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Church/Catholic
Franciscans

large stove was cracking loudly and all helped to arouse devotion. As the organist was the teacher at the district school and the children were in the organ loft, between acts the organist and choir in one would get up and set the evildoers aright. On festive occasions a male choir' sang.

Every Friday afternoon the pastor would come from Columbus in an open wagon. He brought along our fresh meat in a cigar box. This fresh meat was for Sunday. Sunday noon the pastor would take his dinner first and the Sisters would wait. If any meat was left over, they got some, otherwise not. Then Sr. M. Magdalene would say: "Heute gibt's nichts; er hatt es alles gegessen. Today we get no (fresh meat); he ate it all". Of course the good priest did not know that the small supply was intended not for him only, but also for the Sisters. In such a case our menu was that of all week's: sourkraut and bacon, potatoes and bread. One evening Sr. Magdalene was baking pancakes, Sr. Ignatia was in the dining room preparing her lessons (for the next day). A tall Indian came in stealthily; he first watched Sister in the kitchen, then stepped into the refectory and bent over Sister's school work, then, without uttering a word, he departed, never to return.

BLIZZARDS

Blizzards in pioneer days were dreaded, something like a prairie fire. As a rule they began in the afternoon and raged for three days, causing every one to be snowbound. After the first day one could look only three or four rods ahead. Then followed zero weather during which people did not venture from their homes. One Sunday evening Fr. Servatius Rasche went down to Braun's for the evening. It had been snowing and the wind had been blowing. At nine o'clock the pastor took his leave at Braun's, lost his way and finally arrived home at four o'clock in the morning.

PRAIRIE FIRES

One Sunday afternoon Fr. Theodore was instructing a bridal couple. Suddenly the alarm was given: "Prairie fire!" It was approaching the buildings rapidly and it was quite windy. Rev. Father, the bridal couple, the Sisters and farmers all around came to fight the fire and it took a long time before we were out of danger. Prairie fires in pioneer days caused great excitement and frequently did much harm. They were usually started by boys herding cattle; for since there were few fences, cattle had to be herded.

During the September days of 1882 St. Mary's farmers were very busy hauling prairie hay to the school grounds and until days got too cold, pupils spent their recesses in twisting it into strands. Prairie hay produced a goodly heat but burned away so rapidly that pupils had to take turns at the stove. Much corn, however, was saved by this hay. Corn was still burned in church and in Rev. Father's room. Only along creeks trees were found, otherwise trees were as scarce as money. It was a year or two years that we did not get to see any apples. There was nothing in the way to obstruct one's view. (On bright days the tower of St. Bernard could plainly be seen from the second story of old St. Mary's school building.')

A buggy or carriage was not in the possession of any farmer. All came to church and went to town (Humphrey or Columbus) in a wagon. Children, young ladies and women came to church on Sunday in sunbonnets during the warmer months. Most of the children came to school barefooted.--So far Sr. M. Ignatia, O. S. F.

Father Meinolph Schmitz was removed to the east in January, 1883.

REV. MEINOLPH SCHMITZ, O. F. M.

Henry Schmitz was born at Cologne, Rhenish Prussia, on February 14, 1840, and after making the requisite classical studies was received into the Franciscan novitiate at Warendorf, Westphalia. With several confreres (sic) he came to the United States, December 18, 1867, and was ordained February 8, 1868, at Teutopolis, Illinois, by the Rt. Rev. Damian Juncker, Bishop of Alton. He was pastor at St. Anthony's near Quincy, Illinois; at Island Grove, near Teutopolis; pastor of St. Mary's near Humphrey, Nebraska from fall 1878 till January, 1882. In St. Mary's he erected a parochial school. Fr. Meinolph was next stationed at St. Peter's, Chicago, 1886-1887, and in Cleveland, Ohio. After he severed his connections with the Franciscan Order, he was pastor at St. Patrick's, Dickinson, Stark county (now diocese of Jamestown, North Dakota), and of St. Leo's parish, Casselton (now diocese of Fargo), since October 3, 1889. Father Meinolph passed away to another life on June 7, 1893.--R. I. P.

THIRD PASTOR: FATHER THEODORE ARENTZ,
JANUARY, 1882-JULY, 1884

Fr. Theodore Arentz was the new pastor. He at once saw the need of an addition to the school and had it built at a cost of $464. The branch of the Omaha, Niobrara and Black Hills Railroad, from Jackson Junction to Norfolk, had been built in that territory a few years before and Humphrey came into being along its right of way in 1879-1880. Wm. Eimers, prominently mentioned, when St. Mary's of the Angels church was built, erected the first store building in Humphrey and became its pioneer merchant.

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SEPARATION OF THE HUMPHREY PARISH

Many Catholic families living in and near the new town of Humphrey, urged Fr. Theodore to put up a church in town. Upon the consent of his Provincial and the Rt. Rev. Bishop, permission was granted and Fr. Theodore was given an assistant, Rev. Servatius Rasche, O. F. M., to enable him to make preparations for the erection of a church in Humphrey. The decree of separation was read in St. Mary's church in October, 1882, but actual division took place in July, 1883, when the new church was dedicated.

FATHER THEODORE'S SUCCESS AT ST. MARY'S

Fr. Theodore remained pastor of St. Mary's till July, 1884. At this time Fr. Servatius was appointed pastor, having been only acting pastor heretofore. Both Fr. Theodore and his predecessors resided at Columbus, and it was a great hardship for the farmers as well as for the priest, to drive to St. Mary's in an open wagon in all kinds of weather.

The farmers took turns in getting the priest from Columbus on Friday and taking him home on Monday. At times the Fathers even made the trip on foot, as the old pioneers tell us. When a Franciscan Residence was erected at Humphrey in summer, 1886, it became a comparatively easy matter for the farmers of St. Mary's to get and take back their pastor. The distance being only four and one-half miles to church instead of eighteen.

Fr. Servatius was succeeded by Fr. Anthony Moll, O. F. M. (July, 1887, to August, 1888), Suitbertus Albersman, O. F. M. (August, 1888, to July, 1891), Rev. Patrick Degraa (July, 1891, to July, 1892), Rev. Valentine Doerenkemper, O. F. M. (July, 1892, to August, 1895).

FATHER VALENTINE ERECTS A NEW CHURCH

As the first St. Mary's was no longer sufficient for the needs of the families even after Humphrey had been cut off, the building of a new church seemed imperative. But a period of languor had set in and for a time it seemed as if the parish was doomed to break up. But about 1892 it began to take on a new and vigorous lease of life. Already Fr. Patrick had made plans for a new church, Fr. Valentine carried them out according to the plans drawn by Brother Adrian, O. F. M. It was to be a frame structure with brick veneer.

The cornerstone was laid on June 29, 1893, by the Very Rev. Pacific Kohnen, O. F. M., then dean of Platte county, and in fall the church was completed, at a cost of $4,571.

DEDICATION OF SECOND ST. MARY'S CHURCH

On October 3, 1893, the Rt. Rev. Ordinary Richard Scannell came to Humphrey. Next morning, at 9:30 a. m., carriages came to take the Bishop and clergy to the prairie church. The young men of St. Mary's parish, mounted on finely trimmed horses, formed an escort for his Lordship. In front of the pastor's residence two girls dressed in white welcomed the Rt. Rev. Bishop. The latter now dedicated the church. This over, the Rt. Rev. Wm. Choka, Vicar General of diocese of Omaha, celebrated the solemn High Mass. A banquet followed.

BLESSING OF TWO BELLS

At two o'clock, p. m., the Rt. Rev. Bishop blessed two new bells, the gift of Mr. and Mrs. John P. Braun. The latter had gone to her reward a few months before. The bells came from the workshop of Stuckstede Bros. of St. Louis, Missouri. The larger bell weighs 1500 pounds and received the name of Mary Queen of the Angels, the smaller weighing 765 pounds, was named in honor of St. Michael, the Archangel. There were present on this occasion, besides a large concourse of people and the persons mentioned above, the Very Rev. Michael Richardt, O. F. M., Provincial of the Sacred Heart province, who delivered the English sermon, and the Very Rev. P. Kohnen, who delivered the German sermon in the morning; also the Rev. Fr. Rudolph Horstmann, Fr. Ladislaus Czech, and the pastor, Fr. Valentine.

DESCRIPTION OF THE CHURCH

The edifice, 83 feet long, 31 feet wide, and a steeple ---- feet high, with three bells, windows of fine glass and pews of oak, manufactured by Suess and Company, of Napersville, Illinois, the Way of the Cross from the Oleographia Pontificia of Bologna, Italy, which are enclosed in neat black walnut frames, make a neat appearance. The woodwork within the edifice was retained from the old structure, because of its beauty although it was then many years old. The new church is valued at more than $6,000. In general the interior displays the natural color of the material used. The Rt. Rev. Bishop seemed well pleased with this new proof of Catholic generosity, and spoke as follows: "I am glad", he said, "to see this beautiful church, especially for this reason, that your exterior works bear witness to the faith and spirit among you." He then exhorted the faithful not to neglect this disposition and spirit of faith that it might be cherished and nurtured and thrive in the parish. In conclusion all joined in singing of the "Grosser Gott, wir loben dich," while the bells just blessed wafted their joyous

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tones over the fields--Fr. Valentine, O. F. M., in the "Herald des Glaubens."

INCORPORATION OF ST. MARY'S CHURCH

On this same day, October 24, 1893, the parish was incorporated as "St. Mary's church of Grand Prairie Township". The incorporators were, the Rt. Rev. Richard Scannell, Bishop of Omaha; The Very Rev. Wm. Choka, Vicar General of the diocese; Rev. Valentine Dorenkemper, O. F. M., pastor of St. Mary's; Messrs. Joseph Kruse and Vincent Wieser, lay trustees.

In August, 1895, Fr. Valentine left Nebraska.

BIOGRAPHY OF REV. VALENTINE (GEORGE) DORENKEMPER, O. F. M.

George Dorenkemper was born as the son of Frederick and Mary Gertrude (Plake) Dorenkemper at Augusta, diocese of St. Cloud, Minnesota, on April 11, 1887. George finished his preparatory classical course at St. John's University, Minnesota, conducted by the Benedictine Fathers, in 1881, studied philosophy with the Capuchin Fathers at Mount Calvary, Wisconsin; took the habit of the Friars Minor at Teutopolis, Illinois, on December 7, 1883; his simple vows on December 8th, the year following; his solemn vows on December 8, 1887, and was made a priest of the Most High on December 11, 1887, at St. Louis, Missouri.

Fr. Valentine labored at Teutopolis, as pastor of Montrose and Island Grove, from August 4, 1888-June 4, 1892, when he came to St. Bernard to attend St. John's Nepomucene. There he added the steeple, in spring, 1893, Mr. Ready, of Lindsay, being the contractor. When pastor of St. Mary's church, he erected the second church. He arrived at San Francisco, California, on September 17, 1903, and from St. Boniface Church, attended for many years St. Joseph's Hospital and Home for the Aged till about 1912; spent one year at Cowlitz, Washington (19121913); five years at St. Elizabeth, Oakland (1913-1918), one year at Lakeport, California, and seven years at Tularosa, New Mexico, one year at Saint Anthony's, San Francisco (19251926); was sent to St. Mary's, Phoenix Arizona; and died March 5, 1929, at St. Joseph's Hospital, San Francisco, in the 71st year of his age, the forty-fifth of his profession and the forty-second of his priesthood.--R. I. P.

Father Valentine was succeeded at St. Mary's by the Rev. Severinus Westhoff, O. F. M., July, 1895-July, 1896. He changed St. Anna's Married Ladies' Society into a Christian Mothers' Confraternity and also introduced St. Cecelia's Society.

REV. EDMUND ROEDIGER, O. F. M., AUGUST 9, 1896
BENEFACTORS OF ST. MARY'S CONGREGATION

During the administration of Fr. Edmund there went to her final reward, Mrs. Mary Braun, nee Schroeder, widow of J. P. Braun, the greatest benefactress of the parish. Fr. Edmund has left a list of her main benefactions. Besides the two bells given conjointly with her husband, her gifts during twenty-five years amounted to $850, a snug little sum in pioneer days. In addition she gave the statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Stations of the Cross, sanctuary lamp, the gong, books for the choir and the sum of $225 for the high altar.

Mr. Augustine Wieser donated $100 for a harmonium. St. Ann's Married Ladies' Society donated $600 in twenty-five years, while St. Joseph's Society gave $200 for school and church. Mr. Ignatz Zach, Sr., gave $50 for the high altar and Mrs. August Beutel gave $75 for a side altar, not mentioning many other benefactors.

THE TWENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ORGANIZATION OF ST. MARY'S PARISH

The twenty-fifth anniversary of the organization of St. Mary's parish was solemnly commemorated May 30, 1899. At ten o'clock the Very Rev. Wm. Choka celebrated solemn High Mass. The festive sermon was delivered by the Rev. Mauritius Baukholt, O. F. M., pastor of St. Joseph's church in Omaha.

Dinner and supper were served by the ladies. The afternoon was spent in games and contests. Many articles of more or less value were raffled off, among them a parlor suit, a gentleman's gold watch, an umbrella with gilded handle, a decorated dinner set and a sick call cabinet.

"The parish in 1899 numbered 50 families. It erected two churches without exterior aid and kept up its parochial school, built with some aid from Europe, of their own funds for a number of years. The congregation has divine service on all Sundays and Holidays, every Saturday and Monday and frequently on Tuesdays, to afford the Ven. Sisters an opportunity to receive Holy Communion. The spiritual condition of the parish is a good one. The annual report shows 1,800 confessions and 2,200 communions. March 22, 1899, it was twenty-five years that the parish was organized.--Thus Rev. Edmund Roediger in the Historical Sketch written for this occasion."

Fr. Edmund was called to other fields of activity in July, 1900.

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BIOGRAPHY

Clement, the son of John and Mary Catherine Hornemann Roediger, was born April 17, 1857, at Kallmerode, Eichsfeld, Province of Saxony, Prussia. After an excellent grammar school course under the able Ignatius Teichmann, he took Latin lessons for two years, with the Rev. Phillip Hartman, the curate, then entered the school of aspirants to the Franciscan in the Saxonian Province of the Holy Cross at Annaberg (Mt. St. Ann), Silesia, Oct. 17, 1872. He was immediately admitted to the "Untertertia." There were 24 candidates who were taught by the Rev. Frs. Bonaventure Machuy, Osmund Laumann, Marcus Thienel and Desiderius Liss. The discipline was excellent yet reasonable. On Oct. 13, 1874, C. Roediger (Fr. Edmund), John Kurser (Fr. Florence), and Paul Koziolek (Fr. Damian), were invested at Warendorf. When the Prussian government dissolved all monasteries, the novices were given the alternative by the religious superiors, either to return home or to emigrate to the United States. They chose the latter, and arriving at Teutopolis, Illinois, on July 4, 1875, finished their novitiate there; then continued their studies and were ordained to the priesthood by Rt. Rev. Bishop P. Ryan at St. Louis on May 28, 1882.

Fr. Edmund's first place of labor was at Cleveland, Ohio. Having also desired to labor in the Chinese Missions, he finally obtained permission and set out April 26, 1882, for Rome, and passed

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the requisite examination. Thence he continued his journey to China via Egypt and the Holy Land, because he could not get any ship, on account of troubles between France and Anam. He finally arrived at Shanghai, Hongkong, and left for the interior of China, Hen-kian-fou, arriving at his destination Dec. 9, 1884, and was welcomed by Bishop Semprini. After acting as professor in the seminaries and chaplain of the large orphanage, he was, after two years, assigned to the district of Fou-kia-tzong. After laboring in the Celestial Kingdom for about ten years, a severe ailment forced Fr. Edmund to return to America, where he labored at St. Mary's, Minnesota; at Teutopolis and Joliet, Illinois; St. Joseph's, Omaha, Nebraska; at St. John's Joliet, Illinois; St. Louis, Hermann and Washington, Missouri. At the latter place, Fr. Edmund passed away suddenly on December 31, 1926.

Fr. Edmund was of a strong constitution, a forceful speaker, but somewhat erratic, this being perhaps due to his experiences in China, where, it is claimed, his life was at least once most seriously threatened.--R. I. P.

CHANGES IN PASTORS

Fr. Edmund was transferred to St. Augustine's, Chicago, about August, 1900. His successor was Rev. Stanislaus Riemann, O. F. M., who served from Sept., 1900, to July, 1901. Fr. Stanislaus inaugurated a number of improvements, which were continued by the youthful Rev. Louis Doering, July, 1901-September, 1903. Fr. Louis made a loan of $400 to pay for improvements, not being able to raise the cash at the time. He was replaced in 1903 by Romuald Rheindorff, O. F. M.

REV. ROMUALD RHEINDORFF, O. F. M.
A NEW PARSONAGE IS BUILT

In November, 1903, the parishioners, at the suggestion of the pastor, decided to build a parsonage. Heretofore the Fathers had resided in the small rooms adjoining the church. The people generously contributed the funds for the lumber, etc. The excavation work on the two-story brick building was done in March and continued into April, the construction work being began in Easter Week. The rectory was dedicated August 5, 1904, by Rev. Praeses Florentius of Humphrey, and Fr. Romuald moved into it on August 14th. An alcove annex in the basement was destined to hold an altar, so that the room could be utilized as a winter chapel. The room in the basement served for a society room.

IMPROVEMENTS AND DONATIONS

In December, 1904, the stove pipes were removed from the church and a large stove, resembling a hot air furnace, was installed in the basement. In the fall, several improvements were also made in the school building and in the church. Brick sidewalks were laid and the hot air heating system extended. In the following spring a cistern was dug for the use of the Sisters. Kind friends also furnished the pastor's residence with a bed room set, an extension table, a set of chairs, a lounge, a book case and an office desk. Mr. and Mrs. Michael Wieser donated $135 and Mrs. Bertha Beitel gave $25 for a white cope; William Eimers and Mr. and Mrs. A. Hamling each gave $25 for a Benediction veil. Mr. and Mrs. Vincent Wieser presented $20 for a vestment. Many other smaller donations were made. In December a Christmas crib with 27 standing figures, two feet high, was purchased from Killner, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, at a cost of $65. Mr. and Mrs. Michael (Walburga) Wieser celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary, February 19th, and on this occasion donated $50 for a white cope. All these vestments were ordered from Burger Sisters in Munderkingen, Wurttemberg, Germany. On July 15, 1907, Mrs. Bertha Beitel donated $25 for the new church.

SILVER JUBILEE OF ST. MARY'S SCHOOL

The Silver Jubilee of St. Mary's School was celebrated on January 5, 1905. In August of the same year, at the request of the pastor, the district school pay, given by the school district, was raised $45 for the term, making an increase of $115 or a total of $315. This pay included the labor the Sisters did for teaching, sacristy work and the work of the organist and the extra allowance by the parish.

THE NEW SCHOOL AND SISTERS' HOUSE

Fr. Romuald, the pastor, saw that a new school with more class rooms, a stage, residence for the Sisters, with a basement that might be utilized for a winter chapel, would be a very desirable improvement for the congregation. He finally called a meeting, at which twenty-nine men were present. Of these three voted for a frame building and 26 for a brick school and Sisters' residence. The pastor then visited the families for subscriptions and $2,500 were subscribed.

OTHER CHURCH NEWS ITEMS

In 1917 Sister M. Romana, well known at St. Mary's, was finally forced to vacate her post and taken to Lafayette, where she died shortly after her removal. In the beginning of August, 1907, Sister Avellina arrived to assume the duties of teacher and organist. Clement and Victoria Wemhoff, on the occasion of their silver

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wedding, donated a fine Missal in red leather binding. Joseph Kruse donated the gilded diadem for the statue of the Immaculate Conception. In the spring of 1907, the new banner for St. Joseph's Men's Society arrived from Van Wyenbergh, Kevelaer, Rhineland, and was blessed on the feast of the Patronage of St. Joseph, April 21. It cost, with appurtenances, $110.94. The Men's Society paid $62.86, the balance being donated by a number of individual men. In the February meeting the Christian Mothers Society voted to omit their picnic and take up a house collection instead. The reason was the amount of work a picnic involves for the ladies. The school children and the young people were to have a festival on a smaller scale. The result of the house collection was the sum of $197. In November, 1907, Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Wieser celebrated the 25th anniversary of their wedding.

REV. LAWRENCE PAULY. O. F. M., PASTOR,
1916-1927

When Fr. Lawrence was appointed pastor he was told that a new church was needed. Neither money nor building material were on hand. But thank God! good will prevailed among the parishioners. And God's aid certainly was not wanting. Many of the parishioners pledged to give a certain sum each year or a lump sum. After obtaining the permission of the Provincial and Diocesan Superiors, in 1923, Brother Leonard Darscheid, O. F. M., designed the church.

The contractors gave in their bids: One at $39,725, the other at $45,000; the. third one at $46,000. Mr. Dan Egan, a contractor of Ashland, Wisconsin, well known to Brother Leonard, O. F. M., the architect, was awarded the contract. He proved himself an able and honest contractor. In April, 1924, the work on the new church was begun on the site of the old one. Some were in favor of retaining the old church as a hall. But Fr. Lawrence was afraid of the cost of the upkeep, the heating in winter, etc., and had it torn down and the material was put to use in the new building.

LAYING THE CORNERSTONE

On Sunday afternoon, May 25, 1924, the cornerstone was laid for the new St. Mary's church amid impressive ceremonies in presence of a large concourse of people. At three o'clock a procession, headed by the Humphrey Concert Band and followed by the parishioners and the clergy, wended its way to the site. In the absence of the Most Rev. J. J. Harty, who had recently left for a trip to Rome, Rev. Fr. Josaphat Kraus, O. F. M., of Humphrey, blessed the cornerstone. A very interesting sermon was preached by the Rev. Hilarion Duerk, O. F. M., of St. Anthony's church. He explained in a very concise manner when and why the custom of laying cornerstones originated. In closing he paid high compliment to the members of the parish for the zeal and cooperation displayed, making it possible to build such an edifice. The services were also participated in by all the clergy of the county.

Following the services, the large gathering was delightfully entertained by a ball game between the St. Mary and St. Bernard teams, the visiting team carrying off the honors by a score of six to five. Other entertainments were also provided on the picnic grounds and at five o'clock an appetizing luncheon was served by the ladies of the parish. During the afternoon the Humphrey Band also entertained with some of its splendid music.

The building committee consisted of Rev. Fr. Lawrence as chairman and of Messrs. Vincent Wieser, Clement Wemhoff, Sr. (died October 29, 1930), B. J. German and Joseph Veik. When the plans were completed, a sum of $20,000 was on hand.

In the same year $15,000 more was collected a total of $35,000, certainly an excellent showing for eight years.

CONSTRUCTION OF THE CHURCH EDIFICE

When Mr. Thomelseen's brick masons were done, Mr. Egan set his carpenters to work to finish the roof and the interior woodwork. When this was completed, Herman Zuerlein and his force of men put in the cement work and did the plastering. Cement walks were also laid all about the buildings. The heating and plumbing was done by Mr. John Mayberger and the installing of the Altars and pews by John Onkels, both men being from Humphrey. Frescoing the church was postponed to a later date, in order to keep down the indebtedness. Though the church must have cost $45,000 (or including the work done gratis by parishioners, $50,000, at a conservative estimate of Fr. Lawrence), the annual report for 1926 showed an indebtedness of about $5,000 only. This speaks volumes for the pastor and his people who have always been known for their fine spirit of cooperation with one another, and their spirit of sacrifice. It was only about 8-10 years since the parish had begun to collect funds for a new church and Fr. Lawrence had been extremely economical and launched a number of entertainments, in order to gather the necessary funds.

DEDICATION OF THE NEW ST. MARY'S CHURCH, 1925

It was a day of extreme rejoicing and happi-

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ness when, on Wednesday, April 29, 1925, the parishioners were hosts to hundreds of visitors who, despite the stiff northwestern wind, witnessed the solemn and impressive ceremonies conducted by his Grace, the Most Rev. J. J. Harty, D. D., Bishop of Omaha, in the dedication of the beautiful new St. Mary's Church. Solemn High Mass followed the dedicatory services. Rev. Josaphat Kraus, O. F. M., of Humphrey, was the celebrant, assisted by his Franciscan brother-priests, Liborius Breitenstein, and Othmar Berthieaume, as deacon and subdeacon, respectively. Rev. Dennis Czech acted as master of ceremonies and Rev. Charles Schlueter, O. F. M., dean of Platte county, and Rev. John Mueller, both of Columbus, acted as deacons of honor to the Most Rev. Ordinary. Rev. Hilarlon Duerk, in a sermon appropriate to the occasion, explained the meaning of the church edifice and how it surpasses in grandeur the temple of Solomon. At the conclusion of the Mass, his Grace enlarged on some of the thoughts of the speaker, whom he praised highly for his sermon ended by showing that the church is, indeed, the House of God and the consolation of all who enter it with faith and devotion. Among the visiting clergymen were also the Franciscan Fathers Berard, Germain, Justinian, Flavius and Albert. The proud and happy pastor of St. Mary's, at this time, was Rev. Lawrence Pauly, O. F. M.

ENTERTAINING THE VISITORS

The religious ceremonies over, the ladies of the parish served an excellent dinner in the dining hall in the basement of the new church. In the evening a palatable supper was prepared. The intervening hours in the afternoon were taken up with a bazaar and a baseball game beween (sic) the club from St. Bernard and the home parish boys. The visitors carried off the honors, 8 to 6. Through the afternoon and evening the well-known Humphrey Concert Band furnished music. Various articles were raffled off in the evening, the cedar chest being won by William Gietzen and the quilt by Albert Magsamen. The celebration concluded with a card party of progressive 500 in the school building.

DESCRIPTION OF THE NEW CHURCH

The new church is a brick building, 36x124 feet in dimensions, with a transept containing the altar boys' room on the south side and the priest's sacristy on the north side, each room measuring 18x24 feet. The tower on the west side rises to a height of 96 feet from ground level to the foot of the gilded cross. The cross itself is about 8 feet high. The three bells and the altars were brought over from the old church. The main auditorium measures 34x73 feet, has 36 pews and a seating capacity of 240 adults and 60 children. The semicircular apse is 20x22 feet in dimensions and contains the high altar, also brought over from the old church. The two side altars are dedicated to the Blessed Virgin and to St. Joseph.

The ceiling is of Romanesque design. The organ loft measures 15x32 feet and is capable of seating 50 people. The remodelled confessional, fitted into an alcove, and the communion rail, are furnishings from the old church. The art glass windows are the donations of the Young Men's Sodality, the Men's Society, Vincent and Bertha Zach, Vincent and Mary Wieser, Dan and Bertha Wieser, Joseph and Apollonia Wemhoff, Clement and Victoria Wemhoff, Basil and Anna German, Nick and John Mausbach, St. Ann's Christian Mother's Society and the Young Ladies' Sodality.

In the basement of the church is a spacious dining hall with a stage at the one end so that it is convertible into an auditorium; it is 34x76 feet in size. The kitchen, 18x24 feet, is equipped with a six-hole oil burning stove and the necessary utensils to serve a large crowd. The furnace room is in the southeast part of the basement and is of the same size as the kitchen. It contains two large hot air furnaces under one hood. The store room on the east side, between the kitchen and the furnace rooms, meansures (sic) 20x20 feet. The coal bin has a capacity of one carload and is located just south of the furnace room. It is built into the ground and has a concrete roof.

The interior of the church is not yet decorated, it being the wish of the pastor to pay off some of the existing debts before expending any money on decorations. We do not miss the mark, we believe, when we say that, after being properly decorated, St. Mary's will be able to boast of one of the finest little rural churches in the Middle West--Adapted from the Humphrey Democrat.

THE FIRST MASS OF REV. THEODORE (WILLIAM) WEMHOFF, O. F. M.

On July 30, 1922, at ten o'clock a. m., St. Mary's had the great happiness of witnessing for the first time in its history the first Mass celebrated by one of its sons. Rev. Joseph Unger was, indeed, the first priest from St. Mary's, but said his first mass at Parkston, South Dakota. Fr. Theodore had been ordained at St. Louis, Missouri, on July 26, 1922. He was assisted at his first mass by Rev. Lucian as deacon and Fr. Victor Herring as subdeacon. The sermon was preached by Rev. Lucian Trouy, O. F. M. Dinner and supper were served at the school basement.

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GOLDEN JUBILEE OF ST. MARY'S CHURCH

(See Humphrey Democrat, August 14, 1925)

The golden jubilee of St. Mary's church was celebrated on Sunday, August 9th, 1925. It seemed as though God first wanted to try the people of St. Mary's, for in the morning a threatening rain cloud came up as if to spoil the jubilee, but only enough rain fell to lay the dust and make things more pleasant. At ten o'clock Solemn High Mass was celebrated by the Rev. Josaphat, of Humphrey, who was assisted by the Rev. Othmar of St. John's, as deacon and by the Rev. Lawrence, the pastor of St. Mary's as subdeacon. Fr. Josaphat also delivered the exceptionally inspiring sermon to the large concourse of people. He gave a brief sketch of the history of the parish beginning with the first settlers who through their selfsacrifice made possible the first church in this section of the county, he told of the progress of the parish, its building of a second church edifice, which later had to be razed to make room for the present more commodious building, one of the finest rural church edifices in Nebraska, to take care of the growing needs of the parish. He lauded the people of the parish for the diligence and enterprise they showed, in order to make it possible for their pastor to raise the funds necessary to build this edifice. He urged that the members rejoice in the blessings that God had bestowed upon their efforts to the end that they might complete such a beautiful house of God, for it was at this church that all received their instructions and learned the faith of their fathers and that they could leave no finer monument of their endeavors than such an edifice. Following the high mass, Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament was given.

Hundreds of people gathered thereafter in the dining hall and partook of the chicken dinner that the ladies of the parish had prepared for them. Various amusements were furnished. Rev. Fr. Berrard's baseball team met the St. Mary team and defeated them. County Attorney Otto Walters, State Representative Richard Regan and John Byrnes of Columbus were present and towards evening gave short addresses that were appreciated. Thus passed one of the most enjoyable events ever experienced in the parish.

REV. LAWRENCE (PHILLIP) PAULY, O. F. M.

Phillip Pauly, son of Anton and Agnes (Grusemann) Pauly, was born at Hallenberg, diocese of Paderborn, Germany, on June 18, 1851, and came to America in November, 1875. After studying at St. Joseph's College, at Teutopolis, he was admitted to the novitiate of the Franciscans on September 30, 1882. Fr. Lawrence was raised to the dignity of the priesthood by the Most Rev. Archbishop P. R. Kenrick at St. Louis, Missouri, on June 15, 1889. He labored three years at Superior, Wisconsin, a short time at Quincy, Illinois; at Indianapolis, Indiana, where he was in charge of the Greenfield, Martinsville and Fortville missions. In 1895 he was transferred to Cleveland, Ohio, and in 1899 to Jordan, Minnesota, where for six years he attended the mission of St. Benedict. Called to Chillecothe, Missouri, he was in charge of Leopolls and Indian Creek until the year 1914. After having attended the mission of Morrison, from Hermann, Missouri, for about 2 years and a half, he was sent to Humphrey, in 1916, with St. Mary's as his mission, until the end of May, 1927. Owing to age and failing health Fr. Lawrence was relieved of his pastoral duties and in August, 1927, sent to Washington, Missouri, to act as chaplain of the Sister's hospital. Here death relieved him in November, 1929.--R. I. P.

FATHER LAWRENCE RESIGNS--
REV. MAXIMILIAN KLOTZBUCHER, PASTOR
(JUNE 5, 1927-JANUARY, 1930)

After finishing the fine new church, Fr. Lawrence, already considerably enfeebled with advancing years, decided that it was time to call a halt to his heretofore busy life. He therefore handed in his resignation, which was accepted about a year afterwards.

Rev. Maximilian Klotzbucher replaced the aged pastor in June, 1927. Before coming to St. Mary's, Fr. Maximilian had been assistant at Teutopolls, Illinois, pastor at Montrose, Ill., and pastor of St. John's on Shell Creek and St. Francis de Sales, at Schoolcraft, two Franciscan missions. During his rectorship Fr. Maximilian had Fr. Honoratus, O. F. M., preach a Mission in November and December, 1927. He caused the graves of the old cemetery to be leveled and the lots to be straightened out. The dilapidated fence along the west side of the church property was removed, a new baptismal font and a ciborium purchased, a parish library of English books started. An electric lighting system was installed and solemnly dedicated on the first Sunday in August (Portiuncula), 1929, by Rev. Eugene Hagedorn, O. F. M., guardian of the Columbus Monastery, assisted by the Rev, pastor, Maximilian and Rev. Berard Zehnle, O. F. M. The expenses were nearly $1,800-$1,900, including $400 for connecting with the high power line.

REV. ERWIN HUNTSCHA, O. F. M.,
SINCE JANUARY, 1930

When Father Maximilan was seized with serious illness in January, 1930, Father Erwin Huntscha, O. F. M., took his place. He paid

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for some of the improvements recently made, and in order to distribute the heat better, installed a blower. The expenditure was $700, but is an excellent investment. The middle and side aisle were laid with inlaid linoleum. The priest's residence was painted in March, 1931. The basement windows of the church were weatherstripped and calked; the stained glass windows, too, were calked. This was an expense of $289.16. In June, 1931, Fr. Erwin was given the use of a new Chevrolet automobile.

LIST OF PASTORS AT ST. MARY'S OF THE ANGELS
VISITING PRIESTS:

Rev. Frederick Uhing, 1872, of St. Charles, near West Point.

Rev. Francis Schulack, S. J., 187--, of Chicago, Illinois.

Rev. John Bernard, 1875, St. Patrick's near Platte Center (Forest City or Gretna).

Rev. Otto Groenebaum, 1874, of Omaha.

Rev. J. M. Ryan, 1875, Columbus.

Rev. Ambrose Janssen, February 14, 1877, and Rev. Sebastian Cebulla, 1877, visited a few times.

REGULAR PASTORS: FRANCISCAN FATHERS:

Rev. Anselm Puetz, July, 1877-October, 1878.

Rev. Melnolphus Schmitz, October, 1878-January, 1882.

Rev. Theodore Arents, February, 1882-1883 (1884).

Rev. Servatius Rasche, July, 1883-July, 1884, resp. 1887.

Rev. Anthony Moll, December, 1887-August, 1888.

Rev. Suitbert Albersmann, August, 1888-July, 1891.

Rev. Patrick Degraa, July, 1891-July, 1892.

Rev. Valentine Doerenkemper, July, 1892-August, 1895.

Rev. Severinus Westhof, August, 1895-August, 1896.

Rev. Edmund Roediger, August, 1896-July, 1900.

Rev. Stanislaus Riemann, Summer, 1900-July, 1901.

Rev. Louis Doering, July, 1901-February, 1903.

Rev. Romuald Rheindorff, 1903-1909.

Rev. Stanislaus Riemann, 1909-1916.

Rev. Lawrence Pauly, 1916-June, 1927.

Rev. Maximilian Klotzbucher, June 4, 1927-January, 1930.

Rev. Erwin Huntscha, since January, 1930.

LIST OF SISTERS AT ST. MARY'S SCHOOL

The Franciscan Sisters opened the parochial school at St. Mary's on January 3, 1882, with 44 pupils enrolled. The superiors were Sr. M. Magdalene, previously superior of St. Mary's Hospital, Columbus; Sr. M. Casimira, Sr. M. Romana, Sr. M. Avelina, Sr. M. Ignatia, Sr. M. Modesta, Sr. M. Vincentina, Sr. M. Michaelis and Sr. M. Antona. Teachers were: Sisters M. Ignatia, M. Mathea, M. Armella, M. Casimira, M. Romana, M. Avellina, M. Eleutheria, M. Dominica, M. Evarista, M. Valeria, M. Pia, M. Ephiphana, M. Walburgis, M. Ursula, M. Quirilla, M. Thodolinda, M. Anselma, M. Rosanna, M. Remberta, M. Turibia, M. Celeste and M. Paulinis. Other Sisters station at St. Mary's: Srs. M. Jacoba, M. Angelica, M. Erwina, M. Rudolpha, M. Eva, M. Erasma, M. Corbinia, M. Margareta, M. Cyrina, M. Eustochia, M. Adeltraut, M. Simpliciana, M. Alvina, M. Januaria, M. Emerina, Notburga and M. Meinrada.

PRIESTLY SONS: REV. JOSEPH UNGER

Rev. Joseph Unger, son of Frederick and Magdalene (Fischer) Unger, was born at St. Mary's near Humphrey, Nebraska, on August 26, 1880. His parents moved to Humphrey and later to Parkston, South Dakota, and finally to Mount Angel, Oregon. Joseph Unger made his studies at the St. Paul, Minnesota Seminary and was ordained at the Sacred Heart Church at Parkston, on April 20, 1909, and said his first Mass there the following day. He labored at White Lake and Claria City, South Dakota. After an operation for appendicitis he passed away at Aberdeen on October 13, 1920. His remains were interred at Mount Angel, Oregon, beside his father and mother.--R. I. P.

REV. THEODORE (WILLIAM) WEMHOFF

Rev. Theodore (William) Wemhoff is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Clement Wemhoff. His birth occurred at St. Mary's on March 5, 1892. William attended St. Mary's school and St. Joseph's College at Teutopolis, Illinois, was invested with the garb of St. Francis on June 22, 1915, made his simple vows June 22, 1916, and was raised to the Priestly office on July 26, 1922. His first appointment was to St. Augustine's with charge of Mokena. But soon he made his residence at Joliet keeping charge, however, of Mokena. About 1923 he was sent to St. Joseph's, Cleveland, as assistant. After temporarily administering Charelevois for a few months he returned to Cleveland where he is in charge of several city hospitals where there is a great field for unselfish work for these institutions have a very large percentage of Catholic inmates.

LIFE OF BROTHER PAULUS WEMHOFF

Bernard Wemhoff was born at Greven, Diocese of Muenster, May 1, 1848, the son of Phillip Wemhoff and Anna Marie Hollake Wem-

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hoff. He entered the Third Order of St. Francis on February 7, 1880. On December 7, 1883, together with Frater Valentine and the two Brothers Wendelin and Bernard, Brother Paulus was admitted to the novitiate of the First Order. On December 8, 1884, all made their simple profession. On this occasion Brothers Raphael, Seraphin, Theodore, Aloys and Odoric received the cowl. On December 15, 1887, he made his solemn vows. Brother Paulus was a tailor brother. His relatives lived at St. Mary's, near Humphrey, Nebraska. Fr. Theodore Wemhoff is a nephew of the Brother, who died at Jordan, Minn., on October 9 ,1916.

LIST OF SISTERS OF ST. MARY'S PARISH,
GRAND PRAIRIE TOWNSHIP

In each of the following paragraphs is given: 1st, Baptismal and Family Name; 2nd, Religious Name, and 3rd, Name of Parents:

Anna Kruse, Sr. M. Protasia, Joseph and Caroline Kruse, Sr. M. Vividiana McNamara.

Frances Schumacher, Sr. M. Bernardina, Adolph and Frances (died).

Rose O'Tool, Sr. M. Aquilina (died).

Caroline Feik, Sr. Innocentia (died).

Teresa Werner, Sr. M. Camilla, Ignatz and Teresa Werner.

Gertrude Braun, Sr. M. Romana.

Mr. and Mrs. Henry Kraus, Sr. Beata.

Josepha Zach, Sr. Lucella, Ignatz and Mary Zach, Sr. Emilie Rothleitner.

Johanna Zach, Sr. M. Ascellina. Ignats and Mary Zach.

Emma Zach, Sr. M. Johanna, Mr. and Mrs. Vincent Zach (died).

(1) St. Peter and Paul Church, Krakow, Nance Co). (2) S. Heart Church, Cornlea; (3) St. Leonard's Basement Church, 1903, Madison, Neb.; (4) S. Heart Church, Cornlea; (5) Rev. Agatha Anklin, O. F. M.; (8) Rev. Cyrinus Schneider, O. F. M.; (8) Rev. Albert Brueserman, O. F. M.; (9) Facade of St. Mary's; (10) St. Mary's of the Angels, Humphrey, P. O.; (11) John Braun; (11) St. Francis' Church, Center, Neb.; (11) St. Edward's Church, St. Edward, Boone Co.

LIST OF ORIGINAL MEMBERS OF ST. MARY'S, GRAND PRAIRIE TOWNSHIP
(FROM BAPTISMAL RECORDS)

Joseph Widhalm and Teresa Wiemer.
Corn. Heesacker and Johanna Minten.
Gerard Gronenthal and Adelaide Krings.
Jacob Labenz and Caroline Hollatz.

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Andrew Hamberg and Maria Fischer.
Paul Faber and Maria Stoffel.
Henry Mausbach and Margaret Bironcot.
Peter Jaixen and Josepha Paar.
Joseps Feick and Teresa Falk.
Michael Costello and Helen Carroll.
Lawrence Wassenberg and Ann M. Heesacker.
Ferd. Ripp and Catherine Reiss.
Bernard Wilde and Petronella Heesacker.
Frans Fugger and Frances Neubauer.
Joseph Wemhoff and Apollonia Krenz.
Mathias Gothen and Elizabeth Poelles.
Hy. Lohaus and Mary Elpers.
Sam Wilson and Elizabeth Treacy.
Wm. Scheidemantel and Gertrus Delsmann.
Henry Wilde and Agnes Pfeifer.
William Dittrich and Juliana Dittrich.
Frank Pfeifer and Barbara Radler.
John Pfeifer and Mary Pfeifer.
Richard Olmer and Mary Pfeifer.
Aloys Kosch and Jane Hanschel.
Joseph Haschke and Teresa Kober.
Henry John Neisius and Catherine Bohr.
Frank Schmicl and Maria Schiebel.
Ignatz Veith and Juliana Zach.
Bernard Wilde and Petrona Heesacker.
Leonard Widhaim and Anna Pfeifer.
Thomas Hermann and Catherine Wieczorek.
Fred Unger and Magdalene Fischer.
John Schmitt and Maria A. Pankok.
Jerome Cleveland and M. Elizabeth Molini.
Paul Klas and Christina Teut.
John Hofmann and Maria A. Fischer.
Anton Pfeifer and Maria Glaser.
Henry Wassenburger and Catherine Henrich.
Frank Feik and Cecilia Montag.
Ignatz Steiner and Ann M. Finsterle.
Joseph Kruse and Caroline Hey.
Michael Fischer and Carolina Best.
William Kleve and Genevieve Wittmer.
Paul Faber and Ann M. Stuffels.

Sponsors: Joseph Feick, Matthew Minten, Joseph Krings, J. P. Braun, Wilbert Fortune, Hy. Greisen, Ferd Fuchs, Mathias Fuchs, Phillip Kramer, Fred Unger, May Scheidemantel and others.

ST. MARY'S, HUMPHREY, P. O., STATISTICS

CONCLUSION.

St. Mary's parish is one of the best smaller parishes in Platte county, though it numbers only about 42 families and 272 souls with 71 pupils taught by two Ven. Franciscan Sisters of Lafayette, and with the following societies:

St. Joseph's Society for married men, 40 members; St. Aloysius Young Men Society, 47 members; Christian Mothers' Society under the patronage of the Dolorous Mother for married ladies, 34 members; St. Theresa Young Ladies' Sodality with 36 members; the Society of the Propagation of the Faith with 250 members, and the Holy Name Society with 57 members.

THE CHOIR

The choir under the management of Father Erwin with Ven. Sr. M. Paulinis, O. S. F., as organist, consists of the following members:

Bass -- Theodore Wemhoff, Leonard Wemhoff and Aloys German.

Tenor -- Alphonse Braun, Martin Zach, Wm. Mausbach, Jos. S. Wemhoff, Louis Veik.

Soprano -- Apollonia Wemhoff, Edith Wemhoff, Winifred Magsamen, Theresa German, Ludvina Foltz, Marie Veik, Agnes German.

Alto -- Mrs. Frank Goeckel, Bertha Fehringer, Conradia Veik and Bernida Magsamen.

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        The present indebtedness of the church amounts to $3,500.00.

The grounds at St. Mary's are spacious, with a beautiful grove, baseball grounds, Corpus Christi processional road, a nicely kept cemetery, a fine brick church with basement hall, a small priest's residence and a brick school and Sister's convent. The parish is noted for its regular attendance at Mass and devotions, many coming even on week days.

The present trustees are: Basilius German, Andrew Magsamen, Louis Veik, and Phillip Wemhoff.

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