well. Brookville, the county seat of Franklin county, had reached a population of nearly 2,000 at the time of the 1880 census, and was described as "a flourishing, bright town, with fine scenery." By 1883, with the building of a fine parsonage, which cost $4,000, the value of the church property reached about $30,000. St. Michael's large brick church, fine parsonage, school and convent, certainly contributed to this scenery. The pioneer Catholics of the early years, the priests and few scattered families, who had labored and sacrificed, had grown to number 130 families by 1883. From it's beginnings, St. Michael's was within the jurisdiction of the Archdiocese of Vincennes. In 1898, the Archdiocese of Vincennes title was transferred to Indianapolis, and St. Michael's remains within the Archdiocese of Indianapolis. The Archdiocese of Indianapolis' web site reports the 1999 membership of St. Michael's parish to be 753 households.4 2000 Contact information for St. Michael's Parish: 354 High Street - P.O. Box J - Brookville, IN 47012 Phone: (765) 647-5462 + Fax: (765) 647-5462 + E-mail: stmike@bonwell.com |
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Resources:
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