Reverend Bernard F. Kuhlman, S.T.D.

Bernard F. Kuhlman was born January 27, 1866 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Upon graduation from college, Bernard was sent to Rome, Italy to continue his religious studies. On July 27, 1890 he was ordained, and the next day he celebrated his first Mass in the Basilica of St. Peter, Prince of the Apostles, in the Eternal City. After returning to Cincinnati in 1892 and serving in several parishes, he was assigned to Mt. St. Mary’s Seminary of the West as Professor of Philosophy; he taught there for nine years.

Father Kuhlman’s next assignment brought him to Dayton, Ohio as the Chaplain of the National Military Home (now known as the Veterans Assistance Medical Center); he held this office for 33 years, until he retired at the age of 70. While Chaplain of the National Military Home, Father Kuhlman became an integral part of not only the Home, but of Dayton, Ohio, too. At the Home, he ministered to veterans of the Civil War, the Spanish American War, the Indian Wars, the Mexican War and World War I, as well as civilians at Good Shepherd Chapel and inmates at the County Infirmary and the Prison Farm. Throughout Father Kuhlman’s career he was known and loved by many, both in civic circles, as well as, in the religious community. He was an active member of the Community Chest, the Dayton Club, the Torch Club, the Civic Music League, the Present Day Club, the Nomads Club and Kiwanis--to name just some organizations--with the purpose of spreading the Gospel and good will toward the Church.

Father Kuhlman became a Knight of Columbus (K of C) in 1913 and was Chaplain and Faithful Friar for many years. He was an active member of the K of C and was proud of their accomplishments. In addition to being the Chaplain of the National Military Home, Father Kuhlman served for a time as Chaplain of the Wright Aviation Field. At the base he assisted Archbishop Moeller in blessing the K of C Hut. Later, Father Kuhlman was instrumental in having this very same structure moved to the site of St. James Church; he had the pleasure of celebrating the first Mass in this temporary church. He also organized the Church of the Resurrection, serving as pastor during its formative period.

Organized in 1917 as the Council #500 Assembly, this Fourth Degree Assembly’s name was changed in 1949 to the Reverend Bernard F. Kuhlman General Assembly in honor of Father Kuhlman for his efforts over many years to promote the Catholic Church and patriotism in the Gem City.

Father Kuhlman died on March 29, 1951 and is buried at Calvary Cemetery in the city he so faithfully served--Dayton, Ohio.