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The Diocese of Fort Wayne, 1857--September 22--1907, A Book of Historical Reference, 1669-1907.  By the Rt. Rev. H. J. Alerding.  Fort Wayne: The Archer Printing Co.  1907.

CONTENTS``

CHAPTER XI.     The Churches--From 1868 to 1877 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  314-353
                                                                                    [Pages 314-332 are on this web page 11]
                                                                                    [Pages 333-353 are on web page 11B]

   CROWN POINT.  Lake County.  St. Mary's Church.  [est. 1868] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 314-315
   ELKHART.  Elkhart County.  St. Vincent's Church.  [est. 1868] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 316-317
   MARION.  Grant County.  St. Paul's Church.  [est. 1868] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .317-318
   MONROEVILLE.  Allen County.  St. Rose of Lima's Church.  [est. 1868] . . . . . . . . . . . 318-319
   LOGANSPORT.  Cass County.  St. Joseph's Church.  [est. 1869] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 320-322
   MUNCIE.  Delaware County.  St. Lawrence's Church.  [est. 1869] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .322-325
   LAFAYETTE.  Tippecanoe County.  St. Ann's Church.  [est. 1870] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 325-326
   LOWELL.  Lake County.  St. Edward's Church.  [est. 1870] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 326-327
   Richland Township, Benton County.  St. Anthony's Church.  [est. 1870] . . . . . . . . . . . . . 327-328
   WALKERTON.  St. Joseph County.  St. Patrick's Church.  [est. 1870] . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329-330
   FORT WAYNE.  Allen County.  St. Peter's Church.  [est. 1871] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 330-332
   HOBART.  Lake County.  St. Bridget's Church.  [est. 1873] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .332-333

                                                                                    [Pages 333-353 are on web page 11B]
   BARRYDALE. near Otterbein area. St. Bridget's Church.  [est. 1873]. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .333-335
       [As yet unidentified, Barrydale, formerly known as the "Ditch", appears to be in the Benton, Tippecanoe & Warren Counties area.]
   OTIS.  Laporte County.  St. Mary's Church.  [est. 1873] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .335-336
   AUBURN.  Dekalb County.  Church of the Immaculate Conception.  [est. 1874] . . . . . . .336-337
   SCHERERVILLE.  Lake County.  St. Michael's Church.  [est. 1874] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 337-339
   TIPTON.  Tipton County.  St. John's Church.  [est. 1874] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 339-341
   FOWLER.  Benton County.  Sacred Heart Church.  [est. 1875] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 341-344
   LOGANSPORT.  Cass County.  St. Bridget's Church.  [est. 1875] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .344-345
   REMINGTON.  Jasper County.  Sacred Heart Church.  [est. 1875] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 345-346
   DUNNINGTON.  Benton County.  St. Mary's Church.  [est. 1876] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .346-348
   GARRETT.  Dekalb County.  SS. Peter and Paul's Church.  [est. 1876] . . . . . . . . . . . . . .348-349
   PORTLAND.  Jay County.  Church of the Immaculate Conception.  [est. 1876] . . . . . . . .350-351
   SOUTH BEND.  St. Joseph County.  St. Hedwig's Church.  [est. 1876] . . . . . . . . . . . . . 351-353


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[pages 314-315 (See Reference)]
CROWN POINT.  Lake County.
St. Mary's Church.
1868.
     From about 1861 till 1865, the Rev. M. P. Wehrle, resident pastor at Lottaville (Turkey Creek), paid occasional visits to Crown Point.  He celebrated Mass at the homes of Anna Shehan and Catharine Scherer, and also in the Court House.  In fact the first pastoral residence served also as the first church.  The resident pastors at Crown Point were:  Rev. M. P. Wehrle, from December 31, 1865, till November 26, 1868; Rev. Louis Weiser, from November 26, 1868 till January 22, 1871; Rev. Henry Meissner, from January 22, 1871 till October 3, 1875; Rev. Matthias Zumbuelte, from October 3, 1875 till April 17, 1876; Rev. Aegidius Hennemann, O. S. B., from April 17, 1876 till October 20, 1878; the name of Rev. Piriminius Levermann, O. S. B., also appears on the baptismal register from February 11, 1878 till May 5th, of the same year; Rev. John Ritter, from October 20th, till November 17, 1878; Rev. Aemilian Wendel, O. S. B., from November 17, 1878 till July 23, 1882; Rev. Maurice Kaeder, O. S. B., from July 23, 1882 till September 30, 1888; Father Wendel again, from September 30, 1888 till July 1, 1889; Rev. Philip Guethoff, since July 1, 1889. [315] The records of the church show 1,054 baptisms and 186 marriages, up to the present time.  The church grounds consisting of about three acres cost $1,000, and were donated by Peter Kahoe in 1866.
     The first church building was a frame structure, 30x60 feet.  It was erected at a cost of $1,500 and was dediciated by Bishop Luers on Rosary Sunday in 1868.  The present pastoral residence was built in 1871 at a cost of $1,500, b Father Meissner.  Later a kitchen was added at an expenditure of $350.  The present Sisters' residence was the first school-house; a one-story, one room frame structure built in 1872, at a cost of $1,000.  The first church building, to which one story was added at a cost of over $1,000, by Father Guethoff, is the present school.  It contains two school-rooms on the first floor and two on the second.  Three of these rooms are used for school purposes, the other for society meetings.  The Sisters of St. Agnes have charge of the school, which is attended by 103 pupils.
     Father Guethoff built the present church in 1890.  It is of brick and stone, 50x113 feet, and cost $12,800.  The spire has a height of 142 feet; the architecture is Romanesque.  The stained glass windows, the three altars, the pews, the pulpit, the organ, etc., necessitated an outlay of $5,000.  The chapel in the basement, for Mass in winter, cost $600.  $400 was paid for statuary.  The frescoing of the church together with improvements and repairs in 1907 cost $3,000.  The seating capacity of the church is 600.  Crown Point has a Catholic population of 630, or 124 families.  There is no debt on the church property.
     St. Joseph's Rosary Society, for married men, has twenty-three members.  St. Mary's Rosary Society, for married women, eighty-five.  St. Joseph's Sodality, for single men, has fifty-seven.  St. Mary's Sodality, for single women, has eighty.  The Infant Jesus Society, for children, has eighty-five.  The League of Sacred Heart, has 350 members.
     One acre and a half was bought for cemetery purposes on March 13, 1869, for $140.  In 1907, Father Guethoff bought three and three-quarter acres, additional, for $675.  Much has been done towards beautifying the cemetery, and a fund is being secured for its permanent care.

1999 update on St. Mary parish, in Crown Point, Lake County, Indiana, is now within the Diocese of Gary, established, in 1956, from the Diocese of Fort Wayne.
Father Philip Guethoff, born 18 November 1856, in England, was still the pastor of St. Mary's in 1941. In 1911, Rev. Guethoff had a rectory and convent built, and 5 years later, in 1916, a school was erected as well.  In 1941, he had been pastor of St. Mary's for 52 years, and was assisted by Father Hammes and Rev. Szot.
  • St. Mary Church [Est. 1868] - See Mass Times and Additional Information

    •       321 E. Joliet Street - Crown Point, IN 46307-4095     Phone: (219) 663-0044.
    A second Catholic parish, St. Matthias, was established in Crown Point after 1941:
  • St. Matthias Parish - See Mass Times and Additional Information

    •      2449 W. 125th Avenue - Crown Point, IN 46307   Phone: (219) 663-2201.

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    [pages 316-317 (See Reference)]
       ELKHART.  Elkhart County.
    St. Vincent's Church.
    1868.
         The first visit of a priest to Elkhart was that of Rev. Henry Koenig, pastor at Mishawaka.  From May 19, 1867, Rev. August B. Oechtering, also resident at Mishawaka, attended Elkhart as a station, celebrating Mass in private houses.  The first church was erected under the supervision of Father Oechtering, in 1868.  It was a brick building, 28x56 feet, and cost about $2,500.  The number of souls at this time was about 100, Irish and German.  The church grounds were secured, partly in 1867 and partly in 1885; Father Oechtering secured the old, and Rev. William Kroeger the new grounds, at a total cost of $2,100.  The present church was erected in 1886, Father William Kroeger being pastor at the time.  It is the Grecian style of architecture, and its dimensions are 130x60 feet.  The cost of the building, including decorations and furniture, was $45,000.
         School is taught in the old church and one-story building.  The Sisters of the Holy Cross have charge of it, and the usual eight grades are being taught.  The Sisters reside in the old parochial residence, erected in 1872, for $2,000, during the pastorate of Rev. Jeremiah Quinlan.  This house was improved by the Rev. Henry Boeckelmann, 1902.  The priest's house, a two-story brick house, was erected in 1899 by Father Boeckelmann, at a cost of $10,000.  The church property has no debt on it, the balance of indebtedness having been paid off, on July 22, 1906.
         St. Vincent's Parish has the following societies:  Te Knights of Columbus, ninety members; the Catholic Benevolent Legion; Catholic Lady Foresters; Archconfraternity of the Rosary, 118 members; Young Ladies' Sodality, fifty-two members; the Guardian Angels' Society.  The number of souls of the parish is 550.  Two boys of the parish have become priests and two girls Sisters.
         The priests, who have had charge of Elkhart, either visiting it or residing there, were:  Rev. August B. Oechtering, from 1868 till 1871; Rev. John H. Oechtering, assistant during [317] this time at Mishawaka, also visited Elkhart; Rev. Jeremiah Quinlan, from 1871 till 1875; Rev. Martin F. Noll, from 1875 until 1880; Rev. William Kroeger from 1880 till 1891; Rev. Henry A. Boeckelmann from December 1891 till October 4, 1906; Rev. Francis J. Jansen, since November 1, 1906.  The assistant priests at Elkhart have been, Rev. John F. Noll, from June till December 1898; Rev. Charles F. Keyser, from October 11, 1902 till October 1903; Rev. F. X. Labonte from April 7, 1905 till October 30, 1906.
         The cemetery of St. Vincent's Parish is located a mile and one-half from the church, and comprises five and seven-eights acres of land.
         The school, with an attendance of 142 pupils, is conducted by three Sisters of the Holy Cross, teaching the regular eight grades.

    +1999 update on St. Vincent parish, in Elkhart, Elkhart County, Indiana is within the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend.
    St. Vincent de Paul Church
       1108 S. Main Street - Elkhart, IN 46516
        Phone: (219) 293-8231    Fax: (219) 293-1105.

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    [pages 317-318 (See Reference)]
    MARION.  Grant County.
    St. Paul's Church.
    1868.
         The first Catholic families came to Marion with the construction of, what is now, the Michigan division of the Big Four railroad, in 1855.  At that time for a number of years the pastors of Peru, Wabash, Kokomo and Union City visited here.  The list of pastors, from 1868, is the following:  Rev. B. T. Borg, assistant at Peru, form 1868 till 1870; Rev. P. Frawley, first resident pastor, from 1875 till 1876; Rev. M. F. Kelly, from 1876 till 1882; Rev. James A. Twigg, fom May 1882 till 1883; Rev. A. J. Strueder, form 1883 till September 1884; Rev. M. Joy, one month; Rev. John Grogan, from October 1884 till January 1894; Rev. W. J. Quinlan, from January 4, 1894 till April 14, 1906; Rev. P. J. Crawley, since April 14, 1906.
         Father Borg, in 1868, built the original portion of the old frame church, in which he said Mass for the first time, on the second Sunday of July, 1868.  The first resident pastor was Rev. P. Frawley, who built the priest's house, which, in the summer and fall of 1897, was enlarged and refurnished, by Father Quinlan, at a cost of over $4,000.
         [318] The discovery of natural gas much increased the Catholic population of Marion; and when Father Quinlan took charge of the parish, in 1894, he at once enlarged the old frame churhc, which was ready for occupancy on March 4th, of that year.  However, it was apparent that the building of a larger and more commodious church was a crying necessity.  Ground was broke, for the present St. Paul's Church, on September 30, 1895; the corner-stone of it was laid on May 7, 1896, and, on November 7, 1897, the new church was solemnly dedicated, by Bishop Rademacher, in the presence of a vast concourse of people.
         St. Paul's Congregation has about 150 families numbering 650 souls.  The debt on the church property is $14,500.  The societies of the parish have an aggregate membership of 219.  Besides these, there are the Knights of Columbus, the Catholic Foresters, the C. L. B. A., the A. O. H., and the C. M. B. A.

    +1999 update on St. Paul parish, in Marion, Grant County, Indiana, is now within the Diocese of Lafayette, established, in 1944, from the Diocese of Fort Wayne.
  • St. Paul Church [Est. 1868] - Church Profile

    •    1009 West Kem Road - Marion, IN 46952-2048  Phone: (765) 664-6345.

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    [pages 318-319 (See Reference)]
    MONROEVILLE.  Allen County.
    St. Rose of Lima's Church.
    1868.
         Tradition has it, that in the year 1831, the often mentioned missionary, Father Badin, came to Monroeville, on a sick call, to attend a certain French prospector, located there temporarily.  It is certain, however, that Father Benoit administered to the Catholic people here, about 1840, celebrating Mass in the homes of Jerome Jeffroy and others.  Father Bessonies too called here, about that time.  Up to 1868, Monroeville was a station attended by priests residing at the Cathedral, in Fort Wayne.  The Catholics hereabout numbered some twenty families, being French, Irish and German, as to nationality.
         From 1868 till 1884, Monroeville was a mission regularly visited in the order given, by Rev. E. P. Walters, Rev. J. H. Brammer, Rev. J. M. Graham, Rev. A. M. Meili, Rev. A. Heitmann, and Rev. T. Hibbelen.  In the year 1884, when the place was being attended from Arcola by Rev. H. T. Wilken, [319] and Rev. B. Hartmann, Monroeville received its first resident pastor, in the person of Rev. John Grogan.  Rev. John Hoss was resident pastor, from 1886 to 1887.
         The five lots owned by the church were bought, partly by Father Walters in 1868, and by Father Hartmann in 1886.  The cemetery, consisting of four acres adjacent to the town, was bought by Father Wilken, in 1877.  The total cost of this real estate was about $1,500.  When these purchases were made, Father Walters resided at Fort Wayne and Fathers Hartmann and Wilken at Arcola.
         The first church, which was erected in 1868, was a small frame structure, and was destroyed by fire in 1887.  The present church was built in 1888.  The architecture is Gothic, the dimensions 32x92 feet and the spire 102 feet in height.  It is a small, but beautiful church, and is a monument to the boundless zeal and untireing energy of the saintly Father Hartmann.  The seating capacity is 300.  In 1904, under the pastorate of the Rev. T. M. Conroy, a steam heating plant was provided, the church was being lighted by electricity, which, with a few other improvements, cost $2,300, and in 1907 three new altars with carpet for the sancturay were provided; all of which was paid for, immediately after their installation.  The parish has no school, for obvious reasons, but the children are being taught their catechism four times a week, and church history once a week.
         The pastoral residence was erected in 1882 by Father Hartmann, and was improved in 1899 by Father Paquet.  Owing to the purchase of additional real estate, recently made, there is at present a debt of $1,760 on the church property.  The parish has the St. Joseph's Benevolent Socieety, since 1888; among other good works, it buries the poor dead of the parish.  The Rosary Society has thirty members.  The St. Aloysius' Society, for the young men, and the Blessed Virgin's Sodality, for the young women.  The Columbus Club, for young men, has twenty-two members.
         In 1892 Father Hartmann was succeeded by Rev. F. Von Schwedler, whose successor was Rev. L. R. Paquet, in 1897.  After him came Rev. F. J. Dandurand, from August 23, 1900 until July 1904.  The present pastor, Rev. T. M. Conroy, has had charge since September 21, 1904.

    +1999 update on St. Rose of Lima's parish, in Monroeville, Allen County, Indiana is within the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend.
  • St. Rose Catholic Church

    •       206 Summit (P.O. Box 406) Monroeville, IN 46773     Phone: (219) 623-6437.

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    [pages 320-322 (See Reference)]
    LOGANSPORT.  Cass County.
    St. Joseph's Church.
    1869.
         St. Joseph's Church is a branch of St. Vincent's Church.  The first St. Joseph's Church was erected by Rev. Jacob Mayer, in 1869.  It was a brick building, 80x40 feet, with a seating capacity of 600.  At the time, the parish consisted of only fifty families.  The cost of the church was only $4,300, because the parishoners did much of the work gratis.  The dedication took place on February 2, 1870.
         In August 1872, Rev. Henry Koehne took charge of St. Joseph's Congregation.  In May 1882, he had paid off a debt of $6,000, and had accumulated a fund of $2,000 for a new church.  The corner-stone of the new church was laid in July 1885, in December the building was under roof, and, on Sunday, October 23, 1887, the church was dedicated by Bishop Dwenger, assisted by Bishop Rademacher, of Nashville.  The new and present church is 165 feet long and 65 feet wide.  The elevation of the spire is 161 feet, surmounted by a cross, 12 feet high.  The style of architecture is Romanesque.  Above the entrance is a gallery capable of seating 200 children, and immediately over this, is a smaller gallery for the organ and choir.  The width of the center aisle is six feet, and of the two side aisles five feet.  The furniture of the church is all black and white walnut, beautifully oiled.  The church will seat 1,000 persons, leaving a vacant space for pews to accommodate 200 more.  The fresco painting of the church is caste, artistic and suggestive.  The ten stained glass windows present scenes from the life of our Saviour, the Blessed Virgin and the Saints.  The total cost of the building amounts to $80,000.
         During the absence of Father Koehne in Europe, in 1888, three large bells were placed in the tower, at a cost of $1,250.  In 1894, the church was again frescoed, and the artist, Zukotinski, executed four handsome oil paintings; the Archangel Michael over the Main Altar and the Archangel Gabriel, the Holy Family and the death of St. Joseph over the Side Altars.  These paintings cost $500 each.
         New altars, in the byzantine style, were placed in 1894.  They are in imitation of white marble, richly ornamented with [321] gold.  The Main Altar has the statures of St. Joseph, St. Aloysius and St. theresa; on Side Altar the statues of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and two angels, the other Side Altar the statues of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, St. Cecilia and St. Barbara.  The cost was $3,000.  A little later, fine oil paintings of the fourteen stations of the Cross were procured, for $1,400.  Christmas of 1900 was distinguished with a new imported crib, worth $400.  All the furniture and furnishings, and all needed articles for the sanctuary, including sacred vessels and vestments, have been procured and are in every respect first class.
         From the time Father Koehne took charge of the parish, the Cullen House was used as a school, from 1872 to 1892.  The number of pupils increased to such an extent, that larger accommodations became a necessity.  On the first day of April, 1891, the old church was torn down, and in its place a new school erected, and dedicated on January 17, 1892.  This building is in every respect commendable.  It is three-stories in height, with a basement.  The first floor has two classrooms, with a capacity each of seventy-five, on the same floor is a room for society meetings.  The second floor has four class-rooms and two music rooms.  The third floor is a hall, a perfect model of its kind, with a seating capacity of 600.  The dimensions of the stage are 26x20 feet.  The school was conducted by lay-teachers from 1872 to 1877.  In August of 1877, Father Koenhe secured the School Sisters of Notre Dame for his schools.  At the present time eight Sisters have charge of 290 children.  The old school building has been remodeled and serves now as the Sisters' dwelling.
         Father Koehne, up to the time of his death, occupied the residence on the corner of Market and Second streets.  In 1904 he purchased a residence adjacent to, and west of the church, for a priest's residence, at a cost of $9,000, from his own personal means, and donated the same to St. Joseph's Church.  The debt on the church property is $2,555.
         The following are the societies:  The Rosary Society, since 1869, with 100 members; St. Aloysius Young Men's Society, since 1883, with ninety members; the Young Ladies' Sodality of the Immaculate Conception, since 1872, with 140 members; the Sacred Heart Sodality, since 1899, with 125 members; the St. Joseph's Benevolent Society, since 1872, [322] with 160 members.  The number of families is 250, numbering about 1,150 souls.  Two boys have become priests and eight girls Sisters.
         The pastors of St. Joseph's were:  Rev. Jacob Mayer, from 1869 to 1872; Rev. Bernard Wiedau, Rev. F. Von Schwedler, and Rev. A. M. Meili, had charge temporarily.  Rev. Henry Koehne, from August 1872 to November 24, 1906; Rev. Anthony J. H. Kroeger, since January 1, 1907.
         From 1903 to 1905, Fathers of the Most Precious Blood were assistants at St. Joseph's Church, but since May 1905 it was Rev. William Hoff, till July 13, 1907, when Rev. Henry Hoerstman was appointed.

    +1999 update on St. Joseph parish in Logansport, Cass County, Indiana:
    There are now 2 parishes within the Logansport Deanery, which is now within the Diocese of Lafayette, established, in 1944, from the Diocese of Fort Wayne.
  • All Saints Church [Est. 1985] - Church Profile

    •       111 East Market Street - Logansport, IN 46947-3427  Phone: (219) 722-4080.
  •  St. Elizabeth Church [Est. 1953] - Church Profile

    •       P.O. Box 86 - Lucerne, IN 46950-0086  Phone: (219) 889-4223.

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    [pages 322-325 (See Reference)]
       MUNCIE.  Delaware County.
    St. Lawrence's Church.
    1869.
         Muncie, the county seat of Delaware county, is situated on the south bank of the White river, about fifty-three miles northeast of Indianapolis.  It is opposite the site of the old Indian town which was north of the White river, deriving its name from a tribe of Indians, known as the Muncies, who were a division of the Delaware tribe.  It was here the Shawnee Prophet, Tecumseh's brother, resided.
         Missionaries, in the earliest days, occassionally visited the few Catholics scattered here and there.  The first priest visiting Muncie was Rev. Daniel Maloney, who came from Indianapolis.  The first Mass was celebrated at the house of Patrick Tuhey, on the site of the present public library.  For nearly four years Father Maloney paid monthly visits, celebrating Mass alternately at the homes of Patrick Tuhey and Peter Mutch.  Patrick Tuhey is no more, but Peter Mutch and his wife, both nearly ninety years of age, still occupy the old home of the early missionary days.  Father Maloney had to make his journey from Indianapolis on horseback.
         Rev. August Bessonies attended Muncie, from Indianpolis, in 1855 and 1856.  Rev. Michael Clark came to Muncie, in 1857.  He also attended the missions of Winchester, Anderson [323] and Union City.  His efforts to build a church in Muncie were not successful.  Missionary visits continued, for short periods of time, by Revs. Simon Siegrist, and Theodore Van der Poel, John McMahon, John Gueguen, Daniel Maloney and William Doyle.  Rev. FitzMaurice took charge in the early sixties and ministered to the spiritual wants for three years.  Revs. John Bleckmann and Frederick Von Schwedler both attended Muncie from Union City.  The Rev. Lawrence Lamoor, of Union City, began the building of the church in 1869.  The congregation at that time numbered seventy-five members, none of them rich, but what they lacked in wealth, they supplied in zeal and perseverance.  Lots were bought on the corner of Charles and Hackley streets, upon which the church was built.  It was a brick building, 35x60 feet in size.  St. Lawrence, the deacon, was named the patron of the church.  It was dedicated in 1873 till December 1874.  He attended Muncie once a month, and paid off all but $250 of the indebtedness of the church.
         The present pastor, the Rev. William George Schmidt, was appointed pastor of Muncie on January 28, 1875.  At the time the congregation had about forty-five families.  He erected a small frame residence, which served as a priest's house until 1899, when he built the present rectory, at a cost of about $7,000.  the first pastoral residence was partially destroyed by fire, on November 1, 1880.  Father Schmidt built a frame school-house in 1881, wherein he himself taught, from 1881 to 1882.  He attended Hartford City in 1875, and Montpelier from 1875 to 1896.  Sick calls to Hartford City, Montpelier, and the surrounding country, were made by such modes of travel as horseback, handcars, and other primitive conveniences.
         The present church edifice, planned in the Gothic style of architecture and cruciform in shape, was built by Father Schmidt and dedicated by Bishop Rademacher, on the feast of the Nativity of our Lady, 1895.  The altars and furniture are of oak.  The cost of the church was $43,000.  It has a seating capacity of 950.  After the new church was built, the [324] old church was converted into two school-rooms, which, with the frame structure erected in 1881, served for the accommodation of the children until 1901, in the spring of which year Father Schmidt began the erection of the present school.  The work progressed throughout the spring and summer of 1901, an in October of that year, two rooms were ready for occupancy.  These rooms accommodated those children, who had formerly attended in the "Old Church" school-rooms, which for the first four to six weeks of the fall term, two rooms in a neighboring building, formerly used as a blacksmith shop, and many of the children now attending school laughingly recall their school days in the "Blacksmith Shop."  The other rooms of the new school were ready for their purpose by December, 1901.  The building contains eight well lighted, thoroughly ventilated, and finely equipped school-rooms, each 27x27 feet.  Two spacious halls separate the rooms on each of the two floors.  A large hall occupies the third floor.  The heating and other conveniences are of the modern type.  The cost of the building is about $20,000.  The indebtedness on the church property is $17,000.
         The school was first taught by the pastor, later by a lay-teacher, then by the Sisters of St. Joseph, and since 1886 by the Sisters of St. Agnes, from Fond du Lac, Wisconsin.  Eight Sisters are engaged in teaching the 403 children, who attend the school.  The eight grades are followed by a modification of the ordinary high school and commercial college.  The Sisters reside in a frame building near the school-house.  Father Schmidt contemplates the erection of a more spacious residence for them, in the near future.
         The parish has the St. Vincent de Paul's Aid Society, established in 1894; the A. O. H., in 1892; the Ladies' Auxiliary of the A. O. H., in 1898; the Catholic Benevolent Legion; the Ladies' Catholic Benevolent Association; and the Knights of Columbus.  For the girls there is the St. Agnes' sodality and the Children of Mary; for the boys, the Holy Name Sodality and the St. Aloysius' Society.  The Sodality of the Blessed Virgin Mary is for single women; the Guardian Angel and Infant Jesus Societies are for the children.  St. Lawrence's Congregation has 329 families, numbering 1,697 souls.
        [325] The Rev. John Schmitz was the assistant from 1899 till 1900; later the Rev. L. R. Paquet and after him the Rev. Z. Huot.

    +1999 update on St. Lawrence parish in Muncie, Delaware County, Indiana:
    St. Lawrence Church is in now within the Muncie Deanery of the Diocese of Lafayette, which was established, in 1944, from the Diocese of Fort Wayne.
         St. Lawrence Parish address is 820 East Charles Street - Muncie, IN 47305-2699
           Phone: (765) 288-9223     Fax:  (765) 289-9262.

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    [pages  325-326 (See Reference)]
       LAFAYETTE.  Tippecanoe County.
    St. Ann's Church.
    1870.
         In 1870, Rev. George A. Hamilton built St. Ann's Chapel on the corner of Wabash avenue and Smith street, in Lafayette, at a cost of $5,000.  This chapel was a two-story, brick building arranged for church and school purposes, and services were held here, every Sunday, by one of the priests of St. Mary's Church.  On the advice of Father Walters, St. Ann's was made an independent parish by Bishop Dwenger, in September 1884.  Rev. John Dempsey was appointed its first pastor, who at once built a pastoral residence.  He was removed to Valparaiso, August 24, 1888.
         Father Dempsey's immediate successor, was the Rev. Patrick F. Roche.  Father Roche, recognizing the necessity of a new church began the work on the present St. Ann's Church in May 1896.  On September 12, 1897, Bishop Rademacher laid the corner-stone with elaborate ceremonies, and in the presence of at least 3,000 people.  The church is a handsome structure, built of brick and stone, 143x53 feet.  The cost of the building, including the furnishings, amounted to $20,000.  The furniture of the church, altars, pews, railing, organ, the vestments and sacred vessels cost, in the aggregate, about $8,000.  The seating capacity is 640, and 200 in the gallery, total of 840.  The old church is being used for school purposes.  The dimensions of the building are 145x44 feet.  It is divided into three school-rooms and can accommodate 180 pupils.  The eight grades are taught, and the Sisters of Providence have had charge, from the beginning; they reside in a rented house.  At the present time, three Sisters have charge of 143 children.  There is a debt of $5,100 on the church property.
         St. Ann's has a Living Rosary Society, for married men and women, since 1892, seventy-four members; the St. Ann's [326] Cadets, for single men, since 1897, forty-three members; the Young Ladies' Sodality, since 1890, ninety-five members; the Children of Mary, since 1902, sixty-two members; the Holy Angels' Society, eighty members, and the Sacred Heart League, with forty-eight members.  The C. B. L., the C. K. of A., the A. O. H., and the Ladies' Auxiliary A. O. H., have an aggregate membership of 207.
         St. Ann's has had two resident pastors:  Rev. John Dempsey, from September 1884 till August 1888; Rev. Patrick F. Roche, from August 24, 1888 till May 16, 1901.  The present pastor, Rev. Michael F. Byrne, has had charge since May 16, 1901.
         The Indiana State Soldiers' Home, near Lafayette, has in it a chapel for the accommodation of the Catholic inmates, since 1896.  Rev. P. F. Roche was instrumental in securing these accommodations, consisting of one large room in the rear of one of the main buildings, at the Home; it is fully furnished with altar, vestments and other requisites, as well as pews.  Services are held there, by the pastor of St. Ann's on week days only, with an average attendance of about twenty-five.
         Rev. John Blum was assistant at St. Ann's, from July till December 28, 1905.  The number of souls in St. Ann's parish is 1,120, constituting 250 families.  Four boys and eight girls have entered the religious state of life.

    +1999 update on St. Ann's parish in Lafayette, Tippecanoe County, Indiana:
    St. Ann Church is in now within the Lafayette Deanery of the Diocese of Lafayette, which was established, in 1944, from the Diocese of Fort Wayne.
         St. Ann Parish address is 612 Wabash Avenue - Lafayette, IN 47905-1096
            Phone: (765) 742-7031 (Rectory)   Fax: (765) 429-5690.

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    [pages 326-327 (See Reference)]
       LOWELL.  Lake County.
    St. Edward's Church.
    1870.
         The few Catholic families, living at Lowell, were visited by the Rev. Francis X. Deimel, pastor of Crown Point.  He celebrated Mass in the home of John Driscoll, at regular intervals.  It was not long, however, when, upon a visit of Bishop Luers, a site was selected for a church and arrangements made for its erection.  The Bishop himself gave a donation of $100.  Under the direction of Father Deimel, and a building committee, a small structure of frame was built, at a cost of about $500, and was dedicated by Bishop Luers in 1870.
         [327] In 1878, Lowell became a mission attached to Klaasville.  The Rev. John H. Bathe, pastor of Klaasville, attending it until 1882.  Father Bathe secured a site for a cemetery at a cost of $250.  The Rev. Charles A. Ganzer succeeded Father Bathe, remaining till 1891, when he was transferred to Kentland.  For a short time, the Rev. Adam Buchheit attended Lowell from Klaasville.  From 1891 till 1898, Lowell was attended by the Fathers of the Most Precious Blood near Rensselaer.  The Rev. F. X. Schalk, C. PP. S., built the present edifice at a cost of $5,000.  The building was dedicated by Bishop Rademacher, in 1897.
         In September 1898, Lowell received its first resident pastor in the person of Rev. Frederick Koenig, with Wheatfield and Kniman as missions.  Father Koenig at once built the priest's house, costing abou $2,500.  In November, 1905, Father Koenig was transferred to Lottaville, and was succeeded by the Rev. Charles F. Keyser.  Since June 8, 1907, Lowell is attended from St. Joseph's College, by Rev. Alphonse Mueller, C. PP. S.  On the day of the dedication of the new church, the building was free from all indebtedness and the congregation today has no liabilities.
         The congregation has 31 families, numbering 112 souls.  The Rosary Society, for married women, has twenty-three members; the St. Aloysius' Society, for single men, has twelve, and the Sodality of the Blessed Virgin, for single women, has twenty members.

    1999 update on St. Edward parish, in Lowell, Lake County, Indiana, is now within the Diocese of Gary, established, in 1956, from the Diocese of Fort Wayne.
    The Rev. Alphonse Miller, C. PP. S. remained as pastor until 1911, when he was succeeded by Rev. Henry Hoerstmann.  During Rev. Hoerstmann's pastorate of St. Edward's, in 1914, the second church building, built by Rev. F. X. Schalk in 1897, was destroyed by fire.  Rev. Hoerstmann rebuilt the church, in addition to adding a school and convent, during his pastorate which continued until 1918.  Other pastors who served St. Edwards include:  Rev. Charles J. A. Scholl, from 1918 to 1922; Rev. S. J. Ryder, from 1922 to 1927; Rev. Anthony J. Kroeger, from 1927 until July 1937, when he died in an accident; and Rev. Edward  M. Boney who was transferred to Lowell in November 1937.
  • St. Edward Church [Est. 1870]

    •      216 S Nichols Street - Lowell, IN 46356     Phone: (219) 696-7307.

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    [pages 327-328 (See Reference)
    Benton County.
    St. Anthony's Church.  1870.
         The earliest visits of a missionary, in these parts, go back to 1862.  St. Anthony's was attended, as a station, by Rev. Joseph Stephan from Renssalaer, from 1863 to 1864.  For a period of five or six years Mass was celebrated, four or five times a year, in the house of Anthony Dehner.  The early Catholic settlers were Germans.
         While residing in Kentland, Rev. A. Messmann had charge [328] of St. Anthony's, where, on April 24, 1869, he organized the nineteen families into a parish, began the building of a church and finished the same in 1870.  It is the present church.  The church grounds are composed of ten acres of land.  In 1869, Anthony Dehner donated five acres for church and cemetery and, in 1876, Bernard Quante donated five acres for priest's house and pasture.  The dimensions of the church are 54x60 feet.  In 1894, Rev. J. Baker made extensive repairs, by lining the ceiling and replastering the church, at a cost of $250 and, in 1898 and 1899, Rev. F. J. Bilstein added a sacristy and had the church frescoed, at a cost of $2,023.  $1,500 of this amount was secured by three funded Masses.  The seating capacity of the church is 240.
         The priest's house was built in 1876, by Rev. F. X. Ege.  It was a one-and-a-half story house to which, in 1884, a kitchen and dining room were added by the Rev. F. J. Lambert.  A barn was built by Rev. J. Hoss, in about 1880 or 1881.  It was struck by lightning and burned.  Another stable was built at once, this too was destroyed by fire in 1899.  The third stable and barn combined were built by Father Bilstein, for $300.  The church property is free of debt.  The number of souls is 157, or twenty-five families.  In 1885, a large number of French Catholics began to come here, so that the parish increased to ninety families, but within ten years the French Catholics left the place.  One girl of the parish has entered a religious community.  The parish has the Rosary Society, since 1892, and the Sacred Heart Society, since 1901.  They have charge of the altar and sanctuary.
         The priest who have been the pastors of St. Anthony's were:  Rev. Joseph Stephan, when a station; Rev. A. Messmann, of Kentland, from 1870 to 1876, when a mission.  The following were the resident pastors:  Rev. F. X. Ege from July 1876 to October 1878; Rev. John Hoss, from October 1878 till June 1884; Rev. F. J. Lambert, from June 1884 till May 1888; Rev. A. J. Strueder, from May 1888 till August 1891; Rev. Joachim Baker, from August 1891 till January 9, 1896; Rev. F. Von Schwedler, from January 9, 1896 till February 16, 1898; Rev. F. J. Bilstein, from February 16, 1898 till October 1, 1900; Rev. G. A. Zern, from October 1, 1900 till October 2, 1903; Rev. F. J. Koch, since October 2, 1903.

    2001 update:
       St. Anthony's Church is no longer in existence.  It was located in the northeast corner of section 7, in the northeast corner of Richland Township, Benton County, and it appears the St. Anthony's/Dehner Cemetery remains near the intersection of CR 200W and CR 800N (Latitude: 404319N, Longitude: 0872148W).
         The sacramental records for St. Anthony's are now located at St. Joseph's Church, in Kentland, Newton County.   Rev. Robert J. Bernotas, the pastor of St. Joseph Church, in Kentland, graciously checked the records, and found that the last baptism, recorded in St. Anthony's records, was dated 24 April 1921.  St. Anthony's Church is, therefore, assumed to have closed near that date.
         In an e-mail to Ann Mensch, dated 31 Dec 2001, Michael Perigo wrote the following historical tidbit concerning St. Anthony's:  "...some of the statuary of the former St. Anthony has been placed inside the newly renovated St. Mary Cathedral Church of the Immaculate Conception in Lafayette.  The statuary was donated by a family that had been parishioners of St. Anthony..."
         Though Benton county is now within the Diocese of Lafayette, Indiana, which was established in 1944, from the time the congregation was first visited by Rev. Joseph Stephan, until the year St. Anthony's closed, this parish had been within the Diocese of Fort Wayne.
         Father Robert was kind enough to talk with me about this early parish.  During our conversation, he referred to St. Anthony's as "Dehner's Church".  I found it interesting that even though the church had not existed for almost 80 years, the name of one of the earliest members is retained in this traditional name.
         Father Robert believed that upon the closing of St. Anthony's, some of the parishioners became members of SS. Peter and Paul Church, in Goodland, Newton County, and many joined St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, in Earl Park, Benton County.  Since Father Robert is also the pastor for both of these parishes, the records for all are located at St. Joseph's, his parish of residence.
         One additional note for those seeking records from the parishes of St. Anthony's, Richland Township, Benton County; St. Joseph's, in Kentland, Newton County; SS. Peter and Paul's, Goodland, Newton County; or St. John the Baptist Church, in Earl Park, Benton County: - Since caring for 3 parishes is very time-consuming, Father Robert respectfully requests that those who desire records from these parishes must come to research these records, in person, at St. Joseph's, where all records for the 4 parishes are located.  The time is not available to answer mail requests.
     St. Joseph Parish:
          Mail: P.O. Box 131 - Kentland, IN 47951-0131  Phone: (219) 474-5514
          Street address: 409 East Allen Street - Kentland, IN 47951-1322.

        In "The Diocese of Fort Wayne Fragments of History", by The Most Rev. John F. Noll, D. D., (1941), Bishop Noll's historical sketch of the SS. Peter and Paul Church, in Goodland, mentions a small, but interesting detail concerning St. Anthony's.  He writes:  "...During 1863 and 1864 St. Anthony's was attended from the Indian School at Rensselaer by the Rev. Joseph Stephan..."1
     [ Return to History of St. Anthony's ]

    Biographical Sketch:  The Rev. F. Joseph Bilstein.
         "He was born in Oestinghausen, diocese of Paderborn, Germany, on February 12, 1867.  He studied the classics at Havestadt and Paderborn, emigrated to this country, and studied philosophy and theology in the Seminary of St. Francis, Wisconsin.  He was ordained priest by Bishop O'Hara, for the diocese of Scranton, at Wilkesbarre, Pennsylvania, on June 7, 1891.  He was assistant at St. Nicholas' Church at Wilkesbarre, Penn. till October 1895, when he came to Fort Wayne.  Assistant at St. Paul's Church, Fort Wayne, October 1895 till February 1898; pastor of St. Anthony's, Goodland and Morocco, from February 1898 till October 1900; pastor of Monterey, with Rochester, Kouts and Culver as missions, since October 7, 1900." [p. 78].3
     [ Return to History of St. Anthony's ]

    Partial list of resources used during research of St. Anthony's:

  • The Diocese of Fort Wayne Fragments of History.  The Most Rev. John F. Noll, D. D.  (Author).  1941.
  • Annals of Benton County.  Elmore Barce.  (Author).  Fowler, Indiana : The Benton Review Shop.  1925.
  • History of Benton County and Historic Oxford.  Jesse Setlington Birch.  (Author).  Oxford, Indiana : Craw & Craw, Inc.  1928.
  • Counties of Warren, Benton, Jasper and Newton, Indiana:  Historical and Biographical.  Chicago, Illinois : F. A. Battey & Co., Publishers.  1883.
  • History of Newton County Indiana 1985.  Jasper-Newton Counties Genealogical Society.  (Publisher).  Taylor Publishing Company.  (Printer).  1985.
  • 1900 Census Population Schedules, Indiana.  [Microcopy No. T-623, Roll No. 360].  "Richland Township, Benton County, Indiana."  (Enumeration District No.: 9, Sheet No.: 10B).

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    [pages 329-330 (See Reference)]
    WALKERTON.  St. Joseph County.
    St. Patrick's Church.
    1870.
         Walkerton derived its name from a Mr. Walker, who constructed the Lake Erie railroad from Walkerton to Michigan City.  Prior to that time it was know as East Troy, West Troy and West York.  About 1856, the Rev. Paul Gillen and Rev. John Curley, Fathers of the Holy Cross, residing at Notre Dame, said Mass in an old log cabin on Kyram Devery's farm.  In 1870, Rev. Timothy D. O'Sullivan, residing at Laporte, paid occasional visits to Walkerton.  The number of souls at that time was about forty, mostly Irish.  Father O'Sullivan built the church, a frame structure 45x22 feet, costing about $800.  "The pews had no backs to them, and the window sills served for lamp stands."  Most of the money was collected along the railroad line.  Rev. M. E. Campion, also residing at Laporte, succeeded Father O'Sullivan.  The church at that time was called St. Henry's Church.  In October 1881, the Rev. H. F. Joseph Kroll, pastor at Chesterton, took charge of Walkerton.  From September 1, 1895 to February 4, 1897 Rev. Dominic Shunk, C. PP. S., residing at Wanatah, was visiting pastor.  Next came Rev. Edward Jakob, C. PP. S., till September 1, 1897; Rev. Raymund Vernimont, C. PP. S., till January 18, 1898, both residing at Wanatah.  Rev. Adam M. Buchheit, residing at Wanatah, attended the place till Septembr 10, 1899.
          The first resident pastor was the Rev. Henry C. Kappel, from September 10, 1899 to July 18, 1901.  He bought the house, adjacent to the church, for a pastoral residence.  Father Kappel was succeeded by Rev. Peter Budnik, from July 18, 1901 to June 5, 1902.  Since this latter date, the present pastor, Rev. Joseph Abel, has had charge.
         The church grounds consist of two lots.  In 1866, Father Kroll built a gallery in the church, and procured an organ; and in 1889 he built an addition of 25x45 feet to the church.  Father Shunk, in 1895, erected a belfry and put in it a bell, and in 1896 gave the church stained glass windows.  Father Abel, since his arrival, has made several improvements and [330] many repairs.  The seating capacity of the church is about 150.  The priest's house owes its present, neat appearance to Father Abel.  The church property is out of debt.  St. Patrick's parish has two societies:  The Rosary Society, organized in 1899, and the Sacred Heart Society, in June 1902.  The number of souls at the present time is eighty-one, or twenty-four families.
         The pastor at Walkerton has charge also of the missions Hamlet and Bremen, and the station Knox.

    1999 update:
    St. Patrick parish, in Walkerton, Saint Joseph County, Indiana, is presently within the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend, established, in 1857.  The churches located in Laporte county, which are associated with St. Patrick's, are now within the Diocese of Gary, which was established, in 1956, from the Diocese of Fort Wayne.
         In June 1922, St. Thomas Aquinas Church, in Knox, received a resident pastor, and began to also serve the Hamlet mission.  This left only St. Dominic's, in Bremen, as a mission of  St. Patrick's, in Walkerton; having been a mission from the time of the appointment of the first resident pastor, at St. Patrick's, on  September 10, 1899.
         The parish of Sacred Heart, in Wanatah, Laporte County, Indiana, is now within the Diocese of Gary, established, in 1956, from the Diocese of Fort Wayne.
  • St. Patrick Church [First visited ca. 1856; Est. 1870]

    •      801 Tyler Street - Walkerton, IN 46574-1233  +  Phone: (219) 586-7404.
  • St. Patrick School

    •     811 Tyler Street - Walkerton, IN 46574-1233  +  Phone: (219) 586-7405.
  • Sacred Heart Church (Laporte County)

    •     204 Ohio Street - Wanatah, IN 46390  Phone:  (219) 733-2955.

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    [pages 330-332 (See Reference)]
    FORT WAYNE.  Allen County.
    St. Peter's Church.
    1871.
         St. Peter's church property, known as St. Peter's Square, is bounded on the north by St. Martin's street, on the east by Hanna street, on the south by Dewald street, and on the west by Warsaw street; it measures 150x450 feet.  Three of the lots were purchased in 1871, one of the lots was donated by Father Wemhoff, and five lots were purchased about the same time; total cost $6,000.  The first building erected was a two-story brick structure, 40x70 feet.  The first floor served as school, accommodating comfortably 250 pupils, and the second, as church, with a seating capacity of 300.  The total cost was about $10,000.  Rev. John Wemhoff was the pastor at the time.
         The present church was built during the pastorate of Rev. A. Messmann, in 1892 and 1893.  Its dimensions are 190x80 feet and its cost was $65,000.  It is a Gothic structure of pleasing design.  The present pastor, Rev. Charles Thiele, is furnishing the church with a beautiful altar, Stations of the Cross and a pulpit.  When completed the church with the furnishings will represent an outlay of $75,000.  The debt on the church property is $22,000.
         During the pastorate of Rev. Ferdinand Koerdt, in 1905, a new school building was planned, which, when completed, will be one of the most imposing and best equipped school-houses in Fort Wayne, and will have cost fully $60,000.  One wing only of the new building is now standing at an expense of $18,000, furnishing accommodations for 200 children.  The [331] present pastor, Father Thiele, has installed a central heating plant, to serve the buildings on the premises, at a cost of $11,000.
         Up to 1881 lay-teachers taught the children, but in that year the School Sisters of Notre Dame took charge of the school.  Eight Sisters are engaged in teaching the eight grades, and one in the higher branches.  The school has an attendance of 446 pupils.  The Sisters reside in a home, specially erected for them, in 1880 by Father Messmann, a commodious two-story brick structure, 30x65 feet, costing about $3,000.  The school is supported by the St. Joseph's School Society, which was organized in the very beginning, and to which all heads of families belong.  It may be mentioned that the membrs of this society are either active, or passive, or honorary members.  The active memers are the heads of families, who send children to school.  They pay eight dollars initiation (in installments, if preferred) and seventy-five cents per month, no matter how many children they send.  The passive members are heads of families, who have as yet no children old enough to attend school.  They pay twenty-five cents per month, until their children go to school; the amount having been paid in by that time is accepted in payment of the initiation fee as part or whole payment of the same as the case may be.  The honorary members are the heads of families who have no children to send to school; they pay twenty-five cents per month.  Any single person may become an honorary member.
         The first priest's house, built in 1872, was a frame building, 20x30 feet, with an addition of 8x12 feet.  It was removed and is at present number 2007, on Hanna street.  The present priest's house was formerly located where the church now stands.  It is a frame building and was moved to its present location in 1892.  It was twice enlarged, at considerable expense, and its value is about $3,000.
         Besides the School Society, with 170 members, the parish also has the following:  St. Martin's Benevolent Society, with eighty-eight members, organized in 1874, assists its members in time of sickness and death; St. Stephen's Society for young men, with eighty-five members; St. Agnes' Society for young women, with 145 members, and the Guardian Angel's Society, for children, with 125 members, have been in existence since [332] the organization of the parish.  The Rosary Society is the oldest society, for married women.  The Christian Mothers' Society has a membership of 312.  These societies have been most helpful in contributing towards the church furnishings.  To mention one item, they have contributed $5,000 for a new altar.  Still other Societies are:  The Catholic Knights of America, with fourteen members, the Catholic Benevolent Legion, seventeen members, the Catholic Benevolent League, eighty-nine members, the St. Vincent de Paul's Society, ninety-six members, the Association of the Holy Family, 177 members, the Poor Souls' Society, ninety-five members, the Association of the Holy Childhood, 379 members, the Sacred Heart League, 555 members.  All these societies are in flourishing condition.
          The parish has 384 families.  The number of souls is 1,872.  Four boys have become priests, and six girls Sisters.
         The assistant priests at St. Peter's Church were:  Rev. John Biedermann from October 1, 1901 to June 30, 1905; and Rev. Norbert Felden the present assistant.

    1999 update:
    St. Peter parish, in Fort Wayne, Allen County, Indiana, is presently within the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend, established, in 1857.
         St. Peter's
             518 E. DeWald Street - Fort Wayne, IN  46803
             Phone: (219) 744-2765

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    [pages 332-333 (See Reference)]
    HOBART.  Lake County.
    St. Bridget's Church.
    1873.
         Although it is known that missionaries visited these parts at an early date, still the name of Rev. Paul Gillen, C. S. C., is the first, of whom we have any record, in 1855.  He resided at Michigan City.  He celebrated Mass in the house of John Mellane, near Hobart.  After Father Gillen came Rev. John Force, residing at Valparaiso, from 1858 to 1859.  He said Mass in the same house.  The Rev. Alexius Botti, residing at Valparaiso, came next.  He celebrated Mass in John Ormand's home.  It was in the year 1871, that Rev. M. O'Reilly began to visit Hobart from Valparaiso, his place of residence.  Until 1873 he celebrated Mass in the home of John O'Doyle, when he bought some lots on which to build a church.  These three lots had an old picture gallery on it, which was converted into a church; a building sixty years old, and in use today.  $1,100 was paid for the property, at the time; of this amount Father O'Reilly paid over $700 and his successor, Rev. F. X. Baumgartner, the rest.  The number of souls at this time was about 100.  [333]  The succession of priests attending Hobart, was the following:  Rev. Paul Gillen, C. S. C., Michigan City, from 1855 to 1858; Rev. John Force, Valparaiso, from 1858 to 1859; REv. Alexius Botti, Valparaiso, from 1859 to 1871, Rev. Michael O'Reilly, Valparaiso, from 1871 to October 18, 1875; Rev. F. X. Baumgartner, Turkey Creek, from 1875 to 1881; Rev. H. M. Roth, Turkey Creek, from 1881 to May 1883; Rev. F. X. Baumgartner, Turkey Creek, from 1883 to February 1885; Rev. Joseph Flach, Turkey Creek, from February 1885 to July 1888; Rev. Charles V. Stetter, D. D., Turkey Creek, from July 1888 to February 27, 1903; Rev. Thomas F. Jansen, Hobart, February 27, 1903, who was and is the first resident pastor at Hobart, and who attended Turkey Creek, as a mission, until October, 1904.
         The old church was much improved and beautified by Father Stettler, the interior is nicely frescoes with eight handsome paintings and has three beautiful altars.  Father Jansen, during his pastorate, has also spent over $1,000 in repairing, improving and still further beautifying the church.  Besides this, Father Jansen has bought the present priest's house, together with over an acre of land, for a consideration of $6,200.  The purchase was made in August 1903, and an additional sum of $500 was spent on the house.  The church property has a debt of $2,700.  The number of souls is about 260, consisting of fifty-two families.
         St. Bridget's Church has the St. Ann's Christian Mothers Sodality; the Young Ladies' Sodality, organized in 1906; and the Children of Mary.  A Society for married and single men is now in process of organization.
         The debt on the church property, at the present time, is $2,650.  Lake Station is a small mission attended by the pastor of Hobart.

    1999 update:
    St. Bridget's, in Hobart, Lake County, Indiana, is now within the Diocese of Gary, which was established, in 1956, from the Diocese of Fort Wayne.
  • St. Bridget Parish [est. 1873]

    •     568 East 2nd Street - Hobart, IN 46342  Phone: (219) 942-6441.

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    [pages 359-360  (See Reference)]

       GOODLAND.  Newton County.
    SS. Peter and Paul's Church.
    1880.
         Goodland was a mission, from 1872 till October 1903.  The priests, who attended the place, during this time, were the following:  Rev. A. Messmann, Kentland, from 1872 till 1878; Rev. John Hoss, St. Anthony, from 1878 till 1881; Rev. F. X. Baumgartner, Kentland, from 1881 till 1883; Rev. W. Conrad Miller, Kentland, from 1883 till 1888; Rev. A. J. Strueder, St. Anthony, from 1888 till 1891; Rev. Joachim Baker, St. Anthony, from 1891 till 1898; Rev. F. J. Bilstein, St. Anthony, from 1898 till 1900; Rev. G. A. Zern, St. Anthony, from 1900 till October 1903.
         Father Zern was the first resident pastor at Goodland, from October 2, 1903 till August 27, 1905, the date of his death in St. Joseph's Hospital at Logansport.  Rev. Francis A. King, residing at Goodland was Father Zern's assistant, from June 1902 till August 9, 1903.  Rev. Ignatius F. Zircher has been the pastor at Goodland, since October 10, 1905.
         In 1877 Goodland had eight Catholic families.  A lot was purchased, in 1880, and a frame church erected, at a cost of about $1,000, Father Hoss attending the place at the time.  The priest's house is a very old dwelling, which stood on one of five lots, purchased in 1902, for $2,400, by Father Zern, attending the mission at the time.
         The present church is a brick edifice, 98x54 feet, with a seating capacity of 400.  The exterior is imitation Gothic and the interior Roman.  It cost about $14,000.  The corner-stone was laid on November 9, 1902, and the church was dedicated, by Bishop Alerding, on July 12, 1903.  The number of souls [360] is 325, consisting of 55 families.  The debt on the church property is $4,200.
         The Societies are:  The Rosary Society, for married women, forty-four members; St. Aloysius' Sodality, for single men, twelve members; the Blessed Virgin's Sodality, for single women, thirty-five members; the Guardian Angel Society, for children, twenty-five members.
         Morocco is a mission attended from Goodland.

    1999 update on SS. Peter and Paul Parish.
     When the Diocese of Lafayette was established, in 1944, from the Diocese of Fort Wayne, the area of Newton County came within the jurisdiction of the Lafayette Diocese.
    SS. Peter and Paul Church, is presently within the Fowler Deanery of the Diocese of Lafayette.
  •    SS. Peter and Paul Parish:

    •        421 South Newton Street, Goodland, IN 47948-8156,   Phone: (219) 297-3224.

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    The Diocese of Fort Wayne, 1857--September 22--1907, A Book of Historical Reference, 1669-1907.  By the Rt. Rev. H. J. Alerding.  Fort Wayne: The Archer Printing Co.  1907.
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    Copyright 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001-2006 by Ann Mensch.