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Church/Catholic
Franciscans
con, Frater Athanase Steck, O. F. M., as master of ceremonies. Brother Solanus Pfeifer O. F. M., came from Harbor Springs, Michigan, to assist at his brother's first mass.
On June 17, 1917, the Most Rev. Harty, Bishop of Omaha, administered the Sacrament of Confirmation at Humphrey. In the evening he delivered an excellent speech at the banquet of the Knights of Columbus following the initiation of new members. On the preceding Thursday, the prelate had honored the commencement exercises of St. Francis School with his presence and, after a eulogy on the parish and its school, distributed the diplomas. On July 12, P. Eusebius Helle was transferred to Cleveland and succeeded by the Rev. Virus Braun in charge of St. Anthony's. Owing to ill health, he was soon replaced by the Rev. Simeon Freitag. On October 12, the Rev. Andrew Butzkueben, O. F. M., arrived at Humphrey and on November 22, he was made assistant to the Rev. Florentius in place of Fr. Maurus Eberle. In fall the school received a new galvanized gutter. The new pews for the winter chapel ($1,231.40) and two new confessionals were furnished by the Phillips Company, of Dubuque, Iowa, for $316. The old pews and confessionals were given to the Polish church at Columbus. In this year Mr. Anton Pelle donated a large and beautiful ciborium imported from Germany ($450).
Eighth Grade Pupils, St. Francis' School, Humphrey, Nebraska.
THE REV. ANDREW BUTZKUEBEN,
O. F. M.,
(July, 1918-August, 1921)
As a result of the war, the dreaded Spanish influenza (pestilence) made its appearance also at Humphrey and carried off a number of victims. Conditions became so bad that the church was closed from January 4th till 11th, the school from January 4th till January 21st, 1919. Mass was said at the school entrance. Many victims were snatched by the grim reaper during this epidemic, partly because many physicians had been requisitioned for military service. In the year 1919, the streets on and to the north and east of St. Francis' church were paved. The assessment for the church property was about $20,000.
THE GOLDEN JUBILEE CELEBRATION OF FATHER ANDREW'S
ENTRANCE INTO THE FRANCISCAN ORDER
A most impressive and colorful celebration took place in Humphrey, May 25, 1921, the occasion being the fiftieth anniversary of the religious profession of Rev. Andrew Butzkueben, O. F. M.
The event itself took weeks in the planning and rehearsing, the Rev. Assistant Humilis Zwiesler and the Sisters taking the lead. On the day itself, it seemed that the entire countryside, Protestant and Catholic alike, turned out to pay their respects to the man, who had labored so long and so faithfully in the vineyard of the Lord.
THE PROCESSION
The colorful procession commenced at 9:45 a. m., headed by three banners, the center of them being a beautiful United States flag.
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The line of the procession started from the school house, one block north, one block east, then south to the church, beautifully decorated with yellow and white streamers, while the altars were trimmed with yellow and white chrysanthemums.
At the head of the procession were Marcella Werner as the little bride, Elmer Eisenmenger carrying the staff, and Jerome Pfeifer the lighted candle, all preceding the automobile in which the aged pastor rode. Then followed fifty little girls dressed in yellow, one hundred girls in white, fifty boys in white and fifty altar boys, the clergy, the people of the parish and the visiting clergy.
THE MASS
After a quartette had sung an appropriate hymn, the jubilarian sang the Solemn High Mass. The choir was under the direction of Ven. Sister M. Basilia, O. S. Fr., and was assisted by the Humphrey Concert Band. Zangle's Mass was sung by the choir.
A very excellent sermon was delivered by Rev. Roger Middendorf, O. F. M., from Cleveland. Ohio, whereupon the Jubilarian renewed his vows.
AFTER THE MASS
About 1,000 people partook of the banquet, which was served by the ladies of the parish in the school dining room. The Reverend jubilarian was the guest of honor at this banquet, the visiting clergy also being special guests. At noon, as well as in the evening, the newly organized St. Francis. School Orchestra discoursed sweet melodies. In the afternoon, the Humphrey Concert Band furnished excellent music.
THE EVENING PROGRAM
The evening program was equally delightful. Professor J. J. Malone, in behalf of the parish, presented the Reverend Father with a handsome golden watch, beautifully engraved, and a fine buffalo coat, as a token of appreciation and remembrance. The Reverend Father, with a heart filled with gratitude, responded with a few words of thanks.
Then followed a Song with three voices, "Ring Out Ye Bells," a recitation by Lucille Eisenmenger.
"God's Little Garden," an Operetta. This was, undoubtedly, the most pleasing number on the program. Little children were costumed as flowers in a most natural manner, the colors blending most harmoniously, with Chas. Stapf and Leonard Steffes as the gardeners, Rose Stapf and Florence Hittner as Spring, Cecilia Steffes and Cecelia Brockhaus as the Sunbeams, Louise Onkels and Regina Fuchs as the Breeze, Apollonia Weidner as God's Messenger, Cecelia German and Bertha Fangman as the Guardian Angels, Marcella Werner as the Lily, and with many children costumed as the Golden Glows.
"The Scene from the Life of a Priest," was ably presented; the stage-setting and costuming were very charming. The actors were baby Braun as Infancy, Edwin Fangman as Childhood, Clarence Melcher as Choice, Henry Lohaus as Priesthood, Elsie Reinhart as Guardian Angel. Miss Esther Eisenmenger narrated the story in a pleasing manner.
"Mary Had a Little Lamb," a comic song sung in six different languages-English, Irish, Chinese, French, Dutch and Low German, by six representatives each, of America, Ireland, China, France, Holland and Germany, who were appropriately costumed. The song caused such applause that the singers had to repeat it.
"The Ship in the Wake"--a very pleasing three-act play, was admirably acted and well received. There were "Father Hyland," the spiritual director, the officers of the Holy Name Society, a number of typical characters, a pilgrim in need and. a little girl.
CONGRATULATORY NOTES
Father Andrew was the recipient of many handsome and useful gifts, among them a very valuable fur coat, as well as a number of letters and telegrams of congratulation, from his many friends.
The clergymen present on this occasion, besides those already mentioned were: The Reverends Vermeulen, of Cedar Rapids; B. Teves, of Petersburg; A. L. Brucker, of Leigh; Theo. Mester of Pierce, and the Franciscan Fathers Ildephonse Heiligenstein, a missionary on his return trip to China; Titus Hugger, of Chicago; Simon Schwartz, of Omaha; and the Franciscan Fathers from Platte County: Charles, Berard, Flavius, Dennis, Justinian, Cyriac, Agatho, Canute Humilis, Othmar, Lawrence, Innocence and many Franciscan Sisters from Platte county.
A delegation of four people, Mr. and Mrs. Jos. B. C. Freiburg and Mr. and Mrs. Middendorf of Quincy, Ill., where Father Andrew had been pastor for 26 years, came to Humphrey to pay their respects to their old pastor. The indoor Bazaar held December 18 and 19 1920, netted $2,000.
THE PASTORATE OF REV.
JOSAPHAT KRAUS, O. F. M.,
(August, 1921-August, 25, '27)
The Provincial Chapter held August, 1921, retired Father Andrew to St. Joseph's Hospital at Omaha. where he was found dead on March 5,
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1922. A delegation from Humphrey consisting of Rev. Lucian Trouy, O. F. M., Thos. Werner, and others attended the obsequies at St. Joseph's Church, Omaha. The remains of Father Andrew were laid to rest at Quincy, Illinois. R. I. P.
St. Francis' Monastery (Viewed from the South), Humphrey, Nebraska
Father Josaphat was given an able assistant in the person of Rev. Lucian Trouy. A successful mission was preached in September, 1921, by Rev. Fathers Titus Hugger, O. F. M. and Joseph C. Meyer, O. F. M. On October 16, following, the Most Reverend J. J. Harty, of Omaha, administered The Sacrament of Confirmation to a large class of boys, girls and some adults. Two days later, Father Josaphat left for a visit to his aged parents in Silesia, Germany, the first visit in 34 years. Wm. Herchenbach and Bruno Zuerlein made the trip across the Atlantic Ocean with him. The pastor returned on Christmas day. During his absence Father Lucien took care of the parish. Fr. Desiderius von Frentz for a time, assisted him. In 1922, new shingles were put on the roof of the church by Mr. Brock, of Columbus, at a cost of $1,734. Mr. Joseph Widhalm donated the candlestick for the Paschal candle ($51). The Young Ladies' Sodality presented the statue of the Blessed Virgin to be carried in procession. Cost, $95. Mr. John Eckholt donated the angels holding candelabras ($300).
THE TRE ORE
The Tre Ore is a devotion lasting three hours from Good Friday noon till three o'clock (in honor of Our Divine Savior hanging on the cross) and consisting of hymns, prayers and seven sermons in honor of Our Divine Redeemer's seven words on the cross, was introduced in 1922. The pastor delivered the sermons. The church was crowded. Soon electric lights were installed on the altar. An artistically wrought chalice costing $400 and another priced at two hundred dollars, were presented to the church by Mr. Nicholas Van Dyke for use on fests (sic) and on Sundays respectively. Mr. A. Kosch gave a new monstrance valued at $430; the Young Ladies' Sodality, a new ciborium ($135). All these articles were from Krieg and Schwartzer, of Mayence, Germany. Father Josaphat besides established an altar Society
Mrs. Wittier being elected the first president. This society, afterwards forming a section of the Christian Mothers Society, has done excellent work both in getting things needed in church and sacristy and even more so in decorating the altars, weekly for the Sundays and for all the holidays. Mrs. Dominic Roufs, Mrs. Chas. Loeffler, Mrs. Hockenschneider and Mrs. A. G. Billerbeck deserve special mention for the excellent services rendered. May God reward them.
In 1922, Father Josaphat wiped out the indebtedness incurred by paving the streets. On September 4th, an out-door Bazaar was held and netted $2,200. On Christmas night, Mass was sung at midnight. It was well attended. The Misses Alfreda and Mildred Eisenmenger and Miss M. Haschke entered the convent at Lafayette this year. The new trustees were: Messrs. Albert Rollmann, Joseph Keller, John Miik, and John Eckholt.
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THE NEW ST. FRANCIS HIGH SCHOOL AND SISTERS' RESIDENCE (1923-'24).
Through the untiring efforts of the pastor, Father Josaphat, the erection of the new brick High School and Sisters' Residence, proposed to the people in two meetings in April, was finally decided upon. In the first meeting no decision was made, owing to the proposed method of raising the funds: The raffling of a farm. One parishioner objected that the parish had so far always financed its own buildings and could do so in future. The Knights of Columbus then took up the matter and soon the decision was reached to go on with the building. In May, 1923, the Sisters moved to the basement of the school, to permit the razing of the old school and convent, as the new building was to be erected on the same site. The parishioners demolished the old building. Messrs. O'Meara, Hill and Krajewski, architects, had meanwhile drawn up the plans for three per cent of the cost, i. e., $40,000. The building was subsequently raised three feet at an extra cost of $2,300. Mr. Thomas Eastergaard, of Norfolk, was awarded the contract. The building was turned over to the parish January 16, 1924; the public was permitted to inspect the Sisters' Home, etc. on January 20th, and the community took possession on February, 9, 1924.
The building is of brick and concrete construction, two stories high, with a full basement. It faces the north, with wing extensions on the three other sides, and is supposedly fireproof with added fire protection in the form of extension hose with water pressure on each floor.
THE BASEMENT
The basement is completely finished with plastered walls and ceiling and maple floors throughout. In the basement is found a large playroom, the furnace and coal rooms, a laboratory equipped with the most modern appliances for the use of the high school pupils, a laundry room, modernly equipped, a dining room and auxiliary kitchen for the use of the children boarding with the Sisters.
THE FIRST FLOOR
On the first floor are found the reception room and library, the Superior's office, three music rooms, while in the east wing of the first floor are located the Sisters' kitchen, the guests' dining room and the Sisters' reception room. In the kitchen there are many built-in features. In the west wing of the first floor there are three large classrooms for the use of the high school, with a built-in typewriting room for the use of the commercial class.
THE SECOND FLOOR
The second floor contains the Sisters' dormitories, the chapel, a large sun parlor and three large dormitories for the children that board with the Sisters. All of the floors contain bath rooms and lavatories fully equipped, making the building modern in every respect. The beautiful Chapel is situated in the northeast corner of the second floor and possesses a fine altar that cost $300 and is a gift of Mr. J. Zuerlein.
DEDICATION OF THE HIGH SCHOOL
The formal dedication of the splendid new Sisters' residence and St. Francis High School took place May 29, 1924, The program was equally solemn and impressive.
Ten o'clock Rev. Father Josaphat sang the Solemn High Mass and at this hour the male choir of the church rendered some excellent music. Rev. Father Charles Schlueter, O. F. M., pastor of St. Bonaventure's Church of Columbus and dean of the Franciscan Fathers in Platte County, gave a very good sermon on "The Value of a Catholic Education." After the Mass, with all of the societies of the parish marching with full banners flying, the clergy was escorted to the new building.
The line of march, headed by the American flag, commenced one block north of the church and, turning west, went as far as the Thomas Werner residence, and from there to the new building. At that spot a temporary altar had been erected at the entrance, around which the clergy, thirty or forty acolytes and the entire congregation gathered. Hymns were sung and prayers were recited and at the same time, the interior of the building was blessed by the Very Rev. Hilary Reinhold, O. F. M., Commissary and Visitor General for the Sacred Heart Province.
Following the dedication, dinner was served by the ladies of the parish in the basement of the new school building. At two o'clock in the afternoon the doors were opened to the inspection of the general public. It was estimated that fully two thousand people availed themselves of the opportunity of inspecting this splendid building erected by the generous people of St. Francis congregation.
A bazaar was given in the afternoon, while a dance was the feature of the evening. The Humphrey Concert Band furnished music in the afternoon and evening. The net proceeds of the bazaar were $1,400.
THE PASTOR'S SILVER JUBILEE OF HIS ORDINATION (1924)
On Wednesday, July 2, 1924, St. Francis parish most solemnly commemorated the twenty-
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fifth anniversary of the ordination of its Reverend Pastor, Father Josaphat Kraus.
The jubilarian was escorted in procession from the monastery to the church. Little Regina Lohaus carried on a fine pillow the silver wreath, while more than a hundred girls dressed in white and societies with their banners formed ranks.
At ten o'clock Father Josaphat sang a solemn High Mass of thanksgiving, assisted by his Rev, brothers, Father Wolfgang Kraus, O. F. M., of Teutopolis, Illinois, as deacon; Father Flavius Kraus, O. F. M., of Duncan, as subdeacon; by his uncle, Father Ladislaus Czech, O. F. M., of Herman, Missouri, as assistant priest and by another uncle, Father Dennis Czech, O. F. M., as master of ceremonies, Rev. Hilarion Duerk, O. F. M., delivered the sermon. The choir, assisted by an orchestra of six, furnished special music.
After the services, a banquet was served in the basement hall, nicely decorated for the occasion. In the evening a program, in which many of the school children took parts, was given in honor of the jubilarian.
At the close of the program, Mr. Thomas Werner presented the pastor with a purse, gotten up by the parishioners as a token of esteem. Everyone agreed that the day was a perfect one in every respect.
The following priests were also present at the celebration: Lawrence, Remy, Charles, Liborius, Benedict Pfeifer, Justinian, Othmar, Cyrinus, Germain, Ambrose Pinger, Simon, Cyril, Rembert, Cyriac and Rev. John Mueller.
Before long St. Francis parish was to enjoy another day of joy.
SISTER M. LEOCADIA CELEBRATES HER 75TH BIRTHDAY ANNIVERSARY (1925).
On May 7, 1925, Sister M. Leocadia, teacher at the St. Francis parish school since 1900, celebrated her 75th birthday anniversary. She was born on May 7, 1850, at Louisville, Kentucky, and came to Humphrey from Dunnington, Indiana, in 1900, remaining there as a school teacher until 1927.
A Class of St. Francis School, Humphrey, Neb.
Sister Leocadia celebrated her golden jubilee as a teacher, February 18, 1925, and later in the year, on August 13th, her many friends paid tribute to her on occasion of the 25th anniversary of her coming to Humphrey.
When Sister Leocadia came to Humphrey, the parish school was conducted in the old school building, used for so many years by the Sisters as a home. The teaching force was small and several grades were often intrusted to one teacher's care. It was estimated that, during the many years Sister Leocadia served as teacher in the primary grades, she sent 7,000 pupils through the first rudiments of Catholic school training. She has always been a teacher to the little children over a long span of years. It was a position she dearly loved, and thousands of men and women of the present Humphrey and neighborhood pay respects to the able Sister who first guided them towards knowledge.
The Humphrey Democrat paid Sister Leocadia the following fine compliment, on occasion of her 75th birthday anniversary.
"Sister M. Leocadia is a woman of wonderful personality, and there is not a man, woman or child, no matter of what religious creed, in the community, whom she cannot count as a friend. She has that happy faculty of making friends easily and, once she meets a person, she will remember them and greet them by their given name. Among the children she is a great favorite, for they are all "her girls and her boys." To her pupils she is more than a teacher-she is a mother. In their trials she en-
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courages them, and when they are mischievous, she corrects them. With a loving and understanding heart she directs them in their duties as children, giving them advice which, if they truly follow, they will bring happiness in their lifetime and in the life to come. Many of her boys and girls of former years are sending their children to her, knowing full well that she will guide them to the path of right, justice and duty. Her interest in her pupils does not stop after they have left her grade. She follows their course during their school years until they graduate, ever lending a helpful word of encouragement. Nor does her interest stop when "her girls and boys" step from the stage on
Sr. M. Leocadia Klein, O. S. F., Humphrey
Taught there 26 years.
graduation night, but her interest remains with them in their battle in life, even though it be failure instead of success"--Humphrey Democrat, May 17, 1925.
Sr. M. Leocadia returned to Dunnington, Indiana, and was severely injured in an auto accident enroute to the golden jubilee celebration at Lafayette, Indiana, of Sisters Bernarda, Ignatia and Rufina and passed to her final reward January, 1930.
THE FIRST MASS OF FATHER NICHOLAS WEGENER (1925)
Rev. Nicholas Wegener, son of Herman and Christina Dohmen Wegener, sang his first solemn high Mass in St. Francis Church, Humphrey, Sunday, July 28, 1925.
Father Wegener was born in the St. Bernard community, made his elementary studies at Humphrey, his classical studies partly at Teutopolis, Ill., partly in St. Paul, Minn., and completed his theological course in Rome, Italy, where he took his D. D. degree and was ordained priest. He said his first mass in Rome in 1925 in the presence of his mother and two sisters, Ven. Sister M. Herman Joseph, 0. S. Fr. and Sister M. Arminia, O. S. Fr., the father having previously passed away.
At his first high mass in Humphrey, the young priest was assisted at the altar by Rev. Florence Kurzer, O. F. M., of Chanhessen, Minn., as master of ceremonies; Rev. J. Campbell, of St. Paul, Minn., as deacon and Rev. Berard, O. F. M., as subdeacon. Father Florence preached an inspiring sermon at the mass.
Father Wegener was the guest of honor at a banquet served by the ladies of the parish. The afternoon was spent in a general social manner with his large group of friends, while the Humphrey Concert Band entertained the people. A splendid program was rendered in the evening, consisting in part of an address by Father Josaphat, vocal and instrumental numbers, and readings by Miss Esther Eisenmenger.
Visiting clergymen were: Rev. J. Campbell, of St. Paul, Minn.; Rev. John Miller, of Columbus; Rev. Adam Brass, of Madison; Rev. Theodore Buelt, of Elgin; Rev. Teves, of Petersburg and the Franciscan Fathers Germain, Justinian, Dennis and Mark; the Fanciscan Sisters M. Arminia, M. Herman Joseph and M. Petrina, of Grand Island, and Sister M. Editha, of Fowler, Indiana; Mr. and Mrs. Henry Wegener of Monroe; Mr. and Mrs. A. Dohmen, of Lindsay; Mr. and Mrs. Chris. Dohmen and many other relatives.
Father Wegener was soon assigned to the Cathedral of St. Cecilia at Omaha as assistant. The Rt. Rev. Bishop J. F. Rummel has more recently appointed Father Wegener as his secretary and as Vice-Chancellor of the Diocese of Omaha.
In the summer months of 1925, the interior of the Humphrey monastery was painted and linoleum laid in the corridors, the latter at the expense of $300. The Altar Society donated a very fine set of vestments from Fraefel and Co., St. Gall, Switzerland. The outlay was $750. This probably refers to the set of red vestments, the finest the parish owns. In 1926, the exterior of the church was painted, the cross on the steeple gilded (by the Zeig Company) for a consideration of $950. The painting of the roof of the school and gilding its cross caused an outlay of $600. Groeger and Schmidt, of Humphrey, decorated the interior of the school (cost $2,700). The steam heating in the high school and school had to be remodelled. This was done by Dussell and Son for the sum of $2,800. In August, 1926, Father Berard Zehnle, who had been assistant since August, 1924, was replaced by Father 0thmar Berthieaume. In November, the Altar Society donated the splendid new tabernacle cur
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Rev. Theodore Arentz, |
Rev. James Nolte, |
Rev . Rudolph Horstmann, |
Rev. Angelus Hill, |
Rev. Florentius Kurzer, O. F. M., |
Rev. Rildebrand Fuchs,
O. F. M. |
Rev. Andrew Butzkueben, |
Rev. Josaphat Kraus, |
Rev. Benvenute Mueller, |
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