NEGenWeb Project
Church/Catholic
Franciscans

ly life. In spite of continual and acute suffering he remained faithfully at his post. Although highly gifted by nature and held in great esteem by all, he realized clearly the emptiness of worldly greatness and his childlike faith and trust in God that had been his main-stay in life, along afforded him consolation on his bed of pain. His last sermon were words he spoke to Fr. Germain after submitting to a painful operation, "Foolish is he who turns away from God". He passed away Nov. 19, 1915, at Minneapolis. Fr. Germain officiated at the funeral at Chaska, where the remains were interred in the parish cemetery.--R. I. P.

REV. FLORENTIUS KURZER, O. F. M.,
MARCH, 1894-JANUARY, 1899

THE DRY YEAR, 1894

Fr. Rufinus was to have the Rev. Paschal Nolte, O. F. M., as his successor; but owing to sickness Fr. Paschal was replaced by the Rev. Florence Kurzer, O. F. M. On Passion Sunday, March 11th, he delivered his first sermon. The first year of his administration was "the Dry Year" of 1894. Awful storms, which scattered the seed sown from the fields, were followed by late frosts, which fully killed the germinating seed. The frosts were superseded in July by scorching winds, which burned up the poorly vegetating corn and add to this a long enduring dryness as the floodgates of heaven were devoid of rain-such were the frightful experiences of that ever memorable year, which so discouraged many farmers of Nebraska, including those of this neighborhood, so that they left the State of Nebraska. Men and stock were famishing, even the trees were dying. To make matters worse, diseases broke out especially among the children, eighteen of whom succumbed to the grim reaper. No wonder that at the beginning of winter the cash was missing to defray the running expenses, so that many saw themselves compelled to borrow money at exorbitant rates of interest. Anxiously the settlers looked forward to the winter season. But things, thanks to Divine Providence, turned out less woeful than had been expected. The winter was dry and mild and the stock fed on the grass in the field. Great was the relief, when the long desired spring finally put in its appearance and gave promise of a better year, which fond hope was realized.

IMPROVEMENTS

But the good farmers did not forget their church during the hard times; they rather clung more than ever to it, for as an ancient saying has it: "Noth lehrt beten", i. e. "Necessity teaches people to pray," and the Catholic's house of prayer is especially his church.

A "processional way" was laid out and planted with an alley of trees. Mr. Jacob Weidner, Hy. Schaecher, Simon Braun and Martin Wagner erected along it suitable chapels and furnished them. The church was also covered with a new roof, for which, however, the money had to be borrowed. Besides, a new melodious organ was installed at a cost of $1,250. It came from the workshop of Mr. Schuelke, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Mr. Joseph Drueppel, a fine cabinet maker, furnished a number of oaken pews for church. Mr. Jacob Weidner, one of the greatest benefactors of St. Bernard's church, donated a fine Christmas crib with figures from the Daprato Statuary Company in Chicago. Brother Damian made the stable for the same. In 1898 the Ladies' Society donated a fine carpet for the sanctuary. At this time the church lot and the cemetery were fenced in with a fine iron fence.

Nor was Fr. Florentius oblivious of the spiritual needs of the parish. Hence he invited the Franciscan Fathers Servatius Rasche and Daniel Finkenhoefer to preach a mission (December 8th-15th, 1895), which was very successful. Among other results 76 persons were received into the Third Order of St. Francis. On September 21, 1894, Rt. Rev. Bishop Scannell confirmed 78 children at St. Bernard.

In January, 1899, Fr. Florence was called by obedience to Humphrey and the vacancy at St. Bernard was filled by the

REV. HERBERT STOTTER, O. F. M.,
JANUARY, 1899-DECEMBER 27, 1901

Fr. Herbert came from Hermann, Missouri, and for two years he devoted himself with ardor to his charge. Humble, pious, and deeply interested in every one, he won the respect and love of all. He introduced a number of societies: the Society of the Holy Family, the Confraternity of the Holy Rosary. The document is dated Rome, Nov. 3, 1901.

OPENING A FOURTH CLASS ROOM

As the number of pupils kept on increasing, Fr. Herbert, in the beginning of April, 1900, opened a fourth class room. He also purchased new school desks and imported four new society banners. Mr. and Mrs. Clement (Teresa) Niebur donated a devotional statuary group of the Holy Family. On May 16, 1899, one hundred and nine children were confirmed by the Rt. Rev. Bishop Scannell. In January, 1902, Fr. Herbert was transferred to Minnesota.

Fr. Herbert (William) Stotter was born May 30, 1857, at Rinkerode, Diocese of Muenster, Westphalia, came to America in 1875 and made his classical studies at Teutopolis, Illinois. He entered the novitiate March 19, 1877; was or-

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dained priest April 26, 1886, labored in Nebraska July, 1893-August, 1896, attending St. John Nepomucene's church on Shell Creek and St. Francis de Sales at Schoolcraft, and organized the parish of Lindsay. He was then sent to Hermann, Missouri. From January, 1900-January, 1902, he was pastor of St. Bernard's whence he was sent to Jordan, Minnesota. There he had charge of Union Hill. Towards the end of 1930, owing to ill health, he was sent to St. Louis, Missouri. He is now at Indianapolis, Indiana.

REV. STANISLAU5 RIEMANN, O. F. M.,
JANUARY, 1902-1908

In 1902 Mr. Jacob Weidner donated a third bell weighing 1500 lbs. named St. Bernard. Fr. Florence blessed the same. The sponsors were: Jacob, Edward and Anton Weidner, Henry Niebur and the four trustees: Messrs. M. Wagner, Fred Sueper, Jacob North and Henry Beierman. The Latin inscription of the bells reads: "Jacob Weidner gave me. Pray for him and his family." Mr. J. Weidner also donated a statue of St. Jacob, the Apostle, and ten other statues, all carved of wood: St. Bonaventure, Paschal Baylon, St. Bernard, St. Philomena, St. John Capistran, St. Aloysius, St. Louis, St. Rose of Lima, St. Elizabeth and the Guardian Angel. These statues were blessed on May 10, 1903. On this occasion the eloquent Raynerius Dickneite, O. F. M., ex-missionary, delivered the sermon. In the year following Mr. Martin Wagner donated a fine altar for the Corpus Christi chapel. The expenditure was $115.

THE TWENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SETTLEMENT OF ST. BERNARD--1903

The celebration on the twenty-fifth anniversary of the settling of the St. Bernard and organizing of the parish was held Wednesday, September 30th and Thursday, October 1, 1903. A number of original St. Bernard settlers were still about and recalled many interesting experiences of a quarter of a century before, when under the leadership of Father Ambrose Jansen and B. Schroeder, they settled at St. Bernard and turned the raw prairie into the present productive farms. These men had lived to see their children and grandchildren grow to maturity and settle about them.

Wednesday morning solemn High Mass was sung at St. Bernard's church. Fr. Cyprian delivered the sermon. After Mass, a picnic was held, dinner was served by the Sisters and the ladies of the parish in the grove adjoining the church. Supper was also served by them. In the afternoon such sports as baseball, bowling and target shooting, etc., were indulged in. A large crowd from the surrounding towns and community was present both days. On Thursday a solemn Requiem was celebrated for the deceased parishioners. In the afternoon the children gave an entertainment.

All the former pastors of St. Bernard save the venerable Fr. Ambrose Janssen were present for the celebration. Fr. Ambrose was unable to attend on account of ill health. All were justly proud of the progress made in the quarter century of existence. The splendid church, school, and parish grounds were the most striking evidence of the steady advancement made from the time the first little frame church was erected on the prairie.

SUMMARY

Since the beginning of St. Bernard's parish in 1878 till 1903, 960 children were baptized, 378 admitted to first communion, 491 confirmed, 143 couples were married and 277 persons interred. Among the latter was Mr. B. Schroeder, who with Fr. Ambrose founded St. Bernard. Mr. Schroeder passed away suddenly near Windhorst, Texas, on July 15, 1892, but was interred at St. Bernard.--R. I. P.

The following societies then existed in the parish:

I. THE THIRD ORDER OF ST. FRANCIS

Two persons were received on October 4, 1880, viz., John Kaus and Christina Schmitz, who with Killian Ottis, Catherine Ottis, Margaret Kaus, Teresa Niebur and Elizabeth Gilsdorf already received elsewhere, formed the nucleus of the later flourishing branch of the Third Order. From 1882-1895 about 63 more were received into the Third Order. At the close of the mission preached by Fathers Servatius Rasche, O. F. M., and Daniel Finkenhoefer, O. F. M., on December 15, 1895, the Third Order received an increase of 86 members. On April 1, 1903, there were 113 Tertiaries. Mr. Henry Schaecher was for many years the prefect of the Third Order.

II. THE SACRED HEART MEN SOCIETY

Its purpose is to instill into the men the right religious spirit, devotion to the Sacred Heart and to collect funds for the buildings. This society was organized during the rectorship of the Rev. Pancratius, O. F. M. Its first officers, elected on July 31, 1880, were: John Albracht, president; Simon Braun, vice-president; Michael Schaefer, treasurer; H. Gilsdorf, secretary, and Matthew Schaefer, marshall. The society went to Communion in a body four times a year. On August 27, 1899, the Society joined the German Roman Catholic Central Verein.

III. ST. ANNE SOCIETY FOR MARRIED LADIES

St. Anne Society for married ladies was or-

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ganized on April 1, 1880, and numbered 35 members in the second year. It is the oldest society and the strongest in the parish and has done much, for the beauty of the house of God and for the promotion of the Catholic spirit in the homes. The first officers were Mrs. Elizabeth Weiand, president; Christina Schmidt, vice president; Emma Kunz, secretary, and Mrs. Mrs. Rose Weiser, treasurer. The ladies have been loyal to the purpose of their society and have done great things for the house of God. They have monthly meetings and monthly communion. On March 19, 1883, the society was affiliated with the Archconfraternity of the Christian Mothers at Paris. Mrs. M. Diederich was since president of St. Anne's society for 22 years.

IV. ST. CLARE YOUNG LADIES' SOCIETY

St. Clare Young Ladies' Society was organized December 8, 1884. Duties: Daily recitation of the Hail Holy Queen, one Our Father and Hail Mary. In 1903 the Sodality numbered 70 members. The officers then were: Misses Agtha Al-

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bracht, Mary Huseman, Teresa Engelbert, and Augusta Sueper.

The young ladies, too, have contributed their mite for the splendor of divine worship and the adornment of the house of God.

V. ST. ANTHONY'S YOUNG MEN SODALITY

St. Anthony's Young Men Sodality was organized in spring, 1885. The first reception occurred on the Sunday Quinquagesima. In 1887 the Sodality numbered 53 members. Frank Buettner, Wm. Schaecher, Math. Ramaekers, Henry Niebur and John Ottis were the first officers. The society has aided the parish financially by the number of entertainments given for the benefit of the parish. At first the Sodalists received Communion four times a year, now every month.

VI. THE CONFRATERNITY OF THE SACRED HEART

The Confraternity of the Sacred Heart, whose object is the devotion to the Divine Heart of Jesus, also exists in the parish.

VII. THE CONFRATERNITY OF THE SACRED HEART OF MARY FOR THE CONVERSION OF SINNERS

This Confraternity was erected during the incumbency of Rev. Pancratius, but Fr. Herbert Stotter did much to spread the society. In April, 1903, the enrollment was 285 members.

VIII. THE SOCIETY OF THE HOLY FAMILY

The Society of the Holy Family was introduced by Rev. Herbert Stotter a short time befor (sic) his departure. The purpose, which Pope Leo XIII had in founding this society, was to instill into the modern family some of the spirit of the Holy Family of Nazareth. In April, 1903, there were 53 families with 384 persons enrolled.

IX. THE CONFRATERNITY OF THE SCAPULAR OF OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL
X. THE SOCIETY OF THE HOLY CHILDHOOD

The Society of the Holy Childhood organized in France at Paris in 1843 by the Rt. Rev. Forbin-Janson, Bishop of Nancy, to direct children in the practical works of charity and to recite prayers and contribute their mite for the baptism and education of Chinese children, who are cast off by their parents.

XI. THE ST. JOSEPH'S COURT OF CATHOLIC FORESTERS

The St. Joseph's Court of Catholic Foresters was organized August 15, 1897, with twenty members. In 1903 about 37 members belonged to this Mutual Benefit Association. The first officers were: Joseph Husemann, chief ranger; August Krampe, ranger; Nicholas Braechle, financial secretary; J. M. Jostes, corresponding secretary; Fred Smith, treasurer; August Sueper and Henry Niebur, marshals. Trustees were: Paul Van Ackeren, M: J. Ramaekers and Mathias Heck.

A number of parishioners in 1930 belong to the Ave Maria Council K. of C. at Humphrey.

On February 27, 1906, the congregation was incorporated as "St. Bernard's Church of Platte County." Besides the Rt. Rev. Bishop, Msgr. a Colaneri and Fr. Stanislaus Rieman, the pastor, Messrs. Fred Sueper and Hy. Beiermann were the incorporators.

THE CEMETERY

The cemetery, comprising 12 acres, is a gift of Mr. Bernard Schroeder. The deed is dated October 6, 1880. The road to the cemetery, which is 20 feet in width and 2,026 feet in length, is likewise the gift of Mr. B. Schroeder. The deed was made out in September, 1901. An addition to this road (10x1922 feet) was purchased later from M. Backes ($100), and from John and Frances Pinger.

ST. BERNARD SCHOOL, A FREE SCHOOL

ERECTION OF SOCIETY HALL AND CHILDREN'S DORMITORIES

Since 1907 St. Bernard's school has been a free school for parishioners, who pay pew rent and church dues. In 1904 Society Hall (26x62 feet) and a dormitory for girls (26x40) and a dormitory for boys (22x26) and an addition to the Sisters' residence were put up. On November 27th the hall was dedicated. The statue of St. Joseph, which decorated the front of the hail, was donated by Joseph Mueck. It now adorns the park near the monastery while the guardian angel statue keeps watch also over the new school. In this year another Corpus Christi altar was donated by Mrs. Elizabeth Gilsdorf ($60).

A TRIDUUM IN HONOR OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION

A triduum in honor of the Immaculate Conception was held October 30 to November 1, 1904. In this year it was fifty years that the doctrine of the Immaculate Conception was declared a dogma. All parishioners received the Sacraments.

DEATH OF SR. M. CONSTANTIA ECKROAT, O. S. FR.

Death of Sr. M. Constantia Eckroat, O. S. Fr., superior and organist, occurred on February 6, 1905. A solemn Requiem was held February 8th,

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whereupon the remains were interred in St. Bonaventure's cemetery at Columbus.--R. I. P. In April of this year a new iron fence, purchased from the Badger Wire and Iron Company of Milwaukee, Wisconsin (cost $139) was put up by the people on the north side of the church.

A SUCCESSFUL HOLY MISSION

A successful Holy Mission, December 10-17th, 1905, was held by Fathers, Francis Haase, O. F. M., and Titus Hugger, O. F. M.

An unknown benefactor donated a chandelier since replaced by electric lights. In summer, 1906, Mr. Nick Stoeffel of Humphrey laid the concrete sidewalks around the church and school premises. Mrs. Frances Melcher donated a new sanctuary lamp ($150). The Lourdes Grotto was erected during the octave of Pentecost, Mr. Heiman having donated $80 towards the same. In 1907 John Huseman gave a white chasuble and Joseph Mueck a red one, both vestments were imported from Kevelaer in Germany. In March following, Hy. Wegner presented two marble Holy Water fonts.

ERECTION OF THE NEW FRIARY, A. D. 1908

In 1908, when the growing Lindsay parish began to aspire for the erection of a Franciscan Friary, Fr. Stanislaus, with the approval of the Very Rev. Provincial, requested Bro. Leonard Darscheidt, O. F. M., to draw up plans and specifications. The Monastery, including a winter chapel, cost $18,000, of which $12,000 were paid by the parish while the Very Rev. Provincial contributed 46,000. Before completion of the structure Fr. Stanislaus was transferred to Chicago, whence he returned to Humphrey in August, 1909, to assume charge of St. Mary's until summer, 1916.

BIOGRAPHY OF REV. STANISLAUS RIEMANN, O. F. M.

The first candidate of the Franciscan Order born at Teutopolis was Joseph Riemann. His parents were Gerard and Elizabeth (Meyer) Riemann, and little Joseph was ushered into the world December 2, 1850. Joseph Riemann was one of the first students of St. Joseph's College in 1862. After frequenting the College from 1862 to 1868, he was invested on Christmas Day, 1868, and received the name of Stanislaus. A year later he made his simple vows on the feast day of the Holy Innocents. When the Provincial, P. Gregory Janknecht, returned to Europe on February 23, 1870, after his visitation in America, he took Father Stanislaus with him, in order that the American-born frater might make his higher studies in Europe.

In the spring of 1875 Frater Stanislaus returned to America with P. Killian and P. Servatius, who had been in Europe in the interest of the American Commissariat. Holy priesthood was conferred on Frater Stanislaus, with eight more deacons, in St. Louis, on June 4, 1876. His first Mass was said in Teutopolis.

REV. ROMUALD RHEINDORFF, O. F. M.,
JANUARY, 1908-JANUARY, 1911

Fr. Romuald completed the monastery and endeavored to pay off some of the indebtedness of the building.

In June, 1909, a smallpox epidemic broke out at St. Bernard's, the germ being carried into that community, it is said, by a wedding guest. Ever since the contagion spread from house to house. The people preferred to suffer the disease and deal with it as best they could rather than stand a temporary isolation. Finally, county physician, W. S. Evans, was called and quarantined the homes of Wm. Herchenbach, Wm. Kurtenbach, John Schaecher, Hy. Buesch and Joseph Heinen. One Platte county man ran behind a barn when the county physician drove up and defied him by running into Madison county, where Dr. Evans was without authority and where there was no organized board of health. The case was reported to the State Board of Health.

DEATH OF BROTHER AEGIDIUS STECKLING, O. F. M.,
ON NOVEMBER 21, 1909

Joseph Steckling was born at St. Moritz, Muenster, Germany, January 13, 1854, the son of William Steckling and Catherine Keller Steckling. He was invested as tertiary on January 18, 1878, and professed January 19, 1879. His novitiate of the First Order was made under the guidance of Father Damasus Ruesing from July 15, 1882, to July 21, 1883. Solemn vows were pronounced in Quincy on April 16, 1887.

Brother Aegidius was employed as cook during his entire religious life. For a number of years he had charge of the large kitchen at Quincy Convent and College, which were then combined.--R. I. P.

REV. ROMUALD RHEINDORFF, O. F. M.,
(1856-1921)

Godfrey was the son of Anton and Cecilia KuhI Rheindorff, being born in Cologne (Coeln) on the Rhine, Germany, on the 22nd day of July, 1856. After making the required classical studies, Godfrey was invested at Warendorf, on March 19, 1875, and received the name of Romuald. In July of 1875, he came, with many other exiled friars, to the hospitable shores of the United States (when Bismark expelled the religious from Germany). He took his simple vows on March 31, 1876, and completed his studies. Having been ordained at St. Louis,

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May 12, 1883, he labored at Teutopolis, in charge of the Lillyville mission until in 1889; at Cleveland, Ohio, as assistant until 1890; at St. Louis, Mo., as curate at St. Anthony's; at Humphrey, Nebraska, as pastor of St. Mary's (where he erected the parsonage and in 1908 the brick school and Sisters' residence). He labored at St. Bernard's, Platte county, as superior and pastor until 1911. He was superior at Herman, Mo., where he erected the new monastery and church of St. George, and the new school. In 1916 he came to Humphrey to regain his health and remained until 1917, when he went to St. Louis and again to Herman, until 1921. Always sickly and of a nervous disposition, he was sent in August, 1921, to Indianapolis, Indiana, where he acted as vicar and assistant priest. An operation, which he underwent, caused his death. He passed away like a saint on November 8, 1921, ending a priestly career of thirty-nine years.

Father Romuald was a good German scholar, but never learned the English language perfectly, so that he found it very difficult to preach in English. He had considerable talent for drawing and painting and a number of smaller works and some larger ones are the fruit of this talent, v. g., a large painting of the Immaculate Conception, a copy of Master C. Klein at St. Mary's Hospital at Qincy (sic), Illinois. His former parishioners will never forget the kindly and zealous priest--R. I. P.

REV. CASIMIR HUEPPE, O. F. M.,
1912-1914

Fr. Casimir Hueppe came from Teutopolis, to replace Fr. Romuald. It seems that he was lonesome in a country parish like that of St. Bernard. He passed away on January 14, 1914.

Rev. Casmir (Bernard) Hueppe, O. F. M., was born at Attendorn, Westphalia, on November 3, 1849. On May 15, 1868, he became a son of the Seraphic St. Francis. In the trying days of the French-German war he, with many confreres, served as nurse of the sick and wounded soldiers. For this he later received a commemorative medal (Medaille fuer Pflichttreue im Kriege fuer Nichtkombattanten), of which decoration he was deservedly proud. In spring, 1875, he came to America with P. P. Killian Schloesser and Servatius Altmicks and a number of young confreres. On June 29th of this year he received Holy Orders and labored at Wien, Missouri; Jordan, Minnesota; Chaska, Minnesota (1885-1895), and Wien, Missouri (1896-1899). A staunch German, he always was a friend of the Central Verein and kindred organizations. From 1906-1909 he was Definitor of the Province. When, in 1912, he left Teutopolis, where he achieved great things by his stubborn determination (building the parish hall, remodelling (sic) the church, etc.), he was made pastor and superior at St. Bernard's, Nebraska, where he passed away almost suddenly. The cause of his death was a paralytic stroke to which he succumbed the following day, January 27, 1914.

Fr. Casimir was a humble and pious religious, averse to pomp, kind towards all, simple and pithy in preaching, devoted to the instruction of children and to the cause of the Catholic Societies. His lack of proficiency in the American language occasioned some amusing blunders.--R. I. P.

REV. CLEMENT MOORMAN, O. F. M.,
FEBRUARY, 1914-OCTOBER 16, 1915

Father Clement had the brick wall erected on the south side of the convent garden at an expenditure of $866. The new steam heating plant and coal bin in the friary caused an outlay of $2,000. A stage was put up in the parish hall ($700). After a brief illness Father Clement passed away on October 16, 1915.

Rev. Clement (John Herman Gerard) Moorman was born at Cincinnati, Ohio, on December 6, 1852. He was of a strong physical constitution and being a wide-awake youth, well knew the life and dangers, the aspirations and needs of the American people. Herman helped his father Gerard pack and ship government supplies during the crisis of the Civil war. While a student at St. Mary's Junior Seminary, Cincinnati, the outbreak of epidemics called for volunteer nurses and Herman joined them to administer the remedies prescribed by the doctors. At the age of 17 years he bid adieu to the world, to consecrate himself to the service of God and his fellowmen as a religious priest. He entered the Franciscan novitiate at Teutopolis on November 29, 1869, and took his simple vows on December 8, 1870. His ordination to the priesthood by Rt. Hey. P. Ryan at, St. Louis occurred on June 4, 1876. His First Mass he celebrated at Cincinnati. From 1876-1884 he was professor at Quincy, from 1884-1888 at Teutopolis, where, as at Quincy, he held the important office of subrector. At Memphis, Tennessee, 1888-1892, overwork shattered his nerves and caused his transfer to the Alexian Brothers Hospital, where he soon recovered. He now served for several years as the Provincial's secretary besides laboring for the care of souls. From 1893-1898 he again was a member of the faculty of St. Joseph's College, then served as vicar at the St. Louis friary, again as professor at the Quincy Franciscan College, 1903-1909, when he was sent to Los Angeles, California. From December, 1910February, 1911, he served as assistant in St. Anthony's parish at San Francisco. He was next appointed pastor of Lindsay, Nebraska, and succeeded Rev. Casimir

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Hueppe as rector and superior at St. Bernard in February, 1914. When a short but grave illness made death imminent, he told those about him, who thought he was about to die, that he would not die till eleven o'clock that Saturday morning, which really came true on October 16, 1915.

THE OBSEQUIES

Very Rev. Provincial Samuel Macke, O. F. M., assisted by Rev. Florence Kurzer, O. F. M., Rev. Edward Muenich of Madison, and Rev. Mester of Pierce as assistant priest, deacon and subdeacon, officiated at the funeral. Other priests present were: Rev. Victorin Hoffman of Columbus; Marcus Schludeker and Maurus Eberle; Simeon Freitag, Liborius Breitenstein, Rev. Wm. Jungles of Petersburg, Rev. James Meyer, O. F. M., Rev. Mulligan, of St. Edwards, Rev. Crowley, of Albion, and Ubald Otto, of Sioux City. The two brothers of the deceased, Joseph of Milhausen and Frank of Oldenburg, Indiana, also attended the funeral.

Father Clement, or "Clemie", as the students called him, who served as subrector both at Quincy and Teutopolis college, was a general favorite both because of his practical commercial methods and his sympathetic championship of the cause of the boys. At the same time his simple home remedies felt mighty good to the aching and ailing bodies of the poor student, who was referred to Fr. Clement's dispensary for repairs.

But even more than to the boys at College, Fr. Clement endeared himself to his parishioners and especially to the children, for whom he had not only always a word of cheer and a kindly smile, but often a piece of candy, some fruit, etc.

REV. CYRIAC STEMPEL, O. F. M.,
OCTOBER, 1915-AUGUST, 1921

Fr. Cyriac founded a building fund society in the year 1917. By July 1, 1918, a sum of $9,000 had been collected, which swelled to $30,000 by August, 1921, when he left for Dubuque, Iowa. His successor at St. Bernard was Rev. Germain Heinrichs, O. F. M.

REV. GERMAIN HEINRICHS, O. F. M.,
AUGUST 26, 1921-AUGUST, 1927

Fr. Germain installed an electric light plant for the church and monastery. The electric light was turned on for the first time on Christmas morning, 1921. His next undertaking was the building of a modern school. On February 9th, the pastor celebrated the last Holy Mass in the Sisters' chapel in the old school. The parishioners immediately began to tear down the old building. Work on the new school progressed rapidly. On Ascension Day, May 25th, 1922, the pastor laid the cornerstone of the new building and preached in German while Fr. Justinian, pastor of Lindsay, preached in English.

DEDICATION OF THE NEW SCHOOL

On Decoration Day, May 30, 1923, the splendid new school and Sisters' Convent was solemnly dedicated by the Most Rev. J. J. Harty, D. D., of Omaha. The solemn High Mass in the presence of the Archbishop was celebrated by Fr. Herbert Stotter and the impressive sermon was delivered by Fr. Cyriac Stempel. In the evening the school children gave an entertainment in the hall. The proceeds of the afternoon fastival (sic) held in the grove and of the entertainment amounted to $800.

The architects of the new school were Wurdeman & Co., of Columbus; Parker & Roberts had the contract; Dussel & Son installed the heating system and plumbing; Ovelveg & Hooge had the contract for the electric work. The total cost was $61,826.94.

Part of the funds for this fine school was raised by 73 parishioners donating each a fat hog. These were shipped to Omaha in January, 1923, and netted $1,128.12. By January 1, 1927, the whole indebtedness had been wiped out.

THE HAIL STORM

In summer, 1923, Fr. Germain made a trip to Europe to visit his relatives for the first time since he left his fatherland many years before. Meanwhile Rev. Alphonse Rhode, O. F. M., of Teutopolis, Illinois, was in charge of the parish. During the pastor's absence, on August 26, 1923, a terrible hail fell within the parish limits and in five minutes almost the whole crop was destroyed. It cost the parish $91 to replace the window panes that had been broken despite the hail screens that had been put up a few weeks previous at an expenditure of $431.75. This sum does not include the wages for labor.

THE FIRST MASS OF REV. AMBROSE PINGER, O. F. M.,
JUNE 29, 1924

Rev. Ambrose (Henry) Pinger was born at St. Bernard's in the house in which almost fifty years before his first Mass, the first Mass in the new colony of St. Bernard had been said. His nativity occurred on the 16th day of August, 1897. He attended St. Bernard school till 1910, finished a six year classical course at Teutopolis, Illinois, and was received into the novitiate there on June 18, 1917. In June, 1919, he pronounced his simple vows, resumed his studies (Humaniora or the Humanities) there for one year, completed the philosophical course at West Park, Ohio, and his theological studies

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