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Franciscans

school of its own is crippled. When, therefore, in September, 1924, Sister Superior told the pastor: "Why don't you take over the school? Sister has been waiting for that offer since 1919," Fr. Charles immediately took steps to have the property appraised. "Peacefully and happily now everything is settled. The Sisters are satisfied, we are satisfied. It will put a stop to mix-ups and misunderstandings, especially among the high school students. The school is accredited and will grant the same honors. The country children of our parish can now board with the Sisters at a much lower price." As a result the parish paid the salary of nine Sisters instead of only two.

Fr. Charles, we are informed, had called a parish meeting for settling this school matter. Few parishioners, however, showed up. The large indebtedness thus incurred, Fr. Charles proposed gradually to reduce and eventually create a school fund to permanently finance the school.

MORE IMPROVEMENTS

On August, 1925, two new confessionals were installed. In December of the same year an oil burner was put in the basement of the church. This caused an expenditure of $1,289. The oil burner at St. Joseph's chapel cost $135. Replacing a section in the church boiler and repairs brought on more expense ($392.10).

In January, Fr. Charles installed hatholders in the church pews ($161.51). An organ-motor was also put in, etc. In April an addressograph was purchased for parish use ($93.85). In May, 1926, a set of red dalmatics, a purple cope and a red cope cost $460.75. The new roof put on the Sisters' wing necessitated an outlay of $472.06. The tank for the Oilomatic for the pastoral residence and monastery in 1926 and costing $740 was paid in part by the church.

BEAUTIFYING THE CHURCH AS A
PREPARATION FOR THE GOLDEN JUBILEE

In September, 1926, the pastor signed a contract for 18 new stained glass windows (cost $6,050) with Emil Frei of St. Louis, Missouri. They were made by the Munich, Germany, house of Mr. Frei. Those on the north side represent: The Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Immaculate Conception (in the sanctuary) and in the nave; St. Francis of Assisi, the Annunciation of the B. V. M., the Nativity of Christ (Adoration of the Shepherds), Jesus among the Doctors in the Temple; Jesus Blesses the Children, Jesus Calms the Storm.

The windows on the south side, beginning on the west, represent: The Last Supper, the Agony in the Garden (Peter, John and the Comforting Angel), the Crucifixion (Mary and John), The Ascension of Our Lord and Saint Bonaventure, the Seraphic Doctor of the Church and Cardinal. The artistic panel transom is a memorial of Mr. Daniel and Anna Condon.

Another improvement was the decorating of the Church by Mr. Braasch, beginning with September, 1926. Much loose plaster, especially around the windows, had to be removed and large cracks at the addition joints had to be repaired. The outlay was about $6,232. In November the foundation of the school was cemented to the water table.

In November, 1926, an Oilomatic was installed in the monastery and as the friary serves also as a residence to the pastor and assistant pastor, the cook and sacristan, the church paid $500 towards the expense. In May, 1927, Fr. Charles put dark rubber tiling into the sanctuary (expenditure about $900). The statue of the Little Flower came about June, 1927 ($110.75). A new smoke stack for the school was built ($280). A beautiful chalice artistically wrought for the jubilee cost $600.

THE GOLDEN JUBILEE OF THE ARRIVAL OF THE FRANCISCAN FRIARS
AT COLUMBUS, JULY 14, 1927

After spending about $15,000 to decorate the church, and other preparations, the day of the jubilee dawned. At 10 o'clock a. m. the Rt. Rev. F. J. L. Beckman, D. D., Bishop of Lincoln and Apostolic Administrator of Omaha, celebrated a Pontifical High Mass, at which the Rev. Theobald Kalamaja was assistant priest, P. Wolfgang Kraus, O. F. M., and Wenceslaus Krzycki, O. F. M., deacons, P. Ludger and P. Flavius Kraus, O. F. M., masters of ceremonies and Father Cyriac Stempel, O. F. M., the orator of the day; a beautiful address by the Rt. Rev. Bishop followed. At noon dinner was served in St. Bonaventure's school. At 8 p. m. a banquet attended by about 200 parishioners was served in the Maennerchor hall. Dr. F. H. Morrow acted as toastmaster.

The speakers were: Rev. Theobald Kalamaja who declared that the years he spent at Columbus (1903-1906) were the happiest of his priestly life; Fr. Gratian Gehrig; Mr. John Byrnes, who spoke on annual events and called upon those who had been present at the dedication of the church fifty years ago to arise--about a dozen responded; Fr. Hilary, of Chicago, who reminded his hearers of the sacrifices of the Franciscan Sisters, whose labors had helped to make the parish a success, and urged them to remember in their prayers those gone home. Fr. Cyriac, who spoke in a light vein for a time, and also requested his hearers to remember the work of the Sisters. Fr. Cyril Mitera, O. F. M.,

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a former pupil of St. Bonaventure's and the first priest from Platte county, who said his first Mass at Columbus, July 4, 1899, paid a tribute especially to Sisters Josepha, Agnes and Agnella. Of the Joliet Sisters, who taught the school 1878-1882, Ven. Sr. Blanche and Sr. Stanislaus are among the living.

Fr. Charles thanked the Rt. Rev. Bishop for his presence and read a list of the pastors and asked to remember the dead.

Father Rembert Stanowski, O. F. M., a former pastor (1906-'07) could not be present, nor Rev. Leander Conley, a former parishioner, who was ordained June 25, 1919. Other Fathers who attended the celebration were: Father Athanase, assistant pastor, Frs. Liborius, Flavius, Sigismund, Othmar, Maximilian, Germain, Albert, Justinian, Erwin, Rt. Rev. Sinne and Nicholas Wegener, of Omaha and Rev. John Mueller of Columbus.

ST. BONAVENTURE'S FRIARY, A MONASTERY, REV. ATHANASE STECK, O. F. M.,
FIRST GUARDIAN

The Provincial Chapter held in August, 1927, under the presidency of Very Rev. Hugoline Storff, O. F. M., erected many new Monasteries including the Columbus and Humphrey, Nebraska, friaries. Rev. Athanase Steck, for six years assistant at Columbus, was elected the first guardian. On January 4, 1929, he exchanged positions with Rev. Fr. Eugene, guardian of the Humphrey friary.

Junior Holy Name Society, Columbus, Neb.

Rev. Isidore Fosselmann, O. F. M., definitor of the province, was appointed pastor and dean of Platte county. He held a successful bazaar, celebrated his silver sacerdotal jubilee in June, 1928, in presence of Very Rev. Provincial Vincent Schrempp, O. F. M., a class mate, and introduced the Parent-Teacher Association. Unable to cope with the financial situation (the floating and indebtedness rapidly increased with lack of adequate support on the part of many parishioners, Fr. Isidore resigned and was transferred to the friary at West Park, Cleveland, Ohio, August 3, 1930. Fr. Liborius Breitenstein was rendered unfit for any work by a serious illness and transferred to St. Louis hospital. Rev. Salvator Wegemer, O. F. M., is pastor since August, 1930.

The chapter of July, 1930, made many changes. Fr. Salvator Wegemer was appointed guardian, pastor and temporary dean. He has labored strenuously by means of a drive to gain subscriptions payable in three annual installments to pay off the large floating indebtedness.

In January, 1929, Fr. Erwin Huntscha, O. F. M., was appointed assistant pastor and labored strenuously among other things instructing many converts till his health gave way. Rev. Edmund Patternsom (sic) succeeded him in July, 1929. Father Max Klotzbucher, O. F. M., is chaplain of St. Mary's Hospital and Rev. Casimir Wisniewski, O. F. M., is pastor of St. Anthony's.

The community of St. Bonaventure's friary also numbers two brothers: Brother Lawrence Klonowski, O. F. M., the sacristan and gardener, and Bro. Capistran Gerbracht, cook and doorkeeper.

The missions of Duncan and Platte Center were turned over to the diocese on August 4th, 1930.

THE COLUMBUS DEANERY

Columbus was the seat of the Platte county deanery for many years, at least since spring, 1892, or earlier. On April 26, 1892, a conference was held in the presence of the Rt. Rev. Bishop R. Scannell and with Rev. P. Pacific presiding

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and Rev. J. F. Hayes as secretary. The priests belonging to the Deanery were: P. Pacificus Kohnen, P. Rudolph Horstmann, P. Rufinus Moehle, Rev. Julius Devos, Rev. Gleason, Rev. Hayes, Rev. O'Reilly, P. Anastase Czech, P. Marcelline Kollmeyer, P. Ladislaus Czech, P. Valentine Dorenkemper, P. Titus Hugger, P. Salvator Lehmann and Rev. John Mueller, and P. Patrick Degraa.

After the roll call P. Pacificus gave a very interesting talk on the necessity of study. First he explained the object to the conference, quoted from the Council of Baltimore ordering Conferences to be held in every diocese in America. He also quoted the decrees of Pope Benedict XIV. Then Fr. Pacific read the rules regulating the conference. Papers were read by Father O'Reilly and by Fr. Ladislaus. Fathers Titus and Hayes had papers on moral theology. A chapter from the statutes of the diocese was read by P. Pacificus. The papers were then assigned for the next conference, whereupon the conference adjourned.

As a rule one of the priests also had to preach a short sermon. Later on, at one of the conferences, one of the pastors had to read the history of his parish. A copy, it seems, had to be sent in to the Diocesan Archives. Thus we find that on May 3, 1909, in presence of the Rt. Rev. R. Bishop Scannell, P. Marcelline read the history of the Columbus parish.

Since then the pastors of St. Bonaventure generally were deans of the Columbus district, though the diocesan clergy were in the year 19?? assigned to some other district. The last Franciscan dean was the Rev. Salvator Wegemer, O. F. M., who served as temporary dean until The Rt. Rev. Bishop Rummel in December, 1930, appointed the Very Rev. J. L. Zaplotink, D. J. C., as dean of the Lindsay (Platte county) District.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF PASTORS

REV. AMBROSE JANSSEN, O. F. M. HIS YOUTH

John William Janssen was born in Suesterseel, Kreis Hernsberg, Regierungbezirk, Aachen, Germany, on July 25, 1838. The pastor at Suesterseel gave him the following testimonials before his entry into the Franciscan order: "John William Janssen, lawful son of Theodore Janssen and Catherine Neys Janssen, received the sacrament of Baptism in this church on July 25, in the year 1838, and the sacrament of Confirmation by His Excellency, Dr. Baudry, on May 8, 1852, in the parochial church of St. Lambert in Hoengen. I am pastor of this place for almost eight years. Soon after my coming I became acquainted with William Janssen. His uncle served here as teacher and sacristan, and whenever the latter was prevented from fulfilling his charge, William performed the office of sacristan to my greatest satisfaction. His behavior was exemplary in every respect. About six years ago he commenced work at the postoffice of Gellenkirchen. Here he gained the full confidence of all his superiors, who frequently told me what perfect satisfaction he was giving. After three years of service in the post office, John Janssen was drafted for military training. When this time had expired, a position in the post office again was open for him, as I was informed by an official in high standing. But John Janssen has made up his mind differently. Although a sufficient livelihood was assured him by his work in the post office, he nevertheless wished to exchange the official uniform with the friar's cowl. I can only issue the very best testimonials concerning his moral conduct; not the least that would be detrimental to his character being known to me. I am perfectly confident that he will prove a worthy member of the Franciscan Order.

"Suesterseel, February 27, 1863. Father Schrey, Pastor."

MILITARY SERVICE

John William Janssen served in the 5th Westphalian Regiment from July 28, 1859, until the end of August, 1862, after which he was discharged with honor. During the winter from 1862 to 1863 he took private lessons in Latin with a student of theology by the name of Franz Stiene. This was at Warendorf.

J. W. JANSSEN LEAVES FOR AMERICA

Together with Brother Caesar Engel and two other candidates, Carl Kapp and Anthony Feldmann, John William Janssen arrived from Europe, at Teutopolis, Illinois, on June 13, 1863. John Janssen was invested as Frater Ambrose on June 28th of that year. On June 29, 1864, he made his simple vows, which were followed by solemn profession on August 12, 1867. On December 4, 1868, he was ordained priest by the Most Reverend Peter Richard Kenrick in St. Louis.

EARLY PRIESTLY LABORS

Towards the end of the year a residence was founded in Effingham, Illinois, and Father Ambrose was placed there as assistant to Father Servatius Altmicks. The Sigel mission was entrusted to him. The residence was discontinued in 1871, and Father Ambrose was sent to Memphis, Tennessee, to take the place of Father Killian Schloesser, who had been made praeses of Cleveland.

In Memphis, Father Ambrose "undertook to

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build a new residence for the community west of the church. Heretofore the Fathers and Brothers lived in a small cottage, which was subsequently sold and removed by its new owner to Saffran and Maxwell Streets. Father Ambrose labored successfully in St. Mary's Church for two years, assisted by Rev. Dominic Droessler."--Memphis Year Book, 1907.

At the meeting of the Discretes of the Commissariat on July 16, 1873, he was transferred to Quincy monastery. In Quincy he had charge of St. Anthony's parish until January, 1877. In 1875 he was made vicar of the monastery.

LABORS IN NEBRASKA--AT COLUMBUS

During the last months of 1876 the Vicar Apostolic of Nebraska, Bishop J. O'Connor, offered the Franciscans four counties of his vast diocese, namely Platte, Madison, Butler and Polk counties, with a residence at Columbus. This offer was accepted by the Franciscan Provincial, Gregory Janknecht, and Father Ambrose, together with Fathers Anselm Puetz, was sent to Columbus.

FOUNDING ST. BERNARD'S COLONY AND PARISH

Towards the end of 1877, the Burlington and Missouri River Railroad reserved for Father Ambrose a tract of 30,000 acres, mostly in Platte county, partly in Madison county, for the purpose of starting a Catholic settlement. The land had to be sold within two years.

Through the efforts of B. Schroeder and Fr. Ambrose a number of Catholic settlers bought land at a price of from $2.40 to $6.00 an acre. The details of the building of the St. Bernard settlement are given in the sketch of that parish.

IN CHASKA, MINNESOTA, QUINCY, ILLINOIS, HERMANN, MISSOURI, JOLIET, ILLINOIS

In August, 1880, Father Ambrose was transferred to Chaska, Minnesota, where he ministered to the parish of St. Hubert in Chanhassen from 1880 to 1885. At the chapter of 1885, he was again appointed vicar of the Quincy monastery and magister of clerics. He remained in this position until July, 1886, when he was made praeses and pastor of Hermann, Missouri, Rev. Felix Hosbach, who had been superior there for many years, having returned to the Old Province. Father Ambrose acted as pastor and praeses of Hermann from 1886 until December, 1898, when he was made first vicar of the new Indianapolis monastery.

At the September chapter of 1903, he was assigned to Joliet, Illinois, but was soon transferred to St. Joseph's church, Cleveland, Ohio, in December, 1904, and at the end of three years, to St. Louis, Missouri. The chapter of December, 1910, sent him to St. Augustine's, in the Order, June 28, 1912 or 1913. In December, 1913, he was assigned to West Park. His mind was now gradually beginning to weaken and he imagined that continual dangers were lurking for him on all sides. He was transferred to St. Augustine in July, 1916, but in 1917 it was necessary to take him to the asylum of the Alexian Brothers in St. Louis, where he suffered quietly until death relieved him of his heavy cross.

Chicago, where he celebrated his golden jubilee

Father Ambrose was a pious and conscientious priest and religious, still humbly asking for prayers when his mind was already clouded.--R. I. P.

REV. WENDELIN GRAUTE, O. F. M.

Fr. Wendelin Graute was a native of Germany, where he first saw light on June 24, 1832. He took the habit of the Poverello of Assisi on December 3, 1853, was ordained December 19, 1859, and for a time he was stationed at Werl; and came to the United States in summer, 1875. After excellent work at Chaska and a brief stay at Columbus, he returned to Europe in 1881, where he labored at Dingelstedt and various places and died at Warendorf.--R. I. P.

REV. DOMINIC FLORIAN, O. F. M.

Rev. Dominic Florian, O. F. M., was a native of Ziegenhals, in Germany. Henry Florian, this was Fr. Dominic's secular name, was born on March 15, 1837. After he had completed the elementary course, he was sent by his parents, Francis Xavier and Bertha Margraf Florian, to a school of agriculture. As a young man he took the position of an "economist" (verwalter or manager) of a large estate of a wealthy landowner. But tired of worldly pursuits, Henry applied at the age of thirty-three for admission into the Order of St. Francis. He was invested at Warendorf, Westphalia, on March 19, 1870. The fervent novice, with four lay Brothers, was then sent as recruit to the American Mission. They arrived in New York on May 31, 1870. On March 20, 1871, Fr. Dominic made his profession at Teutopolis. After finishing his studies in Quincy and St. Louis, he was ordained priest on April 19, 1874, two days after his solemn profession. His first sphere of activity was Sigel, Illinois. In 1879 he was elected guardian and pastor of Teutopolis. After two years, he was appointed pastor and praeses of Columbus 1881-1882, where he remained but a year. After one year in St. Louis, he was sent to Chaska, Minnesota, in 1883. For nine years he attended Waconia, 1883-1892, and for four years

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St. Benedict's parish, the latter from Jordan, 1892-1896. After short stays at Teutopolis and Washington, Missouri, he was, in December, 1898, made assistant at Joliet. For ten years he worked faithfully at the side of Fr. Polycarp until in December, 1908, Fr. Dominic was made praeses of the friary at Washington, Missouri. After about two years he returned to Joliet, Illinois.

Fr. Florian passed to his reward March 26, 1916, in the 80th year of his age, the 46th of his religious profession and the 42nd of his priesthood.

He was a friend of children, a good religious and zealous priest.--R. I. P.

REV. SERAPHIN (GERARD) LAMPE, O. F. M.

Father Seraphin Lampe was born at Ankum, Diocese of Osnabrueck, in Hanover, Germany, on March 18, 1848. In his youth he came with his family to Southern Illinois, made his classical studies at Teutopolis, joined the Franciscan Order, August 12, 1870, and took his simple vows on August 13, 1871. His ordination to the priesthood occurred on July 18, 1878. Fr. Seraphin labored at Columbus, Nebraska, having charge of the missions in Butler county; then administered St. Bonaventure's parish (1882-1887) and built the eastern part of the present brick church. From January 1, 1887, till summer, 1888, he was guardian and pastor at Teutopolis. Other fields of labor were: St. Peter's, Chicago, till August, 1892. Here he escaped death in an almost miraculous manner. One day he was sitting in his chair reading a newspaper, which suddenly dropped from his hands. While he stooped to pick it up, a bullet fired from a house of ill-fame across the street just passed over his head and remained imbedded in the wall. He was sent, in August, 1892, to San Francisco, California, and ordered to organize St. Elizabeth's parish, Oakland, California. After laboring at Watsonville, California, April, 1897, till September, 1900; at Quincy, Illinois; again at Columbus, Nebraska; as first Franciscan pastor and superior, at St. Boniface, Sioux City, Iowa; assistant at Quincy; Pastor and Superior at Hermann Missouri (from January, 1911, till 1914), Fr. Seraphin returned to the Pacific Coast, labored at Portland, Oregon, at St. Francis, Sacramento, and St. Anthony's at San Francisco, California. When the new Franciscan Province of Santa Barbara was erected on the Pacific Coast, Fr. Seraphin was appointed first Vice-Provincial. Meanwhile a severe and painful illness heroically borne had been sapping his life's strength. To the surprise of his friends he passed away after an operation at St. Joseph's Hospital, San Francisco, on December 14, 1918. Solemn obsequies were held from St. Anthony's church, December 18, the Very Rev. Provincial Hugolinus celebrated the solemn requiem, while the Most Rev. Archbishop Hanna, D. D., pronounced the words of absolution. Interment was made in the Catholic cemetery at Oakland.--R. I. P.

For Biographies of Rev. Mauritius Baukholt, O. F. M., and of Rev. Pacificus Kohnen, O. F. M., see Historical Sketch of St. Joseph's Parish, Omaha, Nebraska, at the end of this book.

REV. MARCELLINE KOLLMEYER, O. F. M.

Fr. Marcelline Kollmeyer was the son of John Kollmeyer and Elizabeth Stuckenschnieder. He was born in Quincy, Illinois, on June 26, 1862. After finishing the parochial school in 1875, he worked for a year, and then entered Quincy College. In 1881, having finished the fifth class, he departed for the novitiate together with John Czech. He was invested on July 9, 1881, and made his profession July 15, 1882. After a year of humaniora he returned to Quincy to study philosophy. He made his solemn profession on August 8, 1885, and was then promoted to theology. Having been ordained priest by Archbishop Kenrick, on May 6, 1888, he said his first Mass in St. Francis' Church in Quincy, on Ascension Day, May 10.

The first appointment of Fr. Marcelline in 1889, was that of assistant at St. Antony's church, St. Louis. In the following spring, after catching a severe cold which threatened to develop into a serious ailment, he was sent to Humphrey, Nebraska, where he attended Madison in 1890-1894, also Raeville. In 1896, he was made praeses and pastor of Columbus. After 5 years, at the December chapter in 1901, he was transferred to his native city to take charge of St. Joseph's parish in Palmyra, Missouri. At the chapter of 1906 he was appointed to Washington, Missouri. He was again made praeses and pastor of Columbus, December 30, 1907. In 1912 he changed parishes with Fr. Cyriac, pastor of Platte Center, both remaining in Columbus. At the close of 1913, he was appointed praeses of St. Mary's at Memphis. From Memphis Fr. Marcelline went to Sioux City in July, 1916. At the December chapter of 1917 he was elected Guardian of Indianapolis. As such he had charge of the Good Shepherd's Convent.

Fr. Marcelline, who had been ailing for some time, passed away suddenly. When, in the morning of March 5, 1920, he was missing at the customary morning devotions of the community, a brother went to his room and saw the light still burning from the previous evening. The body, clad with the habit, lay lifeless on the bed. The doctor testified that death

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evidently had set in about eight hours before he was found dead. The burial took place Saturday, March 6, the Rt. Rev. Bishop Chartrand pronouncing the final absolution and Rev. Joseph Gavisk delivering a touching funeral oration.

Fr. Marcelline was "very stout of body, always of a very congenial and bright disposition, a humble religious, who sought neither renown nor publicity, ever faithful to his duty."--R. I. P.

REV. THEOBALD KALAMAJA, O. F. M.

Michael Kalamaja was a native of Lubostrom, diocese of Gnesen, Prussia (now Poland). His birth occurred August 20, 1868. His parents were Joseph K. and Frances nee Kachelska. The family immigrated to South Bend, Indiana. After absolving the ordinary parochial school, Michael attended St. Joseph's college, Teutopolis, Illinois, was received into the Franciscan Order July 27, 1889, made his simple profession July 28, 1890, and on completion of the required studies was ordained priest, June 24, 1895. When Fr. Ladislaus Czech suffered an attack of typhoid fever, Fr. Theobald was made, in 1896, pastor of the Polish Immaculate Conception church in Omaha and remained in charge until September, 1903. He founded St. Francis de Paula church in South Omaha. His next field of labor was Columbus, Nebraska, as superior and pastor at St. Bonaventure's church. The new pastor speaks English, Polish and German fluently. Already in April, 1906, he was sent to Cleveland, where he labored zealously

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