1897 Golden Jubilee
Following are transcriptions and translations of German and English newspaper articles about the Golden Jubilee of St. Joseph Catholic Church in East Bristol, Dane County, Wisconsin.
Transcription of German fraktur font by Debbie and Georg Blau in January 2012.
Translations to English by D. Blau, P. Miller, and H. Leininger.
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June 10, 1897, page 1, column 4, The Countryman (Sun Prairie, Wisconsin)
Bristol. The picnic is to be held at East Bristol Tuesday, June 15th, in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the foundation of the Catholic church there.
East Bristol. Bristol folks are preparing for the celebration of the golden jubilee on the 15th day of June.
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June 10, 1897, page 5, column 2, The Countryman (Sun Prairie, Wisconsin)
Golden Jubilee. The St. Joseph's congregation at East Bristol will celebrate the 50th anniversary of their organization next Tuesday, June 15. The celebration at the church will commence at 10 a.m. The afternoon exercises will be held in Rudolf A. Schmitt's grove and will consist of various kinds of amusements and an entertainment by the school children at 3 o'clock.
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June 17, 1897, page 5, column 1 and page 4, column 2, Sun Prairie Countryman (Sun Prairie, Dane County, Wisconsin)
THE GOLDEN JUBILEE Of St. Joseph's Congregation, East Bristol
A Large Crowd Assists in the Observance - Brief Retrospect of the Society's Growth.
Tuesday was celebrated the 50th anniversary of the founding of St. Joseph's congregation at East Bristol. Large crowds were in attendance. After the services at the church, 10 A.M., which were participated in by several visiting clergymen, the day was spent in amusements, feasting and merry-making. The decorations were beautiful and elaborate. Following is a brief history of the church society:
The origin of St. Joseph's congregation dates from the year 1847, when Rev. Adelbert [Adalbert] Inama O. Praem, the resident pastor of Roseburg [Roxbury] and one of the pioneer priests of Dane county, on a missionary journey through the western part of our state called upon the few Catholic families settled in this part of Dane county and celebrated mass in the old log house of Mr. Schmitt. He soon gathered the then scattered families founding St. Joseph's congregation. Under the supervision of his assistant, the Rev. Maximilian Gaertner, the few German settlers erected the first log church in the year 1848. From 1850 to 1852 Rev. F. H. Etschmann, pastor of St. Raphael's church in Madison, attended to the wants of the new parish. During this time Mr. Michael Schmitt deeded six acres of land to St. Joseph's congregation. Rev. Heider [Haider], residing in Jefferson, Wis., made regular calls from 1852 to 1854, when in the beginning of 1855 St. Joseph's parish received its first resident pastor, Rev. John Baptist Hasselbauer, a Bavarian by birth, a man of great learning and organizing faculties. He brought with him a small church bell, the first one in the western part of Dane county. At this time the congregation built a log house for the resident pastor. Owing to old age Rev. Hasselbauer resigned in June, 1856, and was succeeded by Rev. John Martin Kundig, the first vicar-general of Milwaukee. When he removed to Milwaukee in 1857, owing to the scarcity of priests St. Joseph's church was tended by Rev. Sebastian Seif, of Pine Bluff and Jacob Stehle occasionally. In October, 1857, Rev. Lawrence Conrad, the present pastor of Holy Trinity church Milwaukee, and a brother to Mr. Chas. Conrad of East Bristol, took charge of the congregation. In June, 1859, he was succeeded by Rev. F. H. [Franz Xavier] Pfaller, a Bavarian by birth, who died in New Franken, near Green Bay, in 1894. That he was a man of high culture was conceded by all with whom he ever came in contact. After his removal Rev. Comenzind [Franz V. Sales Commenzind] was resident pastor from January, 1860, until August, 1861. Rev. Storr [Wilhelm Storr], a native of Wurtemburg, succeeded him, but in January, 1862, Rev. Comezind [sic] returned. Meanwhile the number of families increased; the church became too small. Father Comenzind made preparations for a new stone church. When he resigned in November, 1862, Rev. Michael Obermaeller [Obermueller] attended the parish, who was succeeded by Rev. W. Bernard from June, 1863, to July, 1863. Rev. P. Fabian Bermadinger, generally known only as Father Fabian, began the building of the new stone church, whose corner stone was laid in the spring of 1864. This church, 40 by 150 feet, cost about $6,500 and was mostly built during the pastorage of Rev. DeBecke [Max DeBecke, birth name "Maximilian Becke de Szabad Szeutlhiroz"], an Hungarian nobleman. On the 24th of November, 1868, Most Rev. Archbishop [John Martin] Henni, of Milwaukee, consecrated the new church. Rev. Anthony Foeckler, who took charge of St. Joseph's congregation in February, 1867, built the parish school at an outlay of $4000. Rev. H. I. [H. J.] Muckerheide succeeded in May, 1871. During his pastorage the congregation bought two large bells from Stuckede & Co., in St. Louis. Seeing the need of a new parsonage the congregation, under the supervision of Rev. A. Gstach, D. D., who came here in August, 1879, built a new priest-house at the cost of $3,500. Owing to sickness he removed to New Berlin in October, 1886, where he died. The increasing number of families had long outgrown the old church; it became an urgent necessity to make preparations for a larger and more substantial church building. This happy thought was well carried out by the new pastor, Rev. S. G. [Simon Georg] Woelfl, under whose fostering care the new edifice was erected at an outlay of almost $28,000, a lasting monument of the good will and energy of Rev. Father Woelfl, an honor to the faith and religious conviction of the members of St. Joseph's congregation, of East Bristol. A lingering illness of long standing deprived Rev. Father Woelfl of enjoying the fruits of his grand work. No sooner had he seen his church finished, he was confined to his bed. For better treatment he removed to St. Joseph's hospital in Milwaukee. Finding no relief he resigned his pastorage and returned to the home of his brother in Franklin, near Milwaukee, where he died surrounded by his friends and mother, in September, 1896. The trustees of St. Joseph's congregation as well as a number of his former parishioners witnessed the funeral ceremonies. Father Woelfl's name will be forever not only engraved upon the stately, rock-faced walls of the church building, but more so in the hearts of his former parishioners for generations to come. After the resignation of Rev. Woelfl the undersigned was appointed pastor of St. Joseph's congregation by his Grace, the present Archbishop of Milwaukee.
REV. IG. A. KLEIN [Ignatz A. Klein]
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June 17, 1897, page 1, column 4, The Countryman (Sun Prairie, Wisconsin)
Bristol. The celebration of our jubilee was a grand success. The picnic held in the afternoon was well attended.
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June 17, 1897, page 5, column 4, Columbia (Milwaukee, Wisconsin)
Hochw. Hr. [Hochwürdiger Herr] L. Conrad, Pfarrer der Hl. [Heiligen] Dreifaltigkeits-Gemeinde, reiste nach East Bristol, um dem dort stattfindenden goldenen Jubiläum der dortigen St. Josephs-Gemeinde beizuwohnen. Vater Conrad ist der älteste jetzt noch lebende ehemalige Pfarrer der genannten Gemeinde.
Translation: Reverend L. [Lorenz] Conrad, pastor of Holy Trinity church, traveled to East Bristol to attend the Golden Jubilee held at St. Joseph's parish. Father Conrad is now the oldest surviving former pastor of that church.
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June 23, 1897, page 4, column 2, The Columbus Democrat (Columbus, Columbia County, Wisconsin)
THE GOLDEN JUBILEE Of Saint Joseph's Catholic Church at East Bristol.
Review of the Great Event and Brief History of the Founding and Progress of the Church.
An event that will linger long in the recollections of many people of this vicinity and territory neighboring to East Bristol, is the Golden Jubilee celebration incident to observation of the 50th anniversary of the founding of the first church in that settlement, which event occurred on the 15th inst.
On the evening preceding the celebration cannons were fired and bells rang, the same being repeated at day-break Tuesday. The program proper of the day began with the celebration of High Mass at 10 o'clock by Rev. Father Kline [Ignatz A. Klein], brother of the present priest [Bernard Klein] of the church. This was followed by an address in German by Rev. Father Hess of Waterloo and an English address by Rev. Father Murphy of this city, the benediction being pronounced by Rev. Father Kline [Klein] of Bristol.
After mass the visiting priests were sumptuously dined in the parochial school house, the great throng meanwhile headed by Trapp's band and children's societies, moving in procession to the grove of R. Schmidt [Schmitt], where dinner was served to all by the ladies of Bristol. This was a stupendous undertaking, but it was very successfully carried out and reflected much credit upon the management.
The feasting over Rev. L. [Lorenz] Conrad of Milwaukee, one of the first pastors of the church, delivered some appropriate remarks from a large platform erected in the grove, and on which the children later went through a drill, followed by music by the sisters. These exercises, interspersed with social converse and the exchange of greetings, continued until the supper hour, when the throng gradually dispersed.
A feature of the celebration worthy of special note was the decorations in and about the church and the homes of those who reside in its vicinity. Papal colors mingled with the stars and stripes were visible everywhere. Imposing floral arches were erected before the church and at the entrance to the grove, and everything appeared in gala attire.
The appended history of the founding and growth of St. Joseph's church is from the pen of the present pastor of the church:
The origin of St. Joseph's congregation dates from the year 1847, when Rev. Adelbert [Adalbert] Inama O. Praem, the resident pastor of Roseburg [Roxbury] and one of the pioneer priests of Dane county, on a missionary journey through the western part of our state called upon the few Catholic families settled in this part of Dane county and celebrated mass in the old log house of Mr. Schmitt. He soon gathered the then scattered families founding St. Joseph's congregation. Under the supervision of his assistant, the Rev. Maximilian Gaertner, the few German settlers erected the first log church in the year 1848.
From 1850 to 1852 Rev. F. H. Etschmann, pastor of St. Raphael's church in Madison, attended to the wants of the new parish. During this time Mr. Michael Schmitt deeded six acres of land to St. Joseph's congregation. Rev. Heider [Haider], residing in Jefferson, Wis., made regular calls from 1852 to 1854, when in the beginning of 1855 St. Joseph's parish received its first resident pastor, Rev. John Baptist Hasselbauer, a Bavarian by birth, a man of great learning and organizing faculties. He brought with him a small church bell, the first one in the western part of Dane county. At his time the congregation built a log house for the resident pastor. Owing to old age Rev. Hasselbauer resigned in June, 1856, and was succeeded by Rev. John Martin Kundig, the first vicar-general of Milwaukee. When he removed to Milwaukee in 1867, owing to the scarcity of priests St. Joseph's church was tended by Rev. Sebastian Seif, of Pine Bluff and Jacob Stehle occasionally.
In October, 1857, Rev. Lawrence Conrad, the present pastor of Holy Trinity church Milwaukee, and a brother to Mr. Chas. Conrad of East Bristol, took charge of the congregation. In June, 1859, he was succeeded by Rev. F. H. [Franz Xavier] Pfaller, a Bavarian by birth, who died in New Franken, near Green Bay, in 1894. That he was a man of high culture was conceded by all with whom he ever came in contact. After his removal Rev. Comenzsnd [Franz V. Sales Commenzind] was a resident pastor from January, 1860, until August, 1861. Rev. [Wilhelm] Storr, a native of Wurtemburg, succeeded him, but in January, 1862, Rev. Comezind [Commenzind] returned. Meanwhile the number of families increased; the church became too small. Father Comenzind [Commenzind] made preparations for a new stone church. When he resigned in November, 1862, Rev. Michael Obermaeller [Michael Obermueller] attended the parish, who was succeeded by Rev. W. Bernard from June, 1863, to July, 1863, Rev. P. Fabian Bermadinger, generally known only as Father Fabian, began the building of the new stone church, whose corner stone was laid in the spring of 1864. This church, 40 by 150 feet, cost about $6,500, and was mostly built during the pastorage of Rev. DeBecke, an Hungarian nobleman [birth name was Maximilian Becke de Szabad Szeutlhiroz]. On the 24th of November, 1868, Most Rev. Archbishop [John Martin] Henni of Milwaukee, consecrated the new church, Rev. Anthony Foeckler, who took charge of St. Joseph's congregation in February, 1867, built the parish school at an outlay of $4000. Rev. H. I. [H. J.] Muckerheide succeeded in May, 1871. During his pastorate the congregation bought two large bells from Stuckede & Co., in St. Louis.
Seeing the need of a new parsonage the congregation, under the supervision of Rev. A. Gstach, D. D., who came here in August, 1879, built a new priest-house at the cost of $3,500. Owing to sickness he removed to New Berlin in October, 1886, where he died. The increasing number of families had long outgrown the old church; it became an urgent necessity to make preparations for a larger and more substantial church building.
This happy thought was well carried out by the new pastor, Rev. S. G. [Simon Georg] Woelfl, under whose fostering care the new edifice was erected at an outlay of almost $28,000, a lasting monument of the good will and energy of Rev. Father Woelfl, an honor to the faith and religious conviction of the members of St. Joseph's congregation, of East Bristol. A lingering illness of long standing deprived Rev. Father Woelfl of enjoying the fruits of his grand work. No sooner had he seen his church finished, he was confined to his bed. For better treatment he removed to St. Joseph's hospital in Milwaukee. Finding no relief he resigned his pastorate and returned to the home of his brother in Franklin near Milwaukee, where he died surrounded by his friends and mother, in September, 1896. The trustees of St. Joseph's congregation as well as a number of his former parishioners witnessed the funeral ceremonies. Father Woelfel's name will be forever not only engraved upon the stately, rock-faced walls of the church building, but more so in the hearts of his former parishioners for generations to come. After the resignation of Rev. Woelfl the undersigned was appointed pastor of St. Joseph's congregation by his Grace, the present Archbishop of Milwaukee.
REV. IG. A. KLEIN. [Ignatz A. Klein]
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June 24, 1897, page 1 (two columns), Columbia (Milwaukee, Wisconsin)
Transcription:
(Correspondenz.)
Das goldene Jubiläum der St. Joseph's-Gemeinde in East Bristol ist letzten Dinstag [Dienstag], den 15. d. M. [dieses Monats] mit glänzender Feier abgehalten worden. Böllerschüsse, Glockengeläute und Musik kündeten den Tag als einen Festtag an, in aller Frühe um 4 Uhr. Um 1/2 6 Uhr begannen die Messen der anwesenden Priester und um 10 Uhr der Festgottesdienst. Das Hochamt celebrirte der Bruder des gegenwärtigen Pfarrers, hoch. [hochwürdige] Herr B. Klein von Fifield, Wis., assistirt von Rev. Jos. Hartmann von Waupun und F. Lillis von Doylestown, und Rev. A. Kuehne von Sun Prairie als Ceremoniarius. Die Festpredigt hielt Rev. J. H. Heß von Waterloo und Rev. H. M. Murphy von Columbus sprach einige gewählte Worte in Englisch.
Im Sanktuarium waren noch anwesend Rev. Lorenz Conrad von Milwaukee, ein Pionierpriester der Gemeinde, der einzige noch lebende Priester, außer dem gegenwärtigen Pfarrer, welche St. Joseph's in East Bristol in den 50 Jahren versehen haben, sowie A. Th. Reininger von Roxbury, und der Pfarrer der Gemeinde. Es waren noch anwesend Revs. Zitterl und Feld von Madison und Wambold von Highland.
Nachmittags war ein gemüthliches [gemütliches] Volksfest in einem etwa einer halben Meile entfernten Wäldchen. Auf dem Wege dahin marschirten [marschierten] die Schulkinder, theils [teils] uniformirt, mit Voranzug der Musikband (bestehend aus den Mitgliedern einer Familie der Gemeinde) sowie das Volk unter den schönen Triumphbogen dahin, deren schönster vor der Kirche errichtet und mit zwei großen Ver. [Vereinigten] Staaten Fahnen gekrönt war. Die ganze Straße war mit Maien [Maibaum] bestellt und die Kirche und Häuser mit den Ver. [Vereinigten] Staaten Farben und unzähligen Fahnen geschmückt.
Auf dem Festplatze wurden verschiedene Piecen [Stücke] von den Schulkindern gespielt und vorgetragen. Vater Conrad erzählte da ebenfalls von seinem Wirken in East Bristol und empfahl dem Volke festes Vertrauen und willigen Gehorsam zu ihrem jetzigen Pfarrer Ig. A. Klein, und schloß seine Rede mit einem Hoch auf die Gemeinde und ihren Pfarrer. Am Abend erhielt auch er ein Hoch, das ihm die gegenwärtigen Priester auf musikalischem Wege spendeten. Möge der hl. [Heilige] Joseph East Bristol ein ähnliches Centenarium gewähren. A.
[Page 44 of the book, "St. Joseph's Parish, East Bristol, Wisconsin (1847-1997)" says the author of the June 24, 1897, article was Reverend A. T. Reininger. The translation of that article differs from the translation below. Some differences noted were that in the page 44 version, the translation was enhanced by the addition of the priest's full names, the addition of the name of Caspar Trapp Sr., the mention of uniforms of Bavarian colors, the mention of the first little bell of the first log chapel, and flag of the Pope, and a speech full of wit and humor, etc.]
Translation to English: (June 24, 1897, page 1, Columbia)
(Correspondence.)
The Golden Jubilee of St. Joseph's congregation in East Bristol was held last Tuesday the 15th of this month [June 15, 1897] with a sparkling celebration. Gun (cannon) salutes, the ringing of bells, and music heralded the day as a festival day, beginning early in the morning at 4 clock. Masses began at 5:30 am, celebrated by attending priests, and a celebration service at 10 clock. The High Mass was celebrated by Reverend B. [Bernard] Klein of Fifield, Wisconsin, the brother of the present pastor. He was assisted by Reverends Jos. Hartmann of Waupun and F. Lillis of Doylestown, and Reverend A. Kuehne of Sun Prairie as master of ceremony. The [celebration] sermon was delivered by Reverend J. H. Hess [Francis Xavier Hess] of Waterloo, and Rev. H. M. Murphy of Columbus spoke a few chosen words in English.
Still others present in the sanctuary were Reverend Lorenz Conrad of Milwaukee, a pioneer priest of the parish, the only former priest still living - besides the present pastor - who had served St. Joseph's in East Bristol in the 50 years, as well as A. Th. Reininger of Roxbury, pastor of the church [at Roxbury]. Also present were Reverends Zitterl and Feld of Madison and Wambold of Highland.
In the afternoon, a pleasant folk festival was held in a grove about half a mile away. On the way, the school children marched, some uniformed, with outfits of the music band (which consisted of members of one family in the parish) as well as people under beautiful triumph arches, which looked most beautiful in front of the church and crowned with two large United States flags. The whole street was lined with May trees, and the church and houses were decorated with the United States colors and adorned with countless flags.
At the festival place, several pieces were performed and recited by school children. Father Conrad explained about his work in East Bristol and advised the people to have firm faith and willing obedience of their present pastor Ig. [Ignatz] A. Klein, and concluded his speech with a toast to the congregation and their pastor. In the evening he also received a musical toast, provided by the present priests. May Saint Joseph grant East Bristol another centennial. A.
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July 15, 1897, page 4 to 5, Columbia (Milwaukee, Wisconsin). Part 1 of a series of 3 articles.
Series of 3 articles appeared in the 1897 "Columbia" issues dated July 15 ( page 4-5), July 22 (page 3) and July 29 (page 4-5).
Transcription:
Historische Skizze der St. Joseph's-Gemeinde zu East Bristol, Wisc.
(Für die 'Columbia' von Rev. Ign. A. Klein.)
Am 29. Sept. 1845 ließen sich im westlichen Theile von Dane County die ersten Ansiedler: Michael und Joseph Schmitt, Maria und Barbara Schmitt, Valentin Angenbrandt, Michael und John Ziegler, Fr. Jos. Ackermann, John Wendelin Damm, sämmtlich aus Unterfranken, Bayern, stammend, in dem heutigen East Bristol nieder [wieder], das für mehrere Jahre als New Franklin weithin bekannt war. Sie kauften das Land theils von der Regierung, theils von Speculanten. Die ganze Umgegend beherbergte blos ein paar Amerikaner, alles übrige war noch Holzland, theils offene Prairie.
Bereits im April 1846 bekam die kleine Colonie Zuwachs aus den blau-weißen Grenzpfählen, nämlich die Familie Schernecker, Michael Voelker, Peter und John Todd, Johann Anton Weber, Jos. Frunk, Jos. Orth und die Familie Holzmann. War auch der Anfang ein sehr bescheidener, so brachte doch Fleiß und Ausdauer dieser deutschen Pioniere die junge Ansiedlung bald zu einer gewissen Blüthe, deren Ruf anfangs des Jahres 1847 noch weiteren Nachschub aus Unterfranken brachte, nämlich die Familien Georg Thein, Wermuth, Peter Gerig, Mich. Endes, Adam Hedrich, Kiefer.
Bereits im November 1845 hatte sich der hochw. [hochwürdige] P. [Pater] Inama aus dem Prämonstratenser-Orden in Roxbury niedergelassen, von wo aus er die umliegenden katholischen Familien besuchte. Seine ausgedehnten Missions-Visiten führten ihn mitte des Jahres 1847 nach New Franklin zu den biederen bayerischen Settlern, wo er in einem heute noch erhaltenen "Log-House" die hl. [heilige] Messe las.
Meilenweit kamen die damals noch armen Ansiedler zu Fuß herbei, um dem Gottesdienste beizuwohnen. Erst unter der fähigen Leitung des hochw. Hrn. [hochwürdigen Herrn] Maximilian Gaertner, eines Amtsgenossen des Vaters Inama, erstand die erste Frame Kirche im Jahre 1848. Das Holz hierzu wurde unter großen Beschwerden und financiellen Schwierigkeiten auf holperigen Achsenwägen bis von Beaver Dam herbeigeschafft. Doch der Opfersinn schreckte selbst nicht vor den schlechten, meistens durch Sumpfland führenden Wegen und vor den brückenlosen Bächen und Flüssen zurück. Das kleine armselige Holz-Kirchlein wurde zu Ehren des h. [heiligen] Joseph eingeweiht.
Von 1850-1853 besuchte der hochw. [hochwürdige] F. X. Etschmann, Pfarrer der St. Raphael's-Kirche zu Madison, zeitweise die St. Joseph's-Gemeinde. In diese Zeit fällt auch die Uebertragung von 6 Acker Land von Michael Schmitt an die St. Joseph's-Gemeinde in New Franklin.
Anfangs des Jahres 1854 kam jeden Monat Rev. Haider, der seinen Wohnsitz in Jefferson hatte. Unter seinen Leitung wurde das ganze Pfarrland zum ersten male umzäunt und ein Theil des jungfräulichen Bodens aufgebrochen und verrentet [bearbeitet]. Ein Brunnen wurde gegraben und das Wasser mittels einer Kette geschöpft.
Im Jahre 1855 bis Juni 1856 folgte der hochw. Hr. [hochwürdige Herr] Johann Hasselbauer, ein Bayer von Geburt, der erste seßhafte Priester der Gemeinde. Ein Glöcklein, das heute noch als Reliquie aus der Pionierzeit aufbewahrt wird, rief die erstaunten, an einen solchen "Luxus" nichtgewöhnten Ansiedler zum Gottesdienste. Da sie den für die damaligen Verhältnisse allerdings hohen Preis nicht aufbringen konnten, kam das Glöcklein in die Hände eines Privatmannes. Erst einem hochw. [hochwürdigen] Nachfolger, dem Vater Conrad, war es vergönnt, die Glocke durch Kauf für die Gemeinde permanent anzuschaffen.
Im Juli 1856 wurde die "Frame" Kirche durch einen Anbau (23 x 26) vergrößert. Einige von den Gemeinde-mitgliedern lieferten die Baustämme [Baumstämme], andere die Fenster, andere steuerten trotz der ärmlichen Verhältnissen nach besten Kräften bei. Wo es aber an dem nervus rerum gebrach, da mußte die kräftige Rechte den Beitrag in mehrtägiger Arbeit liefern.
Von Juni 1856 versah der hochw. [hochwürdige] Martin Kundig, der spätere Generalvicar der Diözese Milwaukee, die Gemeinde, den die hochw. H.H. [hochwürdigen Herren] Sebastian Seif von Croß Plains und Jacob Stehle vom Dez. [Dezember] 1856 - Oct. [Oktober] 1859 folgten. Zu der Zeit wurde das Sanktuarium der "Frame"-Kirche etwas vergrößert.
Der häufige Wechsel von Priestern, wie die Befehdung einzelner, einflußreicher Familien, die einem herbeigerufenen, nicht von dem Bischofe der Diözese gesandten Priester, folgten, zersplitterte die Kräfte der noch jugendlichen Gemeinde.
In dieser Sturm- und Drang-Periode, die manche Gemeinden zu der Zeit durchmachen mußten, sandte der hochw'ste [hochwürdigste] Bischof Henni am 1. Oct. [Oktober] 1857 den im besten Mannesalter stehenden, hochw. [hochwürdigen] Lorenz Conrad, den gegenwärtigen Pfarrer der Dreifaltigkeitskirche in Milwaukee. Durch Geduld und Ausdauer kam allmälig das bessere Element wieder zurück zur wahren Heerde [Herde]. Vater Conrad erbaute das erste Pfarrhaus: den Contrakt zu $630 übernahm Valentin Spahn, der das Haus, 22x30 groß, "fix und fertig stellen mußte" mit Ausnahme des Kellers, den die Gemeinde herstellen ließ. Zu gleicher Zeit wurde ein neuer Brunnen gegraben.
Im Nov. [November] 1858 bei Gelegenheit der Firmung bot die Gemeinde und der Herr Pfarrer alles auf, um dem hochw. Hr. [hochwürdigen Herrn] Bischof Henni einen möglichst ehrenvollen Empfang zu bereiten, denn die radicalen Mitglieder der Gemeinde hatten sich bei einem früheren Besuche des hochw'sten [hochwürdigsten] Bischofs in trauriger Weise verewigt. (Fortsetzung folgt.)
Translation to English: (July 15, 1897, page 4 to 5, Columbia)
Historical Sketch of St. Joseph's parish of East Bristol, Wisc.
(For the 'Columbia' by Rev. Ign. A. Klein.)
On 29 Sept. 1845, the first settler settled in the western portion of Dane County: Michael and Joseph Schmitt, Maria and Barbara Schmitt, Valentin Angebrandt, Michael and John Ziegler, Father Jos [Joseph] Ackermann, John Wendelin Damm, all coming from Lower Franconia, Bavaria - in today's East Bristol, which for several years was well known as New Franklin. They bought the land partly from the government, and partly from speculators. The whole neighborhood housed only a few Americans, the rest was woodland, part open prairie.
Already in April 1846, the small colony saw growth, from the blue and white frontier posts [blue and white frontier posts refers to Bavarians whose flag in Germany was blue and white], namely the family of Schernecker, Michael Voelker, Peter and John Todd, Johann Anton Weber, Jos [Joseph] Frunk, Jos [Joseph] Orth and the Holzmann family. Was also a very humble beginning, yet with hard work and perseverance from these German pioneers, the young settlement soon brought some bloom, whose reputation at the beginning of 1847, still further reinforcements from Lower Franconia, namely the families of Georg Thein, Wermuth, Peter Gerig, Mich. [Michael] Endes, Adam Hedrich, Kiefer.
Already in November 1845, the Reverend Father Inama from the Norbertine Order in Roxbury took up residence, from where he visited the nearby Catholic families. His extensive missionary visits led him to the middle of the year 1847 to New Franklin, to the respectable Bavarian settlers, where he celebrated Mass in a "log house" that still exists today.
From miles away, the settlers, at that time still poor, came on foot to attend the worship services. Only under the able leadership of the Reverend Maximilian Gaertner, a colleague of Father Inama, arose the first frame church in 1848. The wood for this was brought in under great inconvenience and financial difficulties on bumpy axle-carts from Beaver Dam. Yet the sense of sacrifice was not deterred, even by poor trails - mostly leading through swamp land - and a fear of unbridged rivers and streams. The meager little wooden church was dedicated in honor of St. Joseph.
From 1850-1853, St. Joseph's congregation was visited at times by Reverend F. X. Etschmann, pastor of St. Raphael's Church at Madison. Also in this period, the transfer of 6 acres of land passed from Michael Schmitt to St. Joseph's parish in New Franklin.
At the beginning of the year 1854, Reverend Haider came every month; he had his residence in Jefferson. Under his leadership, the whole parish was fenced for the first time, and a portion of the virgin soil was broken and worked. A well was dug and the water scooped by means of a chain.
In the year 1855 to the following June of 1856, Reverend Johann Hasselbauer, a Bavarian by birth, was the first resident priest of the parish. A small bell, which is still preserved today as a relic from the early days, summoned the settlers for worship, astonished at such a "luxury." Because of the circumstances at that time, they could not, however, pay the high price; the bell came into the hands of a private man. Only a highly worthy successor, Father Conrad, was privileged to acquire the bell permanently through a purchase for the church.
In July 1856, the "frame" church grew after a 23 x 26 addition. Some members of the parish provided tree trunks, others windows, others contributed their best efforts despite the poor conditions. But where it lacked the nerve of money, the powerful right had to provide the contribution of several days of work.
From June 1856, the Reverend Martin Kundig, later vicar-general of the Diocese of Milwaukee, oversaw the parish, then from December 1856 to October 1859 was followed by the Reverends Sebastian Seif of Cross Plains and Jacob Stehle. At this time, the sanctuary of the "frame" church was somewhat enlarged.
The frequent transfer of priests, as well as the hostility of individual, influential families, who followed a priest not sent by the bishop of the diocese, splintered the forces of the still youthful parish.
In this storm and stress period, which some parishes at this time had to contend with, the Most Reverend Bishop Henni sent on October 1, 1857, in the prime of his life, Reverend Lorenz Conrad, the current pastor of Trinity Church in Milwaukee. Through patience and perseverance, the better element gradually returned to the true flock. Father Conrad built the first rectory: the $630 contract assumed by Valentin Spahn, who had to make the 22x30 sized-house, "fixed and ready" with the exception of the basement, which the parish had made. At the same time a new well was dug.
In November 1858, on the occasion of Confirmation, the congregation and the pastor did their utmost to prepare for the Reverend Bishop Henni the most honorable reception possible, because, at an earlier visit of the Most Reverend Bishop, the radical members of the congregation had "immortalized" themselves in a sorry manner. (To be continued.)
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July 22, 1897, page 3, Columbia (Milwaukee, Wisconsin). Part 2 of a series of 3 articles.
Transcription:
Historische Skizze der St. Joseph's-Gemeinde zu East Bristol, Wisc.
(Für die 'Columbia' von Rev. Ign. A. Klein.)
(Fortsetzung.)
Im Mai 1859 übernahm der hochw. Hr. [hochwürdige Herr] F. X. Pfaller, geboren zu Eichstätt, Bayern, die Seelsorge der St. Joseph's-Gemeinde, dessen Name heute noch, wie der seines hochw. [hochwürdigen] Vorgängers, von dem Volke mit Verehrung genannt wird. Das Pfarrhaus was zwar gebaut, aber die innere Ausstattung ließ noch sehr viel zu wünschen übrig. Das damalige Kirchencomite, die HH. [hochwürdige Herren] Jakob Schey, Franz Groß und Val. Pfaff besorgten deshalb das nöthige [nötige] Mobilar.
Im Jahre 1861, anfangs Januar, kam Rev. Franz Commenzind nach East Bristol, aber bereits im August desselben Jahres resignirte er wegen Krankheit seine Stellung. Sein Amtsnachfolger, Vater Storr, ein Würtemberger, blieb blos bis ende Dezember, als Vater Commenzind, soweit wieder hergestellt, die Gemeinde von neuem übernahm. Durch andauernde Einwanderung junger Familien erstarkte die Gemeinde, so daß das Kirchlein trotz wiederholter Vergrößerung bald zu klein wurde. In der Jahres-Versammlung beschlossen deshalb die Mitglieder von St. Joseph, innerhalb von 5 Jahren eine neue, größere und solide Steinkirche zu bauen. Zu diesem Zwecke wurde jeden Herbst eine Hauscollekte abgehalten.
Das Bau-Comite bestand aus den H. H. [Herren] Jos. Herr, Jos. Schmitt, Val. Conrad, Jos. Bünnig und Peter Batz. Beim Abgange des Vaters Commenzind im Oktober 1862 gab ihm die Gemeinde, wie in einer Extra-Versammlung beschlossen war, ein Geschenk von fünfzig Dollars.
Da die alte Frame-Kirche ganz baufällig wurde, ließ Rev. Michael Obermüller, der die Gemeinde von November 1862 bis den 22. Mai 1863 versah, dieselbe stützen, damit sie nicht zusammenfalle. Der Gottesacker erhielt zu gleicher Zeit eine bessere Umzäunung.
Blos kurze Zeit versah der hochw. Hr. [hochwürdige Herr] W. Bernard die St. Joseph's-Gemeinde, nämlich vom 12. Juni bis 6. Juli 1863. Unter dem pastorate von Rev. Fabian Bermadinger, den der kernige Volksmund kurzweg "Pater Fabian" titulirte, wurde der neue Kirchenbau begonnen. Im Frühjahre von 1864 wurde der Grundstein gelegt, bei welcher Gelegenheit Vater DeBecke eine ausgezeichnete Festpredigt hielt.
Da damals noch nicht die vielen ländlichen Maschinen im Gebrauche waren, wie heutzutage, und die Ansiedler die Scholle blos mit Handwerkszeugen bearbeiteten, hieß es stets beim frühesten Morgengrau "aus den Federn!" Um in Zeit ihr Land bestellen und das nöthige [nötige] Baumaterial, als Sand und Steine herbeiführen zu können, wurde von Mitternacht bis 5 Uhr morgens Sand und Steine auf den holperigen [Wegen in] Ochsenwägen herbeigeschafft: die übrige Tageszeit wurde der Bebauung der Felder gewidmet. Das Bauholz wurde 30 Meilen weit herbeigeschleppt.
Rev. DeBecke, ober wie er mit seinem vollen Namen hieß; Maximilian Becke de Szabad Szeutlhiroz, übernahm die Gemeinde im Spätherbst (Ende Oktober) 1864. Unter seiner umsichtigen Leitung wurde der Kirchenbau zu ende geführt. Die Kirche war 150 Fuß lang und 40 Fuß breit und kostete im Rohbau ungefähr $6000. Erst 4 Jahre später, am 24. November 1868 wurde die Steinkirche vom hochw'sten Hrn. [hochwürdigesten Herrn] Erzbischof Henni feierlich eingeweiht. Einen ergötzlichen Gemeindebeschluß vermelden uns die Annalen der Gemeinde vom 5. Jan. 1865.
Jeder solle seine Stuhlrente vierteljährlich bezahlen; die aber wegen Armuth [Armut] nicht gleich berappen können, sollen eine Gnadenfrist von 3 Monaten erhalten. War selbst dann noch das Thermometer ihrer Kasse, wie ihres guten Willens auf dem Gefrierpunkte, so mußten solche Mitglieder einen Wechsel an den Schatzmeister austellen, welchen Letzterer 3 Tage nach der Verfallzeit verkaufen konnte. Wieviele solcher Wechsel in die Hände des Finanzverwalters gerathen [geraten], darüber schweigt die Geschichte. Ein solcher "armer Schlucker", der "aus gekränktem Ehrgefühl oder bösem Willen" nicht bezahlen konnte, ober nicht wollte, verlor auf immer sein Anrecht auf einen Sitz in der Kirche. Diese "Armen-Sünder-Liste" erstreckte sich bis zum Jahre 1860. Selbstverständlich waren wirkliche Arme von diesem drakonischen Gesetze ausgenommen.
Daß aber unsere alten Pioniere ihre Pappenheimer genau kannten und deshalb diese Beschlüsse auch stramm durchführten, davon zeigen die Geschäftsbücher der damaligen Zeit. Denn bereits ein Jahr nachher standen die Gemeindefinanzen in bestem Zustande und die Zahl der schlechten Zahler hatte sich bedeutend vermindert. Gerade der "Punkt des Zahlens" machte oft zu jener Zeith [Zeit] hier, wie in anderen Gemeinden, die Versammlungen zu stürmischen Wortgefechten, denen oft, wenn nicht zwar offene Entzweiung, so doch Lockerung der damals so nothwendigen Einigkeit und Harmonie folgte. Unser Chronist vermeldete ausdrücklich: "Bei der nächsten Jahresversammlung herrschte, obwohl der größte Theil [Teil] der Gemeindemitglieder anwesend war, die schönste, katholische Einstimmigkeit" und beschließt seinen interessanten Bericht mit einem herzlichen "Gott sei Dank!"
Vater DeBecke legte auch den ersten Obstgarten an, der später von seinem hochw. [hochwürdigen] Nachfolger vergrößert wurde. Mit vielen Opfern ward die Kirche erbaut, aber noch fehlte die Pflanzschule, die den Fortbestand der Gemeinde dauernd begründen sollte, nämlich die katholische Pfarrschule. Bisher erhielten die Kinder ihren Religionsunterricht in der Distriktschule nach Beendigung des Unterrichts, weil es die ärmlichen Verhältnisse eben im Anfange nicht anders erlaubten. (Schluß folgt.)
Translation to English: (July 22, 1897, page 3, Columbia)
Historical Sketch of St. Joseph's parish of East Bristol, Wisc.
(For the 'Columbia' by Rev. Ign. A. Klein.)
(Continued.)
In May 1859, Reverend F. X. [Franz Xavier] Pfaller, born at Eichstaett, Bavaria, took over the pastoral care of St. Joseph's congregation, whose name is still today, as that of his venerable predecessor, revered by the people. The rectory was indeed built, but the interior decorating still left much to be desired. The former church committee, the Reverends Jacob Schey, Franz Gross and Val. [Valentine] Pfaff, therefore, acquired the necessary furniture.
In the beginning of January in 1861, Reverend Franz Commenzind [Franz V. Sales Commenzind] came to East Bristol, but in August of the same year, he resigned his position because of illness. His successor, Father Storr, from Wuertemberg, remained to the end of December, when Father Commenzind came back to the congregation and took over again. With continuing immigration of young families, the parish grew stronger, so that the church, despite repeated enlargement, soon became too small. At the annual meeting, it was therefore decided that members of St. Joseph would build within 5 years, a new, larger, and more solid stone church. For this purpose, a house collection was held each fall.
The building committee consisted of the men Jos. [Joseph] Herr, Jos. [Joseph] Schmitt, Val. [Valentine] Conrad, Jos. [Joseph] Buennig und Peter Batz. At the departure of father Commenzind in October 1862, the parish, as was decided at a specially held meeting, gave him a gift of fifty dollars.
As the old frame church was very dilapidated, Reverend Michael Obermueller, who was priest of the parish from November 1862 to May 22, 1863, supported [i.e. reinforced] it so it [the church] wouldn't fall. At the same time, a better fence was built in the cemetery.
For only a short time, Reverend W. Bernard oversaw St. Joseph's parish, namely, from June 12 to July 6, 1863. Under the pastorate of Reverend Fabian Bermadinger, who was popularly addressed as simply "Father Fabian," the new church building was begun. In the spring of 1864, the corner stone was laid, on which occasion Father DeBecke gave an excellent homily.
There was not much agriculture machinery in use then, as now; the settlers cultivated the soil with hand tools, which meant "Get out of bed!" at the crack of dawn. To work their land timely, and to be able to obtain the necessary building materials, such as sand and stones, from midnight to 5 clock in the morning, the sand and stones were transported over the bumpy roads on ox carts: the rest of the day was devoted to the cultivation of the fields. The lumber was hauled from 30 miles away.
Reverend DeBecke (by his full name he was called Maximilian Becke de Szabad Szeutlhiroz) took over the parish in late autumn (the end of October) in 1864. Under his careful management, the church building was completed. The church was 150 feet long and 40 feet wide and cost about $6,000 in raw materials. Not until four years later, on November 24, 1868, was the stone church ceremoniously dedicated by the Most Reverend Archbishop [John Martin] Henni.
The annals of the church of January 5, 1865, provide us an amusing parish resolution. Everyone should pay his pew rent quarterly; but those who cannot immediately shell out the rent because of poverty, should receive a grace period of 3 months. Even if the thermometer of their cash-box and their good will was at the freezing point [ie. the cash box was empty], such members had to draw up a promissory note for the treasurer which the latter could sell 3 days after the expiry period. The story is silent about how many such bills wound up in the hands of the financial manager. Such a "poor devil" who "from an offended sense of honor [self-respect] or ill will" could not pay, or didn't want to, lost forever his right to a seat in the church. This "poor sinners list" stretched to the year 1860. Of course, the real poor were excluded from this draconian law.
The account books of that era show that our old pioneers knew exactly with whom they were dealing and therefore also rigidly carried out these decisions. Already a year later the parish finances were in excellent condition, and the number of bad payers had diminished significantly. Often at that time here, as in other parishes, the "point of payment" brought the meeting to a stormy war of words, from which often followed, if not open division, a relaxation to unity and harmony so necessary at that time. Our chronicler reported explicitly: "At the next annual meeting, although the majority of parish members were present, the most beautiful, Catholic unanimity prevailed" and concludes his interesting report with a hearty "Thank God!"
Father DeBecke also laid out the first vegetable garden, which was later expanded by his priestly successor. The church was built with many sacrifices, but it still lacked a nursery, which would establish the continued existence of the parish, namely the Catholic parochial school. Until now, the children received their religious education in the school district after completion of the classes, because in the beginning the impoverished conditions did not permit anything else. (Conclusion follows.)
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July 29, 1897, page 4-5, Columbia (Milwaukee, Wisconsin). Part 3 of a series of 3 articles.
Transcription:
Historische Skizze der St. Joseph's-Gemeinde zu East Bristol, Wisc.
(Für die 'Columbia' von Rev. Ign. A. Klein.)
(Schluß.)
Durch Sparsamkeit und Fleiß hatten es aber die meisten Ansiedler in den sechsziger Jahren bereits zu einem schuldenfreien Heim und einem gewissen Wohlstand gebracht. Es war deshalb ein glücklicher Gedanke des hochw. Hrn. [hochwürdigen Herrn] Anton Foeckler, der die Seelsorge hier im Februar 1867 übernahm, den Bau einer eigenen Pfarrschule in der Gemeinde anzuregen und auszuführen.
Das geräumige Schulhaus mit zwei Klassenzimmern unten und der Wohnung der Schulschwestern oben kostete ungefähr $4000. Machte sich auch ein Strom von Vorurtheilen [Vorurteilen] gegen "eine eigene Pfarrschule" breit, suchte noch der Feind alles Guten alle Hebel in Bewegung zu setzen, um den Bau zu hintertreiben [unterbinden], und selbst nach dem Baue, den Lehrkräften, wie Pfarrer, alle möglichen Hindernisse in den Weg zu legen.
Die Pfarrschule hat gesiegt, sie steht und blüht; erst 18 Kinder, heute über 100 Kinder, die dieselbe regelmäßig besuchen, in der die Jugend nicht blos in weltlicher Wissenschaft, in der deutschen und englischen Sprache, sondern besonders in der kath. [katholischen] Religion unterrichtet wird, die Pfarrschule ist und bleibt für jede Gemeinde die Pflanzstätte der kath. [katholischen] Religion.
Vater Foeckler vollendete auch den inneren Ausbau der Steinkirche. Ihm folgte vom Mai 1871 bis Juli 1879 Rev. [Reverend] H. J. Muckerheide, ein verdienstvoller, eifriger Priester, der 2 Glocken für die neue Kirche aus St. Louis bezog.
Das erste Pfarrhaus war bereits alterschwach und unansehnlich neben der herrlichen Kirche. Die Gemeinde war von 5 Familien auf über 100 Familien angewachsen. Im Verein mit dem hochw. Hrn. [hochwürdigen Herrn] A. Gstach, D. D., der im August 1879 hieherkam [hier her kam], erbaute die Gemeinde ein neues Pfarrhaus, das $3,500 kostete. Durch Krankheit gezwungen, resignirte Vater Gstach im Oktober 1886. Ihm folgte Rev. [Reverend] S. G. Woelfl im November desselben Jahres.
Die Räumlichkeiten der Kirche waren zu beschränkt für die stets zunehmende Zahl der Gemeindemitglieder. Nach reiflicher Ueberlegung, wie diesem Uebelstande abgeholfen werden könnte, beschloß die Gemeinde mit dem Herrn Pfarrer im Jahre 1890 eine neue, große, gothische Steinkirche aufzuführen, die mit der inneren Einrichtung auf ungefähr $28,000 zu stehen kam. Die Kirche selbst, eine der schönsten Landkirchen im Staate Wisconsin, ist aus behauenem Kalksteine erbaut, 140 Fuß lang und 58 Fuß breit.
Der Rohbau wurde von Hrn. [Herrn] Fr. [Franz] Stegerwald, einem Bauunternehmer der St. Joseph's-Gemeinde, ausgeführt. Die innere Fresco-Malerei besorgte die Firma Liebig & Co. von Milwaukee. Die Pedal-Orgel stammt aus der Fabrik des Hrn. [Herrn] Schuelke, Milwaukee; die Altäre und Kanzel sind aus dem Atelier des Herrn Goetz bei Manitowoc. Herr Egid. Hackner von La Crosse lieferte im Frühjahr 1897 einen herrlichen Beichtstuhl, ein Meisterstück von Relief-Arbeit und Schnitzerei. Die zwei Heiße Luft-Apparate, mit denen die Kirche im Winter geheizt wird, stammen von der Firma Boynton & Co., von Chicago. Im Erdgeschoß der Kirche befindet sich eine geräumige Kapelle, die zur Winterszeit an Wochentagen benützt wird.
Leider konnte Vater Woelfl nicht die Früchte seines Wirkens genießen. Eine schleichende Krankheit warf ihn auf das Krankenlager; umgeben von seinen Freunden und seiner noch lebenden Mutter entschlief er sanft im Herrn anfangs September 1895 zu Franklin, Wis. im Hause seines Bruders. Schreiber1 dieser Zeilen gab ihm mit den Vorstehern der St. Josephs-Gemeinde das letzte Geleite auf dem Friedhofe zu Franklin. R. i. p.
Am 20. Sept. 1895 übernahm Schreiber dieser Zeilen die Seelsorge der hiesigen Gemeinde.
Am 15. und 16. Juni d. J. [dieses Jahres] beging die St. Josephs-Gemeinde ihr goldenes Jubiläum in glänzender Weise. (Vgl. [Vergleiche] No. 25 der 'Columbia'). Möge die St. Josephs Gemeinde zu East Bristol durch die Fürbitte ihres hohen Patrons zunehmen und gedeihen, um ihr Centennarium in ebenso glänzender Weise begehen zu können.
Translation to English: (July 29, 1897, page 4-5, Columbia)
Historical Sketch of St. Joseph's community of East Bristol, Wisc.
(For the 'Columbia' by Rev. Ign. A. Klein.)
(Closing.)
Through thrift and hard work, most settlers in the sixties [1860s] already had a debt-free home and a degree of prosperity. It was, therefore, a timely idea of the Reverend Anton Foeckler, who took over the ministry here in February 1867, to suggest and carry out the building of its own parish parochial school.
The spacious school building, with two classrooms downstairs, and the school Sister's living quarters upstairs, cost approximately $4000. If a storm of prejudice prepared itself against "their own parish school," the enemy of all good tried to set all levers in motion in order to prevent the construction, and even after the construction, to try to place all sorts of obstacles in the way for the teachers, as well as the pastor.
The parish school won, and it endures and flourishes; first 18 children, today more than 100 children attend the school regularly, in which the youth are taught not only a secular curriculum, in the German and English languages, but especially the Catholic religion; the parish school is and remains for each parish the seeding ground of the Catholic religion.
Father Foeckler also completed the interior remodeling of the stone church. He was followed, from May 1871 to July 1879, by Reverend H. J. Muckerheide, a worthy and zealous priest, who procured two bells from St. Louis for the new church.
The first rectory was already decrepit and unsightly next to the magnificent church. The congregation had grown from five families to over 100 families. Together with with the Reverend A. Gstach, D. D., who came here in August 1879, the congregation built a new rectory, which cost $3,500. Father Gstach was forced to resign due to illness in October 1886. He was succeeded by Reverend S. G. [Simon Georg] Woelfl in November of the same year.
The premises of the church were too limited for the ever-increasing number of parish members. In 1890, after careful consideration as to how this defect could be remedied, the parish decided with the pastor to build a large, new Gothic stone church, with interior furnishings of approximately $28,000. The church itself, one of the most beautiful churches in the State of Wisconsin, is built of hewn limestone, 140 feet long and 58 feet wide.
The structural work was carried out by Mr. Fr. Stegerwald, a builder from St. Joseph's parish. The interior fresco paintings were from the firm, Liebig & Co., from Milwaukee. The pedal organ came from the factory of Mr. Schuelke, Milwaukee, and the altars and the pulpit were from the workshop of Mr. Goetz at Manitowoc. In the Spring of 1897, Mr. Egid. [Egidius] Hackner of La Crosse provided a stunning Confessional, a masterpiece of wood carving and relief work. The two hot-air devices, with which the church is heated in winter, came from the business, Boynton & Co., of Chicago. On the ground floor of the church is a spacious chapel which is used in the winter time on weekdays.
Unfortunately, Father Woelfl did not enjoy the fruits of his work. A gradual illness confined him to bed; surrounded by his friends and his surviving mother, he passed away quietly in early September 1895 at Franklin, Wis. [Wisconsin] in the house of his brother. The author of these lines [Father Ignatz Klein], with the leaders of the St. Joseph's parish, gave him the last escort to the Franklin cemetery. R.I.P. [Rest in Peace]
On September 20, 1895, this author took over the pastoral care of the local parish.
On the 15th and 16th of June this year, St. Joseph's parish celebrated its golden jubilee in a splendid manner. (See number 25 of the 'Columbia'). May St. Joseph's church in East Bristol, through the intercession of their Holy Patron Saint, grow and prosper to celebrate their centennial in an equally brilliant manner.
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Notes:
Rev. Ignatz A. Klein most likely wrote the three German articles before leaving on a trip to Europe in July 1897.
Rev. Ignatz A. Klein later wrote a book: "Geschichte der St. Joseph's Gemeinde von East Bristol, Wisconsin von 1847 - 1907. Eine kultur historische Skizze von Rev. Ig. A. Klein, Pfarrer." Translation of the book title: History of St. Joseph's parish in East Bristol, Wisconsin, from 1847 to 1907; a cultural, historical sketch by Reverend Ignatius A. Klein, priest.