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Church/Catholic
Franciscans

Chapter XXIV

Sacred Heart Church, Cornlea, Platte County

THE VILLAGE OF CORNLEA

The village of Cornlea, with a population of 105 (1930 census), lies in Granville township. It dates back to 1886, when the Fremont, Elkhorn and Missouri Valley railroad was built. The village was laid out September 30, 1886, by the Western Town-Lot Company. On account of the fine corn crop and good pastures, Mr. Edwards called the new town Cornlea, lea meaning a meadow. Keller Brothers, of Norfolk, had erected an elevator here even before the railroad track was laid. Schulte Bros. soon opened a saloon and a livery barn; John Laeng, a hotel, which burned down in the fall of 1888. Mr. Eimers put up a store building and stocked it. His son, however, who was to conduct the store, died, and the stock was disposed of and the store rented to Wm. Delsman. John Koza opened the first drug store, which he afterwards sold to John Gilsdorf. The post office was opened June, 1887, and John Albracht, the store-keeper, became the second postmaster. The Cornlea Bank was organized January 13, 1905, with a capital stock of $25,000, by Melchior Brugger and Howard Clark, of Columbus, and Peter Bender, of Cornlea. October 28, 1902, Jacob Olk and thirty-eight others petitioned for the incorporation of Cornlea. It was granted on October 29, 1902. Jacob Olk, H. C. Bender, John Ternus and L. S. Martin were appointed to serve temporarily as trustees until the election and qualification of their successors.

ATTEMPT TO ORGANIZE A PARISH

In 1888 the Catholics of Cornlea and vicinity started an agitation for the erection of a school, which was to serve for a convent for Sisters and a temporary church. The following petition (translated from the German) was handed to Rev, Theodore Arentz, O. F. M., at Humphrey, with the request to forward it to the proper authorities:

Cornlea, Platte Co., May 8th, 1888.
Rt. Rev. M. Klostermann:
Very Rev. Provincial:

"The Catholic Germans of Cornlea and vicinity named on enclosed map, who live closer to Cornlea than to Humphrey and St. Bernard, wish in the future to found a new parish at Cornlea. The Catholic Germans in the neighborhood of Cornlea reside, as enclosed map shows. The distance between Cornlea and Humphrey is five miles and the distance between Cornlea and St. Bernard is six miles. The members of the new congregation intend first to erect a new school house containing school rooms, residence for the school Sisters and a hall, wherein, for the time being, services may be held, from time to time, for the Sisters and, if possible, also for the congregation of Cornlea. Cornlea is connected with Humphrey by means of the Chicago and Northwestern railroad. Wherefore, Cornlea may easily, at first, be made a mission of Humphrey. The number of prospective parishioners that intend to join the Cornlea congregation number some fifty. Cornlea itself, up to the present, has already eleven families. The number of children of school age is about 70. The new parishioners have up to the present about $1,580 for the new building. Besides this we have one block (two acres) for church and school purposes gratis, of which an unconditional deed can be given. The money has been signed under the following conditions: The first half of the money will be paid during the month of September, 1888, and the second half during the month of September, 1889. For the second half of the money bankable notes can be given next fall, so that we are able to obtain the money at the bank. The cash money for the cellar wall and the basement we are able to get together within two months by a raffle. The lumber and the work can get for a term of three months delay before the time, when the money subscribed is due. We ask you to entrust the financial part of the new congregation, the direction of the new building and the organization of the new parish to hands of the Rev. Theodore at Humphrey and, if possible, to have the care of souls attended to from Humphrey.

"Your most obedient committee,

"John Albracht
"F. W. Delsman
"Peter Bender
"Math. Schumacher."

The number in parenthesis indicate number of children visiting district school:

J. Kane (2); T. Klassen (-); W. Berg (3); T. Schulte (-); J. Albracht (3); W. Delsman (-); L. Thiel (2); Schumacher (3); Risse (-); A. Wilde (1); J. Rosebach (3); J. Niemoeller (-); H. Marek (2); J. Fisher (-); A. Huettner (1); J. Fangman, Sr., (1); P. Bender, Jr., (5); H. Meetiger, Jr., (-); Jos. Schneider (3); F. Wessel (2); J. Schmidt (-); Th. Thome (2); W. Muetig, Jr., (-); P. Mueller (-); H. Bender K. Ottis, Jr., (-); Schell, (4); J. Pimpel, Jos. Albracht (4); Terwilliger (-); B. Meyer (5);

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Siemers (-); Schnele (1); Andr. Battliner (3); Cl. Niebur (-); B. Hassman (2); H. Duesman (); F. Huettner (4); K. Ley H. Ley (-); Ed. Seibel (-); Ign. Gebhard P. Lechner, Jr., (-); J. Lechner, Sr., (4.); J. Ternus (3); Tonjean (3); Thill (-); Jos. Widhalm (4); Chr. Niemeyer (); N. Van Dyke (3).

A total of 76 children are attending the district school. The fifty-seven persons had subscribed a sum of $1,580.

LETTER OF REV. THEODORE ARENTZ, O. F. M.

To this petition the Rev. Theodore Arentz, O. F. M., added the following letter to his Provincial:

July 9, 1888.

"Humphrey, Platte County, Nebraska.
"Very Rev. P. Provincial:

"Enclosed petition, subscriptions--list and

Rev. Simeon Freitag, O. F. M.

map have been handed me by the people of Cornlea with the request to transmit them to your Reverence. Cornlea is a town on the new railroad (Northwestern or Elkhorn Valley), which passes through Humphrey and is about 4 1/2 miles distant from here and 5-6 miles from St. Bernard church. The people of Cornlea have directed a petition, list, etc., of the same contents as the enclosed to the Rt. Rev. Bishop. The Rt. Rev. Bishop has expressed himself that the erection of a church and the organization of an independent parish at Cornlea is a premature affair and cannot be permitted for the time being, especially, since the parishes Humphrey and St. Bernard would thereby be considerably damaged.

"The parish would rapidly increase and then they would soon be able to build a church and to have services every Sunday. Cornlea could be very easily attended from here. But before the time has come that Cornlea can have service every Sunday, they should have no Sunday service, for by having service there once or twice a month, more harm than good would be done. Until then those that live nearer to St. Bernard should belong to St Bernard and those that live nearer Humphrey should belong to the Humphrey parish and contribute to its support by pew rent, and, at the same time, do what is necessary for the support of the school in Cornlea.

"Concerning the petition of the people, it is, of course, out of question to enter upon their proposal to get lumber and other building material on credit; if building is to start, the people must first get together two-thirds of the requisite money. (Don't begin with raffling--Remark by Provincial, it seems). That the Father, who is in charge of the Humphrey parish devote much time to the Cornlea building matters, is hardly possible. This parish now numbers more than 150 families and there is much work here in church, school and otherwise, especially when we are building, as is the case right now, so that one man alone can hardly do the work. It would be good anyhow, if some help would be sent here. Albion, which is said to have eighty families, is still to be attended from here, since the distance is hardly thirty miles and since it is situated on the railroad. Madison, too, might easily be attended from here, while as long as it is attended from St. Bernard, the Father must first drive nine miles through the country till he reaches Humphrey and then he has still ten miles per railroad to get there. Then, too, P. Pancratius has repeatedly expressed himself that he would be glad to get rid of it. That more than two Fathers are in the same home, also has other advantages.

"Please excuse me for troubling you with these matters. I write you about these things because I consider it to be my duty.

"The building of the school is going on. The new railroad (Northwestern) which until now had no depot, but a platform, now begins with the preparation for the erection of a depot, elevator, etc.

"Your Reverence's most obedient,

"Fr. Theodore."

THE ERECTION OF A PAROCHIAL SCHOOL

Permission to erect a school on land donated by Mr. B. Meyer for this purpose was thereupon granted by the ecclesiastical superiors. The building was financed by means of subscriptions and by making a loan of $850 of St. Francis' parish at Humphrey. The building was a combination school, convent and chapel in T form. Since, however, the Sisters refused to accept the school under existing conditions, Miss Weiand taught for a term or two. Then the building was rented to the public school district. When the village acquired its own building, the Catholics left. their building stand vacant until

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Sacred Heart Church, 1925, School and Convent, Cornlea

Rev. Edwin Hudson, O. F. M. Pastor 1908-1909

Rev. Albert Brueserman, Pastor Since 1924

(larger view)

Sacred Heart School Children, 1928, Cornlea

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they finally sold it to Charles Jonak, who tore down part of the building and removed the other to a farm now belonging to Mrs. Kruse. The loan was gradually refunded to the Humphrey, the balance of the proceeds was divided among the contributors and the land itself reverted to the donor.

ANOTHER ATTEMPT TO ORGANIZE A PARISH

Early in 1905 the Cornlea people again asked for permission to organize a parish. The Rt. Rev. R. Scannell granted it on condition that enough money be collected to build without incurring an indebtedness. Subscriptions amounting to $2,950.50 were secured and the list with the following letter was sent to the Rt. Rev. Ordinary of the diocese.

"Rt. Rev. Bishop Scannell, D. D.

"Bishop of Omaha, Nebr.

"Your Rev. Excellency:

"Herewith enclosed you will find a list of names with subscriptions to church building fund, approximately three thousand dollars, also communication from townsite company to their agent at this place, stating their offer in behalf of our undertaking. If satisfactory to you, we can secure a half block, at a little less than half the price. Lots are 60x140 feet and sell at from $100 for corner lots to $80 for inner lots. We have been offered eight lots for $300, and can secure the remaining four of the half block for $160 additional, as you will note. Enclosed list is a typewritten copy of the original, which is so badly mutilated that we have deemed it inadvisable to present it. Of the names listed those followed by X are representative heads of families, numbering thirty-three; those followed by are young gentlemen, businessmen and farmers in and near the town, who will be members of our parish. Several of the gentlemen, whose names appear on the list, will double, others will treble their subscription, when they see that the church is secured, so that we feel confident that we can erect a nice church and school at this point, as it is very inconvenient for some of our people to drive seven or eight miles, and the moral influence that a church and school and the presence of a good priest and Sisters would produce, is an item, not to be overlooked. We have many youngsters, who are so much in need of instruction and moral training."

Trusting we have your hearty cooperation and good will, we are

"Your obedient servants,

"Janus M. Smitheisler,

"J. Miik,

"O. M. Van Ackeren.

We omit the subscription list for lack of space.

In consequence of this letter the Rt. Rev. Ordinary sent the following letter to the Rev. Florentius Kurzer, O. F. M., pastor at Humphrey:

Omaha Nebr.   
Feb. 19, 1906.

"Dear Father Florentius:

"I enclose the subscription list made by the people of Cornlea. They also inform me, that they can buy eight lots for $300. In these circumstances I feel it would be unwise, and indeed, unjust, to refuse them permission to build a church. As I cannot leave the matter entirely in their hands, I beg you to take charge of it and to see that things are done in the right way. Whether the Fathers at Humphrey or those at St. Bernard will have charge eventually, need not be considered now. You can arrange that to suit yourselves, but I should like you to look after the building of the new church.

"Yours faithfully

"Richard Scannell."

ERECTION OF THE CHURCH

Fr. Florence now wrote about this matter to the Very Rev. Provincial Hugolinus Storff, who replied that the church should be erected without an indebtedness. At a visit that Rev. Florentius paid the Rt. Rev. Bishop, the Bishop confirmed the aforesaid condition that the building should be put up without an indebtedness and declared that no one should be compelled to become a member of the new parish, that is, no boundaries should be assigned between Cornlea and the neighboring congregations.

Fr. Florence, now requested, Ven. Brother Anselm Wolff, O. F. M., of St. Louis, Missouri, to draw the plans for the new church. These plans were approved by the committee. Mr. Aegidius Van Ackeren, whose bid was $5,150, was awarded the contract for the erection of the church. This building contract was not signed and not approved by Rev. Florentius Kurzer, because there was not enough money on hand to begin the construction. The Cornlea parishioners went ahead on their own responsibility. When the church was (exteriorly) completed in fall 1907, the cost including the rooms, windows ceiling, amounted to $6,377.15 and $4,000 were lacking to pay for it. For this reason the Rt. Rev. Bishop refused permission to have Mass in the building. Fr. Florentius held two meetings of the people to get the necessary funds, but to no purpose. There was lack of harmony; every one was satisfied that he had done his share.

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DEDICATION OF S. HEART CHURCH AGAIN DELAYED

On May 10, 1908, when the Rt. Rev. Bishop administered the Sacrament of Confirmation at Humphrey, a delegation from Cornlea, requested the Bishop for the dedication of their church. The prelate insisted that at least the greater part of the indebtedness be cancelled before the church be opened for Divine Service. After a few weeks, Fr. Florentius was informed that the indebtedness was reduced to only $2,000. Fr. Florence informed the Rt. Rev. Ordinary, who thereupon granted permission to dedicate the church. The pastor of Humphrey now ordered of the Phillips Company, of Dubuque, Iowa, an altar, twenty-six pews, a communion rail, a confessional and a vestment case. As these furnishings did not arrive at Cornlea until the middle of October, 1908, the solemn opening of the church had to be postponed until November 4, 1908.

THE DEDICATION OF SACRED HEART CHURCH--
REV. EDWIN HUDSON, O. F. M. THE FIRST PASTOR,
OCTOBER, 1908-AUGUST, 1909

After the ceremonies of dedication performed by the Rev, dean Marcelline Kollmeyer, O. F. M., assisted by the Rev. Romuald and Rabanus, O. F. M., Fr. Liborius, O. F. M., celebrated Solemn High Mass; Fr. Romuald and Rabanus acted as deacon and subdeacon; Fr. Florentius as master of ceremonies; Fr. Marcelline delivered the English and Fr. Rabanus the German sermon. Cornlea now had Mass on two Sundays of the month, while Father Edwin, assisted Fr. Florence at Humphrey on the other Sundays.

Fr. Edwin was a fine speaker, and singer and a good mixer and labored zealously.

Interior of S. Heart Church, Cornlea, Nebraska
.

SACRED HEART CHURCH, CORNLEA, NEBRASKA,
FATHER EDWIN'S SUCCESSORS

About the end of August, 1909, Father Edwin was called to Memphis, Tennessee, and Father Marian Glahn, O. F. M., came some weeks later to take his place. The delay was caused by sickness. Meanwhile Fr. Albert came one or the other time.

OPENING OF THE SACRED HEART SCHOOL

Father Marian was succeeded by the Rev. Simeon Freitag, O. F. M., September, 1910-April, 1916, who erected the parochial school and called in the Sisters of Lafayette to take charge.

Rev. Hyacinth Schroeder had charge of Sacred Heart parish from April, 1916, till December, 1916. Rev. Odilo Eichenseer then became pastor and served until June, 1919. He was followed by the popular Father Agatho Anklin, who in turn had for his successor

THE REV. BERARD ZEHNLE, O. F. M.,
AUGUST, 1920-1923

The Most Rev. J. J. Harty, Bishop of Omaha, administered Confirmation on October 19, 1921. (On December 25, Mrs. John Hoeschen donated $145 for an electric rosary of the Sacred Heart in thanksgiving for her wonderful escape from death in an automobile accident). Mr. and Mrs. John Frisch donated the two angels and water

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fonts ($102). In summer, 1922, a furnace was installed in the Sisters' residence ($380). Early in 1923, an iron fence was put up in front of the church and convent ($475).

August 26, 1923, a destructive hail took off the chimney and damaged the roof, the eaves and the paintings inside the church. The damage was covered by insurance. During the rectorship of Fr. Berard, a mission was preached by Father Hilarion Duerk, O. F. M.

REV. CYRINUS SCHNEIDER, O. F. M.

Rev. Cyrinus Schneider, O. F. M., was in charge of the parish, November, 1923-summer, 1924.

In 1924, the high altar was remodeled by Mr. Drueppel, of St. Bernard, the church was repainted; a new roof was put on the church. The latter cost $600.

After the departure of Fr. Cyrinus, Fr. Hyacinth temporarily took care of the congregation until the arrival, about October, 1924, of Rev. Albert Bruesermann, O. F. M., from Quincy, Illinois, the delay was owing to a severe operation.

REV. ALBERT BRUESERMANN, O. F. M.,
SINCE OCTOBER, 1924
ENLARGING THE CHURCH

As the church was overcrowded on Sundays and Holydays for several years, the Rev, pastor advised the parishioners to enlarge and remodel the church. This was done and twenty-two new pews in the enlarged part accommodate at least one hundred more persons. Two large windows in the main body of the church portray the Birth of Christ and the Presentation in the Temple. The cost is shown by the following "Statement" published by the pastor:

DONATIONS

The people also made a number of valuable donations:

Mr. Ben Preister--The Eucharistic Tabernacle.
Mr. John Frisch--The Lord's Supper.
Mr. John Ternus, Sr.--Two art sanctuary windows.
Mr. William Noonan--The large art window on the south side.
Mr. Peter Noonan, Sr.--The large art window on the north side.
Mr. Theodore Huettner--The statue of t. Mary Margaret Alacoque.
Mr. Ben Melcher--The statue of an angel holding the sanctuary lamp.
Christian Mothers' Society -- Linoleum for sanctuary floor and sacristy.
Mr. Ben Melcher--The desk chair for the pastor's study

The receipts of the bazaar held, were $1,590.98. The disbursements, $480.45.

LIST OF PASTORS AT CORNLEA

Rev. Edwin Hudson, O. F. M., October, 1908-August, 1909.
Rev. Marianus Glahn, O. F. M., October, 1909-September, 1910
Rev. Simeon Freitag, O. F. M., September, 1910-April, 1916.
Rev. Hyacinth Schroeder, O. F. M., April, 1916-December, 1916.
Rev. Odilo Eichenseer, O. F. M., December, 1916-June, 1919.
Rev. Agatho Anklin, O. F. M., June, 1919-August, 1920.
Rev. Berard Zehnle, O. F. M., August, 1920-November, 1923.
Rev. Cyrinus Schneider, O. F. M., November, 1923-August, 1924.
Rev. Hyacinth Schroeder, O. F. M., August, 1924-October, 1924.
Rev. Albert Bruesermann, O. F. M., October, 1924-the present day.

VEN. SISTERS AT SACRED HEART
SCHOOL, CORNLEA

1912-13; Ven. Sr. M. Casimira, Sr. Concordia, Sr. Dulcissima.
1913-14; Sr. Philomena, Sr. Johanna, Sr. Verena, Sr. Eva.
1914-15; Sr. Philomena, Sr. Johanilla, Sr. Pancratia.
1915-19; Sr. Antonella, Sr. Carolilla, Sr. Erwina.

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1919-22; Sr. Antonia, Sr. Aiphonsina, Sr. Pia, Sr. Anselma, Sr. Chrysanta, Sr. Eva.
1922-23; Sr. Scholastica, Sr. Pia, Sr. Anselma, Sr. Gilla.
1923-1924; Sr. Andrea, Sr. Eleutheria, Sr. Margaret, Sr. Pia.
1924-1925; Sr. Antonia, Sr. Eleutheria, Sr. Theodolinda, Sr. Margaret.
1925-26; Sr. Antonia, Sr. Carolilla, Sr. Theodolinda, Sr. Bona Gratia.
1926-27; Sr. Antonia, Sr. Alphonsina, Sr. Carolilla, Sr. Chrysanta.
1927-28; Sr. Ignatia, Sr. Rosalinda, Sr. Erentrudis, Sr. Carolilla.
1928-29; Sr. Gonzaga, Sr. Ladisla, Sr. Lucinia, Sr. Ansgaria.
1929-30
1930-31

STATISTICS OF S. HEART CHURCH,
CORNLEA, PLATTE COUNTY, NEBR.

Confirmation: September 25, 1912, Rt. Rev. J. H. Tihen (27); June 13, 1917, R. Rev. J. J. Harty (63); October 21, 1921, M. Rev. J. J. Harty (66); April 25, 1928, Rt. Rev. F. J. Beckman (30).

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