UNIVERSITY if
NOTRE DAME
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IN
il
I HISTORY
l·' <
OF
Catholicity
RICHMOND AND WAYNE COUNTY, IND.,
WITH THIRTEEN WHOLE PAGE ENGRAVINGS, INCLUDING BISHOP CHATARD
AND THE LOCAL PASTORS, CHURCHES, ETC.
BY M. W. CARR.
PRICE, TWENTY-FIVE CENTS.
INDIANAPOLIS:
CARLON & HOLLENBECK, PRINTERS AND BINDERS.
1889.


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ORIGIN OF MODERN RELIGIOUS SECTS.
The 11.�aº ¡ach came into existence in Ger­
many about the year 1524. Its founder was Martin
Luther, a priest of the Order of St. Augustine, who
left his con vent, burnt the Pope's letter reproving
him, married a nun, and preached in favor of reforma­
tion.
The Episcopal Church was founded in 1534 by
Henry VIII, King of England, who ceased to be a
Catholic when he failed to obtain a divorce from his
lawful wife, Catharine. Once out of the Catholic
church. he married and murdered his wives without
fear or' God or man.
The Methodist Church is the same as the Episcopal,
except in some minor points introduced by John Wes­
ley, an Englishman, about the year 1739.
The Presbyterian Church owes its origin to John
Calvin, an apostate from the Catholic Church, who
:fled from France to Geneva, where his adherents were
first known as Calvinists. This happened in 1561.
The Baptist Church sprang up soon after the Lu­
theran. The sect. was first known by the name of
Anabaptists. Its doctrines were propagated in Ger­
many, in the year 1520, by Nicholas Storch and
Thomas Muenzer.
The Congregationalist Church was founded in Eng�
land in 1583, by Robert Browne. His followers were
at first called Browneists, but were afterwards known
as Puritans.
The Church of the Disciples was organized in Vir­
ginia about 65 years ago, by Alexander Campbell.
He was a native of Ireland, born in County Antrim,
in the year 1786. He died at Bethany, West Vir­
ginia, March 4, 1866.
These are but a few of the more important religious
denominations that have sprung np in various places
since Luther's defection in Germany.


l M. WILLIAMS,
Dealer in Superior Makes of
724 Main Street
Boots, Shoes
AND RUBBERS,
The following lines of Ladies' Fine Shoes always in stock: Laird, Schober
& Mitchell, Curtis & Wheeler, J. J. Grover's Soft Noiseless Shoe, The
Famous$2.50snd $3.00 Shoe. GENTS' FINE SHOES: Burt's
"Korrect Shape" Shoe. Johnston & Murphey's, Hatha-
way, Soule & Harrington's, Upham's Kangaroo
Shoes, and the Famous Makes
of $3.00 Shoes.
Ä CALL OR CORRE,,¡PONDENCE SOLICITED.


GRAND OLD IRELAND.
To the distant observer this beautiful island appears
like a city of ruins in the saddened light of evening.
Her glory and her strength seem departed forever.
But she is still the" Emerald Isle of the ocean." An
air of romance and chivalry is around her. The tradi­
tional tales that Ii ve in her literature invest her history
with heroic beauty. But she has no need of these.
Real heroes, the O'N eills, the O' Briens and the Em­
metts, will be remembered as long as patriotism and
valor are honored among men.
In every department of literature she still takes her
place. Where is the wreath her shamrock does not
adorn? Where the muse that has not visited her hills?
Her harp has ever kindled the soul of the warrior and
soothed the sorrows of the broken-hearted. It has
sounded every strain that can move the human heart
to greatness or to love.
Often has the exile from Erin, as he wandered a
stranger in some distant clime, sat down and wept
when he remembered how the beautiful island of his
birth has been marred and made desolate by the hands
of the oppressor. Misrule, continued through long cen­
turies, has strewn her surface with ruins and desolation,
in the midst of which her impoverished people, the
children of the former lords of the soil, subsist and
move along, like spectres through desolate and aban­
doned castles.
Her woes and misfortunes move not the heart of her
oppressors, but they are noted by the God of the poor.


TIIAMDNTIS
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Headquarters .for Fz"ne Goods.
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Establ ished 1853. .
-.:::r .A. "'C"G::S:..A..� ELOOX,
RICHMOND, IND.


ALVIN E. CROKER
HAS ANY AMOUNT OF
MONEY TO LOAN
On First Mortgage Security.
Has First-class Bargains in
Farm and City Property.
Writes all classes of Insurance and gives sure
Indemnity.
Call and see.
ALVIN E. CROKER, RICHMOND, IND.


POINTS OF OBSERVANCE IN AND ABOUT
THE CHURCH.
It is a vulgar practice to stand outside the doors of
the church while mass is being celebrated. Some give
the excuse that they are waiting for the next mass.
It this be so, let them select some other waiting place.
No one should walk up the aisles of the church dur­
ing the sermon. If you arri ve late, wait in one of
the lower pews until the sermon is over, then go to
your place. There should be no moving up or down
the aisles while the congaegation is being addressed.
At low mass it is proper to kneel the entire time,
except at the Gospels. When the service is prolonged
by a sermon, as it is at eight o'clock mass generally,
it may be permitted to sit from the end of the Credo
to the Sanctus, and from and after the communion
until the blessing.
At high mass the people al ways stand while the
priest sings. They should kneel from the beginning
of mass until the Gloria, and from the Sanctus-that
is, when the bell rings the first time until the Pater
Noster. They kneel during the communion and rise
at the last Gospel. At the elevation, the most solemn
part of the mass, all should bow the head and pray.
Avoid the practice of coming late to church. In
order to get there in time, leave home in time. Start
at least as promptly for mass as you would for the
depot, if you intended to take a train.
What shall be said of those who always stand in the
back part of the church, near the do�r? Nothing.
All has been said that can be said, and still they stand
there.


16
HISTORY OF CATHOLICITY
years ago. The suggestive name, Sullivan, was borne
by the first preacher the Methodists of Richmond
had. Quite a few of the wealthy manufacturers of
Rich mond were once Catholics or descendants of
Catholic parents .
. In Know-Nothing days, and even in more recent
years, to be a Catholic in Richmond and vicinity was
to be comparatively isolated and often unjustly dis­
criminated against. The antipathy to Catholics sure
to be found in Quaker and Puritan communities was
not wanting in this section of Indiana. Know-Noth­
ingism flourished and waxed strong, became a factor
in politics, and the taint of it is felt to some extent to
this day. Many have political predilections because
of the part it took in shaping the issues, one or the
other political party revering its unsavory memory or
adopting its wicked tenets, which were hatred of Cath­
olics and all foreigners.
With the advent of a new generation, however, and
the toleration that is born of enlightenment and the
intercourse of men with one another the prejudices
and hates which have disgraced the past are fast dying
out. An angular, ranting anti-Catholic preacher is
DOW regarded as a sort of freak. Some of the old
heads may Dod a "just so" to his tirades, but the
younger generation smiles at the antics of the ranter
and concludes to bear with him simply for the sake of
the old folks. 'fhey do not be1ieve him because of
his marked unreasoning and because most of what he
vomits forth is contradicted by facts which they know.
Who of the young generation in Richmond and Wayne
county, or in any other intelligent community, believes
now that for money a priest grants a license to commit
crime? Who believes that a penitent must pay the
priest to have his sins forgiven? Who for a moment
credits the old lie that a priest will agree to pray a
soul out of purgatory for a monetary consideration?
Not one believes these silly charges; but not a few yet


IN RICHMOND AND WAYNE COUNTY. 17
remain who would like to have their prejudices forti­
fied by proofs that these malicious falsehoods are true.
Even the latest scare on the school question does
not affect the rising generation of non-Catholics. They
know that the Catholic Church could teach nothing
inimical to good government. In its schools and in­
stitutions of learning more attention is paid to pa­
triotic matters, to the cultivation of love of country
and the conscientious duty of the citizen, than is paid
to such suhjects in the publio schools or in those of
any other denomination. Young gentlemen and young
ladies, educated in Catholic colleges and convents, can
bear testimony to the truth of this statement.
As for the foolish claim that Cathol lCS owe political
allegiance to a foreign potentate (the Pope) no intelli­
gent, sensible man ever did or ever can believe that
there is anything but the veriest nonsense in the
charge. Practical, intelligent, proud spirited Amer­
ican citizens are above being disturbed by the bug­
bear of " The Pope's Toe." The work of the Catho­
lic Congress of Laymen, at Baltimore, bas cleared the
atmosphere of all such questions so thoroughly that
all who have eyes and reason can see and judge for
themsel ves.
FIVE YOUNG PRIESTS.
Before giving' a detailed account of tbe growth of
the Church in Wayne county we must first credit the
city of Richmond with having given five young priests
to the Church. Three of them are from St. Andrew's
parish, namely: Fatber Charles A. Stricker, Father
Joseph E. Hegger and Father William F. Seibertz.
The other two, Father John F. Stanton and Father
John S. Finn, are from St. Mary's parish. The por­
traits of these young priests, with short sketches, will
be found farther on in these pages.


· 18
HISTORY OF CATHOLICITY
ST. ANDREW'S CHURCH.
The history of St. Andrew's Parish, as here pre­
Rented, is based upon facts obtained from the late Mr.
J. H. Moorrnann, by his son-in-law, Mr. John N.
Zeyen, and by him kindly written for this little work.
It is but just to Mr. Zeyen to add that of the more re­
cent dates and facts he himself has been a witness.
If Mr. Zeyen has been careful not to be lavish in
praise of the present very deserving pastor of St. An­
drew's, Rev. H. J. Seibertz, it is due more to a cor­
respondence with the said pastor's wish than to any
un willingness to do so on the part of Mr. Zeyen.
The first Catholic who settled in Richmond was, in
all probability, a Mr. Charles Buschi, a native of Al­
sace, France (now a province of Germany). He came
here with his wife in the year 1832, of cholera fame.
He bought property on Pearl street, now called Fifth
street, at No. 29, South Fifth street.
John Henry Moormann communicated these early
recollections to the writer January 1, 1889. At that
time Mr. Moormann was the last surviving Catholic
pioneer, but was called to a better life on Palm Sun­
day following, April 14, 1889.
When he arri ved in Richmond, on the 8th day of
January, 1835, he found about fourteen or fifteen
Catholics residing in the place. Among them as per­
manent settlers were, Peter Schindler, Joseph Bro­
kamp, Joseph Hollett, Fred. Bowing, his mother and
two sisters, Ben. Baumer, Thomas O'Hara, John
O'Hara, Dan O'Hara, John Rvan, Peter Essenmacher
and a few more whose names Mr. Moormann had for­
gotten.
Nev. Ferneding, whose attention was called to this
forlorn little flock by some of the German members
thereof, was at that time stationed at New Alsace,
Dearborn county, Indiana, and while visiting the la-


ST. ANDREW'S CHURCH,
Richmond, Ind.


22
HISTORY OF CATHOLICITY
was laid before Rev. Bacqnelin, when upon mature
reflection it was decided that the location, on account
of the (at that period) swampy condition of Marion
(now S. 6th) street, was unsuitable to build a church
upon and that Mr. Perkins be requested to exchange
the same for the corner lot on Pearl street now occu­
pied by St. Andrew's Church. Mr. Perkins agreed to
make the exchange upon the payment of one hundred
dollars. Rev. Father Bacquelin was in favor of it
and proposed to donate $25 himself; and J. H. Moor­
mann, Peter Schindler, John and Thomas O'Hara and
Joseph Brokamp, as a committee, raised the balance
in two days. Whereupon the deed was made out to
His Lordship, the Bishop of Vincennes, De la Hail­
andière. Now it was decided to build a church and
Rev. Bacquelin laid the petition before the Bishop,
who at once approved of the plan and proposed to
assist the new congregation in the undertaking by do­
nating fi ve hundred dollars to the building fund, pro­
vided the church be built of brick. Preparation and
collections were at once begun in the fall and winter
of 1844 and the corner stone was laid and blessed by
Rev. Father O'Connor in the early fall of the follow­
ing year.
Rev. Father Ryan was sent here in 1846 as the first
resident priest of this mission. He boarded with Mr.
J. H. Moormann, who resided at that time almost
opposite the present church. Services were held in
the meantime in the house of Mr. Jos. Brokamp on
South Fourth street, opposite the present Lutheran
Church. Joseph Brokamp, J. H. Moormann, Thomas
O'Hara and Peter Schindler formed the collecting and
building committee; Thomas O'Hara superintended
the work.
The church was dedicated in the fall of the year
1846, by Rev. Father Wood, 'whose conversion to the
Catholic faith was occasioned bv the celebrated con­
troversy between Bishop PurcelÍ and Rev. Mr. Camp­
bell, and who afterward became the renowned and saint-


REV. 11. J. SEIBERTZ,
PtUtor St. AMmo'. Churd, Richmond. Ind.





IN RICHMOND AND WAYNE COUN'IY. 25
Iy Archbishop of Philadelphia. He also delivered the
dedication sermon. Rev. Ryan stayed here about four­
teen months, when the congregation was left without
a resident pastor for some time, until Rev . Father W m.
Doyle was stationed here, who remained until 1853,
when he was succeeded by Rev. Father Merl, who
had charge of the congregation until 1858, in June.
In the year 1854, during Father Merl's pastorate, the
lot, now occupied by the parsonage, was acquired for
$1,350.00.
The first parish school, with a dozen pupils, was
opened by a Mr. Gerhard Budde during the pastorate
of Rev. Doyle, in the year 1851, in Mr. Pardieck's
house on South High street, the location being known
at that time under the name of "Fredeburg," but now
is known as South Sixth street between E and F. The
same year the corner lot opposite the church was ac­
quired for school purposes, and in 1852 a brick school­
house about twenty by thirty feet was erected upon it,
and a Mr. Joseph Baker took charge of the school
the same year. He was succeeded by Mr. H. Schul­
hof. This gentleman was subsequently called to Cin­
cinnati to take charge of the German Catholic orphan
asylum, and a Mr. Karm took his place; then followed
Lorenz 'Vinz, Nicolas Collet, Mr. Stolz, Frank Apel,
Joseph Volkenrath, N. Collet, J. H. Horstman, and
at present Mr. Raymond Flasch who is in charge of
the upper class for boys. A Rev. Father Engel at­
tended to the religious wants of the congregation dur­
ing the interval between Rev. Ryan and Rev. Doyle.
After Rev. Merl left, the congregation was without a
resident priest until the following spring, when Rev.
Ostlangenberg was stationed here; in the mea�timE\
Rev. Father Peters, from Connersville, paid monthly
visits and administered to the wants of the mission.
Father Ostlangenberg stayed only a few months,
and the growing congregation was left again without
a pastor until the newly ordained Rev. J. B. H. Seepe
arrived on Christmas Eve, 1859, and took charge of


28
HISTORY OF CATHOLICITY
prominent citizens and Catholics, John B. Stiens in
particular, succeeded in allaying the excitement by
explaining matters to the frenzied soldiers. However
the cross was placed in position and remained there.
The following year, 1862, the church was plastered
and neatly frescoed by A. Huhne from Dayton, Ohio,
and formally dedicated by His Lordship, the Bishop
of Vincennes, Maurice de St. Palais, on the 14th of
September. Rev. Sigrist assisted at the ceremony
and delivered the dedication sermon. Times began to
im prove and the pastor directed his efforts to ha ve the
interior of the church properly furnished as becom­
ing the house of God. He purchased a handsome
altar and imported directly from Paris fourteen beau­
tiful oil paintings, the stations of the cross. Three
elaborately ornamented chandeliers were procured, as
also an organ. The same year Col. Bridgeland pre­
sented the church with a fine and costly painting, a
copy of the Madonna of Carlo Doloi, which he had
bought in Rome, and which is suspended under the
canopy of the pulpit. In 1864 a suitable school­
house was erecteJ, for which $1,822 were collected hy
subscription and $1,380 raised by a fair. He also
acquired the lot immediately north of the church for
$800 and thus prevented its possible use for undesira­
ble purposes afterwards. Rev. Father Seepe in 1866
purchased for cemetery purposes a ten-acre plat of
ground, nicely situated, and about one mile south
of the church on the Liberty pike, at a cost of $3,000.
The old cemetery, about one and one-fourth acres, that
was deeded to St. Andrew's congregation in 1850 by
Mr. Christian Seh wegmann, was taken into the cor­
porate limits of the city and burials therein had to be
suspended. The ground is worth over $2,000 and is
owned by both congregations.
Father Seepe was indefatigable in his efforts to pro­
mote the spiritual as wen as the material welfare of his
flock. He was self-sacrificing almost to a fault. De-


R v. J. B: H. EU
7otw!rC, PtJMor of BI. AMf'ftO'., hi IIOW qJ Jl'adÙOtl,lad.





IN RICHMOND AND WAYNE COUNTY. 31
nying himself frequently many of the comforts and
conveniences of life. Every cent of his income not
spent in charity was directly used in the interest of
the congregation. Indeed, it is known as a fact that
when he left Richmond to go to the mission, where
the Bishop had sent him, he was obliged to borrow
money enough to pay his traveling expenses. He was
of a studious, retiring disposition, ascetically inclined,
but nevertheless heartily enjoyed innocent amusement.
His departure from Richmond was deeply lamented
by almost the entire congregation, and his memory is
cherished by them up to this day as that of a true and
faithful servant in the vineyard of the Lord. (Cen­
terville, New Castle, Hagerstown and Middletown
were the missionary stations Rev. Father Seepe had to
take charge of, besides his Richmond congregation).
When Father Seepe, at his own request, was re­
moved, September 15,1868, there was a total parochial
indebtedness of only about eleven thousand dollars
($11,000) remaining unpaid. He was succeeded by
,Rev. Ferdinand Hundt, a gentleman whose culture
and refined and œsthetic taste are recognized by all
who had and have the pleasure of his acquaintance.
His reputation as a pulpit orator is well established,
and his deep religious sentiment and literary and po­
etic talent are reflected in countless sonatas and poems
well known to the German reading public. During
his pastorate the beautiful and graceful spire of St.
Andrew's Church was built at K cost of $11,000.
The original design was discarded and the present
artistic and more elaborate gothic structure su bsti­
tuted. It is the highest structure in the city, being
two hundred and ten feet; its pleasing, symmetrical
proportion is admired by everybody, and is truly a
magnificent ornament to the city. The harmonious
chime of bells, whose soul-inspiring sound may be
heard for miles, and a town clock, the only one in
the city, were acquired and placed in the tower as its


Bav. WILLI"" F. S IBERTZ,
.uriaCnt PoIIM Bl. � tICIreW. CIt reA.





BEV. �A8. A. STBICKU,
PuIor BI. Jo.t, CAweA. WCIt'riU œ., 1ru1.


40
HISTORY OF CATHOLICITY
church decorations to be found. In the sanctuary
eight flat columns, forty feet high, rise from a solid
base and form the support of a rich cornice-like frieze
that runs all round the edifice and di vides the decora­
tions of the vaulted ceiling from the panels beneath.
These columns, as well as the broad frieze, are exe­
cuted in a lilac grayish stone, with a slight reddish
shading effect. .A deeply carved ornamental mould­
ing upon a pompey blue background runs through
the cornice, producing a pleasmg effect. The columns
divide the sanctury into seven panels, the two exterior
ones forming the background for the side altars, while
the three middle ones form the background for the
high altar, and the two on either side contain the en­
trances to the sacristies.
The three feet wide space between the cornice of the
columns and the moulded frieze contains oblong pan­
els in deep rose color. Within are ornamented scrolls
in blue and gilt bearing in golden gothic charac­
ters, the respective legends: "Adoremus in œternum
eanciieeimuoveacrameniuni." "Ave Marria, gratia plena,"
"Tie ad Joseph." The panels behind the main altar
are forty feet high; the gothic frame thereof is ex­
ecuted in a wood color and highly ornamented in gold
in an elaborate gothic design. The body of the panels is a
mediœval pattern of a rose-colored brocade vel vet, a
superb effect. The others are similiar ill design.
Above the frieze three triangular panels converge to
the center of the ceiling; the middle one contains up­
on a circular golden field, the apocaliptic lamb, resting
upon the book with the seven seals. The two large
fields over the sacristy doors are executed in a sky­
blue color, dotted over with golden stars. In the
center of the large field, extending over the whole
width, the "eye of God" is prominently and happily
placed in the star of an ornamented center piece.
The design of the vaulted ceiling of the body of the
church is the representation of a circular dome, forty


REV. J08UB HBGoD.
,.� ... ...,., calli. JoAA'. ChreA. WCIt"ric.t Q)'I Itld.





IN R'ICHMOND AND WAYNE COUNTY. 43
feet in diameter, surrounded by a quadrilateral en­
closure. Four highly ornamented panels in darker
shades and bearing the legends: "Terribilis est locus
isie." "Hic domus Dei est," "et porta cœli," "et vocabitur
aula Dei." The dome itself is executed in sky-blue
color divided in cruciform by heavy moulding; circu­
lar moulded ribs relieve the blue fields, while a magnifi­
cently executed rosette in gold color forms the cen­
ter. The whole gives the church an airy and lofty
appearance and produces a quieting and religious
feeling. No wonder that St. Andrew's congregation
is proud of its church and that Bishop Chatard could
not help but say, "there is a good deal of art in it."
In the late fall of 1888, natural gas was piped to Rich­
mond, and as it proved to be much cheaper and more
convenient for heating pnrposes, its use was adopted
for the church. In 1889 the old, worn out furnace
was replaced by a new natural gas furnace; the school­
rooms likewise were supplied with the same subtle and
labor-saving fuel.
During these twelve years of the pastorate of Rev.
H. J. Seibertz, and under his m.anagement, the con­
gregation has, with the visible blessing of God, been
able to pay eighteen thousand dollars of the original
debt, and almost a like sum in interest. Adding the
cost of the new buildings, the new roof on the church,
and the cost of all other improvements, the grand
total foots up the large sum of fifty thousand dol­
lars. Truly, a noble testimony of the ability and
prudent management of the pastor and his efficient
staff of assistants, the trustees, and above all of the
liberal and hearty co-operation of his parishioners.
During the pastorate of Rev. Seepe, the Sisters of
St. Francis, from Oldenburg, were engaged to take
charge of the school for girls. While the lowest class
for little children, boys and girls, and the higher girls'
school were conducted by the two Sisters, Mr. Nicolas


44
HISTORY OF CATHOLICITY
Collet taught the boys and presided at the organ. At
this writing the parochial school has fi ve class-rooms,
in four of which instruction is given by Sisters; the
upper class of boys is taught by Mr. Raymond Flasch,
who also is the efficient leader of the choir and an ex­
perienced organist. The total number of children at­
tending the parochial school of St. Andrew's is at'
present two hundred and seventy. The congregation
consists of about three hundred families,
The existence of the following societies, mostly in
a flourishing condition, shows that charity and piety
are not neglected: There exsists a St. Andrew's So­
ciety for men; St. Aloysius Society for young men;
Sto Ann's Society for married ladies; St. Rose Society
for the young ladies, also a young ladies' sodality;
Sto Elizabeth Society, to aid the needy poor; St. Joseph
Mutual Benevolent Society; also a branch of the St.
Boniface Life Insurance Association; a Rosary Con­
fraternity. The third order of St. Francis is rep­
resented also.
St. Andrew's Church choir, established on a solid
foundation by Mr. Nicolas Collet in 1860, under the
pastorate of the Rev. J. B. H. Seepe, ever had the
reputation of one of the best in the diocese. And un­
der the able direction and leadership of a Nicolas Col­
let, a Frank Apel, a J. H. Horstmann and a Raymond
Flasch, its reputation has been kept up and the praises
received from many clergymen well merited.
Missions were given in St. Andrew's in following
years: By Father Weninger in 1854; in 1870 by the
Redemptorists; the Jesuits in 1874 and 1880, and
by the Redemptorists in 1886.
The following are the names of tbe present trustees
of St. Andrew's church: John N. Zeyen, secretary;
Augustus G. Lukan, treasurer; William Torbeck, Jo­
seph Werner, Bernard Broermann, Henry Imhof.
The following are prominent members of the par­
ish : Joseph Ramler, Benjamin Pardieck, Herman





ST. MARY'S CHURCH,
Richmond, Ind.


48
HISTORY OF CATHOLICITY
aid of the new congregation. After them, in Octo­
ber of that year (1860). Father Merz was appointed
the first pastor of St. Mary's. 'I'h« old English Lu­
theran meeting-house was purchased for the sum of
$8,000. It became the church of that year, and is,
with many improvements, the present church. Being
then, as now, within a block of the business center it
was good value for the price paid.
When the improvements contemplated were so far
advanced as to make the former Lutheran meeting­
house look like a Catholic church, a thunder-storm
came along one day and the church was struck by
lightning. Some damage was done, especially by the
drawing of gas pipes. The following day a believer
in Martin Luther and a former worshiper at the old
meeting-house, with an I-told-you-so look upon his
face, accosted an Irish member of St. Mary's congre­
gation and, suiting the nodding of his head to his
words, declared that heaven had struck the church
with lightning to manifest the Lord's disapproval of
having the sacred edifice turned over to be desecrated
by the mummery of Catholic worship.
"Is it yer manin'," replied the Irishman," that
God don't want mass said in the church? Bedad,
then, if it is, yer anything but right. Christ wants
us to have mass in tbe church, or at the back of a
ditch if we can't do better; and I think he sent the
lightning to drive the Protestant divil out of the ouId
meeting house entoirely so that we could have mass
dacently."
St. Mary's people began at once to feel that they
had not only an existence but also a future. Father
Merz was removed in September, 1863, and Father
J. M. Villars became his successor.
Being subject to cramp�, and also a cardiac affliction,
Fatber Villars suffered intensely at times. March 9,
1868, he was overtaken by a sudden or violent
death which shocked the entire community. Some


50
HISTORY OF CATHOLICITY
payment upon it of $1,000 out of his own pocket. He
took the note of the congregation for the amount at
the time, but he returned it subsequently, having no
intention from the beginning of ever collecting it.
The first thing to be done was to try and scale the
debt-to refund it at a lower rate of interest. Some of
the creditors would have their pound of flesh, but they
were given their choice to accept a less interest rate or
take their money. A few took their cash, but not be­
ing able to place it as well elsewhere returned with it
in a few months only to find that the financiers of the
congregation, who were aiding Father McMullen in
redueing its debt had money of their own, and more
within easy reach, on such good security as St. Mary's
offered.
By reducing the expenses of the congregation, cut­
ting down the rate of interest on the debt, increasing
the church revenues, and by collections, fairs, etc., a
large portion of the debt was canceled in a few years.
The good work went on, to the joy of the congrega­
tion and the satisfaction of the pastor, until July 19,
1883, when Father McMullen was removed to take
charge of a new congregation at Terre Haute.
The people of Sto Mary's were deeply grieved over
the departure of their beloved pastor, but had their
sorrow somewhat assuaged by being given Father
Ryves, a young gentleman of talent and eloquence,
who gave his best efforts to the congregation.
The affairs of the parish continued to move smoothly
along during the pastorate of Father Ryves, which
terminated July 2, 1885.
Father McMullen, having been reappointed to St.
Mary's, appeared on the scene, and at once resumed
the good work which he had inaugurated nearly twelve
years before. The success of that work is evidenced
by the fact that St. Mary's parish is entirely out of
debt and possesses property valued at fully $50,000.
The church huilding, with the pastoral residence in


ST. MARY'S PAROCHIAL SCHOOL,
Richmond, Ind.
0,. e _Iv
l,' \J ,
',.' ', �


IN RICHMOND AND WAYNE COUNTY. 53
tbe rear, is in the very best condition. Its ceiling
and walls are frescoed, the pews newly varnished,
while new stained-glass windows add wonderfully to
the beauty of tbe structure. The bigh altar, costing
$750, the gift of Father Me.Mullen, is tbe crowning
ornament in the church. The B. V.'s altar is in
good keeping, too, while the chief lack is an altar to
St. Joseph. The organ is a fairly good one, and the
whole church and furniture could not be replaced, to
say nothing of being improved upon, by a cash outlay
of $20,000.
_ The school building is a four-story brick structure
situated to the south of the church on the opposite
corner. It cost $15,000. There are five spacious
school-rooms, in which five Sisters of Providence
teach 208 children of tbe parish. Also the music­
room and the art studio. All these apartments, in­
cluding the entire building, are heated with furnace
heat and thoroughly ventilated. The whole is com­
modious and clean to a nicety. The order observed
is almost perfect, and the tidiness and neatness of the
pupils are matters of praise on all bands.
Seven acres constitute St. Mary's cemetery, situ­
ated southeast of the city. It is not yet as much im­
proved as the people wish, but it will soon receive
such attention as will bring it into good keeping with
St. Mary's in every respect.
There are about 250 families in St. Mary's parish.
Many are prosperous merchants in the city; some are
farmers, owning each from 40 to 250 acres in the
county, while the great mass of the parishioners are
doing well, being a sober, industrious people.
Besides the Ancient Order of Hibernians, which
numbers 40 members, there are four leading church
societies, as follows:
Young Ladies' Sodality of the Sacred Heart, 110
members.
Society of the Immaculate Conception, 60 members.


54
HISTORY OF CATHOLICITY
Altar Society, 80 members.
St. Aloysius Total Abstinence Cadets, 54 members.
The Parish Trustees are Messrs. Daniel Griffin.
Christopher Connor, James Griffin and Michael Gavin�
Prominent among those who have served the con­
gregation in the past, some of whom are now dead,
and who have Leen tried and not found wanting,
might be mentioned such men as-
James Stanton, Patrick Flannigan, James Varley.
Patrick Stanton, Thomas Nestor, Patrick Golden, J.
J. Harrington, John Lawler.
VERY REV. D. J. McMULLEN,
Pastor of St. Mary's Ohurch, Richmond, and member
of the Bishop's Council, is a native of Ireland. He
was born at Newry, in the County Down, February
23, 1838, and emigrated to the United States in 1848.
He was educated for the Church at St. Mary's of the
Barrons, Perry county, Mo., and also at the St. Louis
U niversity, where he studied philosophy. At the
Vmcennes Seminary he made his theological studies
and was ordained priest, June 21, 186,7, by Rt. Rev.
Bishop de St. Palais. .
Father McMullen's first mission was St. John's
Church, Indianapolis, where he labored with zeal for
fifteen months as assistant to Father Bessonies. He
began there August 5, 1867. He was transferred to
Rushville, November 1, 1868, and remained until the
fall of 1872, when he was appointed to St. Mary's
Church, Richmond, the pastorate of which he assumed
the last of October of that year. During nearly
twel ve years he ministered to the people of St. Mary's,
or until July 19, 1883, when he was removed to St.
Patrick's, of Terre Haute, taking charge the following
day. After twenty-three months he was re-appointed
to St. Mary's, Richmond, July 2, 1885. ' Father
McMullen, ever faithful and obedient, might be found





IN RICHMOND AND WAYNE COUNTY. 57
the following day, July 3, 1885, at his old home and
amongst his old parishioners at Richmond, just as busy
and active as ever. '
As soon as the news of his return became known his
door-bell got many a ringing, and not a little of his
time was occupied in receiving in his own easy way
the joyful members of his congregation. Such ex­
clamations as: "Thanks be to God for sending you
back to us!" "It does us good to see you again!"
"Welcome, W elcome-a thousand times welcome back
to St. Mary's!" were upon the lips of the callers.
Indeed, the rejoicing was most sincere and reciprocal
as between pastor and people.
The pastor of St. Mary's has the faculty of forming
warm friendships and attachments. He is very re­
tiring in disposition, modest in manner and is as sin­
cere as he is plain and matter of-fact. From his por­
trait given on another page it can easily be judged
that he is a close observer, and a man of more than
ordinary discernment and persistence. He looks the
man of tact and good sense that he is. He is not so
much a leader as a teacher of men. He begets activ­
ity in his parishioners and directs it without taking
from the actors the consciousness and credit of being
their own leaders. A man of comparatively few words
he has many thoughts. He accomplishes much with
little noise and no ceremony. If there must be some
ado he lets others make it. He knows the worth of
system and method in managing a congregation, and
it would not be far from the truth to credit him with
considerable financial ability, particularly when acting
with his trustees and advisers. This might be in­
ferred from the fact that he paid off nearly $40,000 of
parish debt in Richmond alone, and this within the
space of twelve years, and in a comparatively poor
congregation, too!
But the elements that achieve temporal success are
Dot the only ones to be desired in a priest after all.


58
HISTORY OF CATHOLICITY
The faith, solid piety and the virtues come besides
and are most to be desired. And who can say that the
subject of this sketch is not the happy possessor of
these ! Faith is a gift of God, and the humble priest
in question has received that great boon. When a
babe he drank the faith in with his mother's milk;
during his youth he inhaled it with the pure air of
Catholic Ireland; and new as a man and a priest of
God, by his obedience, humility, charity and piety he
makes it manifest.
Were the writer to publish the high estimate of
their pastor feelingly expressed by the people of
St. Mary's, and even by non-Catholics-how he goes
about amongst the poor doing good, exercising charity,
seeking out the wayward and bringing them back, en­
couraging the despondent, instructing the ignorant,
standing on the scaffold with the condemned culprit,
and on invitation entering the non-Catholic home and
instructing the family and friends in the presence of
their dead in the consoling doctrine of Holy Church
touching the resurrection and the life beyond--it
would, indeed, far exceed the few hints here given.
Even these hints are doubtless quite enough to offend
against the retiring spirit and marked humility of the
pastor of St. Mary's.
Were an opportunity afforded him he would point­
edly say to the writer: "Praise no man until after he­
is dead;" but were Father McMullen dead it might
be truly said for him in the language of St. Paul:
Bonum certamen certaoi ; cursuni consumaei : fidem
servavi. " I have fought the good fight; I have fin­
ished my course; I have kept the faith."
A GREAT DAY AT ST. MARY'S.
Sunday, November 3, 1889, was one of the greatest
days in the history of St. Mary's Church. It was


IN RICHMOND AND WAYNE COUNTY. 59
also a great day for Richmond, and for the Catholics
of the city.
The occasion was the celebration of his first mass
by Rev. John F. Stanton, of Richmond, who was or­
dained priest on the previous Friday in Sto J ohu's
Church, Indianapolis, by the Rt. Rev. Bishop Chatard,
and the preach ing of an eloquent sermon befitting the
day and the event by Rev .• John S. Finn, of Chicago,
who was a school-fellow and companion of Father
Stanton, and like him, too, a former Richmond boy.
Both young clergymen were former pupils of St.
Mary's parochial school, Richmond, and servers at St.
Mary's altar. Both were taken in hand by Father
McMullen, who tested and determined their vocation,
and taught them their earlier lessons in the Latin lan­
guage. Both celebrated their first mass on the altar
whereon they used to be acolytes, in the cburch of
their boyhood, and in the joyful presence of friends
and admirers who knew them from babyhood, watched
them with solicitude, and loved them as well for what
they were as for what they are.
The altar was tastefully decorated for the occasion
with roses and plants, while the golden ornaments, set
as if in banks of flowers of every hue, gleamed in the
light of 100 burning tapers. The congregation,
which filled the church to overflowing, was composed
of some of the best people of Richmond. An agree­
able feature was the giving up of their pews by many
Catholics to their visiting non-Catholic neighbors and
friends, among whom were several city officials includ­
ing His Honor Mayor Thistlethwait.
Father Stanton sang solemn high mass in excellent
voice, giving evidence of both self-possession and
vocal culture. The preface was most touchingly and
beautifully rendered, making good tbe claim that all
the chants of the Catholic Church, when properly
sung, reach the heart and inspire devotion in the soul.
Father Finn, who acted as sub-deacon, sang the epis-


IN RICHMOND AND WAYNE COUNTY. 63
honor; Fathers Finn and Seibertz were sub-deacons,
and Father Pickham was deacon of exposition.
In the evening at the home of Father Stanton's
mother a family social celebration was had at which
were present many friends of the family, a quartette
from St. Mary's choir, who rendered appropriate selec­
tions, and the following reverend gentlemen: Father
McMullen; Father Dowd, of Indianapolis; Father
Stricker, of St. John's, Warrick county; Father
Pickham and Father Finn, both of Chicago, and
Father W m. Seibertz, of Riçhmond.
Father Stanton was the recipient of many presents
suited to his calling. but what he prized most of all
was a beautiful gold watch, the gift of a dear, good
mother, who is justly proud of her darling boy.
REV. JOHN F. STANTON, S. T. B.,
Is a native of Richmond, Ind., and is now in his 26th
year. He began his preparatory studies in St. Mary's
parochial school, taking lessons in Latin from Father
McMullen. In 1880 he entered St. Mary's College,
Kansas, a branch of the famous Sf. Louis University,
conducted by the Jesuits. In 1881 he went to St.
Joseph's College, Bardstown, Ky., from which insti­
tution he graduated in 1884. The following Septem­
ber he entered the renowned Theological Seminary of
St. Sulpice, at Baltimore, taking, J nne 15, 1889, his
degree of Bachelor uf Sacred Theology.
. With the exception of deaconship, which he re­
ceived October 27, 1889, at the hands of Bishop
Keane, rector of the new Catholic University, all the
minor orders were conferred upon him by Cardinal
Gibbons. At St. John's Church, Indianapolis, No­
vember 1, 1889, he was ordained to the priesthood by
Rt. Rev. Bishop Chatard, and celebrated his first mass
in his own parish church and native city, Sunday, N 0-


64
HISTORY OF CATHOLICITY
vember 3, 1889, in the presence of one of the largest
congregations ever assem bled in the sacred edifice.
The career of the subject of this mention has been
rather remarkable, in that a special Providence is
plainly seen in its every detail. When the boy Stan­
ton attended St. Mary's parochial school in Rich­
mond he displayed talent. When he began to serve
mass for Father McMullen he showed piety and an
inclination to a religious life. When the prospect of
the priesthood was held out to him, and its attainment
made possible by study and knowledge, then it was
that he developed mental growth and manifested those
capabilities which afterward secured for him his grad­
uation with honors; later his degree of Bachelor of
Sacred Theology, and still later his selection by Bishop
Chatard for a special course in seri pture and English
literature at the new Catholic University, Washing­
ton, D. C. With the opening of the University he
entered upon his course as the representative from the
Diocese of Vincennes, and as the special choice of the
Rt. Rev. Dr. Chatard, than whom there is no better
judge of talent, he himself being recognized as among
the ablest of the American Hierarchy.
The portrait of Father Stanton, herewith presented,
does not do full justice to him. Being of medium
stature, symmetrical, with regular' features, complex­
ión dark, eyes and hair jet black, and pearly-white
teeth, he might be said to be remarkable for the come­
liness of his person. His' manner is easy, his sim­
plicity and affableness natural to him. He is always
at ease, not having at any time overreached himself.
Being the possessor of sterling mental qualities, he
takes on the polish which education gives, while his
religious training and calling have mellowed his
whole nature.
It is a source of great satisfaction to behold a man
full of talent and highly educated who does not seem
to be burdened with the knowledge of the fact. And





IN RICHMOND AND WAYNE COUNTY. 67
it is still more delightful to see these talents and capa­
bilities un begrudgingly devoted to the cause of relig­
ion and humanity, as is happily so in the case of
Father John F. Stanton, who leaves all in his obedi­
ence to the command-the invitation rather-s-" Follow
me!"
The subject of these few remarks is to be congratu­
lated upon his good fortune and the great success that
has attended his efforts. His future in the Church is
bright with promise. His stout heart and his great
talents, aided by God's grace, will make him a laborer
in the vineyard equal to bearing up under the burden
of the day and the heats.
REV. JOHN S. FINN.
A short sketch of Father' Finn may seem to be· one
degree removed from the matter proper for this his­
tory. But having been a Richmond boy from his
second year; having said his first mass in St. Mary's
Church, and having been the preacher selected to de­
li ver the sermon on the occasion of Father Stanton's
first mass, it is reasonably expected by his friends and
the public that his name figure in the history of Cath­
olicity in Richmond and Wayne county, where he
spent his boyhood.
Rev . John S. Finn is assistant pastor of Our Lady
of Mt. Carmel Church, Chicago. He was born at
Middletown, Ohio, September 21, 1863. When he
was two years old his parents removed to Richmond,
Ind. Having attained the proper age he attended
Sto Mary's parochial school, served on the altar, began
his study of Latin, and grew up under the watchful
eye and benign influence of good Father McMullen.
He studied classics at Mt. St. Mary's Seminary, Cin­
cinnati, made his philosophical studies at the Ameri­
can College in Rome, and having finished his theology


68
HISTORY OF CATHOLICITY
at Kankakee, Ill., was ordained priest April 21, 1888,
in the Cathedral of the Holy Name, Chicago, by the
Most Rey. Archbishop Feehan. He said his first
mass in St. Mary's Church, Richmond, April 29, 1888,
in the presence of a vast congregation of his friends
and admirers.
Only once since has he appeared in St. Mary's as a
I preacher, until the occasion of Father Stanton's first
mass, November 3, 1889, when, in the language of the.
Richmond Daily Telegrarn, "His effort won for him
a degree of admiration only second to tliat entertained
for Father Stanton by the enormous congregation that
assembled to do him honor, as he did himself, in the
manner he conducted the impressive service."
For a young man of only 26 years he is wonderfully
well equipped by nature and, education for the ardu­
ous and exalted calling of a priest. Being tall, grace­
ful and dignified, his appearance is much in his favor.
This is particularly so now that he has increased in
strength and flesh since he put off the close applica­
tion and severity of seminary life. His voice is vol­
uminous, compact and musical, and thoroughly under
control. Although apparently cool and calm, he is
quite emotional when preaching, and quickly warms
to his subject. He enunciates clearly, gesticulates
gracefully, and bids fair to become a matchless pulpit
orator in the near future.
Father Finn, when a boy, had the friendship and
best wishes of the people of Richmond; and now that
he is a priest both Catholics and non-Catholics have
increased interest in him and are especially proud of
his success and the good use he is making of his splen­
did talents.
The one regret is that one of the young men of
whom Richmond is so proud should find his way to
Illinois when there is such demand for his talents in
Indiana.


IN RICHMOND AND WAYNE COUNTY. 69
ST. ·ELIZABETH'S CONGREGA­
TION
At Cambridge City is the only Catholic parish in
Wayne county outside of Richmond. It was a mis­
sionary station, visited occasionally by Father Bac­
quelin, of Shelby county, and other priests, as early as
1842. Father Michael O'Rourke, of Dearborn county,
succeeded Father Bacq uelin as visiting priest in 1844,
continuing his visits until 1846, when, on account of
ill health, he returned to Ireland.
Father John Ryan, of Richmond, succeeded Father
O'Rourke as visiting priest. He bought a lot and a
little frame house which he turned into a church
to accommodate the few resident Catholics, and also
the itinerant ones, who were engaged in the con­
struction of the public works in the vicinity-the
canal and the old Central Railroad, now the Pan
Handle. In 1849 he was succeeded by Father W m:
Doyle, who also resided at Richmond, and occasion ..
ally visited Cambridge City. He remained until 1853
when Father Henry Peters, of Connersville, had the
Cambridge City Catholics placed in his charge. Father
Peters made some improvements, and also by order of
Bishop de St. Palais, established the first Catholic
school, which he continued for two years.
Father J. M. Villars, of Richmond, was next placed
in charge of this mission. He continued his visits
until 1863, when Father Joseph O'Reilly became first
resident pastor of St. Elizabeth's Church. The first
records of the parish were made by Father O'Reilly.
His first baptism, May 22, 1864, was Charles, son of
Luke Kuhn and Brissa Sheible; first marriage, May
11, 1864, Patrick Dagnan and Mary Broderick; last
baptism, August 29, 1869; last marriage, August 14,
1869. He built, in 1864, what is now known as the
old brick church, to make room for which his pred­
ecessor moved back the frame structure, and laid the


70
HISTORY OF CATHOLICITY
foundation, very unwisely frunting on and within a
few feet of the railroad tracks. The old frame build­
ing was now utilized as a school, which was taught by
Prof. Allhands, who was the Protestant brother-in­
law of the pastor. N ot being up to the standard in
many respects troubles followed, and the school was a
failure for want of a good teacher, etc. Father
O'Reilly was removed in 1870, and Father D. J. Mc­
Mullen, then at Rushville, visited St. Elizabeth's for
a few' months, or until Father Vincent de Vilas be­
came the second resident pastor of Cambridge City.
He remained only until the spring of 1871, perhaps
seven months, when, burning with the desire to be­
come a martyr for the faith, he departed. Not suc­
ceeding in finding the yearned for opportunity he
returned, hoping for his old place, but Father H.
Alerding was already in charge, it being the fall of
1871. Father Alerding bought the lot upon which
the present new church stands. In 1874 he was
succeeded by Father J. B. Kelly, who built the pres­
ent church and parsonage, and by his works, both
temporal and spiritual, proved himself to have been
the most successful of the priests who had to do with
Cam bridge City. In September, 1880, the church
was dedicated by Bishop Chatard. Father Kelly was
removed to New Albany in the fall of 1881.
Father Andrew Oster was the next in charge. He
arrived in October, 1881. He paid some attention to
improvements, did not do much in the way of debt­
paying, and in July, 1885, was removed to Columbus
and Edinburgh.
July 2, 1885, Father E. J. Spelman, the present
pastor, took charge. From him it is learned that
there are about 52 families in the congregation, with
about 15 of the parish children attending the public
schools. The parish debt is about $1,600, due to Mr.
F.. K. Eberts, who is said-in jest, with some truth
in it-to be the owner of the church.


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