Allegheny County PA Archives- Church: Diamond Jubilee 1863 - 1938 Saint Augustine Church Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by: Nan Smith, , Mar 2011 Copyright 2011. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/allegheny/ ________________________________________________ http://files.usgwarchives.net/pa/allegheny/church/staugustine-pittsburgh.txt This Page was last updated: 01 Jun 2011 htm page may be viewed at: http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/allegheny/church/staugustine- pittsburgh/staugustine-pittsburgh.htm ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee [image of front cover] image may be viewed at: http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/allegheny/church/staugustine-pittsburgh/cover.jpg ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 1 1863 - 1938 Souvenir Commemorating The Diamond Jubilee of Saint Augustine Church Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania November twentieth, twenty-first and twenty-second nineteen hundred thirty-eight Rev. Florence L. Kirchgessner, O. M. Cap....Pastor Rev. Gerald Koehler, O. M. Cap...Assistant Rev. Ernest Horning, O. M. Cap....Assistant ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 2 [image] His Holiness Pope Pius XI image may be viewed at: http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/allegheny/church/staugustine-pittsburgh/002.jpg ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 3 Dear Parishioners: The Diamond Jubilee of St. Augustine Parish is certainly a time of great rejoicing; not only for me, as present Pastor, but for all members of St. Augustine, past as well as present. It took 75 long years of untiring sacrifice and toil to make St. Augustine the Church, it is to-day. During these years you have had many Pastors to care for your spiritual needs. Most of them have gone to their eternal reward. Their accounting must have been an easy one because the members of their flock cooperated with them, heeded their advice and admonitions. You, too, have proved youselves most willing to respond to any appeal that was made for the good of the parish. This history of St. Augustine Parish, which we are presenting to you, records only the major and material things that have been done for our parish. It is gratefully dedicated to the memory of the pioneers, both priests and people, through whose labors and sacrifices these things were accomplished. We are very grateful to Rev. Claude Vogel, O.M.Cap., a son of the parish, for writing the part called, "The History of St. Augustine Parish" and to Rev. John Lenhart, O.M.Cap., for the part detailing the "School and the Societies". We sincerely appreciate the efforts of these Fathers in gathering and publishing their findings. It was, indeed, a tremendous task to go back 75 years and gather material. Father Cyprian, who was assistant in St. Augustine for many years, deserves much credit for publishing such material in the parish periodical, St. Augustinus. While this history does not claim to be exhaustive, yet it is as complete as circumstances of time and opportunity would allow. It is nigh impossible to present all the happenings over such a span of years, nevertheless it is sufficient to show what sacrifices our forefathers made to build up the present St. Augustine Parish. May this history serve as an incentive to us that we, too, might follow the high ideals of those who have gone before. The best way to show our grateful appreciation is by striving to imitate and even surpass the example laid down before us. On this occasion let us not forget to thank God for the innumerable benefits showered upon this parish and beg Him to favor us in the future. Wishing you, dear parishioners, God's choicest blessings at this time of our Diamond Jubilee, I am, Very sincerely yours, Father Florence, O. M. Cap. Pittsburgh, Pa. November 20, 1938 Pastor ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 4 [image] Very Rev. Ignatius Weisbruch, O. M. Cap. Provincial Pastor 1909 - 1912 image may be viewed at: http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/allegheny/church/staugustine-pittsburgh/004.jpg ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 5 [image] Most Rev. Hugh C. Boyle, D. D. Bishop of Pittsburgh image may be viewed at: http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/allegheny/church/staugustine-pittsburgh/005.jpg ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 6 DIAMOND JUBILEE ST. AUGUSTINE CHURCH PITTSBURGH, PA Sunday, November Twentieth, Ten Thirty A. M. NINETEEN HUNDRED THIRTY-EIGHT Programme SOLEMN PONTIFICAL MASS Celebrant .....MOST REV. HUGH C. BOYLE, D. D. Bishop of Pittsburgh Assistant Priest..... VERY REV. IGNATIUS WEISBRUCH, O.M.Cap. Provincial of Pennsylvania Province Deacons of Honor. VERY REV. BENEDICT WICK, O.M.Cap. VERY REV. CLAUDE VOGEL, O.M.Cap. Deacon of the Mass.... REV. LEO J. DONNERMEYER Subdeacon of the Mass.... REV. WILLIAM STEHLE, O.M.Cap. Speaker.... VERY REV. SIGMUND CRATZ, O.M.Cap. Master of Ceremonies.... REV. AUSTIN WALDVOGEL, O.M.Cap. Minor Officers of the Mass: Candle Bearer.... REV. AURELIUS NICKEL, O.M.Cap Censor Bearer.... REV. GERARD GREENEWALD, O.M.Cap. Book Bearer.... REV. EDGAR SCHANO, O.M.Cap. Cross Bearer.... REV. LINUS DOEMLING, O.M.Cap. Mitre Bearer.... VEN. CONRAD RAFFEL, O.M.Cap. Crosier Bearer.... VEN. AIDAN LUCKO, O.M.Cap. Acolytes.... LAWRENCE FEY, GEORGE MARTIN ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 7 Sunday JUBILEE BANQUET IN PARISH HALL ONE THIRTY P. M. NINETEEN HUNDRED THIRTY EIGHT Nine A.M. SOLEMN HGH MASS FOR PARISHIONERS AND BENEFACTORS OF ST. AUGUSTINE PARISH Celebrant.... VERY REV. BENEDICT WICH, O.M.Cap. Deacon.... VERY REV. CLAUDE VOGEL, O.M.Cap. Subdeacon.... REV. AURELIUS NICKEL, O.M.Cap. Master of Ceremonies.... REV. EDGAR SCHANO, O.M.Cap. Monday Evening, from eight-eleven o'clock GENERAL JUBILEE HOME COMING CELEBRATION IN PARISH HALL REFRESHMENTS TUESDAY NOVEMBER TWENTY-SECOND NINETEEN HUNDRED THIRTY EIGHT Nine A.M. SOLEMN MASS OF REQUIEM FOR DECEASED PASTORS, PARISHIONERS AND BENEFACTORS OF ST. AUGUSTINE PARISH Celebrant.... REV. LEO J. DONNERMEYER Deacon.... REV. GERARD GREENEWALD, O.M.Cap. Subdeacon.... REV. LINUS DOEMLING, O.M.Cap. Master of Ceremonies.... REV. AUSTIN WALDVOGEL, O.M.Cap. Tuesday Evening, Jubilee Card Party in Parish Hall eight-thirty - eleven o'clock CHILDREN'S JUBILEE CELEBRATION PROGRAM Sunday, November Twenty-seventh at two-thirty Parish Hall ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 8 [image] Rev. Florence L. Kirchgessner, O. M. Cap., Pastor image may be viewed at: http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/allegheny/church/staugustine-pittsburgh/008.jpg ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 9 HISTORY OF SAINT AUGUSTINE'S PARISH CHAPTER I The School—1854 Wisdom is glorious. . .and is found by them that seek her.—Wis. VI, 13. Pittsburgh, one of the leading industrial cities of the world, lies between a barrier of hills at the confluence of the Allegheny and Monongahela Rivers. Its history begins in February, 1754, when the English at the suggestion of George Washington, began the erection of a blockhouse near the forks of the two rivers. The stay of the English, however, was short, for by April 16, their French rivals had driven them away and themselves had built a fort called first Fort Assumption, then Fort Duquesne in honor of the Governor of Canada. In 1758, the French in turn fled from the English who built another fort which they named Fort Pitt after William Pitt, the English statesman. It is from William Pitt, therefore, that Pittsburgh derives its name. From the very beginning the settlement bid fair to prosper. At the end of the Revolutionary War colonists settled in great numbers in the "City of the Forks" so that by April 22, 1794, Pittsburgh ranked as a borough. By March 18, 1816, consequent upon the opening of the iron, glass and nail factories, the borough had sufficient population to justify its incorporation as a city. (1) About three miles above the confluence of the two rivers on the east bank of the Allegheny began the little town of Lawrenceville. Like the great city of which it is now a part, Lawrenceville has an interesting history. It is commonly admitted that the first man to traverse this district was no less a personage than George Washington, the Father of our country. Having explored the French Fort Le Boeuf, now Waterford, Pa., Washington and his companion Christopher Gist crossed the Allegheny from Wainwright's Island and arrived at Bullitt's Hill on December 29, 1753. The journals of Washington and Gist recording this fact have been frequently published in historical works. (2) According to local tradition, the site of Washington's crossing is about three blocks east of the present St. Augustine's Church. The Washington Bridge spanning the Allegheny at Fortieth Street commemorates the historic event. So far as we know, Washington's Journal contains the first written reference to the district which later developed into Lawrenceville. Till the year 1811 the future Lawrenceville lay slumbering in its cradle of wilderness. In the latter year William Barclay Foster, a wealthy and public- spirited man and father of Stephen C. Foster, the famous songwriter, came up from Virginia and purchased a vast tract beginning about three miles above the confluence of the two rivers. This he parcelled out for prospective settlers. At first the elder Foster intended to call his vast estate Fosterville, but sacrificed his ambition in favor of Captain James Lawrence, who on June 4, 1813, died a hero's death in Boston Harbor as a result of the encounter between his ship, the "Chesapeake", and the English frigate "Shannon". The dying words of Captain Lawrence: "Don't give up the ship," thrilled America and moved William Foster to call his newly acquired tract "Lawrenceville." (3) About this time William Foster sold to the United States Government thirty acres of his land for one of the arsenals which Congress had decided to establish shortly (1) A. A. Lambing, foundation Stones of a Great Diocese, Pittsburgh, 1914, p. 51. (2) History of Pittsburgh and Environs, New York and Chicago, 1922, vol. II, pp. 253, 512. (3) Ibid., pp. 59, 512. ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee page 10 after the outbreak of the War of 1812. The Allegheny Arsenal was established in 1814 and from this date the history of Lawrenceville begins. Foster himself supervised this arsenal which during the Civil War was to become one of the mainstays of the Northern Army. Until January 1, 1867, Lawrenceville was a borough totally independent of Pittsburgh. However, the Act authorizing its incorporation had been passed on April 6, 1866 with the proviso that it be effective the following January. Here it may not be out of place to refer to one of Lawrenceville's famous sons, Stephen Collins Foster. He was born in the Foster manor located on Penn Avenue and Thirty-sixth Street. Here the talented composer lived and wrote his songs till his parents moved to Allegheny, Pa. On the death of his mother in 1860, he moved to New York where he died on January 14, 1864. His remains were returned to Pittsburgh and interred in the Allegheny Cemetery. But it is now time to turn to the religious history of this interesting city. It is stated that Father Denis Baron, a Recollect Franciscan, had offered the holy sacrifice of Mass in the neighborhood of the forks as early as April 17, 1754. Friar Baron was the military chaplain to the French garrison at Fort Duquesne from April 16, 1754, till after the close of 1756. The Register of baptisms and burials kept by Friar Baron from June 28, 1753 - December 27, 1756, was first published in the original French by Shea and in 1885 in both French and English by Msgr. A. A. Lambing. (4) Besides Friar Denis Baron, the Recollects, Friar Luke Collet and Friar Gabriel Anhauser or Haneuser, also visited Fort Duquesne at this time. Friar Luke Collet signed the Register on July 13, 1755, and stated that he had officiated with the permission of Friar Denis Baron.(5) Other priests who visited Pittsburgh during this period were the Carmelite, Paul de St. Pierre in the spring of 1785, and the Irish Capuchin, Charles Whalen in 1787, shortly after the War of Revolution when the French Recollects had withdrawn from Fort Duquesne. In 1805, if not earlier, the Capuchin, Peter Helbron, visited Pittsburgh and said Mass there. The following year he collected the first money for the erection of "Old St. Patrick's." (6) In 1804, the saintly Father Gallitzin said Mass in Pittsburgh, but only fifteen Catholics attended, a proof of their small number at that time. Nevertheless, since the natural advantages of Pittsburgh had attracted many settlers, it was only reasonable to suppose that soon the number of Catholics would also increase. Indeed, it was this conviction that prompted Father William Francis Xavier O'Brien, appointed pastor of Pittsburgh in 1808, to undertake the building of a small church, the "Old St. Patrick's," at the corner of Liberty and Epiphany Streets, in front of the present Union Depot.(7) Here in Old St. Patrick's both German and Irish Catholics worshipped until 1834, when the Irish took over the newly erected St. Paul's leaving St. Patrick's to the Germans. (8) Finally, in 1839, at the invitation of Bishop Francis Patrick Kenrick of Philadelphia to whose diocese Pittsburgh belonged, German Redemptorists settled in Pittsburgh. These good Fathers devoted themselves especially to the Germans and with their co-operation erected the large church on Fourteenth Street and dedicated it to St. Philomena on October 3, 1846. Due to the apostolic zeal of the Redemptorist Fathers, St. Philomena's became the fruitful mother of many other churches in Pittsburgh. Both the flourishing industries and the presence of a German parish continued to attract the German Catholics to various parts of the city. Soon their number increased to such an extent that the Redemptorist Fathers found it impossible (4) Historical Researches in Western Pennsylvania, vol I. Reprint entitled: Register of Fort Duquesne, Pittsburgh, 1885. (5) Lambing, Foundation Stones, p. 58. (6) Ibid., pp. 74, 75. Lambing, A History of the Catholic Church in the Diocese of Pittsburgh and Allegheny (Hereafter abbreviated: Church in Pittsburgh and Allegheny), New York, 1880, pp. 29-40. Norbert Miller, O.M.Cap.. Pioneer Missionaries in the United States (1784-1816), Franciscan Studies, No. 10. New York, 1932, pp. 176, 181, 202, 217. (7) Bernard Beck, C.SS.R., Die Redemptoristen in Pittsburgh. Ilchester, Md., 1889, pp. 77, 87. (8) Ibid., p. 95. ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 11 to shepherd them properly. Moreover, so many lived at such great distances from St. Philomena's Church and School that attendance became a serious problem for both adults and children. At length, when the German Catholics of the various localities were able to erect their own churches and schools, they obtained permission from the Bishop to undertake the task. First' to break away from the mother church in 1846 was St. Michael's on the Southside. St. Mary's in Allegheny followed in 1848, and Holy Trinity in Riceville in 1857. The next in order was St. Augustine's whose story we are about to relate. It has been said that one of the proudest distinctions of the early German Catholics in the United States was their staunch devotion to the parochial school. Experience in the Fatherland had taught them that a Catholic child must grow up in a Catholic school and that the first act of the day must be the Mass. The German Catholics of Lawrenceville were eloquent exponent's of this noble tradition. Indeed, while the origin of the average parish is ordinarily associated with the building of a church, St. Augustine's Parish has the distinction of beginning with the establishment of a school. About the year 1850 we find a goodly number of German Catholics scattered throughout Lawrenceville, a neighboring town of Pittsburgh, then rapidly developing into an outstanding industrial city of the world. These Germans were faithful members of St. Philomena's Parish on Fourteenth Street. Some of their children attended the school of the English-speaking parish on Forty-sixth Street, but most of them went to St. Philomena's. With the old-fashioned schoolbag thrown knapsack-like over their shoulders, these latter children trudged many a weary mile to worship at the shrine of learning. But in the fall of 1854 a seed was sown and destined to strike root and grow and develop into both educational and religious advantages for the children of many generations. Midway between St. Philomena's and Sharpsburg there lived at 4807-4809, Butler Street, a pious German family by name of Helbling. Franz Xaver Helbling and his wife, Mary Teresa Knipschield, were of sturdy German stock and at that time the parents of eleven bustling children. Mr. Helbling was a butcher by trade and had a stand in the city market. Few, if any of our present parishioners passing the double house still standing opposite the Allegheny Cemetery, appreciate the important part that house played in the history of their parish. Here it was that the first school, the forerunner of St. Augustine's School, was opened for the German Catholic children of Lawrenceville. It came about in this way. The Redemptorist Fathers of St. Philomena's were well acquainted with the Helbling family. Indeed, the home of this hospitable couple was a welcome haven for them, especially in unfavorable weather and when travelling to and from Sharpsburg. Doubtless, as these grateful Fathers broke bread at the Helbling table, they discussed with their genial host's the hardships of the children on their long way to St. Philomena's school. What prospects were there to better the children's lot? The fall of 1854 brought the answer when Father John Hotz, C.SS.R.,(9) called at the Helbling home and asked the hostess if she would be willing to board a teacher who in return would teach her children and spare them the long walk to St. Philomena's. Mrs. Helbling replied that she would first consult her husband. This done, the offer was accepted and a room on the second floor was set aside to serve as a school. Shortly after this arrangement, the teacher arrived. In the beginning the only pupils were nine of the eleven Helbling children. Their names were: Elizabeth Barbara, Francis X., William, Philomena Rosana, Catherine Josephine, Mary Sophia, John Baptist, Joseph Anthony, and sometimes Bertha Louise who was but two or three years old. The teacher, tall, thin and middle- (9) Born Aug. 28, 1818, at Baar, Switzerland. Came to the United States on Jan. 8, 1844. Ordained Aug. 24, 1844. Curate at St. Philomena's from 1815-1848, and again from July IS, 1851-Aug., 1855. Rector of St. Philomena's, 1855-1862. Attached to St. Peter's, Philadelphia, 1862-Aug. 21, 1893, when he died. Cf. Beck, op. cit., pp. 216-227. Cf. Enzlberger. Sckematismus der Katholischen Geistlichkeit Deutscher Zunge in den Vereinigten Staaten Amerikas, Milwaukee, 1892, p. 232. Hoffmann's Catholic Directory, Milwaukee, 1894 ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 12 [images] Rev. Gerald Koehler, O. M. Cap. Assistant Rev. Ernest Horning, O. M. Cap. Assistant images may be viewed at: http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/allegheny/church/staugustine-pittsburgh/012.jpg ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 13 aged, was a peculiar man whose main occupation seemed to be to pray before a picture of Our Lady of Gaudelupe and to teach the children prayers. He never left the house save on Sundays when he went to Mass and then he wore a long black robe like a priest or brother. He was eccentric, very abstemious, spoke little and wore a cingulum. Mrs. Helbling thought he might be a priest but on asking Father Hotz, was assured that he was no priest. Strange as it may seem, the teacher's name was never revealed and the family simply addressed him as "Teacher". The teacher's knowledge of English was meagre as can be gathered from the following instance. One day Mrs. Helbling sent Bertha Louise to fetch some corn-cobs from the yard and on returning the child said to her mother: "I got them." The teacher, associating this remark with a well-known curse word, was horrified and said: "Bertha Louise is surely going to hell." Little wonder that the Helbling children soon disliked and feared their stern, austere teacher. Indeed, the elder Helblings, too, became ill at ease in his presence. Finally, after some months, Mrs. Helbling, dreading that the teacher might lose his mind, asked Father Hotz to dismiss him from her home. Accordingly, Father Hotz transferred the teacher to a school in Sharpsburg. Here the unfortunate man actually did lose his mind and had to be removed. From that time on nothing more is heard of the teacher. The Redemptorist chronicle records no item on this "nameless" teacher but everything seems to point to the fact that he was or perhaps had been a Redemptorist lay brother. (10) With the passing of the "nameless" teacher the school was not abandoned but efforts for its continuation became stronger. Father Hotz provided another teacher in the person of Mr. George Ruland, an able man who also boarded at the Helbling home. By this time news of the primitive school had spread and many parents applied for the admission of their children. The room, however, was too small to accommodate all who applied, hence, like the good soul he was, Mr. Helbling fitted out his unused storeroom for a school room. A goodly number of pupils attended especially children by the family name of Kalchthaler, Stein, Bischoff, Fleckenstein, Burckhardt and others. The first scholastic year might have started a little late in the fall of 1854 and had but a short interruption between the departure of the first teacher and the arrival of the second. On the third Sunday after Easter, April 29, 1855, the following announcement was made in St. Philomena's church: Some months ago a Catholic school was opened in the home of Xaver Helbling, near the cemetery (Allegheny) in Lawrenceville. Since a larger and more suitable accommodation has been now provided by the same Mr. Helbling, we admonish all the parents of Lawrenceville and the neighborhood who have children of school age, to send them to this school so that they may be trained to be good Christians. We ourselves shall take interest in this school and shall visit it from time to time.(11) The second school year began probably at the usual time in September, 1855, as we learn from another announcement at St. Philomena's: "Since the Catholic school of Lawrenceville has already commenced and a good opportunity is offered the children of school age to acquire virtue and knowledge, the parents living there are requested to send their children as soon as posible.(12) However, with the opening of the second school-year the "Helbling School" was abandoned for Squire Nickle's Mansion, a larger and more centrally located building at 4016 Butler Street. This building, sometimes called the "Nickle's School" and "Old Town Hall" was used as a house of worship by some of the sects and also as a meeting place for political groups. It was a two-story stone mansion standing on a high plateau about eighty feet from Butler Street. The first floor was adapted for school purposes while the second floor was used for a hall, external steps leading thereto from the front of the building. During the time of Teacher Ruland some people referred to (10) St. Augustinus, Oct. 1921, pp. 1-3. Hereafter abbreviated Si!-. Aug. Hyacinth Epp. O.M.Cap., "Die Gemeinden der Pennsylvanischen Kapuziner-Provinz" in Seraphischer Kinderjreund, vol. IX, pp. 2-5, 56-S7. (11) St. Aug. Oct., 1921, p. 3. (12) Ibid. ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 14 this school as "Ruland Hall". Later, however, it was dignified by the pretentious title of "The Lawrenceville Academy". Why was the school transferred from the Helbling home? There were various reasons for the transfer. First of all, the Helbling School was too far for many of the smaller children. Then the Helbling store had no provision for heating and the school room was too cold in winter. Finally, the storeroom was too small for the increasing number of pupils. These reasons seem cogent enough to explain the change of location. Teacher Ruland did not continue long as teacher in the new school. He resigned most probably in 1856. Rumor had it that his resignation hinged upon disappointed matrimonial aspirations to the hand of one of Mr. Helbling's daughters. The next teacher was a lady whose name we could not ascertain. The lady was probably an Alsatian for she spoke both German and French. During her teaching term she boarded with Mr. Alexander Wirth on Willow Street. How long she remained is not known but very probably she held the post for some months until the arrival of Teacher Mertz sometime in 1856. Teacher Mertz was of small stature and in the thirties and is said to have limped. He had crossed the ocean in the company of his sister who died on ship. He kept her jewelry and was fond of displaying it. The report we have of him is not very flattering. He was neglectful of personal appearance, his hair and beard not used to the comb or brush. He was fond of playing cards and drinking beer. Hence he was seldom fit to teach and when he fell asleep during class periods the pupils had a jolly recess. He was no disciplinarian and the pupils soon realized this for on the occasion of an altercation between the teacher and an older pupil, the latter forcefully ejected the teacher from the room. Undoubtedly, Teacher Mertz had been reprimanded for his misconduct but instead of reforming he became defiant and ultimately refused to teach the catechism or to give religious instruction in any form. Indeed, he finally succeeded in wrecking the Lawrenceville Academy for a time, as we learn from the Announcement Book of St. Philomena's: Since the former German Catholic teacher of Lawrenceville intends to start a private school, saying that he leaves the religious instruction and catechism to the priests and parents while he teaches the other branches, we consider it our duty to tell you that we cannot recommend such a school and that Catholic parents of Lawrenceville and of the neighborhood must send their children of school age either to the English school of Father Gibbs or here to Bayardstown until another Catholic school can be provided. (13) Accordingly, the German Catholics withdrew their children from the Lawrenceville Academy and sent them either to St. Mary's on Forty-sixth Street or down to St. Philomena's. This condition prevailed for about a year and a half. At length new interest awakened, due to the efforts of the Redemptorist Fathers. On August 22, 1858, the following announcement was made in St. Philomena's: Since the roads in fall and winter are especially bad for the children of Lawrenceville, it is certainly necessary that a school be established there. Hence we request the men of the Lawrenceville district to meet this afternoon at four o'clock in the old school near the residence of Mr. Fleckenstein—4012 Butler Street—to discuss the school question. The outcome of this meeting was the opening of another school in Robinson Hall at 4121 Butler Street. Here a spacious room on the second floor was engaged for a school room. Again the Redemptorist Fathers appealed to the parents of Lawrenceville to send their children to this school: Since the schools in Sligo and Lawrenceville are established again, the respective parents are urged to send their children to these schools, and to contribute to their support. Without a good Catholic school little good may be expected in life either from the children or from the parents. (14) The teacher hired for this school was Mr. John Beck. He was tall, of swarthy complexion and of affable manners. He was forty-five years old and married. Unfortunately for the school, he fell ill and died on February 6, 1859, some months after beginning his work, and was buried from (13) Announcement Book, March 11, 1857. Bayardstown, i.e., the district of St. Philomena's Parish, Fourteenth Street and thereabouts. (14) Ibid., Oct. 3, 18S8. Sligo was the local name of the section settled by the Catholic Irish, i.e., Forty-sixth Street and the neighborhood. ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 15 St. Philomena's Church on February 10. Again the Lawrenceville school was in a precarious condition and to prevent its failure a meeting was called for February 13, 1859. The Announcement Book says: Since the teacher, died last Sunday, we request all the men of Lawrenceville to meet this afternoon at four o'clock in the school. The purpose of this meeting is to take steps to prevent the discontinuing of the school.(15) The record of this meeting has not come down to us. It seems, however, that some Sisters, probably from St. Philomena's, came daily to prepare the children for first Communion and to teach during the remainder of the term. The St. Augustinus (16) records the testimony of Mr. John Wirth, then one of the oldest members of the parish, that the Know-nothings and other bigots ridiculed the Sisters and spread caricatures representing the Sisters maltreating the children. The Sisters must have discontinued their work at the end of the school term of 1859. The next teacher, Mr. T. Feaux, was engaged for the fall term of 1859. We know nothing more of him than that he taught until sometime in 1860 or 1861. At this point a digression seems in place. The ever-recurring difficulties with the school proved the necessity of one thing— a better and more permanent organization of the German Catholics under competent leadership. This was all the more necessary since the population was growing, as is evident from the fact that in 1860 no less than seventy houses were built in the district and Butler Street was paved. Accordingly, the more energetic men of the German colony effected an organization of the German Catholics and called it a Gemeinde or congregation. In thorough-going fashion they drew up a constitution called: Constitution der Deutsch Romisch Catholisch. Gemeinde zu Lawrenceville. This happened toward the end of 1859 or in the beginning of 1860, when the school problem had become acute. What was the specific object of this organization? Evidently to take definite steps in the way of establishing a school and a church—a Gemeinde or parish for the German Catholics of Lawrenceville. To this end they selected three men of sterling character, Messrs. August Hoeveler, Alexander Wirth and Louis Unverzagf, and entrusted them with the task of securing suitable property. From the very outset Mr. August Hoeveler was the leader and director of the organization. John W. Jordan(17) furnishes the following incomplete biography of this interesting character. He was the youngest son of William and Clara Hoeveler and was born in Ankum, in the kingdom of Hanover, Germany, in 1820, and came to the United States when he was seventeen years old. Here he married Elizabeth O'Leary, daughter of William O'Leary, a glass manufacturer. Eight children were born from this marriage. The brothers of August went into the grocery business and soon increased the number of their stores to three. August, too, became a member of the firm and took charge of the wagon routes. Later he became sole owner of the store located in Bayardstown. In 1850 he abandoned the store and undertook the manufacture of glue, soap and candles. Together with Messrs. Edward Frauenheim and Leopold Vilsack he helped to establish the Iron City Brewing Company of Pittsburgh and was also associated with the German National Bank of Pittsburgh. Later he engaged extensively in the real estate business. August Hoeveler was a shrewd business man and a pioneer in laying out suburban property. His plan was to buy large tracts of unimproved land in desirable locations, divide it into building lots and sell it on reasonable terms. He was sagacious in his locations and the sites he chose soon developed into important sections of the city. He was a member of the borough council of Lawrenceville and when the borough was annexed to Pittsburgh he was elected to the City Council but died on December 20, 1868, before he could be initiated into the office. Entrusted by the Gemeinde to secure property, Hoeveler as head of the committee of three accomplished the task with marvelous dispatch. For, on April 20, 1860, by deed made between Robert Wray and (15) St. Aug., Oct. 1921, p. 7. (16) Ibid. (17) A Century and a Half of Pittsburgh and Her People, The Lewis Co., 1908, vol. Ill, pp. 236-237. ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 16 [image] St. Augustine Church Corner 37th & Bandera Sts. Dedicated 1901 image may be viewed at: http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/allegheny/church/staugustine-pittsburgh/016.jpg ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 17 Elizabeth Teese, parties of the first part, and August Hoeveler, Alexander Wirth and Louis Unverzagt, parties of the second part, all the land between Butler and Bandera Streets, Thirty-sixth and Thirty-seventh Streets (18) became the property of the German Gemeinde of Lawrenceville. The Committee paid $7,350.00 for this property. The committee, further, selected the most suitable portion of the property facing Butler Street between Thirty-sixth and Thirty- seventh Streets for church, school and pastoral residence. The remaining land was laid out in twenty-two lots and sold. The plot reserved for parish property comprised more or less the central portion facing Butler Street between Thirty-sixth and Thirty-seventh Streets. The flanking lots and also the six large lot's facing Bandera Street in the rear of the parish plot were sold. On the parish plot there stood a small frame house badly in need of repairs. At first it was suggested to repair this house and use it for a school, but later the idea was abandoned. All the property was held in the name of the committee and not in trust because the Gemeinde had no priest and no official standing. It is interesting to know how the committee raised the funds for this extensive purchase. They had three sources of income: they contracted loans to the extent of 46,750.00 between April 21, 1860 and December 22, 1862;(19) they sold the superfluous lots, twenty-two in all, and when the purchaser was unable to pay in full the committee retained a mortgage at six percent interest; they held a picnic probably on the newly acquired property on July 4, 1860. The old Organization Book still preserved in the parish archives contains the minutes of three interesting meetings held in preparation for the picnic. To show how detailed and formal were the preparations for the picnic, we shall give here the minutes of these three meetings. FIRST MEETING, JUNE 7, 1860 The committee for the German Roman Catholic picnic has decided that: 1. Mr. August Hoeveler be the president of this society. 2. Teacher T. Feaux be the secretary. 3. Mr. Benjamin Schmidt be the treasurer. 4. The dinner and supper tickets be each twenty-five cents. 5. Everybody pay ten cents at the entrance. 6. Dancing be permitted July 4. 7. For three dances, everybody, be they German or English, pay ten cents. 8. The president engage from four to six musicians. 9. The secretary advertize this picnic in all German papers and send out invitations to all German Catholic societies. 10. Two constables be engaged. 11. The following men be appointed to keep order: A. Hoeveler, Louis Unverzagt, Aug. Sterer, Anthon Barth, Alex Wirth, and Matthew Bader. 12. John Elsesser and George Engelking collect tickets and money for the meals. 13. Aug. Hoeveler and Frank Hawk provide all beverages. 14. The following men attend the bar: John Wirth. John Fleckenstein, Xaver Helbling, Heinrich Engel, Xaver Burkhart, Jos. Brentner. Joseph Bischof, Jacob Helbling, Alex Ouoczalla. Michael Helbling, Xaver Loeffler and Frank Hawk. 15. Mr. B. Schmidt have the supervision of the money. 16. Messrs. Eneel. T. Wirth. and Engelking arrange with the women for the fortunewheels (Glückschafen). 17. Aug. Hoeveler and Alex Wirth look after the booths and platforms. 18. Frank Link and Albert Wirth collect the entrance money. 19. All members turn in the proceeds to the treasurer for a receipt. 20. Mr. Schmidt procure the prizes. (18) In those days Bandera Street was called Bank Street; Thirty-sixth Street was Sycamore Street, and Thirty-seventh Street was Prospect Street. (19) borrowed from the following: John Wirth. $300 on April 21, 1860; Andreas Greilich, $700 on Feb 8, 1861; Xavier Loeffler, $1400 on July 21, 1862; Xavier Helbling. $500 on July 25, 1862; Fred, Mary and Joseph Genth, $820 on Aug. 4, and $200 on Oct. 14, 1862; Michael Stiebich, S600 on Sept. 18, 1862; Heinrich Rettmann $710 on Oct. 8, 1862; Gottlieb Wirth, $300 on Oct. 9, 1862; Johann Buetner, $200 on Oct. 14, 1862: Peter Junker, $100 on Oct. 25, 1862; Melchior Koffeler, $470 on Nov. 28, 1862; Peter Blimling, $400 on Dec. 2, 1862; Nickolaus Hay, $50 on Dec. 22, 1862. Cf. St. Aug., 1921, p. 6. ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 18 21. The picnic committee meet again in the school next Sunday at seven o'clock. (Signed) June 7, 1860. The next meeting took place on June 14, 1860. It was ordered that John Wirth get the ticket's from the president and distribute them; that after the picnic, the money be turned over to the treasurer for a receipt and that they meet again two weeks later. The third meeting was held on July 1, 1860 and passed the following resolutions: Decreed that: 1. Mr. Aug. Hoeveler have the right to appoint the men who are to keep order on the dancing floor. 2. Xaver Burkhart serve as butler and retail the beverages to the bartenders for cash payment. 3. Xaver Burkhart distribute the Deidesheimer wine to the bartenders for twenty-five cents and the Markgrãfler wine for twenty cents. 4. The teacher shall examine every article delivered and give a receipt for same. 5. Xaver Burkhart and J. Helbling collect all things for the picnic and haul them with their own teams to the grounds. Frank Helbling, Johann Kalchthaler, Fred Kalb cut meat for the tables. 6. Anton Bischof provide lemonade. The proceeds of this much-heralded picnic are given as $403.41. From now on picnics and festivals were held periodically, for the organization was live and energetic. Rivalry among the workers was common. We are told, for instance, that the custom prevailed that the workers who were first on the grounds might select any stand they desired. Enthusiasm and rivalry ran so high on one occasion that some of the workers were on the picnic grounds as early as two o'clock in the morning so as to secure the stand of their choice. (20) But while busy with picnics and other money-making amusements to pay off the property debt, the Germans did not fail to struggle ahead with their school. In 1860 or 1861 they withdrew from the old Robinson Hall on Butler Street and placed the pupils in what was called the "Alley School" located in the alley between Thirty-sixth and Thirty-seventh Streets. At that time the Alley was a much used thoroughfare since Thirty-sixth Street was in bad condition. The building used for school now stood on the fifth lot from Bandera Street and was owned by Mr. Patrick McCabe. There was nothing attractive about the location of this "Alley School". All along the lots there was a precipice due to a great washout of the past. The rear room facing Thirty-sixth Street rested on posts and the entire building was lower than the alley level. The main entrance faced the alley. The corner of the present Church Alley and Thirty-sixth Street seems to correspond with its location. The first teacher in the "Alley School" was Mr. T. Feaux who had taught in Robinson Hall. His successor was Maximilian Werder. For some unknown reason he was discharged and again the school had to close for some weeks until the new teacher, Mr. John Kraus. appeared on the scene. The "Alley School" reopened and continued to operate till January, 1862 when a new school was built. In recounting the story thus far we must not fail to pay a well-merited tribute to the Redemptorist Fathers of St. Philomena's. It was they who started the school and fostered its development during the first seven years of the parish history. With true missionary zeal they worked quietly and persistently in the spiritual vineyard they had planted in Lawrenceville. While the records of heaven contain adequate details of their apostolic activity, their own chronicle records only the following few items of this period: As to our activity—it is about the same as in the foregoing years. Most of the German Catholics of Lawrenceville attend St. Philomena's Church, but some worship either at Sharpsburg or at the English Church in Lawrenceville . The schools of Pittsburgh were visited by two priests twice a week. Once every week a Father visited the school at Sligo, and returning from Sharpsburg, he would visit the Lawrenceville school to impart religious instruction. But unlike the school at Sligo, the Lawrenceville school was not without frequent interruption owing to the frequent changes of teachers. With the organization and determination of the Germans to obtain their own independent parish, the active interest of the Redemptorists seems to have ended. Report (20) St. Jug., Nov., 1921, pp. 7, 12. ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee page 19 had it that while they did not oppose the move for an independent parish in Lawrenceville, they did not countenance it with favor, and so far as the writer could ascertain, their name is nowhere mentioned in connection with the parish property. In 1861, an altogether new name appears in the records—that of Reverend George Kircher. His part in the further development of the parish we must now relate. CHAPTER II. The Church—1863 Blessed art thou in the holy temple of thy glory.—Dan. Ill, 53. On April 20, 1860, the German Catholics of Lawrenceville under their three leaders, August Hoeveler, Alexander Wirth and Louis Unverzagt, adopted a series of resolutions to govern their organization. Article XV of the resolution reads: Resolved; that after all is settled regarding the property, we call a general parish meeting of all German Roman Catholics of this community, and also seek the presence of a priest to approve these Statutes (1) Whether or not the committee applied for a Redemptorist Father and found none available is nowhere stated. But not long after the adoption of the resolution we find the Reverend George Kircher, a diocesan priest, directing the affairs of the Lawrenceville Gemeinde. The role thus played by Father Kircher was so vital to the development of St. Augustine's Parish, that he must be looked upon as the real organizer of the parish. A brief biography of this zealous priest will not be out of place. George Kircher was born on August 19, 1830, in Weissenhorn, Bavaria, and was the son of George Kircher, a master rope-maker, and Josepha Kurz. In 1850, he finished his classical studies in Dillmgen, on the Danube, and began the study of philosophy in the University of Munich. From 1851-1854 he studied law, graduating on October 19. 1854, when he was admitted to the bar and to civil service. But instead of following the legal profession, he took up the study of theology at the University of Tubingen. Professor Hefele, one of the teachers, who later became Bishop of Rottenburg, attests that Kircher was a model student and worthy of all praise. In his final examination at the university young Kircher received the highest mark. After two years in the clerical seminary from 1856-58, he was ordained priest on May 19, 1858, by Bishop Michael of Deinlein in the seminary chapel of Dillingen. Ten days later he was appointed second curate at Kirchheim. Such a prompt appointment was quite extraordinary in view of the large number of newly ordained priests, and was intended as a distinction for the young neophyte. On October 1, 1858, the young priest left Kirchheim to become second curate in the urban parish of Oettingen. But Father Kircher was not content to remain in the well-regulated service of his diocese. The urge to serve the missions in America prompted him on October 6, 1858, to apply to his Bishop for permission to withdraw from parish work and to spend a year in Munich studying theology and languages in preparation for missionary work abroad. This petition was granted on October 8, 1859, one year after it had been filed. In the meantime the Bishop of Pittsburgh had accepted the young priest for missionary work among the Germans of his diocese. All that was wanting now was the permission of his own Bishop of Augsburg. This was granted on December 3, 1859, with the provision that the applicant receive the necessary per- (1) Statutes for the German Roman Catholic Church and School Committee in Lawrenceville, Allegheny Co., Pa., N.A. Only a fragment of this old document is preserved in the parish archives. ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 20 [image of Interior of St. Augustine Church] image may be viewed at: http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/allegheny/church/staugustine-pittsburgh/020.jpg ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 21 mits from the government, that he retain his citizenship and also the right to the government pension in case he should return to Bavaria.(2) Rev. George Kircher came to America in the early part of 1860, and was appointed pastor of Holy Trinity Church at Riceville. The Baptismal Register bears his first entry dated March 25, 1860, and also his last made on March 1, 1863. Just how he first came in touch with the German Catholics of Lawrenceville is not known, but the Announcement Book of St. Philomena's has the following notice on April 17, 1861: "The Rev. Pastor of Riceville asks us to announce that the Catholics of Lawrenceville will meet this evening at five o'clock." This marks the beginning of a series of fifteen meetings held sometimes twice a month till June 15, 1862. Father Kircher presided at all the meetings save one, which shows that by now the Redemptorists had ceased active interest in the prospective parish of Lawrenceville. The work of Father Kircher began in the meeting which he called for April 7, 1861. On this occasion Mr. August Hoeveler gave a complete financial report of the Gemeinde and Messrs. Henry Engel, George Fleckenstein and Landelin Vogel were appointed to audit the account and to report in the next meeting. Since all were anxious to have Mass said in Lawrenceville, they discussed ways and means to secure this objective. Some thought that the dwelling on the parish property, originally proposed for a school but now rented, might be vacated and turned into a temporary church. Father Kircher, however wisely discountenanced any unnecessary temporizing or useless spending and recommended the building of a church. Accordingly, Messrs. August Hoeveler, Gabriel Weisser and Xaver Burkhardt were appointed a building committee with Mr. Jacob Dietz as treasurer. In the meantime some of the Lawrenceville people began to attend Father Kircher's church at Riceville and on June 30, 1861, a group of Lawrenceville children were in his first communion class. Mr. John Haas, a pioneer member of St. Augustine's and a member of this first communion class, relates that on the morning of the first communion, Maximilian Werder, teacher in the "Alley School", who was to take the Lawrenceville class to Holy Trinity Church in Riceville, overslept so that they arrived too late and had to receive after the Mass.(3) One of the first recommendations of Father Kircher after assuming charge of the Lawrenceville Germans was to instruct the executive committee of three, Messrs. Hoeveler, Wirth and Unverzagt, to report to the Bishop of the diocese and transfer to him the deed of the parish property. The first to approach the Bishop and sign the transfer was August Hoeveler. His example was soon followed by Louis Unverzagt. The last to comply was Alexander Wirth and only after two reminders from Father Kircher. Mr. Wirth explained that he hesitated because a certain clause in the deed did not seem sufficiently clear. He referred to the significant provision: "that he, the Right Rev. Michael Domenec.. . . shall hold the said lot or piece of ground for the use and benefit of a Roman Catholic Congregation and shall keep on said lot or piece of ground a R. C. Church, schoolhouse and pastoral residence whenever the means for erecting and keeping the same shall be supplied him or them by the said congregation and also on the following condition to wit: that so long as and at any time the German Catholics of said congregation can supply their own pastor they may have instruction in the German language." (4) Mr. Wirth apparently desired a stronger guarantee that a German priest would always be appointed to the parish. However, practically everyone else was satisfied with the Bishop's agreement. In the early part of July, 1861, a petition signed by more than a hundred persons had been addressed to the Bishop asking permission to build a church for the German Catholics, and when the Bishop proffered no prompt reply, a committee composed of August Hoeveler, Alexander Wirth, Louis Unverzagt, Gabriel Weisser and Landelin Vogel, ap- (2) Letter dated Aug. 27, 1921, from archivist of the diocese of Augsburg. Parish archives. Cf. St. Aug., Dec., 1921, pp. 1-3. (3) St. Aug., Dec., 1921, p. 3. (4) Deed Book, vol. 152, p. 140, Sept. 18, 1861 St. Aug., Nov., 1921, pp. 3-4. In this quotation Italics mine. ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 22 peared before the Bishop to plead the same cause, stressing especially the request for a German priest. With the assistance of Father Stibiel, the Bishop's Consultor, the desired permission was obtained, and Mr. John Mitchel, the Bishop's legal representative, inserted into the deed a clause to this effect. The latter had also explained in German the meaning of the important clause, namely, that as long as the people could support a priest, the Bishop would give them a German-speaking priest. What more need be demanded? Seeing that all others deemed the guarantee sufficiently firm, Mr. Wirth finally signed the deed and the complete transfer to the Bishop was accomplished on September 4, 1861. In keeping with the State Law that a church elect one or more trustees to represent the interests of the parish, Father Kircher, following the Catholic custom that invests trusteeship in the Bishop of the diocese, suggested that the parish legally approve of Bishop Michael Domenec as trustee of the parish. Accordingly, a petition was prepared and signed by Father Kircher and the representatives of the parish and sent to the Bishop. After these preliminaries Father Kircher turned his attention to the school problem. He was not satisfied with the "Alley School". Not only was its location unfavorable, but it was also too small and greatly in need of repairs. In the meeting of September 29, 1861, August Hoeveler had proposed to build a frame school measuring approximately 20 to 24 feet in width, and by 40 to SO feet in length, and 15 feet high. Since the present school was not worth repairing, this proposal was accepted unanimously, and Mr. Charles Bartberger, architect, was commissioned to sketch the plans so that work could start promptly. Mr. John Lamkemeyer, the lowest bidder, was awarded the contract and he and his crew worked so efficiently that by December 15, 1861, the school was ready for occupancy. The cost was $620.00. This new school stood just in the rear of the present hall and faced Thirty-seventh Street. The children probably moved into their new school in January, 1862. Eighty pupils were enrolled in four grades taught by Mr. John Kraus. The school hours lasted from 8:30 to 11:00, and from 1:00 to 4:00. The curriculum consisted of catechism, Bible history, reading, writing, arithmetic, spelling, singing, grammar and letter-writing. These branches were taught in German, but English reading and writing were also taught. Each child was taxed fifty cents monthly for the support of the school. With the new building and with Father Kircher's supervision the school entered upon a new era. Not only did the number of pupils increase steadily, but the academic standard kept pace with its growth. (5) In erecting the school both Father Kircher and the people had in mind the prospect of using it for Mass on Sundays sparing the parishioners that long journey either to St. Philomena's or to Holy Trinity. However, as the funds were low and no provision had been made for altar, pews and organ, a supper was given in Mozart's Hall on January 2 and netted $320.00. In the meantime an altar had been procured for $30.00, an organ for $90.00 and a gallery built for $30.00. Mr. John Lamkemeyer constructed the gallery and the pews. In the meeting of January 12, 1862, Father Kircher announced to the joy of all that the Bishop had granted him permission to conduct services in the school on Sundays and holy days. On January 26, 1862, the following announcement was made in St. Philomena's Church: "The Rev. Pastor of Riceville asks us to announce that next Sunday at ten o'clock services will be held in the school at Lawrenceville."(6) Accordingly, Father Kircher offered the first Mass in the large schoolroom on February 2, 1862. Since a choir had been trained, a high Mass was sung. In the afternoon Vespers were chanted. A letter dated November 18, 1921, and written by a member of the parish, refers to those pioneer days as follows: I moved to Lawrenceville in 1862, or the month following the explosion (Sept. 17) at the arsenal. I went to St. Augustine's school which was church (5) St. Aug., Feb., 1922, p. 11. (6) Announcement Book, 1862. ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 23 and school combined. Folding doors separated the altar from the room during school hours. It was very small and located on a hill. Our teacher was Mr. Kraus whom we all liked.(7) From now on Mass was celebrated in the school every Sunday. This necessitated the appointment of another priest to assist Father Kircher who as pastor of Holy Trinity in Riceville could ill afford to be absent from his parish every Sunday. On the motion of Mr. Gabriel Weisser, Messrs. Xaver Burkhardt and Jacob Dietz approached the Bishop with the request to appoint an assistant to Father Kircher. The Bishop, however, declined to appoint an assistant but instead appointed Father John Stibiel,(8) pastor of St. Mary's, Allegheny, to be responsible either in person or through his local assistants,(9) for the Sunday services at St. Augustine's. From now on this good priest or one of his assistants came regularly to say Mass in the school, while Father Kircher attended to all other affairs of the young parish. In the meeting of February 21, 1862, Father Kircher declared that under present circumstances he could no longer supervise the affairs of the parish without some compensation, hence he requested an annual salary of $50.00. The committee gladly assented, Mr. August Hoeveler offering to pay $25.00 from his own pocket. (10). The school now built and provision made for regular services, Father Kircher and the committee concentrated on the erection of the church. Even while contemplating the building of the school, Father Kircher had given thought to the church and as early as September 29, 1861, had authorized the architect, Charles Bartberger, to sketch the plans. After making corrections Father Kircher obtained the approval of the committee in the meeting of October 3, of the same year. On the same occasion, at the suggestion of Mr. Landelin Vogel, St. Augustine was chosen as patron of the parish. This was done, according to information furnished by pioneer members, out of deference to Mr. Augustine Hoeveler who from the beginning was the prime mover in the formation of the parish. Later, when the Capuchin Fathers took over the parish, the name of the church naturally suggested itself as a title for the Capuchin Province of Pennsylvania. In this way Mr. Augustine Hoeveler has been doubly honored. (11) In the meeting of January 12, 1862, a building association had been founded the members of which pledged themselves to pay no less than ten cents monthly. The (7) Letter of Mrs. Lisetta Besselman in St. Aug., Feb., 1922, p. 6. (8) Born at Cryon, near Trieste, Austria about 1820. Ordained about 1849. Came to the United States about 1850 and took charge of St. Mary's Church, Allegheny, a position he held until his death on Jan..19, 1869. Previous to 1859 he acted as the bishop's secretary for the Germans of the diocese and then as their Vicar General. Cf. Lambing, Catholic Historical Researches, Jan., 1886, p. 94. Catholic Church in Pittsburgh and Allegheny, pp. 166-168; Foundation Stones of a Great Diocese, p. 243. Die St. Marien-Gemeinde in der Stadt Allegheny, Pa., 1898, pp. 27-29. Lambert Daller, O.S.B., Souvenir of the Diamond Jubilee of St. Mary's Church, N. S., Pittsburgh, 1848-1923, pp.'26-32. George Schoener, M.A., Fiftieth Anniversary and Dedication of the New St. Cecilia's Church, Rochester, Pa., 1906, pp. 16-18. (9) The following curates probably said Mass at St. Augustine's before the appointment of the first pastor: Rev. Ignatius Carl Reiser. Born Feb. 2, 1828, at Steinberg, Wuerttemberg, Germany. Came to the United States on Oct. 25, 1855. Ordained on Jan. 9, 1856, at Erie, Pa. Curate to Fr. Stibiel from Nov., 1857-July, 1868, when appointed pastor of St. Joseph's, Allegheny. Remained here till Jan. 15, 1873. Died at Durand, Wis., on March 29, 1899. Cf. Enzlberger, Schematismus, Milwaukee, 1892, p. 138; Msgr. Joseph Suehr. A Short History of SS. Peter and Paul's Church, E. E., Pittsburgh, 1909, p. 15; Lambing, Church in Pittsburgh and Allegheny, p. 176; Balthasar Gerold, Golden Jubilee of St. Joseph's Church, N. S., Pittsburgh, 1917, pp. 18, 43, 44. Rev. Michael Eigner. Ordained in Wheeling, 1859 but soon became curate to Fr. Stibiel. Died in Mercy Hospital on April 7, 1862. Cf. Catholic Directory, Milwaukee, 1900. in unpaged Xecro'.ogy. Rev. Philip Francis Schmidt, curate to Fr. Stibiel from Nov., 1860 till appointed pastor of St. Augustine's. More on him in the text. Rev. Joseph M. Brandstaetter and Rev. John Schell were curates to Fr. Stibiel about the years 1862 and 1863 and may have said Mass at St. Augustine's. (10) St. Aug., Jan., 1922, p. 12. (11) Ibid., p. 7. ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 24 [image] Main Altar St. Augustine Church image may be viewed at: http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/allegheny/church/staugustine-pittsburgh/024.jpg ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 25 decision to begin work on the church was finally reached in April, 1862, when Mr. August Hoeveler as president of the building committee was authorized to let the contract for grading and for the foundation stones. Once under way, the building made rapid progress. On May 23, an agreement had been signed with the contractors Messrs. John and William Lamkemeyer, to build a church costing $9,875.00. Due to later changes, however, the cost of the building exclusive of furnishings, rose to $12,327.84. On June 22, 1862, the corner stone was laid. Bishop Domenec being in Rome, his Vicar General, the Very Rev. E. McMahon, officiated at the ceremony. The Pittsburgh Catholic(12) of June 28, carried the following account: On last Sunday afternoon at four o'clock the corner stone of a new church for the use of the Lawrenceville German Catholics was laid at Lawrenceville by the Very Rev. E. McMahon, Vicar General, assisted by Rev. Messrs. Stibiel, Gibbs, Kircher, and Reiser. Rev. John Stibiel addressed the congregation in German, and was followed by the Very Rev. Vicar General in an English discourse. The ceremony was witnessed by an immense concourse of people. The religious societies of the cathedral and Holy Trinity, Pittsburgh; and of St. Michael's, Birmingham, met at the cathedral and went thence in procession to St. Philomena's, where they met the societies of the church of St. Mary's, and of St. Peter's, Allegheny. From St. Philomena's Church they proceeded to Lawrenceville, where they met the society of St. Mary's, Sharpsburg. The lot secured for the new church is one of the most eligible in the borough, fronting on Butler Street, not far from where this thoroughfare meets the Greensburg turnpike, and running back to the turnpike. Before long, no doubt, there will be erected a fine church, thus adding another place of Catholic worship in the suburbs of our city. With the laying of the corner stone Father Kircher had every reason to rejoice. His first undertaking, the school, was now flourishing, and his next objective, the church, gave promise of an achievement' no less encouraging. But interested as he was in completing the church he had shortly begun, he was not to realize his ambition, for in December, 1862, when the church was barely under roof, the Bishop appointed a resident pastor in the person of Rev. Philip Franz Schmidt, hitherto curate to Father Stibiel of St. Mary's, Allegheny. Apparently, things had not gone so well since Father Stibiel and his curates had assumed charge of the Sunday services at St. Augustine's. Father Kircher had asked for a curate to assist him in his work both at Riceville and in Lawrenceville, but instead the Bishop had placed the spiritual care of the new parish in the hands of Father Stibiel while permitting Father Kircher to act as pastor and to administer the temporal affairs. This arrangement could not but cause division both between priests and people as seems evident from the fact that Father Kircher ceased to preside at the committee meetings after the laying of the corner stone. Nor does his name appear any more in connection with any transaction. For nearly two years he had directed the affairs of the parish and in the truest sense must be styled the organizer of St. Augustine's. Father Philip Franz Schmidt, distinguished as the first resident pastor of St. Augustine's, was born in Freiburg on May 10, 1817. He was ordained priest in St. Peter's Seminary near Freiburg on August 7, 1843. Previous to 1852, he was active either as curate or as pastor in Oberkirch, Riedern am Wald, Kenzingen, Rotenfels, Radolfzell, Hilsbach and Rauenberg. From 1852 till January 25, 1856, when he received permission to go to America, he had no appointment. A letter from the episcopal chancery of Freiburg dated January 16, 1922, says that while in the archdiocese of Freiburg "he did not prove a good financier and, moreover, he had some other shortcomings- For a while he stayed with the Trappist Fathers in Oelenberg in Alsace, but he found this kind of life too strenuous and asked the Archbishop for leave to go to America." (13) In 1856 he came to the United States. Here, too, he moved frequently from place to place. In 1857 he was at Thompson (now Frank), Seneca Co., Ohio; in 1858 and 1859 he was pastor of St. Joseph's Church at Vogelbacher (now Lucinda), Pa., Clarion (12) A Catholic weekly founded March 16, 1844 still continuing. Cf. Catholic Encyclopedia, XI p. 694. (13) St. Aug., March, 1922, p. 4. Letter from episcopal chancery in Freiburg, dated Jan. 16, 1922, in parish archives. ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 26 Co., diocese of Erie; in 1860, he was at St. Mary's Hospital, Rochester, Monroe Co., New York, probably as chaplain. In February, 1860, Father Schmidt called personally on Father Stibiel at St. Mary's, Allegheny, probably to arrange for admission into the Pittsburgh Diocese. In November, 1860, he was appointed assistant at St. Mary's and seems to have rendered service at the churches attended from that center. More than likely he substituted for Fr. Stibiel at St. Augustine's before his official appointment as pastor in 1862. During the ten months of his pastorate Father Schmidt centered his efforts on completing the church begun by Father Kircher. He purchased the pews and the windows. He was also interested in the school and left us a complete list of the parents of the children attending the school. He was not very faithful in keeping records and his successor, Father John Nepomucene Tamchina, wrote the following remark on the margin of the Register of baptisms, marriages and deaths: "A prima die Novembris (?) anni 1863, tempore undecim menses retro, quo Rev. Phil. Schmidt mumis pastorale ad ecclesiam St. Augustini obierat, ut primae 5 paginae produnt prout baptismata, ita matri-monia et sepulturas consignari penitus intermisit" (14) Father Schmidt was in ill health most of the time, which might account at least partially for his instability. He is said to have been of an emaciated appearance and seldom if ever was a smile seen on his face. In October, 1863, shortly before the church was ready for dedication, he was transferred to St. Mary's Help of Christians, in McKees Rocks, where he remained for about a year and a half, then returned as assistant to St. Mary's, Allegheny. His last signature appears in the baptismal register of that church under date of October 15, 1865. Broken in health, he later entered the Mercy Hospital and died on June 21, 1866. Negligent in keeping the records, he is now himself the victim of several inaccuracies regarding the principal dates of his life. Father Lambing in Historical Researches in Western Pennsylvania, says Father Schmidt was forty-eight instead of forty-nine years old; and Das Gedenkbuch des Goldenen Jubilaeums of St. Mary's, Allegheny, has August 12 instead of August 10 for the day of his birth, and July 2, 1867, instead of June 21, 1866, for the date of his death. (15) The second resident pastor was Rev. John Nepomucene Tamchina. He was born at Pardubitz, district of Chrudim, now Czechoslovakia, on April 14, 1803. Surprising as it may seem, he was a Capuchin, having entered the Order on September 30, 1828. As a Capuchin his name was Restitute and he took his vows in the friary at Wiener-Neustadt. Having completed his philosophical and theological studies in the friaries at Boesing, Hungary, at Scheibbs, then, Lower Austria, and Pressburg, he took solemn vows on July 31, 1830, and was ordained priest by Archbishop Milde in Vienna on September 4, 1834. His first appointment was as curate in Linz, becoming guardian and administrator of the Capuchin church there in 1849. In 1850 he taught theology at Wiener-Neustadt. In 1851 he departed for America and is listed in the chronicle of his Province as Apostolic Missionary in America. (16) Father Tamchina's first appointment in America was probably as pastor of St. Joseph's Church, Lancaster in the archdiocese of Philadelphia. He remained there from April-November, 1851, making missionary visits to St. Peter's, Butler, Pa., where his services were welcome owing to the shortage of German priests in those parts. From Lancaster Father Tamchina went to Butler where he remained till the end of 1852 or early part of 1853. While at Butler he also had charge of the parish at Herman, Pa., for at least a half year. His name appears in the Herman registers from (14) "During the eleven months previous to Nov. 1, 1863, when Rev. Philip Schmidt was pastor of St. Augustine's, he neglected entirely to record the baptisms, marriages and burials, as is evident from the first five pages." (15) Information from diocesan curia of Freiburg, dated March 6, 1922. Document in parish archives. Cf. St. Aug., April., 1922, pp. 11, 12. (16) Letter from archivist of Capuchin monastery in Vienna. Parish archives. St. Aug., May, 1922, p. 3. ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 27 November 1, 1851-April 7, 1852. From about the middle of 1855-November 11, 1855, he did pastoral work in St. Joseph's, Donegal, (now North Oakland), whence he went to St. Mary's, Sharpsburg, and remained there from early 1856 to at least May of the same year. From St. Mary's, Sharpsburg, he went to West End in Somerset Co., attending from 1857-59 St. John's Church at Herman's Bottom, and St. Matthew's at Fairfield or Xyer's Hill, now New Baltimore, Pa. In 1859, he was curate at St. Mary's, Allegheny, remaining till September, when he became pastor of St. Mary's, McKees Rocks. In 1863 he exchanged places with Father Schmidt, the first resident pastor of St. Augustine's. (17) Coming to St. Augustine's Father Tamchina found the church practically finished, hence he began the preparations for the dedication. In several meetings with the church committee, the Messrs. A. Hoeveler, L. Unverzagt, A. Wirth, X. Loeffler, X. Helbling and B. Schmidt, the most important questions were decided. Thanksgiving Day, November 26, 1863, was set for the day of dedication, and it was decided that admission should be by tickets costing fifty or twenty-five cents. Notice of the coming celebration was to be announced in The Pittsburgh Catholic and three times in both the weekly and daily edition of the Republicaner.(18) Catholic societies were to be invited by letter. On December 5, 1863, The Pittsburgh Catholic carried the following account of the dedication: The Church of St. Augustine, Lawrenceville, was solemnly blessed and set apart for divine services on Thursday of last week. The Bishop of the diocese (Most Rev. Michael Domenec performed the ceremony of blessing. High Mass was celebrated by Rev. J. Tamchina, the pastor of the church, assisted by Rev. J. M. Bierl as deacon, and Rev. A. Gibbs as subdeacon. After Mass the Bishop made a few remarks in English and Rev. Bierl preached in German. The principal beneficial societies of the two cities (Pittsburgh and Allegheny), ten in number, went processionally to the church and assisted at the ceremonies.(19) The collection on the day of dedication amounted to $287.70 and the tickets for the seats netted $568.55. The church was built of red brick in the Romanesque style and measured 100 feet in length, 50 feet in width and 30 feet in height. The tower, which was also the vestibule, faced Butler Street and rose to a height of 150 feet. The church had a seating capacity of 650. The pews, eighty in number and costing $580.00 were made by Mr. John Lamkemeyer. Since the church was not adequately furnished upon completion, Father Tamchina devoted his efforts to supply whatever was needed. Thus a new high altar costing $687.00 was installed and blessed on August 28, 1864, the patronal feast of the church. Later a pulpit made by Mr. Anton Iske was purchased for $500.00. To meet this expense Mr. August Hoeveler donated a lot to be raffled and the parish held a social. Both together cleared $512.00. On July 10, 1864, the organ was installed. It was built by A. Pomplitz of Baltimore and cost $2,500.00. The organ had twenty stops and was considered the best church organ in the district. On the occasion of its installation a sacred concert was given under the direction of Mr. A. M. Schwab- The proceeds amounted to $203.00. The Stations of the Cross were erected in 1864, the oil paintings costing $230.00 and the wooden frames $250.00. Throughout the year the church was gradually enriched with new articles until it was adequately equipped for worship and for the convenience of the people. Liberal donors were never lacking and subscriptions for sacred vessels, vestments and statues were always successful. The (17) St. Aug., May, 1922, pp. 3-S. (18) A secular daily and weekly in the German language. Suspended publication about 1880. Its equipment was purchased to start the Pittsburgher Beobachter. (19) Rev. John Michael Bierl. preacher on the occasion of the dedication, had an interesting career. Born July 2, 1838. Appointed pastor of Sts. Peter and Paul's Church, East Liberty, from 1865-1872. From this post he organized the St. James' Parish of Wilkinsburg. Labored also in Butler. Pa., and other places. Joined the Conventual Franciscan Fathers at Syracuse, N. Y., and made profession on Sept. 8, 1875. Occupied the post of confessor at Loretto, Italy, and at St. Peter's, Rome. Died on Feb. 9, 1912, at Utica, N. Y. Cf. Schematismus FF. Minorum Conventualium S. Francisci, Necrologium. Syracuse, 1926, p. 142. Lambing, Church in Pittsburgh and Allegheny, pp. 176, 189, 442. ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 28 [image] St. Augustine Church, 1938 Dedicated March, 1889 image may be viewed at: http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/allegheny/church/staugustine-pittsburgh/028.jpg ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 29 total cost of the church was about $26,000. Although the contract price was for $12,327.84, nevertheless changes in the original plans and the furnishings increased that sum. Besides equipping the church, Father Tamchina completed the payment due the Teese heirs for the original church property. The parish had still owed $4,350.00 plus $243.50 in interest on this property. This debt was cleared in 1864. To discharge this burden the pastor resorted to picnics, subscriptions and appeals, and also to the sale of the eleven lots comprised in the Malcolm Leech property purchased merely as an investment in 1862. The latter sale brought $2,860.00. Moreover, the pastor's finances were greatly helped by the loans which he made from both parishioners and non-parishioners at the low rate of three percent while the banks demanded six. In December, 1864, Father Tamchina sent his financial report to the Bishop. This was the first financial statement the parish had ever submitted to the Bishop. It comprised all income and expenses from April 1, 1862-December, 1864. It follows: Income: Pew Rent, $1,450.00; Offertory, $681.00; Special collections, $2,850.00; Voluntary offerings, $675.00; Subscriptions, $682.00; Societies, $334.00; Sale of lots and picnics, $4,802.00; Total $11,474.00. Expenses: Including cost of church property, $30,374.00, leaving a debt of $18,900.00, on January 1, 1865.(20) Realizing the spiritual advantages of a mission, the pastor arranged for a mission shortly after the church was dedicated. The famous Jesuit preacher, Father Francis X. Weninger, (21) conducted a mission for the parish from March 1-10, and, judging from the baptismal record, a mission for non-Catholics from March 15-21, for during that week many adults and their children were baptised by the missionary. Since this was the first mission, it was made memorable by the presence of Bishop Domenec who came twice to the services and probably pontificated. The bill of $8.00 from Joseph Meyer and Son for the carriage "to bring the bishop" is still preserved in the parish archives. The mission cross erected on this occasion hung formerly in the corridor of St. Augustine's monastery. It bears the dates, 1864 and 1872, the dates of both the first and the second mission. Father Tamchina also fostered the traditional interest in the school. In 1864, 207 children were enrolled in the school and in addition to Mr. Kraus, two other teachers had to be employed. Evidently more room was needed and it seems that temporary accommodations were made in some neighboring house. In 1868 the number of pupils had increased to 265 and it was found necessary to enlarge the school. After leveling the site, the building was moved so as to front on Thirty-seventh Street and a basement built beneath it. To accomplish this an expenditure of $586.00 had to be made. About the same time a wall with an iron fence was erected in front of the church on Butler Street "to stop loafing on the church grounds", as the record says. (22) This wall is still doing service. In October, 1866, the parish received its first curate in the person of Father Lawrence Spitzlberger who remained only till December. In February, 1867, Father August Nieman came as curate but remained only till August. On February 2, 1867, Father John Duffner celebrated his first solemn Mass at St. Augustine's and remained as curate for eight months when he was appointed pastor of Germantown. Apparently, the diocese had but few German-speaking priests, hence there was little chance for any save the larger parishes to have a curate. (23) (20) Finanzbuch I, p. 279. St. Aug., June, 1922, p. 10. (21) A prominent German missionary Cf. Catholic Encyclopedia, XV, p. 587. (22) St. Aug., July, 1922, p. 1. (23) Ibid., June, 1922, p. 13. On Rev. Lawrence Spitzlberger, see Enzlberger, op. cit. 1892, p. 135; Cath. Directory, Milwaukee, 1905, p. 934. On Rev.August Nieman see Sigmund Cratz, O.M.Cap., History of St. Marys Church, Herman, Pa., Pittsburgh, 1917, pp. 39-41; Enzlberger. op. cit., p. 37. Gregory Lindemann, O.M.Cap., The Rise and Progress of the Province of St. Joseph of the Capuchin Order in the United States, New York, 1917, p. 324; Celestine Bittle, O.M.Cap., A Romance of Lady Poverty, New York, 1933, p. 326. On Rev. John B. Duffner, see Enzelberger. op. cit., p. 239; Ed. Fussenegger. Sixtieth Anniversary of the Dedication of the Most Holy Name Church, N. S., Pittsburgh, 128, pp. 24, 25, 39, 40. ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 30 In July, 1868, a collection for two side altars dedicated to the Blessed Virgin and St. Joseph netted $636.00. By this time Father Tamchina was sixty- eight years old and not in the best of health. To add to his troubles, a misunderstanding arose between himself and some parishioners who complained to the Bishop that he had misused the parish funds. Misunderstanding the terms of the contract, they cited that $30,000 had been paid for the church whereas the contract called for only $9,000. Father Tamchina drew up an itemized statement of all expenses including those before his time. Neither this nor the defense of the Bishop was sufficient to quiet all the gossip. Commenting on the unhappy affair the old pastor wrote: "Patience as enduring as steel and the conviction of innocence give powerful consolation in every test and they triumph at last."(24) On October 7, 1868, Father Tamchina tendered his resignation as pastor and became chaplain of St. Joseph's Orphanage, Troy Hill, then in the city of Allegheny. (25) During the five years of his incumbency he baptized 240 persons, blessed 41 marriages and conducted 87 funerals. When Father Tamchina retired, the parish numbered about 300 families and the church debt was $20,545.00.(26) To the surprise of all, the successor of Father Tamchina was none other than Father George Kircher, the organizer of the parish. He returned in October, 1868, and remained till September, 1871. Shortly after the interruption of his work at St. Augustine's in 1862, he had been transferred from Holy Trinity in Riceville to the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Altoona, then a part of the Pittsburgh Diocese. From Altoona he visited regularly the Germans of Hollidaysburg, organizing St. Michael's Parish, building both church and school, and finally becoming the first resident pastor there in 1866. From Hollidaysburg he returned to St. Augustine's in Oct., 1868.(27) Summarizing his work for the three years, 1868-71, his immediate successor says: "Besides meeting the salaries and other current expenses, he built the rear (brick) addition to the school; he had the church grounds paved and the hill in the rear of the church partly leveled; he made several repairs in the church, had Thirty-seventh Street regulated, and installed gas in the church and school."(28) Father Tamchina had already enlarged the school by adding the basement to the frame building, but Father Kircher now built a two- story brick annex in the rear. The entire upper floor was arranged as a hall for entertainments and meetings. In addition to his work at St. Augustine's, Father Kircher acceded to the request of the Bishop and took charge of the German Catholics of Bloomfield in 1870. This extra service necessitated the assistance of another priest. None of the curates appointed during these years remained long. We have record of the following: March-May, 1870, Father Francis Xavier Pauletigi; September- November, 1870, Father Joseph Boehm; March-April, 1871, Father Francis Deuermeyer; May-July, 1871, Father John Duffner, then the Benedictine, Father Karl Geyerstanger, till September, 1871, when Father Kircher completed his second term at St. Augustine's. (29) From a letter which Father Kircher wrote to the Bishop of Augsburg toward the end of 1866 when still at Hollidaysburg, we gather that his Bishop must have expected him to return to Bavaria shortly: (24) St. Aug., July, 1922, p. 2. (25) Founded in 1850 for children of German-speaking parents. Closed its doors on Jan. 1. 1938. Lambing, Church in Pittsburgh and Allegheny, pp. 512-514. (26) St. Aug., July, 1922, pp. 1, 2. Census, 1867. (27) Ibid., Dec., 1921, pp. 3, 4. (28) Ibid., Sept, 1922, p. 1. (29) Ibid., pp. 1-3. On Rev. Xavier Pauletigi, see Enzlberger, op. cit., p. 38; Gedenkbuch des Goldenen Jubilaeums der St. Marien-Kirche, Pittsburgh, 1898, p. 114. On Rev. Joseph Boehm: Enzlberger, op. cit., p. 159; Hoffman's Cath. Directory, Milwaukee, 1894, p. 159; Schoener, Fiftieth Anniversary of St. Cecilia's Church, p. 19. On Rev. Francis Deuermeyer: Enzlberger, op. cit., 138; Hoffmann's Oath. Directory, 1895, p. 41; Gerold, Golden Jubilee of St. Joseph's Church, N. S., pp. 18, 44. On Rev. Karl Geyerstanger: Cratz, op. cit., pp. 34, 35; Album Benedictinum, St. Vincent, Pa, 1880, p. 234; Lambing, Foundation Stones, pp. 180, 184. ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 31 Your Lordship: With your kind permission I consider it a most sacred obligation to ask Your Lordship to prolong indefinitely my leave of absence. The reasons which I give are the same that induced me to leave my diocese and my native land, Bavaria, to minister to the poor Germans in want of priests. Who would deprive me now of my position, indeed, no enviable one, which I attained by hard work supported by the blood-stained money of poor workingmen, in spite of the opposition of the English or rather the Irish priests. Far be it from me to glory in myself, but the well-known custom in this country is that "he who begins a work must also finish it," and since I had great difficulty in obtaining the Bishop's permission to build a church and school here, he being no friend of the Germans. I feel bound to remain in my parish and to make it a success. (30) The writer in the St. Augustinus (31) says that permission was accorded Father Kircher to remain in America for another year beginning with February 12, 1867. In the meantime Father Kircher repeatedly petitioned the Bishop of Pittsburgh to relieve him of his charge so that he might return to Bavaria. The Bishop, however, persuaded him to remain at his post. Undoubtedly, the Bishop needed German-speaking priests at the time. It is unfortunate that the last year of Father Kircher's pastorate was marred by various difficulties with certain parishioners. It is said that he was no book-keeper and that mistakes were detected in his accounts. But someone who knew him well said: "If Father Kircher spent this money, he did not spend it on himself." (32) Other difficulties arose from his work in Bloomfield. Not having a curate, he frequently conducted the Sunday services in Bloomfield and employed at St. Augustine's Father Gallus Hoch, O.S.B., from St. Vincent's Archabbey. This arrangement aroused opposition on the part of certain parishioners at St. Augustine's. Finally, there was serious trouble owing to the dismissal of Teacher Schmidt. For sometime both priest and teacher had been living in the old Teese residence. The building had eleven rooms, four of which were on the first floor and four on the second floor. Then there were three one-story annexes, two brick and one frame. Quite naturally, the major portion of the house was reserved for the rectory, providing suitable accommodations for the pastor, curate, and housekeeper, while two of the annexes and one room on the first floor were reserved for the teacher. The teacher had a family and since he needed another bedroom, Father Kircher gave up his parlor for this purpose. The teacher, however, turned the additional room into a parlor for himself to the disapproval of both pastor and church committee. As a result of the disagreement, the teacher was obliged to vacate the rectory altogether and to rent the frame house at the entrance of Church Alley on Thirty-seventh Street. Thereupon the teacher commenced to agitate against the pastor and was finally dismissed. This did not end the trouble but only led to a greater dissension in the parish. In the midst of all these unpleasant happenings Father Kircher decided to harken to the appeals of his brother who wrote from Bavaria urging him to return to his native-land. Father Kircher left St. Augustine's on September 14, 1871. As a warning to the parishioners and as a proof of his own good will, he concluded his last sermon with the words: 'To err is human, but to hate is devilish."(33) On October 14, 1871, he petitioned the Bishop of Augsburg for reinstatement in the diocese, presenting at the same time the testimonial letter from the Bishop of Pittsburg. It read: Herewith we testify that Rev. George Kircher, priest of the diocese of Augsburg, who with the necessary leave and permission of his Ordinary, exercised priestly duties in the Pittsburgh diocese, performed his duties with praiseworthy zeal and great benefit to the faithful. We also testify that of his own accord he desired to return to his country, and has lawfully requested our permission. We, therefore, grant him this favor, and recommend him to the kindness of the Bishop of Augsburg. We also state that, to the best of our knowledge, the said George Kircher has not incurred any censure. Sept. 11, 1871. Signed: Michael, Bishop of Pittsburgh. (34) (30) Document from episcopal curia, Augsburg. Cf. Note 2. (31) Dec., 1921, pp. 3, 4. The writer is Rev. Cyprian Gehrling, O.M.Cap., (32) Ibid., p. 4. (33) Ibid., p. 5. (34) Cf. Note 2. ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 32 [image] St. Augustine Monastery image may be viewed at: http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/allegheny/church/staugustine-pittsburgh/032.jpg ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 33 On October 18, 1871, Father Kircher was reinstated in the diocese of Augsburg and was appointed successively curate in Illerberg, Hawangen, Mindelheim and Haselbach. On December 31, 1874, he became pastor at Amendingen where he died on June 18, 1884. The St. Augustinus(35) quotes the following from the Pittsburger Beobachter: We are reliably informed from a priest from the South Side that the Rev. George Kircher who is well known in this diocese, particularly in Hollidaysburg and Lawrenceville, died June 18. of this year at Amendingen, Bavaria. The deceased had worked in this diocese for twelve years, especially in the above- mentioned parishes, and had won many friends. Invited by his brother who also is a priest, to return to Germany, he took over the latter's parish in Amendingen, near Memmingen, where he was to work for another ten years with great zeal. In this place he closed his earthly career after an illness of fifteen weeks and which he had contracted from a cold. The deceased was born in Weissenhorn, Bavaria, on August 19, 1830, ordained priest May 19, 1858. and died in his 54th year. R.I.P. Father Kircher was a kindly gentleman, a successful organizer and a zealous priest. His loss was felt by St. Augustine's and also by the diocese, for owing to the scarcity of German priests, the Bishop was forced to recall Father Tamchina to the pastorate the latter had relinquished but three years before. As already stated, Father Tamchina retired to St. Joseph's Orphanage in 1868. However, he did not remain there long for the Catholic Directory of 1869 places him at Alpsville, Pa., and at St. Joseph's Chapel, Troy Hill. In 1871, he is not listed but evidently he held the same post. On returning to St. Augustine's Father Tamchina was in his sixty-ninth year and as the parish with the mission of Bloomfield taxed his strength he was given two curates, Father John Staub and Father Peter Kaufmann. In the course of the year, however, both curates were promoted to pastorates in German parishes and the Pastor of St. Augustine's was compelled to rely on the Benedictine, Father Gallus Hoch at least for Sunday assistance.(36) In February, 1872, Father Weninger, S.J., conducted his second mission at St. Augustine's. The mission was well attended and the missionary himself baptized no less than twenty-two persons, most of whom were adult converts. Moreover, many children of mixed marriages attending the public schools were reclaimed for the Catholic school and four youths were admitted to first communion. Though advanced in years, Father Tamchina continued his interest in the material and spiritual upbuilding of the parish. After providing for the spiritual renewal in the mission, he undertook the remodelling of the parish house, hitherto an unsatisfactory dwelling for the priest. Owing to the heavy expenses for building the school and church, the parish built no parochial residence. From the beginning the old Teese house was used for this purpose, but as it stood on a hill thirty feet high, it was too inconvenient for Father Tamchina in his first pastorate so he rented a house from Mr. X. Loeffler. This house stood next to the church on Butler Street. Later, when Father Kircher succeeded Father Tamchina, he returned to the old Teese house after making repairs and building a kitchen. In 1872, at the beginning of his second pastorate, Father Tamchina remodelled the rectory extensively. He levelled the hill on which it stood, put a basement under the house, and repaired it thoroughly for $8,000.00. The contract was given to B. Hoehn and Raab, and the house was practically rebuilt. The money was obtained partly by selling a lot which the parish had purchased from a certain Dr-Bundschuh. The lot was auctioned and brought $4,575.00. A collection, a concert, a picnic and sundry other sources enabled the pastor to remodel the rectory without drawing on the treasury or adding to the church debt. The crowning work of Father Tamchina, effected at the end of his second pastorate, (35) Dec., 1921, pp. 5-6. (36) St. Aug., Oct., 1922, p.1. On Rev. John Staub: Lambing, "Necrology of the Diocese of Pittsburgh" in Cath. Hist. Researches, vol. II, Jan., 1886, p. 102; Church in Pittsburgh and Allegheny, pp. 182, 199. On Rev. Peter Kaufmann: Enzlberger, op. cit., p, 241; Gerold, op. cit., pp. 18-30, 45, 46. On Rev. Gallus Hoch, O.S.B., see Cratz, op. cit., p. 41; Enzlberger, op. cit., p. 246 ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 34 was the establishment of the Sisters of St. Francis as teachers in the school. The employment of lay teachers, hitherto unavoidable, was nevertheless far from satisfactory. Good teachers were rare and even when secured were ever ready to relinquish their post for more lucrative positions. In the first seven years of the school, from 1854-1861, there were no less than seven teachers, averaging a new teacher each year. From 1862-1871, the following teachers are mentioned: John Kraus, 1862-64 (assisted by Mr. Werder in 1863); Joseph Zimmermann, 1864- 65, assisted by a man named Karl Spiro in 1864; Leopold Nigel, 1865-67; Stephen Schmidt, 1866-68; John Nep. Bögle, 1867-68; Miss Elizabeth Fillinger assisted in 1866, 1867 and 1868.(37) The writer in the St. Angustinus(38) mentions the following teachers: Miss Blanche Weisshaar, Mr. Heilig and Mr. Stephen Schmidt in 1870; Mr. Duwell(39) and Mr. Joseph Stuetzer in 1871. Little wonder that the pastor, seeking a permanent solution of the teacher problem, decided to employ the services of Sisters especially adapted for this purpose. His resolution made, he had not far to seek. Within the confines of his parish was St. Francis Hospital(40) established by the Third Order Sisters of St. Francis whose motherhouse was in Buffalo. They had started their hospital in Pittsburgh in 1866 and soon after began to accept teaching positions in the German parochial schools of the diocese. On November 8, 1871, the Sisters began their work in St. Augustine's School. The first two teachers were Sister Mary Angela Endres of Koblenz, Prussia, and Sister Bernarda Kim of Pittsburgh. The Sisters dwelt at the hospital as there was no convent in the parish till after some years. For the highest class of boys the services of Mr. John Trimberger, of the Teachers Institute of St. Francis in Wisconsin, were retained till the fall of 1874 when the Sisters took over the four classes.(41) The coming of the Sisters proved a great blessing for the parish. The pastor had no more worries as to who the next teacher would be, nor did the school ever have to close its doors for weeks and months until another teacher could be found. The pupils, too, began to cherish more interest in their school and to love their teachers whose very garb and life were suggestive of religion and culture. Father Tamchina continued in the pastorate till April, 1874, when we meet another great turning-point in the history of the parish. It is to this subject we must now turn- (37) Seraphischer Kinderfreund, vol. IX, p. 5. (38) Sept, 1922, p. 3. (39) Teacher Duwell was an accomplished classical scholar. Later he taught Latin in the Butler High School. He had also been organist at various churches. He gave two sons to the Church: Rev. Charles Duwell of St. Joseph's Church, Verona, Pa., and Rev. Edward Duwell of Holy Trinity Church, McKeesport. Information furnished by Rev. John Lenhart, O.M.Cap. (40) The first St. Francis Hospital was most probably located on the present Bandera Street between Thirty-seventh Street and Cobalt Alley. It was a long frame tenement belonging to a man named Engel. On May 22, 1866, the Sisters purchased a plot of ground with a frame building on Forty-fourth Street for the sum of $25,000. The dwelling had a capacity of 30 beds. A chapel was added and dedicated on Thanksgving Day, Nov., 29. 1866. On July 21, 1871, the corner stone was laid for a more spacious building which was dedicated by Bishop Domenec on Sept. 26, of the same year. Information furnished by Sister M. Clarissa. archivist of St. Francis Convent, Mt. Alvernia, Millvale, Pa. (41) Kinderfreund, IX, p. 23. ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 35 CHAPTER III The Coming of the Brown-Robes—1873 Going they went and wept, casting their seeds. But coming they shall come with joyfulness carrying their sheaves.—Ps. CXXVI, 7. While the founding of St. Augustine's Parish was in peaceful progress in the growing city of Pittsburgh, there raged across the waters in Germany a Kulturkampf similar to that of today. Bismarck, the Iron Chancellor, bent on absolute unification of Germany, had decided in his infamous May Laws of 1873 to expel from Germany all religious Orders not actually engaged in the care of the sick. In Bavaria there flourished a large province of Capuchin Sons of St. Francis whose provincial, the Very Rev. Francis Xavier Kapplmayr of Ilmmünster, had for some been dreaming of releasing some of his brethren for work in the missions. The sad outlook for both the Church and his Order in Germany in the early seventies hastened the execution of his plan. He argued that if the threatened decree of expulsion should become a fact, at least his Province, especially its younger members, would have a place of refuge; if, contrary to all expectation, the decree should be stayed, then the Bavarian Province would have its mission abroad for which it would toil and sacrifice. As a matter of fact, the decree of expulsion never appeared. But in the meeting held at Altoetting in 1873, the Provincial and his Council had nevertheless decided to send Capuchins to the United States. The Provincial had already corresponded with the Right Reverend Abbot Boniface Wimmer, O.S.B., of St. Vincent's Abbey, Latrobe, Pa., and had the assurance that the Bishop of Pittsburgh, the Most Reverend Michael Domenec, was ready to give the Capuchins of Bavaria a church in the city of Pittsburgh where they could begin their foundation. To begin this work in the new world two Fathers and a lay brother were chosen: Father Hyacinth Epp, O.M.Cap., of Durach, Father Matthew Hau, OM.Cap., of Almishofen, and Brother Eleutherius Guggenbichler, O.M.Cap., of Reichenhal.(1) Father Hyacinth, the Superior of the new foundation, was born on November 23, 1836, in Durach, Bavaria, and received the name John of the Cross. He studied in the gymnasium of Kempten and entered the Capuchin Order on March 9, 1858. On March 25, of the following year, he made his religious profession, continued his studies and was ordained priest on April 23, 1862. At his ordination he was so frail and sickly that his superiors, despairing of his recovery, sent him to the friary of Lohr to prepare for death. But God decreed otherwise. Contrary to all expectation, the youthful friar regained his health and developed a strong constitution which was to serve him unto ripe old age. Strong of body again and no less vigorous of mind, his superiors entrusted him with offices normally suited to men of maturer years. He held the office of Guardian in the friaries of Karlstadt, Dillingen and Burghausen; was Novicemaster and Counselor of the Province before he was thirty-seven years old. Little wonder, that when the superiors of the Bavarian Province decreed a new foundation in the new world, they chose Father Hyacinth Epp, O.M.Cap., as best fitted for the task.(2) (1) Geschichte der Pennsylvanischen Kapuzinerprovinz zum hl. Augustinus. Unpublished MS. of Rev. Hyacinth Epp. O.M.Cap., Founder of the Province, 1906, pp. 3-4. Capuchin College Library, Washington, D.C. Hereafter cited: Hyacinth Epp, MS. Cf. also: Geschichte der Bayerischen Kapuziner-Ordensprovinz, 1592- 1902, by Angelicus Eberl, O.M.Cap., Freiburg im Breisgau, 1902, pp. 629-633. Cf. also: "The Capuchins in English-Speaking Lands" in The Seraphic Child of Mary, serial, vol. VI, Feb., 1907-Aug., 1908, by Severin Scharl, O.M.Cap. 2) "Trauerrede bei der Begraebniszfeier", by Rev. Joseph Anthony Ziegelmayer, O.M.Cap., in Seraphischer Kinderfreund, vol. IX, pp. 184-185. ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 36 [image] St. Anthony Convent, Sister's Residence Built 1898 image may be viewed at: http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/allegheny/church/staugustine-pittsburgh/036.jpg ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 37 Father Hyacinth and his two brethren landed in New York on October 12, 1873, the anniversary of America's discovery by Christopher Columbus, an eminent tertiary of St. Francis. It was also the feast of St. Seraphin of Monte Granario, a Capuchin Saint. Commending Father Matthew and Brother Eleutherius to the hospitality of the Capuchin Fathers of St. Joseph's Province in New York, Father Hyacinth proceeded to St. Vincent's Abbey in Latrobe to confer with Abbot Wimmer, O.S.B. It must be confessed that while Father Hyacinth welcomed the episcopal offer of a church and friary in Pittsburgh, his heart was set on something else. Probably he had visions of a large convent without a parish, surrounded by a garden on the outskirts of the city, affording the friars opportunity for confessional and missionary work in the parishes of the city. Such a life would be more in keeping with the Capuchin Constitutions. But Abbot Wimmer gave other advice. "Take the parish of St. Augustine's as offered by the Bishop and the other will come later." Not without some misgivings did the anxious friar agree to follow the advice of the more experienced Abbot. But the more he thought of Pittsburgh with its shops and factories spitting fire and smoke and soot over the city, the more gloomy and discouraging did the outlook become. Indeed, while not declining the episcopal offer, he nevertheless, decided to look elsewhere for a more encouraging prospect. Moreover, he had a good incentive to reconnoitre since he could not meet the Bishop for two weeks and he was scheduled to bring to the' Capuchin novitiate of Mount Calvary, Wisconsin, a novice whom the Kulturkampf had expelled from the novitiate at Dieburg. Accordingly, he went West, entrusted the novice to the Capuchins of Mount Calvary and in the company of the Very Rev. Francis Haas, O.M.Cap., Commissary of the St. Joseph's Commissariate, proceeded to Dubuque, Iowa, to lay his request before Bishop Hennessy. His hopes were high for he carried a letter of the warmest recommendation from the Most Rev. Pancratius Dinkel, Bishop of Augsburg, who had made the acquaintance of Bishop Hennessy at the Vatican Council. But his visit was a failure. There was no place for a Capuchin friary in the diocese of Dubuque and the disappointed friars retraced their steps, Father Francis, 0- M.Cap., to Mount Calvary, and Father Hyacinth to Pittsburgh. On the way-back Father Hyacinth, still optimistic, visited Chicago, Cincinnati and Covington, only to be informed, however, that there was no prospect for his plans. In his memoirs he says: Non viae vestrae viae meae were evidently fulfilled. Father Hyacinth had his own thoughts and plans but they were all frustrated because according to the plan of Divine Providence, the new Capuchin Province was to be founded at Pittsburgh. He realized later that, had he been received in Dubuque, his undertaking, humanly speaking, would have failed. But his journeys were not in vain for he gathered rich experience which strengthened him to carry more courageously the burdens which accompanied his acceptance of St. Augustine's Parish.(3) After the elapse of two weeks Father Hyacinth returned to Pittsburgh and presented himself to Bishop Domenec. The latter received him graciously and gave him and his brethren the growing parish of St. Augustine. However, the Bishop stipulated that Father Hyacinth and Father Matthew serve as curates to the pastor, Father Tarnchina, until Easter of 1874, when the latter would retire leaving the parish entirely in their hands. In this way they would have the opportunity to become more proficient in English and to acquire a knowledge of American parochial methods. On November 7, 1873, Father Hyacinth began his work of curate. By November 16, Father Matthew and Brother Eleutherius had arrived from New York to begin their work at St. Augustine's. In addition to the parochial work, they took over the chaplaincy of St. Francis Hospital where they said Mass on Sundays and two days of each week and administered the Sacraments to the sick. Brother Eleutherius performed the duties of sacristan. A carver of exceptional skill, he built and carved a mahogany prie-dieu which Father Hyacinth presented to Bishop Domenec in token of his friendship and benevolence to (3) Hyacinth Epp, MS., I Teil, pp. 8, 9. ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 39 of homes were German Catholics and they found their way to Lawrenceville where property could be more reasonably purchased. Then, too, the establishment of the Lucy Furnace in Lawrenceville, which was the first of the Carnegie Steel Plants, increased the population both of German Catholics and of others. While the bulk of Germans that came to affiliate with St. Augustine's was of the ordinary, plodding, thrifty type, nevertheless, among their number were found some of the most outstanding people of Pittsburgh. The Carnegie Firm that contributed so greatly to the development of the city was composed originally of Thomas Miller, Henry Phipps, Andrew Kloman and Andrew Carnegie.(10) The man who interests us most in this partnership is Andrew Kloman, because he was a Catholic and a member of St. Augustine's Church. Born in 1827 in Mariabuetten, a village not far from the old city of Trier or Treves in Rhenish, Prussia, he came to this country as a young man and soon won the interest of Andrew Carnegie owing to his proficiency in metallurgy. The records of St. Augustine's Church contain several items concerning Andrew Kloman and his family. The Finanzbuch of 1864, credits him with a donation of $125.00 for a monstrance and of $10.00 for the altar.(11) Likewise he served as a trustee of the church from 1868-1871.(12) The Family Register of 1880 records the following: "Andrew Kloman, widower, residing on Penn Avenue and Thirty-sixth. Street, renting six pews in the church. Children: Bertha, born 1860; Theodore, born 1862; Amalia, born 1864 went to Sewickly in January, 1881; another son (no name given) married a Presbyterian.(13) Andrew Kloman has the distinction of having purchased the old Foster mansion and of having spent his last days within its historic walls. He died on December 19, 1880, and was buried in St. Mary's Cemetery. Father Felix Maria Lex, 0-M.Cap., officiated at his funeral.(14) Another prominent name that looms large in the history of Pittsburgh and of St. Augustine's Parish of the time is Leopold Vilsack. His parents, Jacob Vilsack of Carlsruhe, Baden, and Catherine Farmarie of Alsace, married in this country. Leopold was their third son and was born in Pittsburgh on March 3, 1838. He attended the public school in Sharpsburg and St. Philomena's. In 1863, he married Dorothy Blank of Etna and thirteen children were born to the couple. He commenced his active career in the Bennett Brewery, at the corner of Seventeenth and Liberty Streets in 18SS. After three years he had an interest in the business and was associated with Edward Frauenheim, John Miller and August Hoeveler. Later Messrs. Vilsack and Frauenheim purchased the interest of the others and established the Iron City Brewing Company. These gentlemen also associated with themselves their sons—E. J. Vilsack, J. G. Vilsack, Aloysius Frauenheim, E. J. Frauenheim 'and A. A. Frauenheim. Later the business merged with the Pittsburgh Brewing Company and Leopold Vilsack became president. Leopold Vilsack was prominent in many other concerns that made history in Pittsburgh. He was president of the Epping-Carpenter Company, manufacturers of pumping machinery, and also associated with the Aliquippa Steel Company of Aliquippa, Pa. He was president of the Vilsack-Martin Company, makers of ornamental iron work, and a director of the Allegheny Plate Glass Company located on the Allegheny River near Hite Station. Mr. Leopold Vilsack was also identified with numerous banking institutions and financial concerns. For years he was Vice-President and leading stockholder of the German National Bank and President of the East End Savings and Trust Company at Penn Avenue near Sheridan, East End. He was interested in Insurance Companies (10) John W. Jordan, A Century and a Half of Pittsburgh and Her People, Lewis Co., 1908, p. 52. (11) St. Aug., June, 1922, p. 7. (12) Ibid., Feb., 1927, p. 31. (13) Familien-Buch, St. Augustine's Parish, p. 191. (14) Anthony Kloman, the younger, was also active with his brother Andrew in manufacture of metals. Born March 29, 1826; married Anna Maria Schillo. The Familien-Buch lists one son, Andrew, born Nov. 13, 1868, and baptized by Fr. Kircher on Nov., 15, 1868. The elder Anthony lived on Liberty Ave. Rented two pews in the church. Died Feb. 13, 1897. Buried in St. Mary's Cemetery by Rev. Matthew Savelsberger, O.M.Cap. ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 40 [image] Mr. and Mrs Franz Xaver Helbing, in whose home the first Catholic School in Lawrenceville was opened in 1854 [image] Helbing's House and Store Room, First School 1854 images may be viewed at: http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/allegheny/church/staugustine-pittsburgh/040.jpg ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 41 and was director of the National Union Fire Insurance Company and of the City Insurance Company. He was also director of the Ohio River Improvement Company and was considered one of the largest real estate holders in the city. He died on December 26, 1907, and was buried from St. Paul's Cathedral into which parish he had moved sometime before. Father Joseph Anthony Ziegel-mayer, O.M.Cap., sang the solemn requiem. A man of integrity, Leopold Vilsack was always interested in what would advance the financial, social, educational religious interests of his native city. Deeply engrossed in secular affairs, he was no less solicitous for the advancement of religious and charitable institutions. For many years he served as director of St Paul's Orphan Asylum, of St. Joseph's Protectory and of St. Francis Hospital. He was also one of the originators of the Columbus Club. He was especially devoted to St. Augustine's parish and to the Capuchin Fathers, as we shall see in the progress of our story. Jordan's history of Pittsburgh has paid him the following well-merited tribute: "His successful business career has not made him sordid and unmindful of his fellowmen. His charities and true benevolences have extended far and near."(15) No less prominent in the history of Pittsburgh and of St. Augustine's Parish is the Frauenheim Family. The first of this branch to come to America was Edward who was born at Osnabrueck, Germany, on October 1, 1820. Previous to his coming to America, he taught school. On July 4, 1840, he arrived in America and soon found employment as a carpenter at St. Philomena's Church which was then under construction. Soon after he clerked for a time, then established a grocery business at the corner of Logan Street and Fifth Avenue, then known as Butler Road. In 1851 he married Mary Regina Meyer. In 1861, he purchased an interest in the brewing business and became associated with Leopold Vilsack in the Iron City Brewing Company. He was also president of the Keystone Pump Works, later the Epping-Carpenter Company, president of the Pittsburgh Commercial Company, and was one of the founders of the German National Bank. He represented his ward in the City Council for many years and was also treasurer of the Sixteenth Ward School Board. He died suddenly on June 16, 1891, a victim of paralysis of the heart, and was buried in St. Mary's Cemetery.(16) Mr. Edward Frauenheim was the father of seven children—Aloysius, Mary, Rose, Clara Josephine, Edward, Agnes A., and Clementine who on November 28, 1894 married William N. Epping, another prominent name in the history of Pittsburgh. William Epping was born in Pittsburgh on October 12, 1869, and was the son of Henry Epping and Amanda King. Upon completion of his education, he was employed as purchasing agent by the Carbon Steel Company. From this position he later advanced to the office of general manager and secretary of the Epping-Carpenter Company.(17) It was to accommodate these and many other German Catholics flocking to Pittsburgh to find employment in the rising mills and factories, that led Father Hyacinth shortly after his appointment as pastor to undertake the enlargement of the church. In a meeting of August 4, 1874, Father Hyacinth discussed the proposition with the committee and the prominent men of the parish and all agreed that the church should be enlarged. In the autumn of 1874, Brother Eleutherius sketched the plans and the contract was awarded to Mr. J. Wolz. He was to build a transept of 100 feet in width and 32 feet in depth, to which the sanctuary should be attached. The old sanctuary was razed and the opening boarded so that services could be held during the period of construction. On July 4, 1875, the enlarged church was re-dedicated by the Most Rev. Bishop Michael Domenec. It was the feast of the Most Precious Blood and at the same time the feast commemorating the dedication of all the churches of the three Orders of St. Francis. The celebration rivaled the most elaborate of those days. Hours before, the (15) Op. at., 211. (16) Jordan, op. cit., 152. (17) Ibid., 156. ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 42 societies of St. Augustine's, St. Philomena's, St. Mary's, Forty-sixth Street and of St. Mary's, Sharpsburg, assembled at the cathedral and escorted the Bishop to the church. Each society displayed its own banner and marched to the tune of its own band. Despite a drenching rain, the parade moved resolutely to St. Augustine's where a vast throng had assembled. The ceremony began with the blessing of the church and continued with Pontifical Mass. The Capuchin Fathers, Felix Maria and Maurice, assisted as deacon and subdeacon of the Mass, and Fathers A. P. Gibbs(18) of St. Mary's, Forty-sixth Street, and Nilus, C.P., of the Passionist Monastery, were deacons of honor. Father William Löwekamp, C.SS.R., of St. Philomena's was assistant priest, and Father Sebastian Arnold, O.S.B., and Father Matthew Hau, O.M.Cap., were masters of ceremonies. The following assisted in the sanctuary: Fathers S. G. Mollinger(19) of Troy Hill, Joseph Strub, C.S.Sp., F. Faessler of London, England, assistant at Holy Trinity, Riceville, Hyacinth Epp, O.M.Cap., and Joseph Calasance Mayershofer, O.M.Cap.,   Father Joseph Strub, Superior of the Holy Ghost Fathers, delivered the German sermon on the dignity and benefit of the Catholic Church. After the Mass the Bishop in full Pontificals and sitting at the altar spoke in English, congratulating the people for their fine spirit of co-operation and urging them to correspond to the graces of which this church would be the fruitful source. In the afternoon the Bishop pontificated at Vespers and confirmed seventy-four persons. The choir on this occasion was directed by Mr. Aloysius Frauenheim.(20)   Now that the church was enlarged, the parishioners had plenty of room since it had a capacity of one thousand. Although not purely Romanesque, the building had a devotional and attractive appearance. Exclusive of furnishings, the addition cost $30,000. This increased the church debt at the end of 1875 to $52,515.50. Between August 18 and 25, 1875, Father Hyacinth had taken up a house collection which netted $4,500. A fair from December 17-January 9, brought $4,309.19. These two items plus the $3,000 donated by the Capuchins for the remodeling of their friary, amounted to $11,809-19. The rest of the expense for the transepts was met by loans. Brother Eleutherius drew all plans for the building and carved the altar, pulpit and communion rail. His work was valued at $4,000 and was donated by the Capuchin Fathers. Moreover, in order to aid in liquidating the debt and to induce others to generosity, Father Hyacinth reduced the pastor's salary by three hundred dollars yearly for the space of four years. In this period he saved the parish $1,200. (21)   After the remodelling, St. Augustine's was considered one of the finest churches in Pittsburgh. The interior was frescoed by (18) Andrew Patrick Gibbs, born in Queens County, Ireland, 1815. Came to America in 1839. Ordained Sept., 20, 1840, by Bishop Kenrick in Philadelphia. Exercised the ministry in Western Pennsylvania, especially in Allegheny and Cambria Countries. Organized St. Mary's Parish, on Forty-sixth Street in 1853. Spent more than thirty-two years in this parish and died there on July 19, 1885. Lambing, "Necrology of the Diocese of Pittsburgh" in Cath. Hist.Researches, Vol. II, Pittsburgh, 1886, p. 102; Souvenir  of the Seventy- fifth Anniversary of the Foundation of St. Mary's Church, Forty-sixth Street, Pittsburgh, May, 1854-May,  1929, pp. 6, 12, 25.  Lambing, Foundation Stones, 180, 183-184; Church in Pittsburgh and Allegheny, pp. 110-112, 218, 219, 331; Souvenir of the Diamond Jubilee and History of St. Augustine's Church, Cambria Co., 1922, pp. 52, 68-69. On Rev. Fathers: Löewekamp, Arnold, Savelsberger, Cf. Enzlberger's Schematismus, 1892. pp. 267, 90, 88; On Rev. Strub see Hoffmann's Cath. Directory, Milwaukee, 1891, pp. 39, 40 Rev. Suitbert G. Mollinger, born at Malines, Belgium. May 29, 1830. Came to the United States in June, 1850. Ordained at Erie on April 30, 1859. Rector of Holy Name Church from 1868-1892. Died June 15, 1892. Founded St. Anthony's Chapel, Troy Hill. "He became widely known for performing many miraculous cures both by medicine and by a relic of St. Anthony of Padua." Hoffmann's Directory, Milwaukee, 1893, p. 36. See also Enzlberger, op. cit., 241; Fussenegger, Sixtieth Anniversary of Most Holy Name Church, Troy Hill, pp. 35-37. (19) Lambing, Foundation Stones, pp. 316-317. (20) Die Stimme der Wahrheit, Catholic weekly founded at Detroit in 1875. First editor, Mr. John B. Mueller, published the second Schematismus, 1880. (21) St. Aug., August, 1924, p. 166. ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 43 Mr. Adolph Stübner. The organ was rebuilt by Mr. Felix Barkhoff who added new stops and bellows. Especially attractive was the high altar carved by Brother Eleutherius, and which Mr. Titus Berger, in Die Stimme der Wahrheit(22) pronounced no eighth Wonder of the World, yet "the most beautiful in the city." The good Brother had set himself the ambitious task of carving five altars and a pulpit for the "new" church. However, the pulpit alone was finished for the dedication while the high altar and the Blessed Virgin's altar were installed in the course of the year. The other three altars the good Brother did not live to finish for he died at the youthful age of thirty-eight on June 18, 1877, a victim of the smallpox. Brother Eleutherius was the first of the three pioneers of the Pennsylvania Capuchins to depart this life. He is buried in the priest's plot in St. Mary's Cemetery. The people of St. Augustine's mourned his untimely passing and in gratitude for his many artistic contributions to their church took up a collection for his tombstone and had Requiem Masses sung at St. Augustine's. Die Stimme der Wahrheit(23) carried the following notice of the Brother's death: On June 18, the Capuchin Fathers of St. Augustine's Church in Lawrenceville suffered a great loss. The Ven. Brother Eleutherius Guggenbichler, known as an excellent wood carver and builder of altars, died after an illness of only ten days of smallpox. On June 19 he was buried. Brother Eleutherius was born March 27, 1839, at Reichenhall in Bavaria, and had made his religious profession November 8, 1862. The Brother was about to be sent to St. Mary's Monastery, Summit, Butler County, by the Commissary, Father Hyacinth, to assist in building the choir for which he had already made the drawing. The Brother was just working on the new St. Joseph's altar of St. Augustine's Church when he took sick. The premature death of the zealous Brother, who was known as a skillful builder of altars and had done much carving work for the St. Augustine Church, is a great loss to the good Fathers. In 1877, the church was enriched with four new bells. In a meeting with the committee of July 15, the pastor had reported that a member of the parish had offered to donate the price of one large bell provided that others contribute the fund for other bells. Almost immediately the donors appeared and four bells were purchased. The largest bell weighing 1,743 Ibs., and costing $435.75 was the gift of Messrs. Edward Frauenheim and Leopold Vilsack; the second weighing 866 lbs., and costing $216.50, was donated by Mr. John Stumbilling; the third, with a weight of 462 lbs., and costing $115.50, was presented by Mrs. Rose Helbling, and the fourth of 213 lbs., costing $53.25, was given by Mr. William Helbling and his sister, Mrs. Mary Spahn.(24) Bishop Tuigg solemnly blessed the bells on September 16, 1877. The sermon was delivered by Father Aloysius Hune of East Liberty.(25) On the occasion of their dedication an order of ringing the bells was established which has been maintained for more than half a century. Three times daily the Angelus is rung with the addition of a shorter ring after the evening Angelus to commemorate the departed souls. A half hour before any service one bell rings and at the time of the service three or on solemn occasions all four bells ring. When a man of the parish dies one of the larger bells rings for several minutes with two short pauses, while for a woman's death just one pause is made. In case a child's death, a smaller bell announces it to the parish. In this way those within hearing distance are informed that a fellow-parishioner has passed from this life and that prayers should be offered for the repose of the soul. Again, on Thursday evenings after the Angelus the large bell sends forth its mournful reminder of the Lord's agony as on Friday at three o'clock the same bell tells of the Lord's death. Many, indeed, must be the graces won for souls through the bells of St. Augustine's. Having enlarged the church, Father Hyacinth turned his attention to the needs of the school. The efficiency of the Sisters had become better known and many children hitherto attending the public schools sought (22) Nov. 12, 1875; St. Aug., July, 1923, p. 102. (23) Undated excerpt found in scrapbook in parish archives. (24) Hyacinth pp, MS., II Abschnitt, p. 106. (25) St. Aug., Nov., 1923, p. 177; On Rev. A. Hune, see Lambing, Church, in Pittsburgh and Allegheny, p. 177; Suehr, A Short History of Sts. Peter and Paul's Church, E. E., Pittsburgh, 1909, pp. 20, 21. ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 44 [image] Lawrenceville Academy - Second School 1855 image may be viewed at: http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/allegheny/church/staugustine-pittsburgh/044.jpg ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 45 admission to the parochial school. Soon it became necessary to start a fifth and a sixth grade and, crude as it may seem, a stable facing Church Alley was renovated and made to serve as a school room. But as the number of applicants continued to increase, it became evident that in the not too distant future, additional provision would be necessary. Happily across the street the Teese property, with a brick house and two contiguous lots, was for sale and the pastor purchased this property in the spring of 1876. The cost was $6,500. The brick house was repaired for the Sisters who took up residence on May 31, 1876. This convent was not at all adequate for the Sisters- Besides the kitchen, there were just six small rooms, one of which had been turned into a chapel. Nevertheless, the six sisters bore the inconvenience until 1879, when better provision was made for them. In the latter year the need of more school rooms became more imperative. Accordingly, a brick building measuring 90 by 40, the present Casino building, was erected on the ground purchased from the Teese family in 1876. The old Announcement Book of 1879 mentions on August 10 the following reasons for building at that particular time: 1. To give the parish its own hall for holding better-paying entertainments, for until now the rents for other halls have been very high. 2. To supply several needed school-rooms. The school is too small, but in this way we can meet the needs without building a new school. Building material was low at the time, hence it was possible to erect the building for little more than $8,000.00. Toward the end of autumn this combination building was finished and put to use. The first floor was the parish hall while in the upper story two rooms became classrooms and two other rooms were fitted out as chapel and dormitory for the Sisters. In this way school and convent problems were at least temporarily solved. Father Hyacinth took the greatest interest in the school for he realized that the personal touch of the priest with the individual pupil made for the strengthening and propagating of the faith. Hence, he wanted the parents to be interested in the school and in the progress of their children in both religious and profane instruction. Once a year he invited the parents to attend a public examination of the pupils and insisted on all pupils attending the catechetical instruction until their sixteenth year. This instruction was given in the church every Sunday before the Vespers. The old Announcement Books contain many references to the obligation of parents to send their children regularly to the catechetical hour and more than once the threat is made to publish from the pulpit the names of delinquent children.(26) No less zealous was the pastor for the instruction and culture of the parish as a whole- We have mentioned the introduction of the Third Order which was to recruit its members from the entire parish. Then, in 1875, and 1876, the pastor assigned four Sunday afternoons of the month for special conferences for men and women both married and unmarried. As early as 1881, the Knights of St. George, a beneficial society, was introduced and recommended to the men of the parish. Realizing the benefit of the Catholic Press, Father Hyacinth called meetings and urged the parishioners to buy stock in the projected German Catholic Newspaper under the auspices of the German Catholic Press Association. Shortly after, when the Pittsburgher Beobachter(27) received its charter, he urged every Catholic family to subscribe. Since St. Augustine's continued to be the headquarters of the Pennsylvania Capuchins, the personnel of the friary was steadily increased from abroad. For the first decade the Mother Province in Bavaria continued to send a few priests and brothers to the American Mission. In 1876, two deacons, Fr. Joseph Anthony Ziegelmayer, and Fr. Anastasius Mueller, arrived and were ordained to the priesthood by the Most Rev. Bishop J. Tuigg in St. Paul's Cathedral on September 23, 1876. Father Joseph Anthony sang his first solemn Mass at St. Augustine's on September 24. Father Anastasius celebrated at St. Mary's Herman on the same (26) Hyacinth Epp, MS., II Abschnitt, p. 104; Seraphscher Kinderfreund, IX, pp. 23-25; 4546. (27) Published first as a Catholic daily in 1880. Mr. Charles J. Jaegle editor. Later reduced to SL weekly and suspended altogether in April, 1923. Enzlberger's Schematismus, p. 331. ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 46 day. Other Capuchin Fathers arrived later, singing their first solemn Masses at St. Augustine's, viz.: Fathers Anthony Berger and Didacus Rottlaender on May 23, 1880, and Angelus Baumgartner on July 24, 1881. Most of these Fathers busied themselves at least for a time at St. Augustine's, or in other parishes of the city.(28) Thus from 1874-1877, one of the Capuchin Fathers was acting pastor of St. Joseph's Bloomfield. For a time in 1878 one of them was chaplain at St. Joseph's Orphanage, Troy Hill. The Fathers also, taught Latin and other branches to boys showing an inclination to the priesthood, especially in the Capuchin Order. From these classes the St. Fidelis Seminary developed. Mr. August Haas, the later Father Mark Haas, O.M.Cap., and the first son of the parish to become a Capuchin priest, profited in this way. On June 25, 1878, he was invested with the tertiary habit and sent to the Herman friary to begin his theological studies. The lay brothers, too, worked in behalf of the parish. Besides the carving performed by several, they were active as sacristans and in 1881 Brother Arsenius was the organist. Scanning the old chronicles of the parish we find several items that throw interesting sidelights on the customs of those days. Take, for instance, the requirements prescribed by Bishop Domenec for gaining the jubilee indulgences of 1875. From October 3-17, special devotions were to be held in the churches. During that period twenty sermons were preached at St. Augustine's by five of the local Capuchins and one sermon on the Mother of God was delivered by the Jesuit, Father George Hieber. On the day of the solemn close more than 1,000 communions were distributed. In order to gain the Indulgence, sixty visits, fifteen to each of the following churches were prescribed: the Cathedral, St. Philomena's, Holy Trinity, Riceville, and St. Mary's, Allegheny. By visiting all four churches in one day it would take fifteen days to gain the indulgence. Keeping in mind the distance separating these four churches and the slowness of transportation in those days, one can appreciate the extraordinary hardships attached to gaining the Indulgence. Even today when distance is no consideration, it is questionable whether these requirements would find so ready a response as they did among the Catholics of a half century ago.(29) Remarkable, too, was the stricter observance of Lent in those days. In addition to the restriction as to quality of food, no meat was permitted on the four last days of Holy Week. Again, the time for performing the Easter Duty extended only to the second Sunday after Easter- On July 4, 1876, the centenary of the Declaration of Independence was observed by special services prescribed by the Bishop. In announcing this celebration to the people Father Hyacinth said: "We Catholics have special reason to thank God for the religious freedom which we enjoy."(30) These words had more than ordinary significance on the lips of the Capuchins practically driven from their homeland because of persecution. A clipping from The Pittsburgh Dispatch, undated but referring to the children's picnic on Thursday, July 6, 1876, gives an edifying and human picture of the occasion: The basket picnic arranged for the children of the school at Steeb's Grove, Thursday, July 6, was a pleasant affair throughout. The Rev. Fathers Hyacinth, Maurice and Felix Maria were present from the start. Fr. Joseph appeared later in the day. Fr. Maurice was the life and fun of the occasion and was constantly surrounded by the children, forming a striking illustration of our Divine Lord's beautiful words: "Suffer the little children to come unto me." The refreshments were in charge of our genial friend, Titus Berger who left nothing undone to appease the hunger and quench the thirst of the little ones. It is to be regretted that the management was not prepared to accommodate the grown folks, of whom quite a number were present, to witness the sport. All such games in which children's hearts delight were provided for them and when they had tired, the Messrs. Frauenheim, Vilsack and Smith Co.. kindly furnished their wagons to take them home, for which act they deserve meritorious mention,(31) Here it may be interesting to recall with Father Hyacinth those days of terror, (28) Seraphischer Kinderfreund, IX, p. 161. (29) Hyacinth Epp, MS., II Abschnitt, p. 104. (30) Announcement Book, July 2, 1876, Fourth Sunday after Pentecost. St. Aug., August, 1923, p. 129. (31) St. Aug., August, 1923, p. 129. ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 47 July 21 and 22, 1877, when the striking employees of the Pennsylvania Railroad led a riot in Lawrenceville. The authorities had ordered out the militia to protect the railroad property and to preserve order. The mob, however, attacked the militia and forced a retreat toward the arsenal. In the fray Mr. William Gottschalk, a parishioner of St. Augustine's was fatally shot as he sat at his door, and one of the soldiers was seriously wounded in front of St. Augustine's Church on Butler Street. The wounded soldier was hurried through the church into the monastery where the friars provided medical aid and hurried him off to St. Francis Hospital. The wounded man became a convert of the Fathers and recovered. It is said that the mob tried to gain entrance to the monastery to kill the soldier but was repulsed by the appearance of Father Maurice Greek, O.M.Cap., a former officer of the German army, who appeared in the doorway and in stentorian language ordered the rioters to depart. At the time of the shooting Father Felix was approaching the altar for the 7:30 Mass but had to retire at once as the congregation, composed largely of Christian Mothers who were to receive communion in a body, was panic-stricken and rushed through the sanctuary into the monastery. During this and succeeding riots a total of thirty persons were killed and property destroyed to the extent of several millions.(32) Father Hyacinth continued as pastor till August, 1881, when he was succeeded by Father Maurice Greek, O.M.Cap. Since it was customary for the Capuchins to change the Guardian or Superior of the friary every three years, and since the office of pastor was usually united with that of Superior, we must from now on expect a new pastor every three years. Father Maurice was born at Fristingen, Bavaria, on April 3, 1843, and entered the Capuchin Order in 1869. He was ordained in Dillingen on August 10, 1871, and arrived in America on May 1, 1874.(33) With an eye to future building the new pastor purchased the Schlipp property opposite the parish house for $2,000 in 1882. He also renovated the fresco work in the church for the sum of $1,450. In 1884 he erected a new iron fence on the top of the wall on Butler Street. Under Father Maurice three Franciscans from the Sacred Heart Province, Fathers Vincent Halbfas, Augustine Henseler and Felix Hosbach, preached a mission from February 22-March 5, 1882. To commemorate the canonization of St. Lawrence of Brindisi, a Capuchin priest and General of the Order, a triduum was preached from November 26-28, 1882. On August 24, 1884, the Rev. Francis Joseph Bauer, whose parents lived in the parish, sang his first solemn Mass. Father Michael, O.S.B., preached the sermon. The successor of Father Maurice was Father Felix Maria Lex, O.M.Cap., who came into office in August, 1884 and continued until August, 1887. Father Felix was born at Zill, a frontier town of the Bavarian Alps, on April 21, 1833, and took his solemn vows in the Capuchin Order in the friary at Burghausen on December 8, 1855. He was ordained on August 8, 1857, and labored zealously in the Bavarian Province until 1875 when he joined his brethren in the American Mission. Father Felix was well known and loved when he became pastor in 1884. For some years previous he had worked in St. Augustine's as curate and had taken great interest in the Women's Conference established as early as 1864. Desirous of enriching the Conference with indulgences and thus increasing its appeal to all Catholic mothers, he succeeded in 1881 through the good office of the General Secretary of the Propaganda, Rev. Ignatius Persico, the later Capuchin Cardinal, in having the Women's Conference raised to the dignity of an Archcon- fraternity with power to affiliate confraternities in all the dioceses of North America. It was also while curate at St. Augustine's that Father Felix received into the church Baron Frederick von Gagern, the brother or at least near relative of the celebrated Austrian statesman and convert, Maximilian Baron von Gagern. While still laboring in Aschaffenburg, Bavaria, Friar Felix had (32) Kinderfreund, IX, pp. 223-224. (33) Sigmund Cratz, O.M.Cap., Hist. of St. Mary's Church, Herman, Pa., p. 53; Enzlberger, op. cit., p. 135. Catalogus Capucinorum Provinciae Pennsylvanicae, Summit (Herman, Pa.) 1898, pp. 20, 21. ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 48 [image] Rev. George Kircher, Organizer (1861), Pastor (1868 - 71) [image] Robinson Hall, Third School 1858 - 1961 [images] August Hoeveler and Alexander Wirth, Members of Committee of 1860 images may be viewed at: http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/allegheny/church/staugustine-pittsburgh/048.jpg ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 49 made the acquaintance of Baron Maximilian and used this acquaintance to good purpose when he joined the American friars at St. Augustine's. Since Baron Maximilian had become an official of the Leopoldine Society of Vienna for the aid of the missions, Father Felix appealed to him in 1877 for aid for the struggling friars at St. Augustine's and received financial help.(34) During his pastorate Father Felix purchased the Ross property for $3,500 and the Gutendorf property for $3,000. Both properties were bought as a building site for the present school. In 1887, a new organ was installed. The organist, Mr- Aloysius Frauenheim, had collected about $2.700 and supervised the purchasing of the instrument. The old organ was sold to St. Alphonsus' Church, Wheeling, W. Va., The terms of the contract struck by Father Hyacinth, then pastor of St. Alphonsus', are interesting. He agreed to buy the old organ of St. Augustine's for $1,500 but insisted that St. Augustine's buy his old organ for $500 and also stand the expense of about $300 to set up the new organ in his church. In this way the Wheeling parish had to pay just $700 for an organ far superior to its own and which it could not otherwise so conveniently purchase. The new organ of St. Augustine's cost $6,600 but with the sale of St. Alphonsus' organ and the collection of Mr. A. Frauenheim the parish treasury was taxed for less than $2,000. On April 24, 1887, St. Augustine's was the scene of a beautiful celebration commemorating the silver jubilee of Father Hyacinth's priesthood. Although pastor in Wheeling at the time, St. Augustine's parishioners considered him as belonging to them. Was not St. Augustine's the scene of his first .labors in America? As Father Commissary of the Pennsylvania Capuchins, was not St. Augustine's, his official headquarters? With this in mind the church committee sent a delegation to Wheeling inviting the jubilarian to a celebration at St. Augustine's. Grateful for this loyal affection, Father Hyacinth returned to the sphere of his first labors in this country, celebrated solemn Mass and held a reception at which he received the good wishes and gifts of his former parishioners. During the pastorate of Father Felix three priests sang their first solemn Mass at St. Augustine's. Father Mark Haas, (died July 9, 1923), the first Capuchin priest of the parish, celebrated on June 27, 1886. Two others, Fathers Thomas Kirner and Joseph Anthony Stephan, celebrated on July 24, and November 20, 1887.(35) Father Felix retired from the pastorate in August, 1887. Thereafter he labored zealously in the parishes of Cumberland, Md., Herman, Pa-, and Dover, Ohio. In search of health he desired to visit his native Zill and got as far as Yonkers, N. Y., where awaiting an outgoing ship he was stricken fatally on June 10, 1901. His remains repose in the friars' plot in St. Mary's Churchyard at Herman, Pa. With the pastorate of Father Felix another milestone had been reached. Hitherto the pastors had weathered the storms of pioneer days, but now they were ready for smoother sailing in a calmer atmosphere. Satisfied no longer with emergency measures, they were about to launch forth on the building of a larger, up-to-date school, second to none in the diocese of those days. (34) On Max. von Gagern, see Der Grosze Herder, Freiburg im Breisgau, 1932, Vol. IV, 1578. Also Letter of Fr. Felix in Berichte der Leopoldinen-Stiftung im Kaiserthume Oesterreich, XLVII, pp. 59-61; Friars' Mind, Dec., 1933, pp. 26-27; Register of Converts, MS. St. Aug. Archives. (35) Rev. Thomas Kirner was born in Pittsburgh probably in 1863. Ordained at St. Vincent's on July 15, 1887. Cf. Enzlberger, op. cit., 243. Labored in the Pittsburgh Diocese at Mt. Oliver, Indiana, Munhall and Pitcairn. Died Feb. 14, 1929, Cath. Directory, Necrology, 1930, p. 1114. Rev. Joseph Anthony Stephan was born at Koeningheim, Baden. Germany, on March 10. 1862. Came to the United States on April 15, 1879. Ordained on Oct. 28, 1887 at Yankton, S. Dakota. Labored in S. Dakota and Minnesota and died on June 25, 1923, at Breckenridge, Minn. Cf. Enzlberger, op. cit., p. 295; Cath. Directory, 1924, p. 1163. ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 50 CHAPTER IV The New School—1888 Wisdom hath built herself a house.—Prov. IX, 1 The successor of Father Felix needs no introduction, for it was Father Maurice Greek who in August, 1887, resumed the pastoral office. His great task was to erect a new school. As early as March 14, 1886, Father Felix, the former pastor, had called attention to the necessity of building a school and for this purpose had purchased the property. At the time the school was divided, some classes occupying the little frame school and some the hall. Moreover, with the number of pupils on the increase, both quarters were becoming more cramped for the children. The church committee had discussed the question both with the pastor and among themselves but arrived at no conclusion. It was then that the practical advice of Father Hyacinth came to the fore. Invited to attend the meeting of the committee of July 18, 1886, Father Hyacinth prevailed upon all to favor the erection of a school. He reminded them that the old original school was badly built—a frame building thrown up overnight in 1861—that there was no possibility of enlarging it owing to lack of ground, that to try to turn the hall into a school would be only to aggravate the difficulty. The only reasonable thing to do was to build a modern and substantial school. The pursual of Father Hyacinth's suggestion was greatly hastened by a munificent donation from an altogether unexpected source. On Forty-fourth Street there dwelt an eighty-four-year-old gentleman by name of Michael McCullough of Londonderry. Ireland. Grievously ill, he invited Father Gregory Nazianz Schneiders, O.M.Cap., one of the local Fathers, to visit him.(1) In the course of one of these visits the old gentleman, who was considered a millionaire, expressed his intention of making a substantial donation to some worthy cause. When told that St. Augustine's Parish was planning to build a school he encouraged the Fathers to begin the work promising a . donation. Shortly before his death, which occurred on March 22, 1887, he had called several witnesses to his bedside and had a check for ten thousand dollars written out to the Building Fund of St. Augustine's School. Unfortunately, he was too weak to add his signature, hence in the usual place he traced with a quivering pen a simple cross. The lack of signature led to complications and a whole year elapsed before the check could be cashed and then, due to legal claims. Only $8,570 could be collected, with promise of a little more.(2) (1) Gregory Nazianz Schneiders was born at Fankel in Prussia on Sept. 18, 1848. Ordained Aug. 30, 1873 and labored at Liebfrauen in Trier where he was repeatedly imprisoned for the faith. His position in Germany untenable, his Bishop advised him to leave the country. He first went to Scotland, arriving Sept. 2, 1875, and took up residence with a noble family. Here he remained for three months studying the rudiments of English. He then went to Manchester, England, and taught at St. Bede's College for five months, whence he went to the church at Farnworth to be curate for two and a half years. He then became pastor of Mount Carmel Church, Salford, where he also built a church. On Nov. 11, 1882, he entered the Capuchin Order in Bavaria. On Jan. 28, 1884, he arrived in the United States and labored at St. Augustine's, Pittsburgh, till May 2, 1889, when ill health advised a return to Germany. He died suddenly on Nov. 24, 1905, whilst preaching a mission. He was a gifted linguist and an eloquent speaker. Cf. Annales FF. Min. Cap. Prov. Pennsylvaniae. MS. pp. 109. 110. 200; Parish archives. Jacobs, A., O.M.Cap., Das Totenbuch der Rheinisch- Westfaelischen Kapuzinerprovinz. Limburg, 1933, p. 333. (2) Hyacinth Epp: "Die Gemeinden der pennsylvanischen Kapuziner-Provinz", in the Seraphischer Kinderfreund, IX, pp. 25. MS., II Abschnitt, pp. 65, 66. St. Aug., July, 1925, p. 133. ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 51 In the spring of 1888 Mr. George Nickel, contractor, began the excavation. In order to finance the building, Father Maurice suggested that each self-supporting person take at least one share amounting to fifteen dollars and to pay this sum within five years. The Capuchin Fathers with the permission of the Father Provincial took one hundred shares for $1500. This was done in compensation to the parish for the piece of ground which was to be added to their convent garden when the frame school should be dismantled. The parishioners, too, became enthusiastic about the new school and were generous in purchasing shares. However, of the four hundred and fifty who subscribed, three hundred and sixty-eight paid either in full or in part. The sum of $14,101 was collected from this source. The corner stone was laid on Sunday, July 1, 1888. At the high Mass the Rev. Gallus Hoch, O.S.B., preached an eloquent sermon on education through the family, the Church and the School. In the afternoon after solemn Vespers, the Very Rev. Francis Wolff, O.M.Cap., Provincial,(3) assisted by the local Capuchins, officiated at the solemn ceremony. The St. Augustinus Society of young men furnished instrumental music while the church choir and the school children rendered the singing. In the corner stone were placed a documentary report of the corner stone laying, several newspapers, a copy of the Statutes of the Pennsylvania Capuchins, some relics of the saints, medals and an Agnus Dei. The building made steady progress and was dedicated on March 3, 1889. In the morning the Most Reverend John J. Kain, Bishop of Wheeling, celebrated the Pontifical Mass and preached the sermon. In the afternoon the same prelate pontificated at Vespers after which the Most Reverend Richard Phelan, Bishop of Pittsburgh, blessed the school. Father Francis Wolff, Provincial, delivered the German sermon, contrasting Christian with godless education. Bishop Kain preached in English, outlining the position of the Church toward education and toward the State, and deploring in those early days as we still do today, the double taxation imposed on Catholics. Among the many clerical guests were: The Reverend Leander Schnerr, O.S.B., Prior of St. Mary's, Allegheny,(4) Rev. Joseph Strub, C.Sp.S., Provincial of the Holy Ghost Fathers, the Rev. Fathers Joseph Suehr, Herman Joseph Goebel, and Gregory Zeilnhofer, O.S.B.(5) The clergy and other guests were served dinner and supper in the hall through the generosity of the Frauenheim family. In the evening a tea party was held for the benefit of the school and on March 5, the school children staged a play which so impressed the audience that a repetition was demanded. The income for the school during the days (3) Francis Wolff was born Dec. 18, 183S, at Ruedesheim, Germany. Entered the Capuchin Order on Sept. 4, 1858; ordained Aug. 14, 1860; came to the United States June 11, 1875; returned to Germany in 1897 and died at Ehrenbreitstein on Dec. 22, 1915. Enzlberger, op. cit., p. 227; Jacobs, A., O.M.Cap., op. cit., p. 361. (4) Leander Schnerr was born on Jan. 17, 1836, at Gommersdorf, Baden, Germany. Came to the United States on Aug. 17, 1850. Professed as a Benedictine on Jan. 6, 1857. Ordained Sept. 20, 1859. Pastor of St. Mary's Church, Allegheny, from Aug. 30. 1877-Aug. 31, 1892. Elected Archabbot of St. Vincent's on July 15, 1892. Died Sept. 3, 1920. Cf. Album Benedictinum, St. Vincent's. Pa., 1880, p. 336; Gedenkbuch des Gold. ]ub. der St. Marien-Kirche, Pittsburgh, 1898, ?. 67- 91, 117. Daller, Lambert. O.S.B., Diamond Jubilee Celebration of St. Mary's Church, N. S.. Pittsburgh, 1923, pp. 38-41, 44-47; Enzlberger, op. cit., p. 240. (5) Rt. Rev. Joseph Suehr was born March 12, 1847 at Dinsheim, Alsace. Came to the United j:i:e; on Dec. 25, 1853, and was ordained in Pittsburgh, July 31, 1870. In 1878 became pastor of SS. Peter and Paul's Church, East End, and kept this office till his death on March 9, 1922. For many years he was Vicar General for the Germans of the diocese. Made Monsignor and later Prothonotary Apostolic. Enzlberger, op. cit., 238; Rt. Rev. Herman Jos. Goebel was born March 19. 1853, at Niederhelden in Westphalia. Germany. Came to the United States on May 17. 1872; ordained in Pittsburgh on April 21, 1876. Pastor of St. Martin's Church, West End in Sept.. 1877. Died as Monsignor and pastor of St. Joseph's Church, Mt. Oliver, on June 3. 1925. Enzlberger, op. cit., 239. Rev. Gregory Zeilnhofer was born on April 1, 1861, at Obersiebach. Came to the United States on March 29. 1879. Ordained July 8, 1886. Curate at St. Mary's, N. S., from Aug., 1886-Feb. 1892. Thereafter he labored in Carrolltown, Pa., and in Canon City, Col. He died Sept. 13, 1911 at Johnstown, Pa. Enzlberger, op. cit., 242; Gedenkbuch der St. Marien-Kirche, N. S., p. 119. Daller, op. cit., pp. 46, 70. ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 52 [image] Plot of Property bought by Hoeveler, Unverzagt, Wirth in 1860; included also is property bought in 1862 and later for present School, Sister's Convent and Casino. image may be viewed at: http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/allegheny/church/staugustine-pittsburgh/052.jpg ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 53 of dedication bordered on the magnificent sum of two thousand dollars. This was most welcome to Father Maurice, the pastor, who amidst all the joy of the occasion could not forget that the building of the school had added thousands of dollars to the church debt. The mere shell cost $32,900, but the heating, lighting, and general equipment brought the total to $45,000.(6) On February 16, 1894, the Clipper(7) carried the following reference to St. Augustine's new school: In 1888 the new school house, on Thirty-seventh Street was erected at a cost of $45,000. It is one of the most complete buildings of its kind in the city if not in the western part of the state. It contains 12 spacious school rooms, four additional rooms in the basement. The main entrance is on Thirty- seventh Street. The doors open into a spacious vestibule or hall, and wide stairways lead up on either side, to the second floor. The building is handsomely finished throughout; it is heated by steam and has every required equipment for school work. The following gentlemen served on the building committee: A. Schillo. P. Kirner, L. Krekeler, A. Frauenheim, Wm. A. Heyl. Moeser was the architect and George Nickel the contractor. The people of St. Augustine's must ever be grateful for their school, for from the very beginning no effort was spared to equip it according to the best standards of the time. In the beginning and before the days of standardization there were twelve grades in which the regular curriculum was taught in the usual thorough fashion for which the Germans are noted. In 1892 Father Joseph Anthony introduced the academy for the girls and in 1894 for the boys. It comprised the three highest grades and was a kind of high school which aimed at equipping the pupils for positions in the business world. Besides a more intensive training in the usual branches, the pupils received a course in bookkeeping, stenography and typewriting. Only talented pupils were admitted to the academy. One great advantage in attending St. Augustine's School was the opportunity afforded the pupils to learn both English and German. Even in the early years children of other parishes enrolled at St. Augustine's chiefly to learn German. In 1890 the number of pupils reached about 600 and from then on the number varies between 600 and 700. Of course, the success of the school in disseminating true knowledge and in developing genuine character that is a credit to both Church and State, is due in no small measure to the staff of teachers that have honored the profession there for the last sixty-seven years. Writing in 1906 on the school Father Hyacinth says: The achievements of the Sisters are worthy of all praise and are not behind those of the State Schools, despite the fact that the Sisters teach in two languages and the additional branch of religion.(8) The number of Sisters that taught at the school from 1871 to date is approximately 643. Sister Ambrosia was one of the most outstanding teachers in the history of the school and taught there for twenty years— 1884-1904. She died on September 11, 1907, as bursar of St. Francis Hospital. To date there have been nineteen Sisters who served in the capacity of Superior.(9) From 1912- 1925 the textbooks compiled by Sister M. Clarissa were used. Anxious to lessen the burdens entailed in education, Father Agatho Rolf, O.M.Cap., abolished in 1906 the monthly tuition fee of fifty cents for all the grades save the academy. He also improved the curriculum and laid more stress on English composition. The writer well remembers how Father Agatho went through the school the very first month of its opening, announcing a contest in English composition and offering a prize for the best essay in each grade. Other pastors, too, took special interest in the school and its development. Father (6) Hyacinth Epp., Seraphischer Kinderfreund, IX, p. 25. (7) A local paper. Shortlived. (8) Hyacinth Epp, MS., II Abschnitt. p. 70. (9) Sisters: M. Agnes, 1876-1879; M. Dolores, 1878-1882; M. Paschala, 1882- 1884; M. Juliane, 1884-1886; M. Cleopha, 1886-1892; M. Juliane, 1892-1895; M. Ligouri, 1895-1901; M. Ambrosia, 1901-1904; M. Anthony, 1904-1907; M. Gertrude, 1907-1910; M. Teresita, 1910-1912; M. Celestine, 1912-1913; Mother M. Agnes, 1913-1915; M. Ligouri, 1915-1916; M. Aurelia, 1916-1918; M. Callista, 1918- 1924; M. Gertrude, 1924-1930; M. Antoinette, 1930-1935; M. Victorine,1935-. Chronicle, St. Francis Convent, Millvale. Information by Sister M. Clarissa. ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 54 Philip Knupfer, O.M.Cap., improved the curriculum and the equipment especially in the higher grades. In order to stimulate diligence on the part of the academy pupils and incidentally to help the poor he started the scholarship fund. Time and again he appealed through the pages of the St. Augustinus for donations of twenty dollars for scholarships and in answer, complete or partial scholarships were established. In 1923, Father Philip installed the electric light and had the interior of the school painted. Anxious to improve the curriculum again and thus fit the graduates for better clerical positions he purchased in 1924 for the commercial department two comptometers—machines which add, subtract, multiply and divide. For a period two instructors came daily to the school to instruct both teacher and pupil in the operation. The expenditure for these machines was $600. It might be added that St. Augustine's School was a pioneer in this forward step. The fruits of these efforts were soon seen in the interest which the pupils took in their studies. Self-reliance and wholesome rivalry developed as is seen from the various occasions when pupils of St. Augustine's School won prizes in essay contests. Some of these contests embraced all public and parochial schools in the State of Pennsylvania. The latest substantial development in the educational facilities of St. Augustine's School is the four-year high school for girls opened by Father Ferdinand Hartung, O.M.Cap., in September, 1931. The boys of the parish had found a similar opportunity at the Catholic Central High School erected with the funds of the diocesan educational campaign in 1924. The Most Reverend Bishop Boyle had granted permission for St. Augustine's High School for girls and it became immediately popular in the parish. The year 1938 marks not only the diamond jubilee of the church but also the golden jubilee of the school. Erected in 1888, the venerable building has weathered successfully the storms of a half century. During all these years the school required no major repairs, a proof of its substantial character. Father Florence Kirchgessner, O.M.Cap., the present pastor, has renovated the front of the building in preparation for the diamond jubilee of the church. In the course of time he hopes to modernize the school still more and bring it up to the present standards of school buildings. ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 55 HISTORY OF SAINT AUGUSTINE'S PARISH CHAPTER V The Monastery—1889 In whom you also are built together into an habitation of God. —Eph. II, 22. When the Capuchin Fathers assumed the pastorship of St. Augustine's Parish in 1874, they found the old rectory a very poor substitute for a Capuchin cloister. True, some years before, Father Tamchina had remodeled the house at a cost of $8,000.00, but nevertheless it remained a simple rectory wholly unsuitable to serve as a friary. Hence when enlarging the church, it was decided to remodel the rectory in keeping with the Capuchin requirements. Accordingly, two three-story wings were added, one to the right and one to the left, with the original building in the middle. Since it would have been unfair to burden the congregation with this added expense for the friary, the Capuchin Fathers, through contributions from abroad and through the fruits of their labors, contributed the sum of $3,000.00 toward the enlargement of their friary. The friars dwelt in this cloister from 1875 till 1889 when again it became necessary to provide better accommodations. In those years many friars had come from abroad and, residing at St. Augustine's they acted as chaplains to various religious communities and as assistants to the diocesan clergy. As already noted, Father Maurice Greek, O.M.Cap., was pastor of the church from 1887-1890, and as he had just finished building the new school in March, 1889, he lent his co-operation to Father Francis Wolff, O.M.Cap., Provincial, who at that time planned to build a friary a part of which should provide offices and parlors. Messrs. Moeser and Nickel, architect and contractor of the school, were also employed for the erection of the Capuchin monastery. During the week of March 31, 1889, the friars vacated the old rectory and took up provisional residence in a brick house on the north side of the school. On June 13, 1889, Father Francis Wolff, O.M.Cap., laid the corner stone of the monastery in the presence of the Capuchin family and of the church committee. The monastery was finished on November 21, 1889, and the parish was invited to visit it before the Papal enclosure should go into effect. The women of the parish spent days cleaning the corridors and rooms, making the monastery presentable for the friars who would shortly take up residence. During the week of November 3, and even after, many people availed themselves of the rare privilege of entering beyond the enclosure of a Capuchin friary. Wondering eyes gazed on the utter simplicity of this large convent, with its bare wooden floors and utter lack of anything superfluous. There was the Capuchin choir or chapel, with simple brown altar and curious stalls where the friars would assemble five times daily for chanting the office, the canonical prayer of the Church; there, too, was the refectory with long monastic tables running along the walls, and there were the cells, the little rooms measuring seven by twelve, with bed, desk, chair and crucifix, where the individual friar would work and pray in silence. On November 21, 1889, Father Hyacinth, delegated by the Father Provincial, blessed the monastery in the presence of the local Capuchins: Fathers Maurice, Guardian and Pastor; Gregory Maria, Vicar; Fidelis, Lect. Em., Irenaeas, Leo, Charles; and the brothers, Elzear and Guido. The total cost of the Capuchin convent was $35,000. Of this sum $25,000 were contributed by the Capuchins who through parsimonious living and through donations of friends were enabled to raise this money. The other ten thousand dollars were the contribution of the parish toward its rectory. The Capuchins moved into their monastery on November 26, 1889.(1) (1) Hyacinth Epp, Kinderfreund, IX, 141-143. In 1905 a third story was added to the monastery. ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 56 Besides the erection of the school and of the Capuchin Monastery, this second pastorate of Father Maurice was noteworthy for other significant happenings. On December 25, 1888, Father Benedict Wich, O.M.Cap., another son of the parish, celebrated his first solemn Mass and had the unusual distinction of administering first communion to his father, a recent convert.(2) The same day marked the close of a triduum commemorating the beatification of Blessed Felix of Nicosia, a Capuchin. A patriotic celebration was held on Tuesday, April 30, 1889, when the centenary of the inauguration of George Washington as first President of the United States was commemorated with solemn Mass, sermon and Te Deum. Before the Mass the church bells were rung for half an hour. The sympathy and charity of Father Maurice, the public-spirited Franciscan, are also seen in the solemn Requiem on June 4, 1889, for the victims of the Johnstown flood, and also in the collection ordered for the relief of the surviving sufferers. He announced the collection in the following words: You have already heard of the terrible disaster that has befallen Johnstown. In order to bring quick relief to these unfortunate people, we shall take up a collection at all the Masses. Those who are unprepared for the collection are requested to bring their offering to the rectory this afternoon. Dear Parishioners, I beg you to do your very best on this occasion and you will earn not only a great reward but also, under God, the grace of protection from similar calamities.(3) The collection amounted to $470.00. From its earliest days St. Augustine's never lacked generous souls whose solicitude for the things of God prompted generous benefactions. In 1889, Mr. Joseph Vogel presented an imported monstrance valued at $800.00. The gems and lunula for the latter were worth $200.00 and were the gifts of Mr. Michael McCullough, the benefactor of the school. In 1890, Mr. Edward Frauenheim presented a set of gold-embroidered red vestments for solemn Masses. Other gifts of vestments, chalices and statues were presented from time to time so that both church and sacristy were well equipped for all occasions. Father Maurice retired from the pastorate in August, 1890. He spent the next six years as superior and pastor of St. Alphonsus' Church in Wheeling, returning to Pittsburgh in 1897, where he died on March 17, 1898. The next pastor was the well-known and well-beloved Father Hyacinth. However, he remained pastor only from August, 1890, till October, 1891, when the chapter in the presence of the Most Reverend Bernard Christen of Andermatt, General of the Order, unanimously elected him Provincial. During his brief pastorate there occurred from September 22-25, 1890, the fourth celebration of German Catholic Day in Pittsburgh. On Monday evening after the Angelus the pastor ordered St. Augustine's bells to be rung for fifteen minutes in joyful welcome of the event. Hundreds of priests crowded the city, and among the prelates were: Bishop Frederick Katzer of Green Bay; Bishop John Janssen of Belleville; Bishop John Kain of Wheeling; Bishop Joseph Rademacher of Nashville; Bishop Kilian Flasch of Fort Wayne, and Bishop Leo Haid, O.S.B., of Belmont, North Carolina. Among the distinguished Catholic laymen was Dr. Ernest Lieber, a member of the German Reichstag.(4) Father Joseph Anthony Ziegelmayer, O.M.Cap., succeeded Father Hyacinth in October, 1891. Born in Augsburg, Bavaria, on April 9, 1854, he entered the Capuchin Order on April 12, 1872. Desirous of joining his brethren in the American mission, he came as deacon to the United States in (2) Very Rev. Benedict Wich was born on Jan. 24, 1866, at Pittsburgh. Invested with Capuchin habit on Oct. 14, 1882. Ordained Dec. 22. 1888. Studied at the University of Innsbruck from 1889-1891. From 1891-1931 he was lector of moral theology at Sts. Peter and Paul's Monastery. Cumberland. Md. Provincial of the Capuchin Province of Pennsylvania from 1909-1915 and from 1918-1921. Since 1936, guardian of the Cumberland Monastery, and since 1937, definitor of the Province. (3) Announcement Book, June 2, 1889. (4) The Report of this convention was published under the title: Verhandlungen der Vierten Allgemeinen Versammlung der Katholiken Deutscher Zunge der Vereinigten Staaten von Nord-Amerika in Pittsburgh, Pa. Sept. 22-25, 1890. Herausgegeben von Rev. A. Fischer und Chas. Jaegle. Druck des Beobachters. ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 57 1876 and was ordained by the Most Rev. John Tuigg in St. Paul's Cathedral, Pittsburgh, on September 23, 1876. His ability as a practical administrator was soon recognized as is evident from the important offices of Guardian, Master of Novices, and Provincial, one or the other of which he almost constantly filled.   One of the first things Father Joseph did as pastor was to take up a complete census of the parish. 740 families with 3800 souls were reported. He then undertook many improvements, notably the frescoing of the church at a cost of $1,200 and the erection of new Stations. He also had the interior of the school painted for $485.00. In the spring of 1892, Father Joseph purchased the ground for the cemetery. Hitherto the parish had buried its dead in St. Mary's Cemetery, Forty-sixth Street, but as space was becoming scarce and the price of lots correspondingly high, the pastor obtained the Bishop's permission to acquire thirteen and one sixth acres in Shaler Township as burial ground for St. Augustine's Parish. The price was $290.00 per acre. After laying out .the roads and planning the lots, the pastor had an iron fence erected at the cost of $583.63. On August 26, 1892, a massive iron cross with gold-plated corpus was erected for $491.00, the gift of Mrs. Mary Regina Frauenheim.(5)   The spirit of demonstration in behalf of the faith—typical of those days—was clearly in evidence on September 18, 1892, when the cemetery was solemnly dedicated. To the observer of this distant day, the great parade that marked the occasion might be suggestive of a great army going out for conquest. Fully aware that the parish would turn out en masse, and distrusting the safety of the Forty-third Street bridge, the pastor warned the people from the altar not to walk in step while crossing the bridge so as to prevent its rocking. Reading the chronicle of Father Hyacinth, we can readily understand the reasonableness of the warning. He says: "The ceremony was imposing. Amid the music of bands, eighty horsemen, one hundred and sixty carriages and more than three thousand people came in procession to the cemetery to witness the blessing of their last resting-place and to pray for the grace of a happy death."(6) Father Hyacinth, delegated by the Bishop, blessed the cemetery and Father Joseph Anthony delivered the sermon. The latter also started the pious custom still in vogue, of a parish visit to the cemetery for an All Souls' devotion in the early part of November.   Since there had been no mission in the parish for eleven years, the pastor invited the Jesuits—Father Peter Schnitzler, Francis X. Neubrand and Louis Buchholz—to conduct a mission from January 29-February 12, 1893.(7)   Towards the end of 1893, our country passed through the great depression of the "nineties" which meant difficult days for the parish. The church's debt was still $45,136.63, and the pastor saw no prospects of reducing it according to his hopes. Indeed, there was question as to whether the parish would be able to meet its ordinary obligations. Convinced that among the parishioners there were some whose financial outlook was quite favorable, he made an earnest appeal to them to do more than their share in this present crisis.   But Father Joseph did not rest with appealing in behalf of the church. In true Franciscan spirit he urged the parish as a unit to take up the cause of the poor. For this reason he started the St. Augustine's Benevolent Society which organized as follows: President, Father Joseph; Vice-President, Mr. William Eichenlaub; Treasurer, Mr. A. Reiman; Secretary, Mr. Peter Ritter. Other active members were: Wm. Helbling, Caspar Boberg, Ferd. Voelker, Titus Berger, Peter Halli, Louis Krekeler, Robert Fey, Joseph Bienemann, John Fink, Peter Kerner and Martin Hager.   As in apostolic times, the parish was divided into districts, each district having its responsible captain. These captains studied the needs of their districts, making sure that the cases were deserving, collected alms in money, food and clothing and de- (5) Total cost of cemetery was $3,788.00 exclusive of lawyer's fee of $124.31. Expenses on dedication day were $95.85. Account Book of Cemetery. (6) Hyacinth Epp, MS., II Abschnitt, pp. 99, 100. (7) On Fathers Schnitzler, Neubrand and Buchholz, cf. Enzlberger, op. at, p. 71. ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 58 [image] First St. Augustine Parish School, 1861 used for temporary church (First Mass celebrated here February 2, 1862 [image] School Enlarged and used till 1889 images may be viewed at: http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/allegheny/church/staugustine-pittsburgh/058.jpg ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 60 Undoubtedly, it was just such and similar reminders coming constantly from the Catholics of Italy and periodically from those of the outside world that bore ultimate fruit in the Lateran Treaty of 1929. After three years of untiring service to the parish Father Herman Joseph was transferred to the pastorate of St. Joseph's, Dover, Ohio. Later he spent some years as pastor m Wheeling and in Munjor, Kansas, where he died on June 9, 1911. Father Peter Kemper, O.M.Cap., was the next pastor of St. Augustine's, assuming office in August, 1897. He was born in Clearfield, Pa., on December 7, 1862, and was ordained priest on August 25, 1889. Before his appointment to St. Augustine's, he had spent fruitful years in the parishes of Cumberland, Wheeling, and Dover. His pastorate lasted but one year during which time he reduced the parish debt by $1,189.86. The debt reduction is all the more remarkable, since in addition thereto Father Peter acquired the property of the present Sisters' convent at a cost of $4,829.50. A new convent was indeed badly needed, for the Sisters, using the top floor of the hall (present Casino) as dormitory, were constantly disturbed by the celebrations in the hall below. With unanimous approval Father Peter began the erection of the convent and during his brief term of office saw the laying of the corner stone on May 15, 1898. The Most Rev. Richard Phelan officiated at the ceremony. Father Didacus Rottlaender, O.M.Cap., preached in German and Father John T. Murphy, C.S.Sp., in English.(12) The following priests sang their first solemn Masses in 1898: Father Augustine Noelle, O.M.Cap., on June 19; Father Bon-aventure Becker, O.M.Cap., on June 26. Father Felix M. Lex, O.M.Cap., preached for Father Augustine, and Father Joseph Anthony Ziegelmayer, O.M.Cap., for Father Bonaventure. Father Charles Speckert, O.M.Cap., succeeded Father Peter. Born at Langenbruecken, Baden, Germany, he entered the Capuchin Order in May, 1880, and was ordained priest on December 20, 1884. About 1887 he came to America and labored in the Capuchin parishes of Peoria, Wheeling, Herman, Cumberland and Pittsburgh. The five years of his pastorate at St. Augustine's were crowded with apostolic activity and significant celebrations. On December 18, 1898, the Sisters' convent, begun by Father Peter, was dedicated. A plain, substantial building, the convent has a neat chapel and rooms for twenty Sisters. Including the price of the ground, the cost was $20,530.08. With the Sisters housed in their spacious convent, the upper floor of the hall which they had occupied as dormitory, reverted to the parish for purposes of entertainment. For a few years, however, part of this hall was used for a kindergarten. In 1900, the pastor had both the hall and the school painted for the sum of $443.00. Two drinking fountains were also installed in the school. The month of August, 1898, brought to a close a very successful tea party and contest that netted $11,817.10. In 1898, Miss Rose Frauenheim donated $400.00 for an artistic crib purchased in Europe. The years 1899 and 1900 witnessed many celebrations significant of spiritual progress. On April 3, 1899, solemn Mass was offered to commemorate the twenty-fifth anniversary of the coming of the Capuchin Fathers to St. Augustine's. A large crowd attended and joined in the grateful Te Deum following the benediction. Father Joseph Anthony, Provincial, preached the commemorative ser- (12) Rev. Didacus Rottlaender was born on Oct. 11, 1837, at Roesrath, Prussia. Served in the Prussian Army and took part in the war against Denmark in 1864. Came to the United States on Sept. 8, 1875. Solemn profession as Capuchin on Aug. 31, 1878. Ordained May 20. 1883. Labored in Wheeling, Cumberland and Pittsburgh where he died on Feb. 27. 1900, while hearing the confession of a sick man. Enzlberger, op. cit., p. 315. MS., Annales, Parish archives. Rev. John T. Murphy, C.S.Sp., was at this time President of Holy Ghost College. He enjoyed a high reputation as an orator. Later stationed at the Apostolic College of his congregation at Cornwells, Pa. Nominated Bishop of Port Louis of the island of Mauritius on July 8. 1916. Died April 16, 1926. Cf. Acta Ap. Sedis, Rome, vol. VIII, 1916, pp. 321, 475, and vol. XVIII, 1926, p. 248. ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 62 HISTORY OF SAINT AUGUSTINE'S PARISH CHAPTER VI The New Church—1901 I have loved, O Lord, the beauty of thy house; and the place where thy glory dwelleth.—Ps. XXV, The erection of the new St. Augustine's Church has much of the casual about it. In the first year of his pastorate, 1898, Father Charles felt obliged to make extensive repairs that would entail an appreciable outlay. It was necessary to fresco the church, for the smoke and soot of Pittsburgh had wrought their usual havoc on walls and ceiling. Then, too, the cheap quality of the windows made it desirable to replace them by those of better make. When the pastor discussed the matter with the Father Provincial and the church committee there was a difference of opinion. Some advocated a thorough renovation of the church, while others stoutly opposed such a measure. The latter urged that the church, especially the original nave, was poorly built since the walls were only thirteen inches thick. In the not too distant future it would be necessary to build a new church, hence any heavy outlay at present would be a waste of money. However, nothing was more alien to the mind of Father Charles than to sponsor the erection of a new church. The debt still bordered on $30,000 and it would be folly to add to an already heavy burden. Therefore, it was finally decided to fresco the old church and to make whatever repairs were advisable. But now the unexpected happened. Seeking a substantial donation toward the purchase of new windows, Father Charles called first on Mrs. Mary Regina Frauenheim and her daughter Miss Rose whose generous disposition toward the church and the Capuchin Fathers had been amply evidenced in the past. But no sooner had the pastor broached the subject of new windows than the two ladies replied: "Is it really worth while to expend so much money on that old building?" Jokingly the pastor answered: "If you give me fifty thousand dollars I shall be only too glad to build a new church." Contrary to all expectation, the two interested listeners took the pastor seriously and the elder Mrs. Frauenheim replied: "Let us consider this for a few days and then we shall let you know what we can do." In high spirits Father Charles returned home and, confident that something big was in the offing, he cancelled all arrangements for work on the old church and awaited tensely the outcome of his visit. Within 'a few days his hopes were fulfilled for Mr. Aloysius Frauenheim, the son and business manager of Mrs. Mary Regina Frauenheim, called on Father Charles and assured him that the family had decided to donate $50,000 towards the building of a new church. Of course, this settled the matter—a new church would be built. But where? To dismantle the church on Butler Street would mean the destruction of a serviceable building and also the creation of a new problem of arranging for worship during the building period. Then, too, building on the site of the old church would require extensive excavation and this would render the cost of building all the higher. Looking for a desirable site, many suggested that the church be erected to the south of the monastery along Bandera Street, between Thirty-sixth and Thirty-seventh Streets. True, there was an alley between these two streets, but the upper part of it could be used and a new outlet provided. The suggested site comprised eleven lots on which sixteen houses of mediocre value were standing. Regardless of the high price of $48,301.69 demanded, the property was purchased as a site for the church. The next task was to select a model. It was no temporary church that was to be erected but one that should outlast many generations. Hence stability and dignity must be its marks, for it will reflect for all time the mind and taste of the builder. Father Hyacinth says the pastor invited the suggestions of his brethren and a search was made in books and magazines of every description for a picture of the ideal church. It is interesting to note that while scanning a copy of Der Deutsche Hausschatz,(1) a friar came across a picture of a church that met with unanimous approval. It was a picture of St. Benno's Church in Munich. Like children who had found a treasure, the friars hastened to inform the architect that they had made their choice and that he should model his sketch on St. Benno's Church as portrayed in the old magazine. Father Charles then appointed a building committee consisting of Messrs. Aloysius Frauenheim, Charles Gloeckler, John Helbling, Titus Berger and Jacob Scholl. The building committee met for the first time on January 10, 1899. The architects of the Rutan and Russell Firm were entrusted with the sketching of the plans, but Mr. John T. Comes, then a promising young Catholic architect of Pittsburgh who worked for this firm, actually made the plans. Accordingly, St. Augustine's Church is probably the first outstanding building designed by Mr. Comes before he had established an independent office. On the occasion of Mr. Comes' death on April 13, 1923, the Fortnightly Review(2) paid him the following encomium: The death of Mr. John T. Comes, of Pittsburgh, robs the Catholic community in the U. S. of perhaps the most gifted of its ecclesiastical architects . . . Mr. Comes designed a number of splendid ecclesiastical edifices, among them the Kenrick Seminary, near St. Louis, and did real pioneer work in the field of Catholic architecture. His lectures to seminarists on this subject were published in pamphlet form, under the title, Catholic Art and Architecture, and found a wide circulation. The text lays down solid principles on ecclesiastical art and architecture, while the plates, mostly reproductions of photographs of some of the author's work, exemplify these principles as applied to modern parochial buildings. The F. R. was indebted to Mr. Comes for occasional contributions on his favorite subjects. Having finished the plans, the architects invited competitive bids. But unfortunately, the resulting figure threw all into great consternation. The plans were too ambitious for the coffers of the parish, for the lowest bid asked for more than one hundred thousand dollars. With the present debt above $30,000, the whole idea of building a church was threatened with failure. But again, it was the Frauenheims who, like ministering angels, came to the rescue. When all seemed hopeless, this good family came forward with (1) A very popular family magazine published at Ratisbon, Germany, from 1873 till about 1920. Catholic Encyclopedia, XI, p. 680. (2) May 1, 1922, Vol. XXIX, No. 9, p. 165. ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 63 an offer to double the sum they had already given, thus making their gift $100,000.(3) On July 12, 1899, the bid of W. Miller and Sons for $104,098.00 was accepted, and the next day the work of razing the houses on the building site began. On August 17, the foundation stone was laid on the corner of Bandera Street and Thirty-seventh Street, and about two months later on October 29, the ceremony of laying the corner stone took place. At three o'clock the bells of the old church rang out the signal for the uniformed societies to leave their station in front of the present Casino building and march over Bandera Street down Thirty-sixth to Butler Street, thence up Thirty-seventh to the scene of the ceremony. The parade advanced to the accompaniment of the Eighteenth Ward Military Band and was made up of the delegates from practically all the Catholic societies of Pittsburgh, Allegheny and Wheeling. Mr. William Eichenlaub was the chief marshall. Outstanding in the parade were Messrs. Edward Frauenheim, Edward Leopold Frauenheim and William Heyl, three grand- children of Mrs. Mary Regina Frauenheim. These young men carried the large copper box that was to be inserted into the corner stone. Last in the parade came the clergy and the Bishop, the Most Reverend Richard Phelan. When the latter had taken his place on the platform, the choir under the direction of Mr. Aloysius Frauenheim, sang the prayerful number: Wie lieblich sind die Boten, by Mendelssohn. Thereupon Father John Otten, C.S.Sp.,(4) delivered the German address. He said in part: People of all times have set aside certain places as holy to God. Thus did the patriarchs of the Old Testament, thus the Israelites, thus King Solomon. The Christian Church, too, does the same. In the early as well as in the later centuries, beautiful churches, magnificent masterpieces of art, have arisen and have been dedicated to God. Who can count the sacrifices which the people have at all times made to rear such temples to God. Today, too, as we stand at the cradle of a temple destined to be the monument of Lawrenceville and the pride of the diocese, we see the fruits of sacrifice. This spirit has always breathed in St. Augustine's, but today especially we see how it has inspired a noble soul to donate a wonderful gift without which the building of this temple would have been impossible. A similar spirit dwells in the hearts of the other members of this parish, for they vie with one another in offering their gifts for a house worthy of the Lord's earthly presence . . . We stand here as members of a great Catholic parish. Let us continue to work on this holy temple, let us spare no effort or sacrifice to erect a house to God worthy to contain the graces which He Himself will pour abundantly upon us.(B) The choir directed by Mr. M. Mais now sang: Macht die Tore Welt, after which Father John Price, pastor of St. James, West End, preached in English.(8) The speaker described the beauty of the Catholic Church, contrasting it with the churches of other denominations which are mere assembly halls for prayer and song but neither the houses of God nor places of holy sacrifice. The corner stone was then blessed and placed by the Bishop, the Most Rev. Richard Phelan, assisted by Father Joseph Anthony, Provincial, as deacon, and by Father Hyacinth as sub-deacon. The Capuchin Fathers: Charles Speckert, and Chrysostom Jacob were masters of ceremony, and Fathers Raphael M. Schwarz, O.M.Cap., Augustine Noelle, O.M.Cap., and Alphonse Hillenbrand, O.M.Cap., were chanters. The following priests attended: Reverend Fathers A. A. (3) Hyacinth Epp, MS., II Abschnitt, pp. 79-88. The principal donations were: Frauenheims: M-5. Mary Regina, $40.000; Miss Rose. $40.000; Mr. Aloysius. $20.000; Mrs. Clementine Epping. $5,000; Mrs. Mary Heyl, $2,000; Mrs. J. O'Reilly, $1,000; Mr. Leopold Vilsack, $1,000; Capuchin Fathers, $1,000. (4) Rev. John Otten, C.S.Sp., was born on March 12, 1853 at Aix-de-la Chapelle, Germany. Ordained in Paris December 23, 1876. Upon arrival in America was stationed at Holy Ghost College and later at Sacred Heart Church, Tarentum. From 1893 till his death on February 8, 1926. he was pastor of St. Mary's Church, Sharpsburg. Diamond Jubilee of St. Mary's Church, Sharpsburg. December 18, 1927, pp. 22-26, 34. Enzlberger, op. cit., 248. (5) St. Aug., November, 1899, pp. 1, 2. (6) Rev. John C. Price became pastor of St. James' Church, West End, in July, 1897, and died there on April 11. 1911. His successor, Rev. Thomas P. Gillen writes of him: "Father Price was gifted beyond the ordinary lot of men. As a scholar, a writer, a linguist, or lecturer, he might have achieved fame; but having consecrated his life to the service of God with all the earnestness and zeal of his being, he endeavored to fulfill the duties of his holy priesthood.'' History of St. James' Church and Parish Schools, West End, Pittsburgh, 1916, p. 11. ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 64 Exterior of Old Church Built 1862 - 1863 Corner Stone laid June, 1862 Dedicated November 26, 1863 Discontinued as a Church 1901 image may be viewed at: http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/allegheny/church/staugustine-pittsburgh/064.jpg ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 65 Lambing, John Duffner, George Allmann,(7) Ed. McKeever, Peter Brady, Casimir Elsesser, O.S.B., Corbinian, O.S.B., Bernard Heil, C.P., Ferdinand Immekus, C.P., Jerome, C.P., Gerard Mitsch, C.P., Anthony Durkin, C.P., Ambrose Bruder, O.Carm., Paul Ryan, O.Carm., John Peter Claver Willms, C.S.Sp., B. Strzelczok, C.S.Sp., Joseph Schmitt, C.SS.R., Fr. Lauer, C.SS.R., Gregory Autsch, O.M.Cap., Felix M. Lex, O.M.Cap., Herman Joseph Peters, O.M.Cap., and Didacus Rottlaender, O.M.Cap. The ceremony concluded with a sonorous Te Deum accompanied by orchestra. It is on record that between four and five thousand people witnessed the ceremony. As to the weather, Father Charles says: After a stretch of good weather since the beginning of the building operations, it began to rain on Saturday night and threatened to continue. All Sunday morning the clouds were lowering and only about noon did the sky become somewhat clear. But just as the Bishop laid his hand on the stone and adjusted it to place, the clouds parted for a moment and the sun's golden beams streamed through as if to greet and bless the Stone.(8) The corner stone weighing one and a half ton was brought from Cleveland and prepared by Mr. James Stehle, a member of the parish. The Latin document placed in the corner stone was composed by Father Joseph Anthony. We give an English translation: TO THE GREATER GLORY OF GOD! In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, and under the title of St. Augustine, Bishop and Doctor of the Church, this stone was blessed and laid with great solemnity, and in the presence of an immense throng of the faithful, by the Most Reverend Richard Phelan. Bishop of Pittsburgh; the Rev. John Otten, C.S.Sp.. and Rev. John Price preaching the sermons; this day, the twenty-ninth of October, in the year of Our Lord, 1889. Hi; Holiness Pope Leo XIII gloriously reigning; William McKinley, President of the United States; Wm. Stone. Governor of the State of Pennsylvania: Wm. Diehl, Mayor of the city of Pittsburgh. The stone bears the inscription: "Ecclesia ad Sanctum Augustinum, A.D., 1899," and besides the descriptive document contains: documents listing the name of the Capuchins stationed at St. Augustine's Monastery, the names of the Church Committee, Building Committee, ushers, members of the choir, names of the Sisters attached to the school, and the names of all pastors up to that date. It contains furthermore: copies of the September and October issues of the St. Augustinus; a copy of the Seraphisches Liebeswerk; a copy of the Pittsburgher Beobachter; copies of the Pittsburgh Observer and of the Pittsburgh Catholic; a copy of the Pittsburgh Post; a map of the Ecclesiastical Provinces of the United States; Festive Number of the St. Raphael's Society; Directory of the Knights of St. George; Jubilee 'Number of the C.M.B.A.; Statutes of the L.C.B.A.; various postage and war stamps of the United States; various coins; several photographs; relics of the saints; medals of the Immaculate Conception, of St. Francis, St. Benedict, St. Joseph, and St. Anthony.(9) With holy joy the faithful watched the progress of construction. Each day they saw row upon row of brick mount higher until October 20, 1900, when the windows, made in Innsbruck at the cost of $8,034.14, were placed. By November 29, the two stately towers were finished and ready to receive the bells. Again there was a memorable celebration. How different the thoughts and ideas of men of half a century ago! How simple, yet how demonstrative in behalf of the faith! Today, when the old order has passed away, a twelve ton truck would rush to the bell foundry, receive its massive burden and grind its way back to the church, But not so in 1900, when the age of speed and of mechanics had not yet dawned. To the religious minds of the past, those bells (7) Rt. Rev. A. A. Lambing, the eminent historian and founder of the first Catholic Historical Society in the U. S. (February, 1882), then pastor of St. James' Church, Wilkinsburg. Died there as Monsignor on December 24, 1918. Rev. George Allmann, then pastor of the neighboring German Church of St. Joseph. Bloomfield. Pittsburgh. He was born on June 11, 1844 at Boellenborn. Bavaria, and came to the United States on October 1, 1857. Ordained July 29, 1870. Died as pastor of St. Joseph's, Bloomfield. on May 21, 1901. Bloomfield Monthly Record, April, 1912, pp. 3, 4. (8) St. Aug., November, 1899, p 2. (9) Ibid. Hyacinth Epp, Kinderfreund, IX, p. 83. ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 66 were living things, they had loud powerful voices, and in years yet unborn they would call the living and mourn the dead. Those bells, that play such a significant part in Catholic life, are sacred; they must be treated with reverence and their very acceptance for the holy place must be accompanied with ceremony, solemn and sacred. Viewing today the installation of St. Augustine's bells, one would think himself transported into the ages of faith. The entire parish went out in solemn procession to receive the bells on November 29. At two-thirty o'clock the great parade started from the Chaplin and Fulton Foundry on Penn Avenue and First Street where the bells had been cast, and proceeded to Liberty Avenue near St. Philomena's on Fourteenth Street where it met the societies of that church, thence to Twenty-first and Smallman Streets, passing en route St. Stanislaus Church, thence to Penn Avenue and Butler Street, to Thirty-seventh Street. When the parade passed the churches of St. Philomena and St. Stanislaus, their bells, like great tongues from the steeple, pealed out a joyous welcome. At the head of the parade rode five policemen followed by Mr. John Fink, the marshall. Then came the mounted guard, fifty-five prancing horses with uniformed riders, followed by the Cathedral band. Next came one hundred Knights of St. George and fifty cadets, the Third Pennsylvania Regiment Band, then, what the Beobachter called the central attraction of the parade—Mr. Constantine Waldvogel mounted on a charger, and beside him young Charles Vilsack and William Koebert, riding ponies. The wagons with the bells followed next in the parade. The first wagon, flag-draped and drawn by six white horses carried the great St. George Bell of 5500 pounds, donated by the Knights of St. George. A uniformed guard consisting of Messrs. Peter Loedding, Edward Steinkirchner, Lawrence Fey and Edward Pottmeyer, was stationed on the wagon. The second wagon, decorated in white and yellow and drawn by four horses, bore the St. Mary's Bell, weighing 3000 pounds, the gift of Mr. Leopold Vilsack. Four little girls formed the guard of honor: Leona Lackner, Hilda Limpert, Margaret Fey and Mary Wallace. The last wagon, decked in white and blue and drawn by four horses, carried the St. Joseph's Bell of 1800 pounds, and the St. Raphael's Bell of 750 pounds. Various sources contributed to the purchase of these two bells. The honor guard consisted of four boys: Edwin Helbling, Anthony Schillo, Raphael Dauer and Albert Kalchthaler. Each of the bells was decked with flowers and crowned with a green wreath. After the wagons with the bells came the carriages with the Capuchin Fathers and visiting clergy, the Church committee, the Building committee, and the officials of the Knights of St. George. At Thirty-seventh and Butler Streets the marchers formed two lines between which the wagons and carriages passed to the entrance of the new church. While the clergy took their places, the band played and then St. Augustine's choir sang the song: Die Kapelle by Kreutzer. Mr. Joseph Reiman, representing the Knights of St. George, now delivered a masterful oration in which he explained the function of bells and concluded by presenting the bells to the parish.(10) Two days later, on December 2, 1900, Father Hyacinth, Provincial, assisted by the Capuchin Fathers, Joseph Anthony and Gabriel Spaeth, solemnly blessed the bells. Father Herman Joseph Peters, O.M.Cap., preached on this occasion. Shortly after the dedication of the bells it was found that the St. George Bell had an imperfect tone, hence it was recast by the foundry and blessed privately by Father Charles before taking its place in the tower. The work of finishing the interior made steady progress and all looked forward to the dedication when suddenly a great sorrow came upon the parish. Mr. Aloysius Frauenheim who had done so much for the advancement of the new church and of the parish in general, died of a heart attack on January 18, 1900. His passing deprived St. Augustine's of one of its most faithful members and the sorrow was general not only in the parish but in the entire city. Everywhere he was known as a distinguished Catholic gentleman, a leader both (10) A more complete description in St. Aug., July 30, 1930, pp. 134-137; Beobachter, November 30, 1900. ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 67 in the world of business and culture. Born in Riceville on November 25, 1851, he was the eldest son of Edward and Mary Regina Frauenheim. He was educated at St. Philomena's school and at St. Vincent's College, Latrobe. He married Catherine Heyl on November 25, 1874, and the union was blessed with seven children.(11) His first real employment was in the German National Bank, then in the Iron City Brewing Company owned by his father, Edward Frauenheim and Mr. Leopold Vilsack. When the Iron City Brewing Company became the Pittsburgh Brewing Company, Aloysius was elected president. At the time of his death he was Vice-President of the German National Bank, of the Epping-Carpenter Company, and of the German Catholic Press Company, publishers of the Beobachter and of the Observer. He was also a director of the Pennsylvania National Bank and of the East End Charity Hospital, a member of Branch 45 C.M.B.A., and of Branch 5 Knights of St. George and of the Poor Souls' Society.(12) Mr. Aloysius Frauenheim was a sterling character. When the German National Bank was about to close its doors he undertook to save it from collapse. It was this constant strain and anxiety that undermined his health and brought on his untimely death. The following is quoted from the Observer of January 25, 1900: He was the first to discover the unstable condition of the German National Bank and labored unceasingly to get the bank's affairs in such shape that the creditors would not lose their money. Comptroller of the Currency examined its condition and demanded that the bank building be purchased before allowing it to resume business, and Mr. A. Frauenheim and Leopold Vilsack produced the $450,000 demanded within 48 hours. He was in no way connected with the circumstances that led to the bank's condition, but he had a keen pride in its stability, as it had been partly founded by his father, Edward Frauenheim. It is further related that ten days before his death he resigned as president of the Pittsburgh Brewing Company and that the directors refused to accept the resignation but offered him leave of absence with full pay for one year. Mr. Frauenheim, however, refused to accept the offer on the ground that if he could not do the work he would not take the pay. While distinguished in many ways, his outstanding distinction was his heroic Christian charity. "He did much in the way of private charities, but always shrank from any sort of publicity in connection with such gifts." His memory will always be blessed. The funeral of Mr. Frauenheim was one of the largest ever witnessed in Pittsburgh. One hundred and seventy carriages were in the procession which arrived at St. Augustine's old church on Butler Street at 10:30. Father Hyacinth Epp, O.M.Cap., rector of St. Alphonsus' Church in Wheeling, and a friend of the family, officiated at the solemn services. Fathers Charles Speckert, O.M. Cap., and Didacus Rottlaender, O.M. Cap., assisted as deacon and subdeacon and Fathers Raphael Schwarz, O.M. Cap., and Augustine Noelle, O.M. Cap., were masters of ceremony. In the sanctuary was the Most Reverend Leo Haid, O.S.B., of Belmont Abbey, North Carolina, assisted by Fathers Joseph Anthony Ziegelmayer, OM. Cap., Provincial, and Casimir Elsesser, O.S.B., as deacons of honor.(13) Many other priests of Pittsburgh and Allegheny and all the local Capuchin Fathers attended the services. After the Mass the Most Reverend Leo Haid, O.S.B., school companion and friend of the departed, preached the eulogy. In convincing words he described the deceased as a dutiful husband and father, as a true friend in whom there was no guile, as a faithful son of the Church, a conscientious business man, a wise counsellor, a magnanimous benefactor, a genuine Christian at whose cas- (11) The Heyls were a prominent family of Lawrenceville. The parents. Martin Heyl (died October 11, 1886) and Anna Barbara Schlosser (died May 10, 1899). had the following children: William A. Theodore, Andrew G., Mary, Lawrence M., Edmund W., Martin, Camillus J., Charles J. William A. Heyl and some of his brothers became prominent businessmen. The present Eintracht on Thirty-sixth Street was formerly the Heyl homestead. (12) Jordan, op. cit., pp. 153-155. (13) Bishop Leo Haid was born on July 15, 1849, at St. Vincent's (Latrobe), Pa. Joined the Benedictines in September, 1868. Ordained at St. Vincent's. December 21, 1872. Consecrated Bishop on July 1, 1888, at Baltimore. Enzlberger, op. cit., p. 218; Album Benedictinum, p. 240. ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 68 ket all might learn that it is possible to be a real, genuine business man and at the same time a practical Catholic. At the grave in St. Mary's Cemetery it was estimated that at least three thousand people had gathered. Whilst the casket was taken from the hearse, a choir of orphan children from St. Joseph's Orphanage sang the touching hymn: Im Grabe 1st Ruh. At the grave the clergy chanted the Benedictus and Bishop Haid pronounced the last blessing. Whilst the mourners departed, the male choir sang: Suesz und Ruhig 1st der Schlummer.(14) The new church was dedicated on Sunday, May 12, 1901. The day was appropriately chosen for it commemorated the dedication of the Basilica of St. Francis, Founder of the Capuchin Franciscan Order. The Most Reverend Leo Haid, O.S.B., whose parents had belonged to St. Augustine's for many years and who was a very special friend of the Frauenheim family, blessed the church and pontificated. Father Hyacinth, Provincial, assisted as archpriest, and Fathers J. B. Duffner and J. Otten, C.S.Sp., as deacons of honor. Fathers S. J. Schramm and Marinus Ferg, O.S.B., were deacons of the Mass, and Fathers Gerard Bridge, O.S.B., and Patrick Leinsle, O.M.Cap., were masters of ceremony.(15) Father Joseph Anthony, pastor of St. Alphonsus Church, Wheeling, preached the festive sermon. Again the diocesan and regular clergy headed by Archabbot Leander Schnerr, O.S.B., were well represented, and it is estimated that several thousand people had assembled to witness the outdoor ceremonies. In the evening Father Charles officiated at the solemn Vespers after which Bishop Haid preached in English. Joyful and triumphant as was the celebration on Sunday, the leave-taking of the old church on Monday touched the heart with sadness. For it was on this day that the Blessed Sacrament was solemnly transferred from the old church to the new. At eight o'clock the parish assembled in the venerable edifice for a short service of thanksgiving. In few but chosen words Bishop Haid reminded the people of the many graces and blessings that had descended upon them in this very church from which they were about to take leave. Thereupon he took the Blessed Sacrament from the tabernacle and bore it in solemn procession to the new church. Father Hyacinth describes the scene as follows: It was a beautiful sight. An acolyte with the cross and two altar boys with candles led the procession. Fifty little boys carried lilies and fifty little girls strewed flowers in the way. The clergy, chanting the Pange Lingua, followed the children and then came the parishioners. On reaching the new church and reposing the Blessed Sacrament in the tabernacle, Father Charles sang High Mass for the benefactors of the church. When the procession left the old church her bells tolled a solemn farewell and hardly had the last tone died away, when the mighty bells of the new church burst forth in a glorious peal as if they would say: "From now on we shall call the faithful to church and prayer."(16) The new St. Augustine's Church is an imposing structure, and its two stately towers and crowning dome give the impression of stability and simplicity. Built in the form of a cross and in the Romanesque style of architecture, it measures 145 feet by 80 feet in the main body and 94 feet in the transept. The material used is vitrified brick with terra cotta trimmings. The facade has three grand portals. The tympanum above the central portal represents Christ the King and Judge of mankind, with the Blessed Virgin and St. Francis kneeling on either side, pleading the cause of those entering the church. The base of the transom is adorned with emblems of the bloody sacrifice of Calvary and of its unbloody renewal in the sacrifice of the Mass. Above the arch of the center portal is a niche with a statue twelve feet high representing St. Augustine, the patron of the church. Entering the vestibule, we see above the doors leading to the interior the coat of (14) St. Aug., February, 1900, pp. 1-4. (15) Rev. Stephen J. Schramm was born on February 14, 1859, in Pittsburgh. Ordained May 6, 1882, at St. Vincent's, Pa. Pastor of St. George's Church, Southside, since 1888. Enzlberger, op. cit., 240. Rev. Marinus Ferg was born October 26. 1866, at Neustadt, Bavaria. Came to the United States on October 10, 1882. Joined the Benedictines on July 11, 1888. Ordained March 22, 1890. Curate of St. Mary's, Northside, from September 16, 1897-1902. At present stationed at Nickton, Pa. Enzlberger, op. cit., 112. (16) Hyacinth Epp, Kinderfreund, IX, p. 123. ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 69 arms of the Order of St. Francis, that of Leo XIII and that of Bishop Phelan. In the vestibule there is on the one side a marble holy water font, the gift of Mr. Bernard Gloeckler, and on the other the door leading to the choirloft and to the basement. Entering the church proper, we are surprised at the revelation of beauty greeting our eyes. Here the architect, the painter and the sculptor have done their work well. Directly at the entrance on either side we meet two statues of life-size angels holding vessels of holy water. These were imported from France and are the gift of Air. William Baur. The body of the church is divided into three parts by two rows of fluted columns bearing the clearstory and the dome. Separating the sanctuary from the body of the church is the altar railing of pure Parvanazzo and Carrara marble with brass gates; it measures ninety-four feet from wall to wall. This work of art was donated by Miss Rose Frauenheim in memory of Father Maurice Greek, O.M.Cap., and of her deceased brother, Aloysius. Their patron saints, St. Maurice and St. Aloysius, are carved on the pillars of Carrara marble supporting the center gates of the railing. The five altars are those of the old church re-decorated for the new. These altars are masterpieces of their type and were carved by Brothers Eleutherius, Hilarion and Elzear, Capuchin lay brothers.(17). All three have long departed this life. The center niche of the altar is occupied by a statue of St. Augustine; to the right thereof is a statue of the Archangel Raphael with Tobias; to the left is that of St. Lawrence. The side altars bear statues of the Blessed Virgin, St. Joseph, St. Francis and St. Anthony, respectively. It is impossible to give here an adequate description of all that is striking in St. Augustine's Church. However, the frescoes adorning the walls are worthy of special mention and study. In the middle section of the sanctuary wall are arches in which are portrayed the great Latin Fathers of the Church, St. Jerome, St. Gregory the Great and St. Ambrose. Since a statue of St. Augustine, the fourth Latin Father, adorns the high altar, the fourth arch is given to St. Albert the Great, now a Doctor of the Church. The latter was the choice of Miss Emma and Miss Catherine Wirth who had these paintings done by Arthur Thomas of New York, in memory of their father, Albert Wirth. Adorning the four great triangles sloping between the arches and pillars beneath the grand dome are heroic figures of the four Evangelists, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Two of these paintings were donated by Mr. Michael Letzelter. In the arches above the side altar niches there were originally two appropriate mural paintings unfortunately removed at a later date. The one on the gospel side was the gift of the Third Order and represented St. Francis receiving the sacred stigmata; the other on the epistle side, donated by the archconfraternity of Christian Mothers, portrayed St. Monica kneeling on the sea shore and pleading for her son who has just left her by the ship in the distance. Christ was represented on high revealing to the afflicted mother the conversion and future greatness of her son, St. Augustine. Truly significant, too, are the two murals on the rear walls of the side naves. The painting above the baptistry, a memorial to Peter and George Schott, vividly illustrates the passing of the Old Law and the acceptance of the New. The blindfolded woman personifies the Jewish Church which, blindfolded by passion, rejected Christ the Savior. She is sitting in darkness and laments the ruins of the temple seen in the background. Her altar is desecrated, her sacrifices rejected, and therefore the seven-armed candlestick that once shed light at her worship lies extinguished and useless at her feet. Rejected by Him whom she ignored, the law of God symbolized by the tables of stone on her arm are a heavy burden. Opposite the blindfolded woman is the pure spouse of Christ, the Church of today, receiving wisdom from the lighted torch at her side and also strength by gathering into a chalice the life-giving blood flowing from Christ on the cross. The Heavenly Father supports the cross while the Holy Ghost hovers over all in the form of a dove. Worshipping angels surround the Blessed Trinity. (17) Brothers: Eleutherius Guggenbichler died June 18, 1877; Hilarian Busch died April 22, 1898; Elzear Joerger died in Bavaria on July 1, 1926. ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 70 [image] Very Rev. Hyacinth Epp, First Capucin Pastor, 1874 [image] Father Maurice Greck, Pastor, 1887; Built Present School [image] Rev. Joseph Anthony Ziegelmayer, Pastor, 1891-1894, 1903-1906, 1912-1915 images may be viewed at: http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/allegheny/church/staugustine-pittsburgh/070.jpg ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 71 On the opposite side and above the St. Anthony's chapel is another significant painting, the gift of a member of the Third Order. The painting illustrates the famous responsory of St. Bonaventure in honor of St. Anthony. In the lower section of the picture we see the saint's afflicted clients appealing for help. In the clouds above we behold St. Anthony with lilies, emblematic of his purity, kneeling in supplication before the Blessed Mother and her Divine Child. The Divine Infant looks with pity on the misery below and stretches forth his arms as though granting the prayers of the Wonder Worker of Padua. As the new church neared completion there were not wanting generous benefactors who donated the funds for various memorials. Among these were especially the Frauenheims who were not only responsible for the building itself but also solicitous for its interior appointments. Thus the organ built by the Roosevelt Company of Baltimore in 1884 was transferred to the new church and greatly improved by Roosevelt's successor, Adam Stein. The expenses incurred thereby were borne by Mrs. Catherine Frauenheim in memory of her lamented husband, Aloysius Frauenheim, who had used that instrument in the old church. The Stations, artistic products of Mayer and Company of Munich, valued at $1,200.00, were given by Mrs. Mary Regina Frauenheim. The latter also presented the set of white vestments used on the day of dedication. They are of the best quality of silk and masterpieces of embroidery made in Innsbruck at the cost of $2,000. Miss Rose Frauenheim gave the two imposing candelabra of marble and brass on either side of the high altar. They were worth $1200. The sedilia is the gift of Mrs. W. A. Heyl. The chandelier, originally in the dome, and presented by Messrs. Peter Kerner and Andrew Lackner, was in the form of a grand star of seven points and composed entirely of Swiss cut-glass prismatic beads in which were concealed thirty-five electric lights. The marble altar with its mosaic of St. Anthony in the St. Anthony Chapel was donated by the Stephen Schultis family. The mosaic was done in the renowned Art Studio at Venice. The altar railing in St. Anthony's Chapel is made of onyx and brass and is the gift of Mrs. Margaret Gruber. One of the reliquaries in this chapel was given by the Reiman children in memory of their father, Mr. Andrew L. Reiman; the other was donated by Mrs. Mary Hager. Thus by the contributions of the many, and by the special gifts of the few, was it possible to erect and equip this imposing temple of God. "I have loved, 0 Lord, the beauty of thy house; and the place where thy glory dwelleth." These words of the psalmist find eloquent expression in the present St. Augustine's Church.(18) The total income for the new church from January 1, 1899, till January 1, 1902, was $163,209.24, and the total expenditures during that time were $222,254.27. On January 1, 1902, the total parish debt was $87,958.46. Since the sum of $28,913.43 was old debt, the erection of the new church had added just $59,045.03 to the deficit.(19) As already mentioned, the lion's share of the expenses for the new church was borne by the Frauenheim family. Grateful for their heroic charity, the Capuchin Fathers took immediate steps to repay them spiritually. Due to the recommendation of the local Fathers, the Most Reverend Bernard Christen of Andermatt, O.M.Cap., Minister General of the Order, issued a document affiliating to the Capuchin Order Mrs. Mary Regina Frauenheim and her relatives to the (18) The description of the new St. Augustine's Church as given here is taken from Rev. Bernardine Kuhlmann's pamphlet: Dedication Souvenir of St. Augustine's Church, May 12, 1901, Pittsburgh, pp. 46. Hyacinth Epp, Kinderfreund, IX, pp. 83-85. (19) Financial Report, January 1, 1902. ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 73 HISTORY OF SAINT AUGUSTINE'S PARISH CHAPTER VII Pastorates of 1903-1918 And in doing good, let us not fail.—Gal., VI, 9 The erection of St. Augustine's Church in 1901 marked the climax in the material development of the parish. Equipped with a good church and rectory, school, convent and hall, there was no need for further building. Consequently, the history of the years that follow might well be the history of any well- organized parish whose pastors are intent on maintaining the high spiritual and material standing achieved by their zealous forbears. The following pages, then, will attempt but a brief survey of the later years, noting only the unusual things that transpired in each of the pastorates. When Father Charles retired from St. Augustine's, in August, 1903, Father Joseph Anthony Ziegelmayer, O.M.Cap., became pastor for the second time. The census which he took up in 1904 recorded approximately 1,000 families(1) with about 688 children attending school (2). Father Joseph took special interest in the catechetical instruction given in church on Sunday afternoons before the Vespers, and started the custom of giving a crucifix to the pupil who attended faithfully for three years after the reception of first Communion. The crucifix was blessed with the indulgence of the dying, and in conferring it, the pastor was wont to urge the recipient to treasure it throughout life, to clasp it in the hands at death, and to bear it along to the grave. No less interested was Father Joseph in urging the rosary devotion for the entire parish, and on Sunday, October 4, 1903, he started the rosary procession which has since become the annual practice. In fair weather the procession is outdoors. One June 26, 1904, the bells of St. Augustine's rang out a cheerful welcome to another priested son, Father Stephen Bienemann, O.M.Cap., who on that day celebrated his first solemn Mass. Father Joseph Anthony preached the sermon. In the same year on November 22, the stillness was broken by the mournful peal of the great St. George's bell tolling in measured strokes the death of Mrs. Mary Regina Frauenheim, the great benefactress of the church. Born at Osnabrueck, in the Province of Hanover, Germany, on September 28, 1832, she was one of eleven children of Joseph Henry and Anna Mary Meyer. At an early age she accompanied her parents to America and attended St. Philomena's School at Fourteenth Street. Later she pursued higher studies. In 1851, she married Edward Frauenheim while her sister entered the community of the Sisters of Notre Dame at Baltimore and became Mother Mary Evangelista, the Mother General of the community in the United States. In a brief life sketch of Mary Regina Frauenheim John W. Jordan says: Both she and her daughter Rose were deeply interested in the welfare of the Church and of various hospitals and in adding to the happiness and comfort of the poor and unfortunate in the community. She was also a generous donor to several charitable institutions in western Pennsylvania.(3) The funeral of Mrs. Frauenheim took place from St. Augustine's on November 25. Father Joseph Anthony celebrated the solemn Mass and a choir composed of Capuchin Fathers rendered the Gregorian chant. A large representation of clergy, both regular and diocesan, attended. Referring to her loss, Father Joseph said: Her great interest in St. Augustine's parish is generally known. Attachment to this parish was the reason why she continued to reside in the old family home; solicitude for the welfare of this parish prompted her in union with the other mem- (1) St. Aug., Nov., 1904, p. 4. (2) Ibid., Sept., 1903, p. 1. (3) Op. cit., pp. 152, 153. ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 74 [image] Aloysius Frauenheim Benefactor image may be viewed at: http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/allegheny/church/staugustine-pittsburgh/074.jpg ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 75 bers of her family to give the magnanimous gift without which this church could never have been built. And now that she is gone, the poor of this parish and the poor elsewhere will realize what she meant to them—she who was so tireless in doing good.(4) In 1905 and 1906 St. Augustine's was the scene of several noteworthy celebrations. On June 7, 1905, the Eucharistic League of Priests gathered there for its annual meeting. Father Hyacinth celebrated solemn Mass in the presence of the Bishop, the Most Reverend J. F. Regis Canevin, and carried the Blessed Sacrament in solemn procession. Father F. J. Eger of Newcastle(5) preached the sermon. On May 25, Father Patrick Leinsle, O.M.Cap., assistant in the parish for many years, celebrated his twenty-fifth anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood. Father Cassian Hartl, O.M.Cap., preached the sermon. In the afternoon the parish tendered greetings and gifts in the hall. To commemorate the beatification of Blessed Agathangelus and Blessed Cassian, martyrs of the Capuchin Order, a triduum was held from September 8-10. Father Bernard Nickel, O.M.Cap., preached the sermons. On January 21, 1906, the Most Rev. Regis Canevin, himself a fervent tertiary, presided and preached at a special Third Order Conference. On the material side Father Joseph renovated the old hall and started the Casino, a club for single and married men of the parish. The interior was altered so as to have a suitable place for bowling alleys, pool rooms, a library and assembly rooms. The expense was largely borne by the Casino organization itself. Thus passed the years of Father Joseph's second pastorate. When he stepped out of office to become Provincial he had reduced the parish debt by $24,704.28. In August, 1906, five years after the erection of the church, the debt stood at $37,453.25. Father Agatho Rolf, O.M.Cap., succeeded Father Joseph in August, 1906. He was born in Pittsburgh on February 18, 1869, entered the Capuchin Order in July, 1891, and was ordained priest on June 17, 1897. Father Agatho spent his early priestly years as assistant in Wheeling, then as superior and pastor in Charleston, W. Va. During the pastorate of Father Agatho occurred the death of Father Hyacinth, Founder of the Capuchin Province of Pennsylvania and first Capuchin pastor of St. Augustine's. Although attached to his beloved St. Augustine's, the cradle of the Province, Father Hyacinth had gone to Wheeling to consult a physician regarding his failing health. However, he had hardly arrived there when his ailment turned for the worse and on August 31, 1907, he passed to his reward. After the solemn obsequies in Wheeling the body was brought home to St. Augustine's where the seventy year old friar and priest had begun his historic work thirty-three years before. The writer distinctly remembers the sad home- coming of the saintly founder since he had the honor to be the cross-bearer in the procession of friars that met the body at the church's entrance on Monday afternoon, September 2, and to serve at the solemn Requiem on September 4. Father Joseph Anthony, Provincial, celebrated the solemn Mass and Fathers Benedict and Aloysius(6) assisted as deacon and subdeacon. Father Agatho was master of ceremonies. During the solemn A/lass at the high altar, Fathers Godhard, Mark, Raphael and Joseph Leonissa said low Masses at (4) St. Aug., Dec., 1904, p. 3. (5) Rev. Francis Joseph Eger was born on Aug. 4, 1863, at Carrolltown, Pa., and was ordained on July 8, 1886. Pastor of St. Joseph's Church, Newcastle, from 1888-1911, when he became pastor of St. Joseph's Church. Braddock, and held this office till his death on Nov. 9, 1936. Published: Golden Jubilee of St. Joseph's Church, Braddock, Pa., 1877-1927 (6) On Very Rev. Benedict Wich, O.M.Cap., see Chapter V. note 3. Very Rev. Aloysius Kausler, O.M.Cap., was born at Clearfield, Pa., on Nov. 9, 1864. Joined the Capuchin Order at Herman, Pa., on Oct. 14, 1882. Ordained June 21, 1888. Pursued higher studies at Eichstaett, Bavaria, from 1889-1890, and at the University of Innsbruck from 1890-1891. Lector of dogmatic theology at SS. Peter and Paul's Monastery, Cumberland, Md., from 1891-1921. Superior of Capuchin College, Washington, D.C., from July, 1921-Feb., 1922. Pastor of St. Joseph's Church, Dover, O., from 1925-1931. Provincial Consultor for nineteen years. Wrote The History of St. Stephen's and St. Ann's Missions, Garrett Co., Md., 1820-1920. Died at Dover, O., on Dec. 6, 1931. "The Passing of Father Aloysius, O.M.Cap.," in St. Francis Home Journal, Jan., 1932, pp. 4, 5. ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 76 the side altars. After the Mass Father Joseph preached the eulogy and Bishop Canevin pronounced the absolution. A choir of twenty Capuchins rendered the Gregorian Chant in the sanctuary. The large attendance of clergy and laity attested the esteem in which Father Hyacinth was held. Besides the Most Rev. Regis Canevin, Bishop of Pittsburgh, there were present: the Right Rev. Leander Schnerr, O.S.B., then Archabbot of St. Vincent's, Latrobe, Pa.; the Right Rev. F. L. Tobin; the Right Rev. M. Kittel, and fifty-four other priests including representatives of the various religious Orders. Many priests were prevented from attending owing to the annual clergy retreat.(7) In his sermon Father Joseph gave a graphic description of the life of Father Hyacinth, stressing especially his work as founder of the Province, his zeal as a religious priest working for the salvation of souls, his affability and kindness as a confrere. He said in part: But a few days ago the Capuchin Province of Pennsylvania commemorated the twenty-fifth anniversary of its independent existence, and today we stand sorrowing at the grave of its founder and father. With him we lay to rest the last of the three pioneers who came to this country thirty-four years ago and laid the foundation of the Pennsylvania Province. Today we are bereft of our strongest support, our wisest and most experienced counsellor. Our strongest pillar is broken. With Father Hyacinth's death the first volume of our history is closed. Referring to his work at St. Augustine's, he continued: For St. Augustine's his loss is especially keen and sad. Here was the cradle of our Province, for here Father Hyacinth began his blessed ministry in the new world, and here amidst many a trial he won the esteem and affection not only of the members of this parish but also of the German Catholics in general. Here, too, he spent most of his. years in the service of God, in the vineyard of the Lord. From the pulpit of the old church his unctuous words most frequently resounded, words that moved the sinner, consoled the sorrowing and encouraged the despairing. Many of my hearers will find it difficult to realize that this venerable priest will no more go daily to the altar to offer the sacrifice; that his convincing words will no more be heard from the pulpit, and that another will have his place in the confessional. The speaker concluded his discourse with an appeal for prayers and a touching apostrophe to the departed: Rest in peace, wise Teacher and Guide of my youth. Farewell, faithful Friend and Father.(8) Father Hyacinth was buried in St. Augustine's Cemetery in the plot reserved for the Capuchin friars. While the funeral procession passed the convent grounds of Mount Alvernia in Millvale, the motherhouse of the Franciscan Sisters whose spiritual adviser the departed had been, the little convent bell tolled a sad farewell. At the grave the Capuchin choir chanted the Benedictus while the casket was lowered into its last resting place beneath the great cross. In the pastorate of Father Agatho the Most Reverend Bishop Canevin came again for a Third Order meeting on September 17, 1908.(9) The occasion was the jubilee of the Holy Father, Pope Pius X. The Bishop assisted at Mass and addressed the fraternity. From January 26-29, 1908, Father Agatho also arranged for a retreat for the young men. Two of the evening sermons were preached by the late Right Reverend W. McMullen, Vicar General (died 1938), and one sermon by Father Cyril Meis, C.P., and one by Father Agatho. When Father Agatho retired from office in August, 1909, he had reduced the debt by $13,458.15. There still remained a debt of $22,544.18. The successor of Father Agatho was Father Ignatius Weisbruch, O.M.Cap. Born in Peoria, Ill., on October 1, 1875, he entered the Capuchin Order in 1893 and was ordained priest on June 21, 1899. Previous to his appointment as pastor of St. Augustine's, he had been stationed twice at Pittsburgh, once as curate and then as lector of theology to the student priests. He had also spent some years at Herman, first as professor, then as guardian and pastor. (7) Kinderfreund, IX, pp. 181-183, has a description of the solemn obsequies. (8) "Trauerrede bei der Begraebniszfeier," by Very Rev. Joseph Anthony Ziegelmayer, O.M.Cap. Kinderfreund, IX, pp. 183-186. (9) Rev. Cyprian Gehrling, O.M.Cap., Kurze Geschichte des . . . Dritt-Ordens- Zweiges, pp. 8, 9. ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 77 Father Ignatius introduced the twelve Sunday devotions in honor of the Immaculate Conception in 1909. The next year he inaugurated and directed the Holy Name Society in the parish at large and among the boys in each of the grades in school. The mission which he arranged from December 31, 1911-January 14, 1912, was preached by the Jesuit Fathers: Herman Joseph Elskamp, John Spirig and Henry Jordans. The mission was exceptionally well attended, especially by the men. The St. Augustinus gives an edifying picture of the missionaries addressing three assemblies at the same time—one in the hall where more than 450 unmarried men had assembled for the English sermon, another in the Casino hall where over 200 attended the German sermon, and a third in the church where a large crowd of married men had gathered.(10) Recognizing the necessity of uniting Catholics against the threatening dangers of socialism, the pastor introduced in 1911 a new society called the Volksverein. Founded in Germany in 1890 by the celebrated leader of the Catholic Center Party, Ludwig von Windthorst, its purpose was to promote social justice and to counteract the communistic activities. About this time the Volksverein had found its way into many German parishes of Pittsburgh and accomplished untold good by uniting the Catholics, both men and women, young and old, and keeping them informed regarding dangerous legislation, unworthy candidates for public office and in general promoting social justice and what we today call Catholic Action.(11) In the material order Father Ignatius installed steam-heating in the Casino, frescoed the convent chapel and built a substantial shelter house in the cemetery. Through the generosity of Branch 103 of the L.C.B.A., new desks were placed in the commercial class rooms. Over and above these improvements, Father Ignatius has the distinction of having wiped out the last vestige of debt on the church by paying within the three years of his pastorate $22,607.08. Announcing this welcome news in the St. Augustinus, the pastor remarked: "Let us on this occasion give thanks to God for his goodness and Providence in protecting us against misfortune and in preserving in the members of this parish the spirit of cheerful sacrifice."(12) Among the outstanding events of this pastorate we record the following: From July 10-12, 1910, the Seventeenth Annual Convention of the German Staatsverband assembled at St. Augustine's. Most Reverend J. M. Koudelka, Auxiliary Bishop of Cleveland, sang Pontifical Mass at ten o'clock and the Reverend John M. Seimetz of Catasauqua delivered the sermon. The Most Reverend Regis Canevin presided.(13) In this pastorate the following sons of the parish sang their first solemn Masses: Father Gregory Loebach, O.M.Cap., on June 26, 1910; Father Thomas, O.M.Cap., preached; Father Albert Bliss, O.M.Cap., on July 2, 1911; Father Agatho, O.M.Cap., preached; Father Albert Bliss, O.M.Cap., on June 23, 1912; Father Godhardt, O.M.Cap., preached; Father Martin Fuchs, O.M.Cap., on June 30, 1912; Father Cassian preached. On December 29, 1910, Father Lawrence Beck, O.M.Cap., celebrated the silver jubilee of his ordination to the priesthood. On the same occasion Sister Mary Agatha, Sister of the Reverend Jubilarian, commemorated the twenty-fifth anniversary of her entrance into the community of Divine Providence. At the solemn Mass Father Joseph Anthony Ziegelmayer, O.M.Cap., assisted the Reverend Jubilarian as archpriest; Father John B. Haeckler, pastor of St. Henry's Church, Pittsburgh, was deacon, and Father Aloysius Kausler, O.M.Cap., of Cumberland, Md., was subdeacon. Father Charles Steppling, pastor of St. Basil's Church, Carrick, and Father Cassian Hartl, O.M.Cap., were masters of ceremonies. Father Cassian also preached the sermon. Since Father Lawrence was the first Capuchin product of St. Fidelis Seminary, the alumni of this institution joined the Beck family in a grand reunion at (10) Jan., 1912, p. 8. (11) Der Volksverein, English and German Editions, Brooklyn, 1915. (12) July 1912 p. 8. (13) Report on this convention bears the title: Seventeenth Convention of the Staatsverband at St. Augustine's Hall Pittsburgh 1910. ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 78 [image] Edward Frauenheim, Sr. [image] Mrs. Regina Mary Frauenheim [image] Rose Frauenheim [image] Mrs. Clare Josephine Frauenheim O'Reilly images may be viewed at: http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/allegheny/church/staugustine-pittsburgh/078.jpg ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 79 both the Mass and at the banquet in St. Augustine's hall.(14) On February 5, 1911, the Most Reverend Regis Canevin came to St. Augustine's to conduct the canonical visitation. In the afternoon he inspected the church and sacristy whereupon he went to the rectory to view the books and sign them. In the evening the Holy Name Society escorted the Bishop to the church where he preached and gave benediction. The writer in the St. Augustinus remarks that this was the first time the parish ever had the canonical visitation.(15) Father Ignatius retired from the pastorate in July, 1912. Since then he has been active in parochial work in Wheeling, New Philadelphia, Ohio, and in several parishes in Kansas. From July, 1915-July, 1918, he held the office of Provincial and again in August, 1936, which office he holds at present. The next two pastors of St. Augustine's held the office but for a short time. Father Richard Dei, O.M.Cap., succeeded Father Ignatius, but ill health forced him to resign in October, three months after his appointment. His successor was Father Mark Haas, O.M.Cap., a son of the parish. In his brief pastorate of one month he introduced the Holy Hour of reparation on Thursday evenings. But he, too, was unwell and finding the burden too heavy resigned in November. The choice then fell on a former incumbent whose name was a household word among the people, Father Joseph Anthony Ziegelmayer, O.M.Cap. One of his first moves as pastor was to set up a pamphlet rack in the vestibule of the church in order to give the people ample opportunity to keep themselves informed on religious and social topics. In 1913, he made a parish visitation and collected $3,214.00 for defraying the expenses of renovating the church. The walls and ceiling were frescoed, the altars and statutes painted and the pews varnished for the sum of $5,800.00. The organ received a new bellows and an electric motor for $350.00. After the renovation of the church Father Joseph undertook the restoration of the school. For this purpose he started a collection which was to run over a period of several months. To the pastor's disappointment, the collection was not popular and netted only $174.50. This indifference of the people toward their school drew from Father Joseph the following bitter remarks: It is superfluous to make any remarks on the results of the school collection. Everyone can measure for himself the interest of the parish in the school even after the school fee and monthly collection have been abolished. It is difficult to write about this matter without becoming bitter. They on!y can appreciate the blessings of the parochial school who have never enjoyed them. Ingratitude is one of the worst vices, and they are guilty of it who themselves have been trained in the Catholic school, and allow their children to be trained therein but who make no sacrifice for it.(16) On another occasion the old pastor gave vent to his feelings as he contemplated the changes in the parish and in its spirit. He remarked: This month (November, 1913) it is forty years since the Capuchins came to Lawrenceville and to St. Augustine's. How many, or rather, how few can still remember Thirty-seventh Street as it was in those days! Will the changes of the next forty years be so marked? Hardly. The older a city, the slower the changes. Even St. Augustine's parish has seen its best days. It is going backward rather than forward. For several years the number of baptisms has decreased, the number of children is less, the spirit of sacrifice is notably declining, the good, old-fashioned members are dying out and the younger generation does not possess the same spirit of generosity for the church and the school. Don't say: "The pastor must have had the 'blues' when he wrote this." Not at all. True, this is bleak November weather as he writes these lines; but he knew this parish for about forty years; he knows it today, and therefore he knows what he writes. He feels sure, too, that all the older members of the parish will agree with him. These thoughts have strayed into my mind as I tried to reckon how many Indian heads would be necessary to put a copper roof on both church and school!(17) Doubtless, the allusion to the Indian heads refers to the predominance of copper pennies in the collection basket. In 1915, however toward the close of his third term as pastor Father Joseph was made happy by the suc- (14) St. Aug., Jan., 1911, pp. 2-5. (15) Feb., 1911. p. 8. (16) St. Aug., Sept., 1914, p. 9. (17) Ibid., Nov., 1913, p. 8. ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 80 cessful collection of gold and silver for a beautiful chalice and ciborium to commemorate the golden jubilee of the foundation of the parish. Taking the year 1860 as the beginning of organization, the year 1910 marked the fiftieth year. In an appeal entitled: "Better Late than Never", the pastor reminded the parishioners of the significant date already passed and suggested that they still commemorate it by presenting a jubilee chalice to the church. Instead of asking money, the pastor requested each member to make a personal sacrifice of jewelry, gold or silver, new or old, and present it for the making of a chalice. The result was so gratifying that enough gold and silver were collected for a chalice, paten and ciborium. The vessels were made by W. J. Feeley Company, Goldsmiths of Providence, R.I., and are masterpieces of gold studded with precious stones. The chalice bears the inscription: "Jubilee Gift of St. Augustine's Parish to its Church." The chalice was used for the first time on the first Sunday of October, 1915, at the seven o'clock Mass which was offered for all the donors. During this third pastorate of Father Joseph Anthony the following sons of the parish sang their first solemn Masses at St. Augustine's: Father Augustine Waldvogel, O.M.Cap., on May 31, and Father Edgar Riemer, O.M.Cap., on June 7, 1914. Father Joseph Anthony preached for the former celebration and Father Cassian Hartl, O.M.Cap., for the latter. In 1915, Father Anscar Zawart, O.M.Cap., sang his first solemn Mass on May 30 at seven o'clock and Father Justin Walz, O.M.Cap., at ten o'clock. The sermons were preached by Fathers Clement Pfeifer, O.M.Cap., and Godhard Friedmann, O.M.Cap. Father Joseph completed his third term in July, 1915. Broken in health he lived at the local friary without holding any office. About four years later, on May 25, 1919, he passed away at the age of sixty-five. Father Ignatius Weisbruch, O.M.Cap., Ex-Provincial at the time, sang the solemn Requiem and the Right Rev. Stephen Walsh, pastor of St. James' Church, Wilkinsburg, preached an eloquent and touching sermon. The Most Reverend Bishop, Regis Canevin, performed the last absolution. A host of priests and religious including the Rt. Rev. Archabbot Aurelius Stehle, O.S.B., of St. Vincent's, Latrobe attended the obsequies. His remains rest in St. Augustine's Cemetery, near the companions of his early labors, with Fathers Maurice and Hyacinth with whom his name is inseparably linked.(18) The next pastor was an old acquaintance, Father Agatho Rolf. Since the parish buildings had been so thoroughly renovated in recent years, there was little to do in this respect. Consequently, the new pastor, a fervent friend of the missions, endeavored to make the parish mission-minded. He himself had been instrumental in establishing the Catholic Students' Mission Crusade, having presided at the organizing meeting held at Techny, Illinois, in 1918. True to his conviction, he sought to inspire the parish with a practical love for the missions. Accordingly, in 1915, he conducted a grand mission bazaar that netted $2,058.89. The next year he organized the Little Flower Mission Circle composed of young ladies who volunteered their leisure to sew for the poor churches in mission lands. In many ways, both in the church and in the school, he continued to interest the parish in the "other sheep not of this fold." The outstanding work of Father Agatho in this regard was the establishment of the Missionary Confraternity of Christian Doctrine at St. Augustine's. This noble work was founded by Miss Mary Dunn of St. John the Baptist Parish on June 21, 1908. Its purpose was to instruct the Catholic children in outlying districts lacking both church and school. In January, 1916, Father Agatho established the Confraternity at St. Augustine's to catechize the neglected Catholic children, chiefly Italians and Slavs, living within the limits of the parish. Every Sunday after the childrens' Mass these children gathered into the parlors of the monastery to receive instruction from volunteer teachers under the supervision of Father Agatho. Happily, this work has continued to the present day.(19) (18) Seraphic Home Journal, June, 1919, pp. 37-38. This obituary states erroneously that Bishop Domenec ordained Fr. Joseph. He was ordained by Bishop Tuigg. (19) Cf. Silver Jubilee of the Missionary Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Pittsburgh, 1933. ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 81 During the pastorate of Father Agatho the sanctuary was enriched with a costly credence table of onyx and gilded brass, cut-glass cruets and gilt plate. The donor was Mrs. Albert Brandner who chose this way to honor the memory of her late husband. The baptistry was also enhanced by a new altar with artistic relief donated by a friend of the Suffering Souls. On May 28, 1916, Father William Stehle, O.M.Cap., returned to sing his first solemn Mass in his home parish. Father Cassian, O.M.Cap., preached. An unprecedented honor came to the parish on December 8, 1916, when Pope Benedict XV conferred the Knighthood of St. Gregory on Mr. Charles Jaegle. Born on September 19, 1854, in Freiburg in Breisgau, he came to the United States in 1868 and settled in Pittsburgh. He married Elizabeth Koebert on August 30, 1874. In 1880, he was chosen first editor and manager of the Pittsburgher Beobachter, and in 1898, he established the Pittsburgh Observer, a Catholic weekly. Later he edited the Knight of St. George, the organ of the Knights of that Order. Mr. Charles Jaegle was highly honored by the Most Rev. Bernard Christen of Andermatt, O.M.Cap., General of the Capuchins, who in 1893 affiliated him to the Capuchin Order. This affiliation entitled him and his descendants to the third generation to participate in all the Masses and good works of the Order. Mr. Jaegle was also a charter member of the Catholic Press Association and for many years its treasurer. The knighting of Mr. Jaegle took place in St. Augustine's Church on April 22, 1917. The Most Rev. Regis Canevin, Bishop of Pittsburgh, officiated. Up to that time Mr. Jaegle was, so far as we have ascertained, the only Catholic of the Pittsburgh Diocese to be made a Knight of St. Gregory. Mr. Jaegle bore his distinction with honor yet with humility, occupying his privileged place in the sanctuary on solemn occasions. He died on November, 1926, and was buried in St. Augustine's Cemetery. The Right Rev. William F. Stadelman, C.S.Sp., officiated.(20) On August 19, 1917, St. Augustine's was honored by a visit of the Most Rev. Venantius Dodo, a Lisle en Rigault, General of the Capuchin Order. On this occasion he made a brief address to the tertiaries of St. Francis.(21) Under the pastorate of Father Agatho, the following sons of the parish sang their first Solemn High Mass: Rev. Hyacinth Steigner, O.M.Cap., June, 1917; and Rev. Theodore Schillo, O.M.Cap., May 19, 1918. Father Agatho preached the festive sermon for Father Theodore. Father Agatho's pastorate ended in July, 1918. In keeping with his apostolic love for the missions, he volunteered his services for the Capuchin Mission of Kansu, China, although in years he was well beyond the fiftieth milestone. For a decade he worked zealously, bearing all the hardships inseparable from mission life in the Orient, and when about to return to the land of his birth, was stricken with the dreaded typhus and passed to his reward on July 7, 1931. He is buried in Tsinchow. His name will be in benediction not only in St. Augustine's and other parishes of the homeland, but also in far-off China for whose conversion he shortened his years. (20) St. Aug., Dec., 1916, pp. 8, 9; Acta Apost. Sedis Dec., 1916, p. 463. (21) Analecta O.M.Cap., vol. XXXIII, Rome, 1917, p. 198. ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 82 [image] Mrs. Clementina Frauenheim Epping [image] Edward J. Frauenheim [image] Joeph Elsesser, Sr., Oldest Living Member of St. Augustine Parish. Born October 27, 1851; baptized in St. Philomena's Church; received First Holy Communion in St. Augustine's Church May 15, 1864 [image] Leopold Vilsack images may be viewed at: http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/allegheny/church/staugustine-pittsburgh/082.jpg ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 83 HISTORY OF SAINT AUGUSTINE'S PARISH CHAPTER VIII The Later Years— 1918-1938 In holiness and justice before Him all our days.--Luke, II, 75 To introduce Father Philip Knupfer, O.M.Cap., who succeeded Father Agatho in July, 1918, let me quote what was written of him on the occasion of his untimely death: He was a missionary of rare energy, a zealous pastor, loved by his people wherever he labored and a popular confessor from his ordination till his very death. Hours and hours in the confessional seemed never to weary him, and his memory will be held dear by penitents without number. Father Philip attracted scores of converts to the faith. The instruction of converts and the young folks in the parishes was a work he dearly loved. These lovable qualities together with his amazing energy and unabating zeal for souls were his characteristics; and for these qualities he will ever be remembered by his fellow priests and confreres and the people among whom he labored.(1) Father Philip was born in Aichstetten, Germany, on November 10, 1878, and came to this country in early childhood. He entered the Capuchin Order on July 16, 1901, and was ordained on June 19, 1908. His first appointment was as assistant at St. Alphonsus' Church, Wheeling, whence he departed for the missions of Mariental, Kansas. Here he performed truly apostolic work until 1913, when he became pastor of St. Mary's Church at Ellis, Kansas. The year 1915 found him in Cumberland, Md., as guardian of the monastery and pastor of SS. Peter and Paul's Church. In July, 1918, he was appointed pastor of St. Augustine's. A great devotee of the missions, he introduced the Catholic Students' Mission Crusade into the school and encouraged the pupils in divers ways to save their pennies for ransoming souls in pagan lands. Thus at his suggestion the children saved $370.00 for the missions by abstaining from delicacies and amusements during the Advent of 1921. Having no debts on the parish, the pastor lent a helping hand to others whose circumstances were less favorable. Sometimes it was the proceeds of a play staged at his suggestion, at other times it was an outright appeal and collection, the proceeds of which he would bestow upon the needy. In 1921, St. Cecilia's, Rochester, Pa., benefited to the extent of $456.41, and the European Relief fund received $2,000.00 from St. Augustine's which placed the parish on the honor roll of the diocese. With all his charity Father Philip accumulated $15,955.18 during his term of office and left a surplus of $24,600.41 in the treasury. His interest in the Casino Club and in the young people in general is still remembered in the parish. He heartily recommended the consolidation of the Casino Club for men and of the Laetitia Club for the ladies. As a result of the merger, both clubs increased membership and more companionship was fostered among the young people of the parish. The library, too, engaged his attention and he was ever on the lookout for suitable reading-matter for the people. The following priests sang their first solemn Masses during the pastorate of Father Philip: Father Robert Meis, O.M.Cap., on June 29, 1919, and Father Claude Vogel, O.M.Cap., on May 29, 1921. Father Felix M. Kirsch, O.M.Cap., preached at the former celebration and Father Agatho Rolf, O.M.Cap., at the latter. In July, 1921, Father Philip was transferred to Cumberland and Father Cassian Hartl, O.M.Cap., became pastor of St. Augustine's. Born in Schongau, Bavaria, on August 21, 1868, he came to America in his early years. After due preparation he entered the Capuchin novitiate on July 16, 1887. On August 29, 1893, he was ordained to the priesthood. Father Cassian spent his first priestly years as teacher and director of St. Fidelis Seminary. Later he engaged in (1) St. Francis Home Journal, February, 1931, p. 58. ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 84 parish work in Wheeling and Pittsburgh, becoming director of Toner Institute, a home for delinquent boys: He also spent some years as director of St. Joseph's College in Hays, Kansas. One of the first improvements undertaken by Father Cassian as pastor of St. Augustine's was the repairing of the roads in the cemetery. Curbs were placed and concrete laid wherever necessary. Father Clement Pfeifer, O.M.Cap., assistant at the time, deserves special credit for supervising the work. A new furnace was installed in the parish house and repairs were made in the hall. These improvements required an outlay of $7,242.95. On January 1, 1922, St. Augustine's witnessed its first departure service for two missionaries destined for China, Father Agatho Rolf and Father Rudolph Blockinger. Father Fidelis Meier, O.M.Cap., delivered the sermon on this occasion. The speaker emphasized the nobleness of the two pioneers of our Province and called upon the faithful to support them spiritually and materially. About forty priests attended. One of the first to take to heart the suggestion of Father Fidelis in his departure sermon was the pastor himself. He immediately organized the Kansu Mission Club to assist the missionaries with church equipment. Every Thursday evening after the Holy Hour the members met in the parish library to sew and do other work for the Capuchin Mission of Kansu. The school children, too, were enrolled in the mission cause and on one occasion their little sacrifices netted $420.00 for the missions. In 1923, from January 21 to February 4, a fruitful mission was conducted by Fathers Chrysostom Theobald, O.F.M., Andrew Henze, O.F.M., and Cyril Georgel, O.F.M., Franciscans of the Cincinnati Province. In July, 1923, Father Cassian completed two years of pastoral work at St. Augustine's and was transferred to St. Fidelis Church in Victoria, Kansas. Here he remained pastor till 1927, when he died as a result of a stroke. His genial character has won a lasting place in the hearts of his people. Successor to Father Cassian was Father Philip reappointed to St. Augustine's after his two years of parochial work in Cumberland. The new pastor endeavored especially to interest the parish in the school, and through his appeals in the St. Augustinus he increased the number of scholarships for the commercial department and promoted study by insisting that normally the scholarship should be won by competition. In 1924, Father Philip had the woodwork of the parish house repaired and painted and the church organ completely overhauled. Zeal for decorum during the church services led him to sponsor the organization of the Ushers' Club in 1926. The corps of ushers meet once a month and discuss ways and means to promote harmony and good order during the services. The first officers in the club were: Charles E. Benz, President; Louis Dadowski, Jr., Secretary; Matthew Werries, Jr., Treasurer.(2) Charity for the missions and other worthy causes continued to be one of the pastor's outstanding qualities. In 1924 a collection and a. raffle brought $1,148.29 toward building the new wing of St. Fidelis Seminary at Herman, while another collection netted $841.34 for Fathers Agatho and Rudolph in China. In 1925, the missionary gifts of the parish amounted to $4,367.56 and the parish was superseded only by the cathedral. In 1926, the charities reached $6,914.74, which again gave the second honors to St. Augustine's.(3) No less remarkable was the charitable spirit of the parish in the diocesan campaign for education launched by Bishop Boyle in 1924. The parish assessment was $17,704.00 to be paid within five years. With the usual enthusiasm and leadership Father Philip went to work. Calmly he organized his collectors and sent them to every door in the parish. At the close of the campaign on April 6, $10,122.43 were already paid in cash, and by June 18, 1926, the assessment was overpaid by more than one thousand dollars. Thus, $18,652,53 were sent to the Bishop within two years after the campaign. The final years of Father Philip's pastorate were also distinguished by various ecclesias- (2) Constitution for St. Augustine's Usher Club, 1926. Parish archives. (3) St. Aug., April, 1925, p. 68; March, 1926, p. 50. ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 85 tical celebrations. On October 5, 1924, the Third Order Fraternity commemorated the fiftieth anniversary of its establishment in the parish. A triduum preached by the Reverend Fulgence Meyer, O.F.M., preceded the day of jubilee. On the day itself the Most Reverend Bishop Hugh C. Boyle pontificated and Father Sigmund Cratz., O.M.Cap., preached the sermon. The tertiaries, about seven hundred strong, wearing cord and scapular, marched in procession from the hall to the church. A second and more solemn tertiary celebration occurred from September 19-21, 1926, when the Provincial Tertiary Convention was held at St. Augustine's. Besides the Most Reverend Hugh C. Boyle who pontificated on Sunday, September 19, the following members of the hierarchy were present: Most Reverend Anselm Kenealy, O.M.Cap., Archbishop of Simla, India;(4); Most Reverend John J. Swint, Bishop of Wheeling; and Most Reverend Francis Tief, Bishop of Concordia, Kansas. The afternoon witnessed the great mass meeting of 2600 tertiaries in the Harris Theatre. Again the prelates graced the occasion and addressed the tertiaries. A host of clergy, both diocesan and regular, attended the convention. Representing the tertiaries affiliated with their respective provinces were Very Reverend Bede Hess, O.M.C.,(5) of Seaside Park, N.J.; Very Reverend Vincent Schremp, O.F.M., of Chicago, and Reverend Father Ludger Werth, O.M.Cap., of New York City. The polyphonic choir of St. Paul's Cathedral under the direction of the Reverend Charles Rossini rendered the music for the occasion. In 1925 and 1926, Father Philip took kindly notice of the golden jubilees of the Ladies' Sodality and of the Young Mens' Conference. On both occasions the members assembled for commemorative services.(6) On June 7, 1925, Father Edward Heyl, O.M.Cap., returned to his home parish to celebrate the twenty- fifth anniversary of his ordination. Father Julius Becker, O.M.Cap., preached the jubilee sermon. On June 28, 1925, Father Nicholas Krebs, O.M.Cap., another son of the parish, sang his first solemn Mass and Father Anscar Zawart, preached. This second pastorate of Father Philip terminated in July, 1926. Deploring Father Philip's departure the writer in the St. Augustinus remarked: Though he has left no monument of brick and mortar, he has engraved his name in the hearts of the parishioners of St. Augustine's by his great zeal and devotion, as well as by his success in working for the welfare of the parish . His absence will be felt in the school, in the societies, in the home, in the church.(7) From St. Augustine's Father Philip went to Wheeling as pastor of St. Alphonsus. But he had hardly begun his work when his health began to fail and he was forced to resign his office. He remained in Wheeling assisting in the parish in so far as his health would permit until December 27, 1930, when a heart attack called him to his eternal reward. Father Gilbert Stickelmeier, O.M.Cap., succeeded Father Philip in July, 1926. Born in Peoria, Ill., on June 1, 1889, he entered the Capuchin Order in July, 1910, and was ordained to the priesthood on May 31, 1917. After rendering chaplain service in the world war he served chiefly in the West, partly as pastor and partly as director of St. Joseph's College in Hays. On assuming office the new pastor recognized the necessity of extensive material improvements. The smoke and soot of Pittsburgh had wrought their usual havoc on the walls and ceiling of the church hence the Rambusch Company of New York were summoned to redecorate the church and to install new lighting fixtures. The altars were painted by John Zawart and the statues by (4) Resigned his archdiocese on January 13, 1936, and retired to the Capuchin friary at Pantasaph, England. Analecta O.M.Cap., March, 1936. p. 71. (5) Most Rev. Bede Hess, O.M.C., was born on November 16. 1885, and professed as a Franciscan Friar Minor Conventual on November 17, 1901. Ordained on July 26, 1908. Prominent missionary and orator. Resided for many years at Seaside Park. N. J. Residing in Rome as General of his Order since 1935. Schematismus FF. Min. Conv., Syracuse, 1926, p. 117. (6) Cyprian Gehrling, O.M.Cap.. History of the Young Ladies' Sodality, 1875- 1925, Pittsburgh. 1925, pp. 39. (7) August, 1926. P. 152. ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 86 [images] Mr. and Mrs. Titus Berger [images] Peter Kerner [images] Simon Wald images may be viewed at: http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/allegheny/church/staugustine-pittsburgh/086.jpg ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 87 William Maetzkus. A marble wainscotting was built in the sanctuary and shrines were erected in honor of St. Ann and of the Little Flower. A set of gold vestments was also purchased for the sum of $1,282.00. After renovating the church Father Gilbert turned his attention to the school and the cemetery. In the school new maple floors replaced the old, new desks were purchased and drinking fountains installed on each floor. At the cemetery a retaining wall 160 feet long and ten feet high was erected near the entrance. The cost of all these improvements mounted to more than $30,000, but since the church had a surplus fund of more than fifteen thousand dollars, and the pastor raised a like sum by a house collection, bazaars and entertainments, the parish was saved from debt. Father Gilbert also made other changes in the parish. In 1927 he introduced the eleven o'clock Mass on Sundays and arranged the other Masses at a more convenient hour. In order to gain more time for preaching the word of God he reduced the pulpit announcements to a minimum and issued a weekly bulletin containing all other parish information. Striving to arouse the laity to a more active participation in the services, he appointed the various parish organizations to take their regular turn in conducting the Holy Hour on Thursday evenings. The system has worked out well and is still observed. Having established the Archconfraternity of the Cord of St. Francis in the parish, Father Gilbert invested all the school children as cordbearers on December 3, 1926. In 1927, he also started St. Augustine's Alumni Association among the graduates of the school. Its purpose is to foster among the graduates an active interest in the affairs of their Alma Mater. December 23, 1928, brought special joy to the parish, for it marked the home-coming of two youthful neophytes to sing their first solemn Masses. Father Aurelius Nickel, O.M.Cap., celebrated at 9:30 and Father Anscar, O.M.Cap., preached. Father Elmar Praxmarer followed at 11:00 o'clock and Father Leonard Dorn, O.M.Cap., preached. Father Gilbert left St. Augustine's in July, 1929, to join the Mission Band of St. Augustine's Province. In this capacity he preached missions and retreats in many States of the Union. Since 1931, he has been engaged in missionary work in Puerto Rico. The next pastorate, although full of promise, was of short duration. Father Wendelin Green, O.M.Cap., succeeded Father Gilbert but after scarcely seven months, untimely death cut short his hopeful career. Father Wendelin was born at Carbon Center, Pa., on July 16, 1880. He entered the Capuchin Order in July, 1900, and was ordained on June 20, 1906. Throughout his priestly career Father Wendelin was engaged in parish work, first as curate at St. Augustine's, then at SS. Peter and Paul's, Cumberland. In 1913, he became pastor of the Sacred Heart Church at New Philadelphia, Ohio, going thence to St. Cecilia's, Rochester, Pa., for six years. He returned to New Philadelphia for one year and in 1921, he became guardian and pastor of St. Mary's, Herman, where he remained for three years. From 1924 till July, 1927, he was pastor at Rochester and during 1928 and part of 1929, he was pastor at Herman. In July, 1929, he succeeded Father Gilbert as pastor of St. Augustine's.(8) One of the first changes inaugurated by Father Wendelin was the introduction of the weekly envelope system to obtain church revenue not only from the fathers and mothers but also from all over sixteen years of age who are capable of contributing. The system has proved its worth many times. A man of apostolic faith and zeal, Father Wendelin appealed urgently to the people of St. Augustine's to adopt a parish in Puerto Rico, the new mission field of the Pennsylvania Capuchins. He said in the St. Augustinus: "St. Augustine's parish at Pittsburgh should and will adopt one of these little chapels in Puerto Rico, build it, name it our baby church of St. Augustine in Puerto Rico, and keep on mothering it until it is able to take care of itself."(9) It is significant that one month later the St. Augustinus bearing the news of Father Wendelin's death, carried also the following notice regarding the Capu- (8) St. Aug., February, 1930, pp. 21, 22. (9) Ibid., January, 1930, p. 10. ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 88 chin missionaries in Puerto Rico: "St. Augustine's parish has given these missionaries one thousand dollars towards the little St. Augustine's Chapel which the parish has adopted in Puerto Rico."(10) This same little chapel, the "Baby St. Augustine's" is still mothered by St. Augustine's parish of Pittsburgh. What other ideals and projects Father Wendelin had in mind for the good of the parish will probably never be known in this world, for on the night of February 18, 1930, death came with a simple heart attack and cut down his victim in the fulness of his years. After the solemn Requiem at St. Augustine's on February 22, the earthly remains were taken to Herman to be interred in the friars' plot of St.Mary's Cemetery. A large delegation from St. Augustine's attended the funeral. We now meet Father Ferdinand Hartung, O.M.Cap., as pastor. Born in Pittsburgh on September 29, 1879, he became a Capuchin on July 15, 1900, and a priest on June 20, 1906. His first appointment was to St. Fidelis Seminary where he taught for ten years. From 1917-1918 he was in charge of the mission at Freedom, Pa. From 1918-1921, he was pastor at Herndon, Kansas, whence he came as pastor to Charleston, W. Va., and remained till 1924. His next appointment was as professor at Hays College, Kansas, where he remained till 1926. Then he was transferred to St. Augustine's as assistant pastor and secretary to the Father Provincial. Upon the death of Father Wendelin he assumed the office of pastor. Father Ferdinand will be remembered for the road repairs in the cemetery and for the erection of a house for the caretaker. He also had the walls and ceiling of the hall washed, the woodwork given the mahogany finish and new lights installed. During the depression years he opened a soup kitchen and fed daily as high as 200 and more children who otherwise could not have attended school because of under-nourishment. Both in the pulpit and in the pages of the St. Augustinus he begged food for the soup kitchen and organized a staff of cooks who gave generously of their time and skill to preparing substantial and tasty meals for the children of the poor. In the spiritual realm he introduced the all-day exposition and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament on the first Fridays of the month. Permission for this had been granted by the Most Reverend Bishop. In 1932, from February 14-28, a mission was conducted by Rev. Hubert Ostermann, O.M.C. and Rev. Godfrey Wolf, O.M.C., Conventual Franciscans from Seaside Park, N. J. The pastor also encouraged the laymen's retreat movement and.through his efforts large delegations went yearly to Herman for this purpose. In September, 1931, with the Bishop's permission he opened a four-year high school for girls. The move became popular at once. The following noteworthy celebrations occurred during Father Ferdinand's term of office: On June 22, 1930, Father Cyprian Gehrling, O.M.Cap., commemorated the silver jubilee of his ordination to the priesthood, and Brother Ivo Litsch, O.M.Cap., celebrated the golden jubilee of his profession as a Capuchin lay brother. Both friars had spent many years in the service of the parish, the one as zealous curate, the other as faithful sacristan. Very Rev. Henry Kluepfel, O.M.Cap., preached the sermon. First solemn Masses during the incumbency of Father Ferdinand were as follows: On September 28, 1930, Fathers Edgar Schano, O.M.Cap., and Gerald Greenwald, O.M.Cap., Fathers Boniface Weckmann, O.M.Cap., and Claude Vogel, O.M.Cap.. preached; on June 19, 1932, Father Terence Moffat, O.M.Cap., the preacher on this occasion was Father Paul Seibert, O.F.M.; again on June 18, 1934, Fathers Bernard Nickel, O.M.Cap., and Linus Doemling. O.M.Cap., Fathers Claude Vogel, O.M.Cap., and Edwin Dorzweiler, O.M.Cap., delivered the sermons. On July 10, 1930, Mr. Edward Pottmeyer, an outstanding member of the parish, passed to his reward. He was born in Pittsburgh on July 17, 1881, the son of John and Elizabeth Pottmeyer, pioneer members of St. Augustine's. In August, 1907, he married Ida Farmerie and from the union seven children were born. Mr. Edward Pottmeyer had great administrative ability as is shown from the important offices he held. For more than a decade he had been secretary- treasurer of Branch 5, Knights of St. George, and chair- (10) Ibid., February, p. 29. ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 89 man of the Pittsburgh District Committee of the same Order. He was also Vice- President of the Allegheny County Branch of the Catholic Central Verein and past President of the St. Augustine's Casino and of the St. Raphael's Society. He was. moreover, a member of the Pittsburgh Council of the Knights of Columbus, and for seven years had been secretary of the Board of Trustees of St. Augustine's Church. At the funeral on July 14, Father Ferdinand was celebrant and Fathers Cyprian Gehrling. O.M.Cap., and Cecil Nally, O.M.Cap., assisted as deacon and subdeacon. In the death of Mr. Pottmeyer the parish lost an exemplary member and a very energetic trustee.(11) Father Ferdinand retired from St. Augustine's in July, 1933. He left a well-balanced budget, for the parish had on hand nearly $4,000. This is all the more remarkable since his pastorate fell in the worst years of the depression. Moreover, as a result of the Bishop's resolve to rebuild the Home for the Aged conducted by the Little Sisters of the Poor, St. Augustine's was assessed $1,750.00. and in keeping with its traditional spirit of charity the parish contributed $2,043.75 to this worthy cause. From St. Augustine's Father Ferdinand went to Charleston, W. Va., as pastor of the Sacred Heart Church. After three years he returned to Pittsburgh as chaplain of St. Francis Hospital. In 1937 he was transferred to Dover, Ohio, as curate. The successor to Father Ferdinand was Father Henry Kluepfel. He was born in Steinfeld, Bavaria, on September 27, 1876. In September, -1890, he entered St. Fidelis Seminary and joined the Capuchin Order on July 14, 1896. Completing his studies, he was ordained priest on June 21, 1902. His first appointment was to St. Joseph's, Dover. Ohio. The same year, 1902, he entered on professorial duties at St. Fidelis Seminary where he remained till 1907. In this year he took up special studies at Duquesne University, in preparation for the presidency of St. Joseph's College at Hays, Kansas. He retired from the college in 1917, and became curate at St. Mary's Church, Herndon, Kansas. The following year he was appointed guardian and pastor at Victoria, Kansas. In October, 1921, he was elected Provincial and served two terms in this capacity. At the expiration of his provincialate in July, 1927, he served as chaplain to Mount Immaculate Academy, Pittsburgh; chaplain to Toner Institute, pastor at Herman, and finally as pastor of St. Augustine's. Under Father Henry the perpetual novena in honor of St. Anthony was started. On the canonization of St. Conrad of Parzham (May 24, 1934) the latest Capuchin saint, special prayers to St. Conrad were added. For this purpose the Christian Mothers donated an artistic statue of St. Conrad.(12) August 20-23, 1933, were red letter days in the parish. During these days St. Augustine's was host to the Seventy-eighth Convention of the Catholic Central Verein, and the Catholic Women's Union of America. While the meetings took place in the Carnegie Hall and in the Fort Pitt Hotel, all the religious services, including the Pontifical Mass by Bishop Boyle, were held in St. Augustine's Church.(13) The pastorate of Father Henry was all too short, lasting but eleven months. Stricken with pneumonia, he struggled against it for twelve days when he finally succumbed to it on June 21, 1934. For the second time within four years death had come for the pastor of St. Augustine's and the people were bowed in grief. But the present victim had been a tireless worker and had spent himself in the service of his Blessed Master. The solemn funeral was held on June 25, 1934. Very Reverend Father Sigmund Cratz, O.M.Cap., Provincial, officiated as celebrant, Fathers Boniface Weckmann, O.M.Cap., and Gerard Scheiner. O.M.Cap., a nephew of the deceased, were deacon and subdeacon. Father Theodore Schillo was master of ceremonies. The Most Reverend Bishop Hugh C. Boyle presided in the sanctuary and gave the absolution. Burial took place in St. Augustine's Cemetery. (14) (11) Ibid., July, 1930, p. 1221. (12) A booklet entitled: Perpetual Novena in Honor of St. Anthony of Padua, was issued in August, 1933. (13) Transactions published in Bericht der 78 I Versammlung, St. Paul. 1933. (14) St. Aug., July, 1934, pp. 1-3. ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 90 [image] Miss Bertha Fuhrer [image] First Holy Communion picture of Katherine Stella McCaffrey, July, 1892 of St. Augustine's School; now Sister Mary Hieronyme, Librarian at Mount Mercy College, Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pa. images may be viewed at: http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/allegheny/church/staugustine-pittsburgh/090.jpg ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 91 In August, 1934, Father Herbert Schehl was summoned to fill the pastoral office vacated by the untimely death of Father Henry. Born on February 8, 1896, at Herman, Pa., he studied at the local seminary and entered the Capuchin Order on July 14, 1915. Seven years later, on May 25, 1922, he was ordained priest. Father Herbert spent his first priestly years in parochial work in Dover, Ohio, and in professorial work in our college at Hays, Kansas. From September, 1928- 1929, he studied at the Catholic University of America and won the Master's degree. Returning to Hays, he continued his professorial work until 1930, when he became President of the institution. Assuming the pastorship of St. Augustine's, Father Herbert was confronted with the problem of making some changes in the school to obtain suitable place for the pupils of the fourth year high school. By partitioning a large classroom on the third floor, he obtained a suitable location for the library which he transferred from the basement. The latter, then, was used for school purposes. Anxious to secure the full co-operation of parents in the education of the children, he organized the Parent-Teacher Association in the parish. Regularly he attended the meetings and exhorted the parents to active interest in the training of their children. He also took great interest in the Knights of St. George Cadets and vitalized the organization by fostering healthful athletics. Seeing the general discouragement into which many of the parish had fallen as a result of the persistent depression, Father Herbert arranged for the spiritual renewal of the parish through a mission. The first week from March 15-22, was conducted in German, while the second week from March 22-April 5, was in English. In this way the missionary counsel and consolation were available to all. The German sermons were delivered by the Capuchin Fathers: Sigmund Cratz and Clement Pfeifer; the English by Norbert Miller and Edgar Schano. In consequence of the depression which left so many people penniless and distressed, the St. Augustine's Credit Union was formed in March, 1935. The Credit Union had been first inaugurated by the Rev. Edwin P. Fussenegger, pastor of Most Holy Name Church, Troy Hill. Recognizing its merits, other pastors, too, soon introduced it. The purpose of the Credit Union is twofold: first, to provide a safe place for savings even as low as ten cents monthly; secondly, to afford emergency help from the Union to any member in financial difficulty. This credit loan association is chartered by the Federal Government and operates under the supervision of the Farm Credit Administration. Many a person faced with the necessity of paying a food bill, a doctor's or hospital bill has found the Parish Credit Union a Godsend. Moreover, the member of the Credit Union pays only six percent interest, e.g., three dollars over the course of a year for fifty dollars, six dollars for one hundred dollars. Operating on this scale, the Credit Union has met many a family emergency.(15) In August, 1936, Father Herbert was transferred to Dover, Ohio, as pastor of St. Joseph's Church. Father Florence Kirchgessner succeeded him at St. Augustine's. Born in Wheeling, W. Va., on December 22, 1895, he attended St. Alphonsus' School till 1908, when he entered St. Fidelis' Seminary at Herman, Pa. He entered the Capuchin novitiate on July 14, 1914 and was ordained on May 26, 1921, in the cathedral of Baltimore. He was appointed professor at St. Joseph's College, Hays, Kansas, and taught till the fall of 1922 when he entered Catholic University, Washington, D. C., taking the degree of Master of Arts June, 1923. He then returned to Hays and continued to teach at St. Joseph's College till July, 1932, when he became pastor of Sacred Heart Church, Ness City, Kansas. In August, 1934, he was made Provincial Commissary of the Third Order with residence at St. Augustine's, Pittsburgh. The year 1935 found him curate and 1936 pastor of St. Augustine's Church. During his brief pastorate he has had cement walks laid in front of the monastery, school and convent at a cost of $1,350.00. A new road in the cemetery cost $7,500.00. A residence for Sisters rendering domestic service in the monastery was purchased for the sum of $2,500.00. Property adjoining the parish hall was bought for $1,500.00, and property on the corner of Thirty- seventh and Butler Streets for $3,600.00. (15) Ibid., February, 1937, p. 8; August, pp. 13-14; February, 1938, pp. 12-16. ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 93 LIST OF PASTORS AT ST. AUGUSTINE'S, PITTSBURGH, PA. (1862-1938) GEORGE KIRCHER, Organizer of the Parish April 7, 1861—June 15, 1862 PHILIP FRANCIS SCHMIDT, First Resident Pastor December, 1862—October, 1863 JOHN NEPOMUCENE TAMCHINA, or FATHER RESTITUTUS, O.M.Cap October, 1863—October 8, 1868 GEORGE KIRCHER October 8, 1868—September 14, 1871 JOHN NEPOMUCENE TAMCHINA, O.M.Cap September 14. 1871—April 19, 1874 HYACINTH EPP, O.M.Cap April 19, 1874—August, 1881 MAURICE GRECK, O.M.Cap August, 1881—August, 1884 FELIX MARY LEX, O.M.Cap August, 1884—August, 1887 MAURICE GRECK, O.M.Cap August, 1887—August, 1890 HYACINTH EPP, O.M.Cap August, 1890—October 21, 1891 JOSEPH ANTHONY ZIEGELMAYER, O.M.Cap October 23, 1891—August, 1894 HERMAN JOSEPH PETERS, O.M. Cap August, 1894—August, 1897 PETER KEMPER, O.M.Cap August, 1897—August, 1898 CHARLES SPECKERT, O.M.Cap August, 1898—August, 1903 JOSEPH ANTHONY ZIEGELMAYER, O.M.Cap August, 1903—August, 1906 AGATHO ROLF, O.M.Cap August, 1906—July, 1909 IGNATIUS WEISBRUCH, O.M.Cap July, 1909—July, 1912 RICHARD DEI, O.M.Cap July 19, 1912—October 15, 1912 MARCUS HAAS, O.M.Cap October 15, 1912—November 20, 1912 JOSEPH ANTHONY ZIEGELMAYER, O.M.Cap November 20, 1912—July 15, 1915 AGATHO ROLF, O.M.Cap July 15, 1915—July 11, 1918 PHILIP KNUPFER, O.M.Cap July 11, 1918—July, 1921 CASSIAN HARTL, O.M.Cap July, 1921—July, 1923 PHILIP KNUPFER, O.M.Cap July, 1923—July, 1926 GILBERT STICKELMEIER, O.M.Cap July, 1926—July, 1929 WENDELIN GRUEN, O.M.Cap July, 1929—February 18, 1930 FERDINAND HARTUNG, O.M.Cap February 18. 1930—July, 1933 HENRY KLUEPFEL, O.M.Cap July, 1933—June 21, 1934 HERBERT SCHEHL, O.M.Cap August, 1934—August, 1936 FLORENCE KIRCHGESSNER, O.M.Cap August. 1936, to date LIST OF ASSISTANT PRIESTS AT ST. AUGUSTINE'S (1866-1938) LAWRENCE SPITZLBERGER September, 1866—December, 1866 AUGUST M. NIEMANN February 24, 1867—August, 1867 JOHN BAPT. DUFFNER February 2. 1868—October 1, 1868 MARTIN KELLER November 29, 1868 G. HUNE January 17, 1869 UTHO HUBER, O.S.B August 1, 1869 GEORGE SNICT, C.SS.R September 14, 1869 JOHN BAPT. DUFFNER April 10, 1870 FRANCIS XAV. PAULITEGI February 20, 1870—May, 1870 JOHN VOLLMEYER (VOLLMER) May 22, 1870 JOHN MICH. BIERL September. 1870—End of November, 1870 JOSEPH BOEHM July 13, 1870 FRANCIS XAV. DEUERMEYER February, 1871—End of April, 1871 JOHN BAPT. DUFFNER April 1, 1871—Middle of July, 1871 CHARLES GEYERSTANGER, O.S.B. Middle of July, 1871—September 10, 1871 (Assisted only on Sundays) JOHN STAUB September 14. 1871—February, 1872 ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 94 [image] Rev. Joseph Francis Bauer, Born September 30, 1861, Ordained August 15, 1884 [image] Rev. Marcus Haas, O.M. Cap., Born August 1, 1863, Ordained June 19, 1886, Died July 19, 1923 [image] Rev. Benedict Wich, O.M. Cap., Born January 24, 1866, Ordained December 22, 1888 [image] Rev. Charles Steppling, Ordained June 26, 1897, Died May 7, 1930 images may be viewed at: http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/allegheny/church/staugustine-pittsburgh/094.jpg ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 95 PETER KAUFMANN September 14, 1871—End of July, 1872 CALLUS HOCH, O.S.B August 1, 1872—November 9, 1873 JOSEPH WINTER May 19, 1872—End of December, 1872 FRANCIS XAV. WENINGER, S. J. February 15-21, 1872 JOHN RITTER March 23, 1873—October 26, 1873 MICHAEL STEGER August 24, 1873 JOHN BAPT. DUFFNER February 20, 1873 MATTHEW HAU, O.M.Cap December 8, 1873—June 6, 1876 JOSEPH CALASANCE MAYERSHOFER, O.M.Cap May 19, 1874—September 13, 1874 MAURICE GRECK, O.M.Cap May 19, 1874—September 24, 1876 FIDELIS WEINSCHENK, O.M.Cap August 31, 1876—April 4, 1877 FELIX MARIA LEX, O.M.Cap June 20, 1875—September 13, 1881 JOSEPH ANTHONY ZIEGELMAIER, O.M.Cap September 24, 1876—September, 1881 ANASTASIUS JOSEPHUS MUELLER, O.M.Cap September 24, 1876—August, 1880 PANCRATIUS DOCKLER, O.M.Cap May 26, 1878—August 26, 1879 JOSEPH LEONISSA BECKER, O.M.Cap July 3, 1879—August, 1880 DIDACUS ROTTLAENDER, O.M.Cap May 20, 1880—September, 1882 GREGORY MARY AUTSCH, O.M.Cap August, 1881—May 12, 1902 FRANCIS XAVIER STRUNK, O.M.Cap August, 1881—July 7, 1882 (He joined the Trappists in 1882, seven years later he was elected Abbot of Oelenberg in Alsace, where he died.) PHILIP WEINMANN, O.M.Cap September, 1882—August, 1883 JOSEPH LEONISSA BECKER, O.M.Cap September, 1882—August, 1883 IRENAEUS KOLB, O.M.Cap August, 1883—August, 1884 FRANCIS CHARLES STROBL, O.M.Cap August, 1883—August, 1884 MARTIN MUELDERS, O.M.Cap August, 1884—August, 1885 GODEHARD FRIEDMANN, O.M.Cap August, 1884—August, 1885 GREGORY NAZIANZ SCHNEIDERS, O.M.Cap August, 1884—May 2, 1889 ANASTASIUS JOSEPH MUELLER, O.M.Cap August, 1885—August, 1886 ANSELM BAYERAU, O.M.Cap August, 1885—August, 1886 (He died as missionary to the Indians of Chile in South America on May 21, 1901.) LEO EGGER, O.M.Cap August, 1886—August, 1890 CHARLES SPECKERT, O.M.Cap August, 1886—August, 1887 FRANCIS CHARLES STROBL, O.M.Cap August, 1886—August, 1888 HERMAN JOSEPH PETERS, O.M.Cap August, 1887—August, 1888 IRENAEUS KOLB, O.M.Cap August, 1888—October, 1891 JOHN CHRYSOSTOMUS JACOB, O.M.Cap August, 1889—August, 1890 CHARLES SPECKERT, O.M.Cap August, 1890—August, 1892 PATRICK LEINSLE, O.M.Cap October, 1891—August, 1900 IRENAEUS KOLB, O.M.Cap August, 1892—September 26, 1892 PAULUS WERR, O.M.Cap August, 1892—August, 1893 RAPHEL MARY SCHWARTZ, O.M.Cap August, 1893—August, 1896 MATTHEW SAVELSBERG, O.M.Cap August, 1894—August, 1897 HILARY MEIER, O.M.Cap August, 1896—September 22, 1896 LEO EGGER, O.M.Cap August, 1896—August, 1897 BERNARDINE KUHLMANN, O.M.Cap August, 1896—August, 1897 DIDACUS ROTTLAENDER, O.M.Cap August, 1897—February 27, 1900 JOHN CHRYSOSTOMUS JACOB, O.M.Cap August, 1897—August, 1901 ANASTASIUS JOSEPH MUELLER, O.M.Cap August 1897—July 11, 1898 RAPHAEL MARY SCHWARZ, O.M.Cap August 1898—August, 1902 AUGUSTINE MARY NOELLE, O.M.Cap August, 1898—August, 1900 ALPHONSUS MARY HILLENBRAND, O.M.Cap August, 1899—August, 1901 BERNARDINE KUHLMANN, O.M.Cap August, 1900—August, 1901 ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 96 IGNATIUS WEISBRUCH, O.M.Cap August, 1900—August, 1901 CLEMENT PFEIFER, O.M.Cap August, 1901—August, 1917 AUGUSTINE MARY NOELLE, O.M.Cap August, 1902—April 13, 1904 CELESTINE OSWALD, O.M.Cap August, 1902—August, 1903 ANGELUS BADERSBACH, O.M.Cap August. 1902—August 1, 1906 PATRICK LEINSLE, O.M.Cap August, 1903—August, 1905 JOHN CHRYSOSTOMUS JACOB, O.M.Cap August, 1903—-July, 1910 GODEHARD FRIEDMANN, O.M.Cap August, 1903—June 14, 1919 PAULUS WERR, O.M.Cap August, 1903—August, 1908 IGNATIUS WEISBRUCH, O.M.Cap August. 1903—August, 1905 LAWRENCE BECK, O.M.Cap August, 1905—July, 1913 MAURICE ACKERMANN, O.M.Cap August, 1906—July. 1909 EUGENE BECKER, O.M.Cap August, 1906—August, 1907 RAPHAEL MARY SCHWARZ, O.M.Cap August, 1906—August, 1914 WENDELINE GRUEN, O.M.Cap August, 1907—July. 1912 ANSELM MUELLER, O.M.Cap August, 1908—July, 1913 ALPHONSUS MARY HILLENBRAND, O.M.Cap August, 1908—July, 1912 ULRIC ZELLER, O.M.Cap July, 1910—July, 1911 MARCUS HAAS, O.M.Cap July, 1911—July, 1912 JAMES STEPPE, O.M.Cap July, 1911—July, 1918 PACIFICUS STROHMAYER, O.M.Cap July, 1911—July, 1915 SIMON KNUPFER, O.M.Cap July, 1911—October, 1911 ULRIC ZELLER, O.M.Cap July, 1912—July, 1913 ALBAN HAMMEL, O.M.Cap July, 1912—July, 1913 LUKAS JOSEPH WAGNER, O.M.Cap July, 1912—July, 1913 ANTHONY BURKART, O.M.Cap July, 1913—July, 1914 Pius KAELIN, O.M.Cap July, 1913—September, 1914 SIGMUND CRATZ, O.M.Cap July, 1914—July, 1915 ANDREW HERRMANN, O.M.Cap July, 1914—July, 1918 BONAVENTURE BECKER, O.M.Cap July, 1914—July, 1916 JOHN CHRYSOSTOMUS JACOB, O.M.Cap July. 1914—July, 1918 GREGORY MARY LOEBACH, O.M.Cap July, 1915—July, 1916 JUSTINUS WALZ, O.M.Cap July, 1915—July, 1916 GAUDENTIUS FISCHER, O.M.Cap July, 1915—July, 1916 SIMON KNUPFER, O.M.Cap October, 1915—August, 1917 LAWRENCE BECK, O.M.Cap July, 1916—July, 1918 ANGELUS SEIKEL, O.M.Cap July, 1916—July, 1918 PAULUS WERR, O.M.Cap August, 1917—July, 1919 MAURICE ACKERMANN, O.M.Cap August, 1917—July, 1918 STEPHEN BIENEMANN, O.M.Cap August, 1917—July, 1918 CYPRIAN GEHRLING, O.M.Cap July, 1918—July, 1930 LEONARD DORN, O.M.Cap July, 1918—July, 1921 CELESTINE OSWALD, O.M.Cap July, 1919—July, 1924 GILBERT STICKELMEIER, O.M.Cap July, 1919—July, 1920 DOMINIC SCHUSTER, O.M.Cap July, 1921—July, 1922 AMBROSE HEGERLE, O.M.Cap July, 1922—July, 1924 STEPHEN BIENEMANN. O.M.Cap July, 1924—July, 1926 ANDREW HERRMANN, O.M.Cap July, 1924—July, 1927 BASIL HEIM, O.M.Cap July, 1925—July, 1927 FERDINAND HARTUNG, O.M.Cap July, 1926—February, 1930 FREDERIC BECKER, O.M.Cap July, 1927—July, 1929 CECIL NALLY, O.M.Cap July, 1929—July, 1933 ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 97 MICHAEL NEFF, O.M.Cap July, 1930—July, 1932 MARTIN McCABE, O.M.Cap July, 1930—July, 1931 CLEMENT PFEIFER, O.M.Cap July, 1931—December, 1931 CYRIL ZELLER, O.M.Cap July, 1931—July, 1932 CUTHBERT SCHOEPPNER, O.M.Cap July, 1932—July, 1933 CYRIL ZELLER, O.M.Cap July, 1933—August, 1934 AMBROSE HEGERLE, O.M.Cap July, 1933—July, 1936 RUPERT GLAID, O.M.Cap August, 1934—October 28, 1935 FLORENCE KIRCHGESSNER, O.M.Cap October 28, 1935—August, 1936 INNOCENT KLABNIK, O.M.Cap August, 1936—]uly, 1937 REGINALD WIEST, O.M.Cap August, 1936—August, 1938 JULIAN PATTERSON, O.M.Cap.July 8, 1937—October 1, 1937, and May 10, 1938—August, 1938 FRANCIS DE SALES DONOHOE, O.M.Cap October 1, 1937—May 15, 1938 GERALD KOEHLER, O.M.Cap August, 1938 to date ERNEST HORNING, O.M.Cap August, 1938 to date We omitted a number of names of Fathers who assisted at St. Augustine's Church without having ever been appointed regular Assistant Priests. ST. AUGUSTINE'S CHURCH COMMITTEES Committee to purchase ground for a future church, 1859-1861 August Hoeveler Alexander Wirth Louis Unverzagt Committee to lay out lots for sale to obtain funds for building, April 20, 1860 August Hoeveler Louis Unverzagt Alexander Wirth Heinrich Engel Johann Fleckenstein Johann Elsesser Jacob Helbling Johann Wirth Xavier Loeffler Paul Feaux (teacher), secretary Building Committee, April 7, 1861 August Hoeveler Gabriel Weisser Xavier Burkhart Jacob Dietz, (Secretary) School Committee, August 11, 1861 Landelin Vogel Johann Fleckenstein Jacob Dietz Committee sent to Bishop to obtain permission to build church, July, 1861 August Hoeveler Alexander Wirth Louis Unverzagt Gabriel Weisser Landelin Vogel School Committee, August 11, 1861 Landelin Vogel Johann Fleckenstein Jacob Dietz First Church Committee (building) April 6, 1862 (Rev. George Kircher) August Hoeveler Landelin Vogel Xavier Burkhart Gabriel Weisser Alexander Wirth Louis Unverzagt Committee, September 24, 1863 (Rev. Fr. Philip Schmidt) August Hoeveler Alexander Wirth Louis Unverzagt Xavier Loeffler Franz Xavier Helbling Benjamin Schmidt, secretary Committee, April 10, 1864 August Hoeveler, treas. Xavier Helbling Gabriel Weisser Landelin Vogel Xavier Burkhart Jacob Dietz ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 98 [image] Rev. Augustine Mary Noelle, O.M. Cap., Born January 11, 1874, Ordained June 14, 1898, Died April 13, 1904 [image] Rev. Bernard Nickel, Sr., O.M. Cap., Born Feb 21, 1875, Ordained June 21, 1899, Died July 24, 1926 [image] Rev. Edward Heyl, O.M. Cap., Born April 16, 1875, Ordained June 19, 1900, Died July 17, 1932 [image] Rev. Louis Centner, O.M. Cap., Born June 30, 1876, Ordained December 21, 1901, Died November 18, 1926 images may be viewed at: http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/allegheny/church/staugustine-pittsburgh/098.jpg ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 99 Committee of 1865 Jacob Dietz Alexander Wirth Martin Heil Nickolaus Schneider Leonard Vogt Peter Schrankel Committee of 1866 Jacob Dietz Alexander Wirth Peter Schrankel Xavier Loeffler Karl Kakhthakr, Treasurer Heinrich Engel Thomas LIndenfelser Committee of 1867 Jacob Dietz, Secretary Karl Kalchthaler, Treasurer Jacob Wagner Philip Weisenberger Gottfried Bucket John Schoepf William Lamkemeyer Committee of 1868 Jacob Dietz, Secretary Karl Kalchthaler, Treasurer Philip Weisenberger Andrew Kloman Edward Frauenheim Peter Wurzel Committee of 1871 Karl Kalchthaler Johann Lamkemeyer Edward Frauenheim Stephen Schultis Nickolaus Voelker Nickolaus Schneider Committee of 1872 Karl Kalchthaler Johann Lamkemeyer Edward Frauenheim Stephen Schuhis Nickolaus Voelker Jacob Wagner Committee of 1873 Jacob Wagner Charles Schiffhauer John Knapp George Schaffer, Treasurer C. Geismar, Secretary till July Titus Berger, Secretary (from July) Leonard Vogt Committee of 1874 Charles Schiffhauer Johann Elsesser Leonard Vogt Franz Wilhelm Besselmann Titus Berger, Secretary Committee of 1875 Titus Berger, Secretary Johann Elsesser W. F. Besselmann Charles Schiffhauer Joseph Vogel, Sr., Treasurer Jacob Wagner Committee of 1876 Joseph Vogel, Sr. Titus Berger W. F. Besselmann Leopold Vilsack Johann Lamkemeyer Peter Becker Marshals: Joseph Vogel, Jr.. Caspar Gilbert Committee of 1877 Joseph Vogel, Sr. Titus Berger Johann Lamkemeyer Leopold Vilsack F. W. Besselmann Peter Becker Marshals: Joseph Vogel, Jr. Caspar Gilbert Committee of 1878 Joseph Vogel, Sr. Leopold Vilsack Titus Berger Peter Becker Henry Freker Isidor Rotter Marshals: Joseph Vogel. Jr. Caspar Gilbert Committee of 1879 Joseph Vogel, Sr., Treasurer Peter Becker Henry Freker Isidor Rotter Edw. Frauenheim. Secretary Chas. Schiffhauer replaced Louis Schmidt, who moved away Marshals: Joseph Vogel. Jr. Caspar Gilbert Committee of 1880 Edward Frauenheim. Secretary Joseph Vogel, Sr.. Treasurer Henry Freker Charles Schiffhauer Jacob Scholl Joseph Berninger Marshals: Joseph Vogel, Jr. Caspar Gilbert ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 100 Committee of 1881 Edward Frauenheim Joseph Vogel, Sr. Henry Freker Charles Schiffhauer Jacob Scholl Joseph Berninger Marshalls: the same Committee of 1882 Joseph Vogel, Sr. Henry Freker Jacob Scholl Joseph Berninger Peter Breker Titus Berger Aloysius Frauenheim Leopold Vilsack Marshalls: the same Committee of 1883 Joseph Vogel, Sr. Henry Freker Jacob Scholl Joseph Berninger Titus Berger Peter Breker Aloysius Frauenheim Leopold Vilsack Marshalls: the same Committee of 1884 Joseph Vogel, Sr. Wigbert Haeckler Titus Berger Leopold Vilsack Peter Breker Aloysius Frauenheim John Hoffmann Frederick Werries Marshalls: the same Committee of 1885 Joseph Vogel, Sr. Titus Berger Leopold Vilsack Peter Breker Aloysius Frauenheim John Adam Hoffmann Frederick Werries Wigbert Haeckler Marshalls: the same Committee of 1886 William F. Eichenlaub Bernard Gottschalk Martin Hager Charles J. Jaegle Peter Leisman Michael Limbert Joseph Vogel (Marshal) Bernard Elker Marshals: the same Committee of 1887 William F. Eichenlaub Bernard Elker Bernard Gottschalk Martin Hager Charles J. Jaegle Michael Limpert Peter Leisman Joseph Vogel (Marshall) Marshalls: the same School Building Committee of December 4, 1887 William Alex. Heyl A. Schillo A. Frauenheim L. Kreker P. Kerner Rev. Fr. Maurice Greck, O.M.Cap. Committee of 1888 W. F. Eichenlaub Martin Hager Charles J. Jaegle Peter Leisman Rudolf Westerman Aloysius Emmerich Joseph Elsesser Marcellus Risacher Marshalls: the same Committee of 1889 W. F. Eichenlaub Joseph Elsesser Martin Hager Peter Leisman Rudolf Westerman Aloysius Emmerich Marcellus Risacher Peter Kerner Marshalls: the same Committee of 1890 W. F. Eichenlaub Aloysius Emmerich Peter Kerner Titus Berger Franz Schneiderloechner Aloysius Frauenheim Bernard Elker Joseph Elsesser Marshalls: the same Committee of 1891 Joseph Elsesser Peter Kerner Titus Berger Aloysius Frauenheim Bernard Elker Franz Schneiderloechner Jacob Zinsmeister Anton Lackner Marshals: Leopold Walter Matthew Aufman ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 101 Committee of 1892 Peter Halli Peter Kerner Aloysius Frauenheim Franz Schneiderloechner Anton Lackner Jacob Zinmeister Bernard Elker Joseph Elsesser Committee of 1893 Peter Halli Peter Kerner Aloysius Frauenheim Anton Lackner Titus Berger William Alex Heyl Robert Fey Bernard Elker Committee of 1894 Peter Halli Titus Berger Aloysius Frauenheim Peter Kerner Robert Fey Anton Lackner Jacob Scholl John Fink Marshalls: Geo. Zerr Joseph Rhein Committee of 1895 Peter Halli Titus Berger Aloysius Frauenheim Peter Kerner Robert Fey Anton Lackner John Fink Andreas Stehle Marshalls: George Zerr Joseph Rhein Committee of 1896 Peter Halli Titus Berger Aloysius Frauenheim Peter Kerner Anton Lackner John Fink Robert Fey Andreas Stehle Marshall: the same Committee of 1897 Peter Halli Titus Berger Aloysius Frauenheim Peter Kerner Anton Lackner John Fink Robert Fey Andreas Stehle Marshalls: the same Committee of 1898 Peter Halli Aloysius Frauenheim P. Kerner A. Lackner Robert Fey John Fink John Wirth Marshalls: the same (Mr. Rhein was sworn in as a special police officer) Committee of 1899 Aloysius Frauenheim P. Halli J. Fink P. Kerner Robert Fey Frank Eichenlaub A. Lackner Joseph Irlbacher Marshalls: the same Committee of 1900-1902 A. Frauenheim (Died January 11, 1900) P. A. Halli J. Fink Robert Fey P. Kerner Joseph Irlbacher A. Lackner Frank Eichenlaub Committee of 1902 P. A. Halli Joseph Frauenhein P. Kerner Robert Fey Joseph Irlbacher A. Lackner Frank Eichenlaub John Fink Committee of 1903-1906 P. A. Halli Joseph Frauenhein P. Kerner Robert Fey Joseph Irlbacher A. Lackner Frank Eichenlaub John Fink Philip J. Scholl John J. Noullet ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 102 [image] Rev. Stephen Bienemann, O.M. Cap., Born August 17 1878, Ordained June 21, 1904 [image] Rev. Charles Fox, Born December 26, 1885, Ordained June 21, 1911 [image] Rev. Leo John Donnermeyer, Born January 9, 1886, Ordained July 1, 1911 [image] Rev. Albert Mary Bliss, O.M.Cap., Born December 6, 1883, Ordained June 21, 1912 images may be viewed at: http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/allegheny/church/staugustine-pittsburgh/102.jpg ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 103 Committee of 1906-1909 Peter Kerner P. A. Halli Joseph Irlbacher Robert Fey A. Lackner Joseph Reiman Philip J. Scholl John FInk John J. Noullet Frank Eichenlaub Committee of 1909-1912 Peter A. Kerner (died Jan. 18, 1909) A. Lackner Joseph Irlbacher Joseph H. Reiman P. A. Halli Philip J. Scholl John Fink Frank Eichenlaub John J. Noullet Robert Fey Committee of 1912-1915 P. Halli P. J. Scholl Joseph Irlbacher (died June 3, 1912) Robert Fey A. Lackner Frank X. Fuchs J. J. Noullet Joseph H. Reiman Lucas Dufner John Fink Committee of 1915-1918 Henry Bliss Robert Fey (died April 18, 1916) John Fink F. X. Fuchs P. A. Halli Charles J. Jaegle A. Lackner J. J. Noullet J. H. Reiman P. J. Scholl Marshall: August Schultz Lorenz Wegert Committee of 1918-1921 P. J. Scholl P. A. Halli Joseph C. Hungerman C. J.Jaegle F. X. Fuchs A. Lackner Amand Klein (resigned October, 1918) J. J. Noullet Joseph H. Reiman Mathias N. Werries John FInk Philip Polk Joseph Trakofler (1919) George Doemling (1919) Committee of 1921-1924 P. J. Scholl Joseph Trakofler George Doemling P. A. Halli M. N. Werries A. Lackner Joseph C. Hungerman F. X. Fuchs Joseph H. Reiman Philip Polk Charles J. Jaegle John Fink (Died December 9, 1921) Lawrence Fey Marshalls: Lorenz Wegert Gottfried Simon Committee of 1924-1927 Joseph Trakofler George Doemling Lawrence J. Fey M. N. Werries P. J. Scholl Edward M. Pottmyer P. A. Halli F. X. Fuchs George Nickel (Died October 28, 1926) Joseph H. Reiman A. Lackner Amand Klein Marshalls: Lorenz Wegert G. Simon Committee of 1927-1930 Joseph H. Reiman M. N. Werries P. J. Scholl E. M. Pottmyer A. Klein F. X. Fuchs L. J. Fey William Boberg Edward Eichenlaub Edward Vogel Louis Dadowski Sr. Clarence Pilgrim Marshals: Lorenz Wegert Gottfried Simon Committee of 1930-1933 Joseph H. Reiman M. N. Werries P. J. Scholl, Financial Secretary E. M. Pottmeyer (died July 10, 1930) Amand Klein F. X. Fuchs L. J. Fey, Recording Secretary William Boberg Edward Eichenlaub Edward J. Vogel Louis Dadowski Sr. Clarence A. Pilgrim C. R. Burlett ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 104 Committee of 1933-1936 Joseph H. Reiman M. N. Werries, Vice Chairman Amand Klein F. X. Fuchs L. J. Fey, Recording Secretary William Boberg Edward Eichenlaub Edward J. Vogel Louis Dadowski, Sr. Clarence A. Pilgrim C. R. Burlett Jos. C. Hungerman Philip J. Scholl, Financial Secretary (died June 15, 1935) Committee of 1936-1939 Joseph H. Reiman M. N. Werries, Vice Chairman Amand Klein, (resigned 1917) F. X. Fuchs L. J. Fey William Boberg (died Nov. 30, 1936) Edward Eichenlaub Edward J. Vogel, Financial Secretary C. R. Burlett Jos. T. Peoples, Recording Secretary C. J. Kolling George J. Bich Frank J. Dufner, (January, 1937) Paul J. Lakits (January, 1918) ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 105 HISTORY OF SAINT AUGUSTINE'S PARISH St. Augustine's Parochial School Its Administration and Personnel By SISTER CLARISSA POPP, O.S.F. In the foregoing pages of the history of St. Augustine's parish the phases of the external development of the school were sketched in various chapters. However, the development of the internal phases as to administration and personnel was barely touched upon. The present school developed from a small school taught by one teacher. Even in this primitive school four grades were formed from the very beginning, as is evidenced by the course of studies outlined by teacher John Kraus in 1862 for his eighty pupils. Naturally this plan was a copy of the course of studies of a country school in the Fatherland with some adaptations to American conditions; to find room for English spelling and reading, the study of natural science had to be curtailed. The school was a German school and all the branches were taught in German. The course of studies outlined by teacher Kraus in November, 1862, is a historical document of no mean value and for this reason it deserves to be reproduced here in its entirety. See annexed tables I and II(1). Yet despite the rudimentary education some of the pupils of Teacher John Kraus and his successors attained eminent stations in later life. William Hoeveler, William Alex. Heyl and Theodore Heyl became prominent business men and the girls Catherine Heyl, Rose Frauenheim and Mary Kloman moved in later life in the best society of the city of Pittsburgh. The enrolment of the school of St. Augustine's, Lawrenceville, increased rapidly. By the year 1864 the number of eighty had been raised to about 207 pupils. This increase in the number of pupils required an increase in the teaching staff. In the first days of January, 1864, Mr. Joseph Nigel was engaged as a second teacher and in July, 1864, a third teacher was hired in the person of Mr. Koenigshoefer. When he left about three weeks later, Miss Elizabeth Fillinger filled his place in August, 1864. In October, 1864, teacher John Kraus left after completing three years of faithful and efficient service and was succeeded by teacher Mr. Karl Spiro on October 1, 1864. In 1865 the enrolment had somewhat dropped to about 183 with the teaching faculty of the Messrs. Karl Spiro, Jos. Zimmermann, and Miss Eliz. Fillinger. Mr. Spiro left towards the end of February, 1865, and Mr. Henry Fillinger substituted for a few days till Mr. Leopold Nigel, brother of the former teacher, Joseph Nigel, began his work of teacher in May, 1865. At the end of April, 1865, teacher Zimmermann left and Mr. Leopold Nigel and Miss Fillinger were left alone in charge of the school for the remainder of the year 1865 and the year 1866. The enrolment in 1866 had reached the 250 mark, surely a heavy task for two teachers. Up to April, 1867, Mr. Leopold Nigel and Miss Fillinger continued to manage St. Augustine's School until they received an assistant in the person of Mr. Jos. Boegle, about the middle of April, 1867. In the beginning of June, 1867, teacher Leopold Nigel left and at the end of September, 1867, teacher Jos. Boegle left also, so that Miss Fillinger was the sole teacher for about two weeks, when by the middle of October, 1867, Mr. Stephen Schmidt was hired as second teacher. The attendance of the school in 1867 was again about 250, and rose in 1868 to exactly 265, too much for two teachers. In 1869 Miss Fillinger retired and in 1870 we find at St. Augustine's School the teachers Miss Blanche Weisshaar, Mr. Heilig and Mr. Stephen Schmidt. In 1871 Mr. Stephen Schmidt retired and was succeeded by Mr. (1) Record of St. Augustine's School. MS, pp. 1-2. See St. Augustinus, February, 1922, pp. 6, 10-13, March, 1922, p. 3. ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 106 TABLE I COURSE OF STUDIES OUTLINED BY TEACHER JOHN KRAUSE FOR ST. AUGUSTINE'S SCHOOL IN NOVEMBER 1862 COURSE OF STUDIES FOR THE I AND II CLASS ---------------------------- MONDAY ---------------------------- 8:30-9 Class I - II Religion by the Teacher ---------------------------- 9 - 10 I. Class Object lesson and articulation of correct pronunciation II. Class Orthography Exercises ---------------------------- 10 - 11 I. Class. Reading of the written exercises for 15 minutes II. Class. Quiet Occupation ---------------------------- 1 - 2 I. Class. Reading II. Class. Preparation for the next class exercise ---------------------------- 2 - 3 I. Class. Writing of the Lesson of the slate board II. Class/ Reading ---------------------------- 3 - 4 I. Class. Exercises in writing numbers. II. Class. Written exercises in arithmetic ---------------------------- TUESDAY ---------------------------- 8:30 - 9 Class I - II. Religion by the Teacher ---------------------------- 9 - 10 I and II Class. Quiet occupation in writing exercises. ---------------------------- 10 - 11 I. Class. Continues in writing exercises II. Class. Enumeration of objects. ---------------------------- 1 - 2 I and II. Class. Reading and writing on the slate board in rotation. ---------------------------- 2 - 3 I - II. Class. Exercises in preparation to the next following subject. ---------------------------- 3 - 4 II. Class. Addition of numbers. Naming of numbers by looking at them. No I Class. ---------------------------- WEDNESDAY ---------------------------- 8:30 - 9 Class I - II Religion by the Teacher ---------------------------- 9 - 10 Class I - II. Religion by the Priest. ---------------------------- 10 - 11 Class I - II. Reciting and object lessons. ---------------------------- 1 - 2 Class I. Reading from the Black Board. Class II. Writing ---------------------------- 2 - 3 Class I. Quiet occupation Class II. Arithmetical Exercises without Teacher's supervision. ---------------------------- 3 - 4 Class I - II. Quiet occupation with the last exercises. II Class. Counting numbers ---------------------------- THURSDAY ---------------------------- 8:30 - 9 Class I - II. Religion by the Teacher. ---------------------------- 9 - 10 Class I - II. Quiet Occupation ---------------------------- 10 - 11 Class I. Exercises in forming two-syllable Words. Class II. Preparation for Reading Lessons. ---------------------------- 1 - 2 Class I - II. Reading of the Lesson and writing by turns. ---------------------------- 2 - 3 Class I. Exercises in counting. Class II. Exercises in writing numbers. ---------------------------- 3 - 4 Class I - II. Quiet concen- tration with the last Exercises. ---------------------------- FRIDAY ---------------------------- 8:30 - 9 Class I - II. Religion by the Teacher. ---------------------------- 9 - 10 Class I - II. Religion by the Priest. ---------------------------- 10 - 11 Class I. Exercises in Writing. Class II. Exercises in Orthography. ---------------------------- 1 - 2 Class I. Reading and after finishing reading, writing of the Read Lesson. Class II. Reading and Writing of the Read Lesson. ---------------------------- 2 - 3 No Class I. Class II. Ocular demonstra- tion and naming of objects shown. ---------------------------- 3 - 4 Class I - II. Counting and written Exercises about it. ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 107 TABLE II COURSE OF STUDIES OUTLINED BY TEACHER JOHN KRAUSE FOR ST. AUGUSTINE'S SCHOOL IN NOVEMBER 1862 COURSE OF STUDIES FOR THE I AND II CLASS ---------------------------- MONDAY ---------------------------- 8:30 - 9 Class III - IV. Quiet occupation with Study of Catechism. ---------------------------- 9 - 10 Class III - IV. Religion by the Priest. ---------------------------- 10 - 11 Class III - IV. Reading of Bible History. ---------------------------- 1 - 2 Class III - IV. Calligraphy of both classes together. ---------------------------- 2 - 3 Class III. Written Exercises in Arithmetic. Class IV. Arithmetic. ---------------------------- 3 - 4 Class III. Exercises in Division of numbers. (Singing) ---------------------------- TUESDAY ---------------------------- 8:30 - 9 Class III - IV. Religion by the Teacher ---------------------------- 9 - 10 Class III - IV. Quiet occupation with study of Catechism. ---------------------------- 10 - 11 Class III. Short Com- positions. Class IV. Writing of Letters. ---------------------------- 1 - 2 Class III - IV. Grammar. ---------------------------- 2 - 3 Class III. English writing by copying lessons from the Reader. ---------------------------- 3 - 4 Class III. Reading (English) Class IV. Free Rendition of the Lesson Read. (Engllish) ---------------------------- WEDNESDAY ---------------------------- 8:30 - 9 Class III - IV. Preparation for the next following subject. ---------------------------- 9 - 10 Class III - IV. Common Instruction in Religion by the Priest. ---------------------------- 10 - 11 Class III - IV. Composition Class IV. Formation of Sentences with Parsing. ---------------------------- 1 - 2 Class III - IV. Common Exercises in Calligraphy (English) ---------------------------- 2 - 3 Class III - IV. Reading English and Writing of the Read Lessons by turns. ---------------------------- 3 - 4 Class III - IV. Common Exercises in Arithmetic and Singing. ---------------------------- THURSDAY ---------------------------- 8:30 - 9 Class III - IV. Religion by the Teacher ---------------------------- 9 - 10 Class III - IV. Common Exercises in Catechism. ---------------------------- 10 - 11 Class III - IV. Exercises in Calligraphy. ---------------------------- 1 - 2 Class III - IV. Common Exercises in Geography (and written Exercises about it.) ---------------------------- 2 - 3 Class III. Exercises in Writing down Lessons read. Class IV. Reading English and Translation (into German.) ---------------------------- 3 - 4 Class III - IV. Arithmetic oral and written by turns. ---------------------------- FRIDAY ---------------------------- 8:30 - 9 Class III - IV. Writing Exercises. ---------------------------- 9 - 10 Class III - IV. Religion by the Priest. ---------------------------- 10 - 11 Class III. Reading of the Bible History. Class IV. Reading in the Reader. ---------------------------- 1 - 2 Class III - IV. Common Exercises in Calligraphy. ---------------------------- 2 - 3 Class III. Spelling English. Class IV. Spelling with Translation (into German.) ---------------------------- 3 - 4 Class III. Exercises in writing arith. numbers on the Black Board. Class IV Arithmetical Exercises on the Black Board. ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 108 [image] Rev. Augustine Waldvogel, O.M.Cap., Born July 27, 1887, Ordained May 28, 1914 [image] Rev. Francis Riemer, Born August 23, 1888, Ordained May 28, 1914 [image] Rev. Ansgar Zawart, O.M. Cap., Born February 16, 1891, Ordained May 29, 1915, Died October 19, 1934 [image] Rev. William Stehle, O.M. Cap., Born August 15, 1889, Ordained May 25, 1916 images may be viewed at: http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/allegheny/church/staugustine-pittsburgh/108.jpg ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 109 Duwell. The latter remained only four months till August, 1871, and was replaced by Mr. Joseph Stuetzer. Finally on November 9, 1871, the Sisters of St. Francis took charge of St. Augustine's School. There were then three classes. The Sisters taught the two lower and the male teacher, Mr. Joseph Stuetzer, taught the third class composed of the larger boys. Mr. Stuetzer was replaced by Mr. John Trimberger some time later. This arrangement lasted till the fall term of 1874, when Mr. Trimberger was replaced by a Sister.(2) On August 18, 1873, it was announced in church that the three schoolrooms are overcrowded. Since no new room could be opened owing to the remissness of the parents to pay the school money, more than 40 children having not paid anything for some time, it became imperative to dismiss those defaulting pupils and to exclude children who attended the public schools or other Catholic schools or were very remiss in attending St. Augustine's School during the past year.(3) Yet those threats were not carried out. Three weeks later, on September 7, 1873, it was announced that the fourth school-room had been started but in case the school money is not paid promptly, the church will be compelled to close it again. On May 25, 1875, the church committee decided to provide for a fifth school-room.(4) ----- (2) St. Augustinus, July, 1922, pp. 2-3, September, 1922, pp. 3-6. (3) St. Augustinus, March. 1923, p. 33. (4) St. Augustinus, June, 1923, p. 82. OLDEST LIST OF NAMES OF PUPILS ATTENDING ST. AUGUSTINE'S SCHOOL DURING THE YEARS 1862—1868 Albert. Joseph, '63-'68 Albert, Francis, '66-'68 Amrheim, Elizabeth, '65 Amrheim, Kath., '62-'66 Andrischek, Barbara, '66 Atzinger, Herman, '68 Atzinger, Wm., '68 Barth, Maria, '63-'67 Barth, Barbara, '66-61 Babinger, Maria, '66-'68 Babinger, John, '66-"68 Bayer, Rosina, '66 Basler, Olivia, '66-'67 Basler, Joseph, '66 Basler, Herman, '67 Bauer, Anna, '67-'68 Baust, Catherine, '67 Baust, Michael, '67-'68 Beiter, Catherine, '64 Beiter, Maria, '65 Berger, Anton, '64-'68 Berger, Joseph, '64-'67 Berger, Helen, '66 Berger, John, '67 Berger, Maria, '68 Berger, Rosa, '68 Bedel, Mark, '66-'68 Bedel, Mary, '66-'68 Beyer, Mary, '66-67 Beck, Catherine, '67-'68 Beck, Rosa, '68 Becker, Aloys., '68 Beiter, Joseph, '67 Behr, Mary, '67-'68 Behr, Anna, '68 Behr, Margaret, '68 Benitz, Cecilia, '68 Besterman, Maria, '68 Bischof, Anton, '62-'63 Bischof, Francis, '62 Bolinger, Theres., '62 Bocking, (2) '64 Boegerman, Cath., '66-'68 Boegerman, John, '67-'68 Boll, M., '68 Bollstaedter, Karl, '67-'68 Bollstaedter, Peter, '67-'68 Bodecker, Mary Eliz., '68 Brumbach, Margt., '65-'68 Buggben, Margaret, '62 Buckel, Margaret, '63 Buckel, Magdalen, '67-'68 Buhl, Pauline, '67 Buhl, Wm., '67 Bullion, Geo., '62-67 Bullion, James, '63 Bullion, Josephina, '65-'68 Bullion, Joseph, '67-'68 Bullion, Mary, '68 Burns, A. M., (2) '64 Burkhart, Alphonse, '62-'63 Burghart, Joseph, '62-'67 Buttmeier, Theresa, '66 Camerhoes, Therron, '62 Conlon, John, '63 Connolly, John Thos., '63 Comonfort, Margt., '64 Conlon, Charles, '65 Conley, Catherine, '67 Conley, Elizabeth, '67 Drisch, Albert, '62-'63 Dethambel, Anton, '63 Dethambel, Mary, '63 Drisch, Albert, '62-'63 Dethambel, Eliz., '64 Dietz, Jacob, '66-'68 Diebold (Diepold), Ed., '68 Diebold, Albert, '68 Durler, John, '64 Durler, Wm., '64-'68 Durler, Anna, '64 Durler, Barbara, '65 Durler, Rose, '66-'68 Durler, Mary, '66-'68 Durler, Eliz., '67 Durler, Anna, '68 Ditterich, Margaret, '67-'68 Ditterich, Rosina, '68 Ditterich, Magdal, '68 Dittman, Erasmus, '66-'68 Dittman, John, '67-'68 Drisch, John, '64 Eckel, Eliz., '63 Eckel, Mary, '63 Eckel, Jacob, '63 Elkel, Nicholas, '64-'67 Emmerich, Agnes, '66 ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 110 Emmerich, Johanna, '66-67 Engel, George, '66-69, Engel, Anton, '66-67 Engel, Henry, '66-68 Engel, Nicholas, '67-68 Elsesser, John, '62-'63 Elsesser, Daniel, '62-61 Elsesser, Joseph, '62-'63 Elsesser, Anna, '62-'64 Elsesser, Rose, '62-6% Elsesser, Conrad. '65-'68 Fellinger, John, '63 Feil, Mary, '65-'6S Feil, Caroline, '66-'68 Feil, Barbara, '67 Feil, Catherine, '65 Feil, Anna, '66-'67 Feil, Philomena, '66 Faber, Mary, '67-'68 Faber, Adelaide, '68 Fackel, Caroline, '68 Fackel. George, '68 Fay, Cath., '68 Fay, Wm., '68 Fillinger, Louise, '68 Fischer, Mary Helen, '63 Fellinger, John, '63 Fischer, Helen, '64-'68 Fischer, Gco., '67 Fischer, Anna, '67 Fischer, Caroline, '67-68 Flaig, Joseph, '63 Flaig, Josephine, '63 Flaitz, Philomena, '6S-'68 Flaitz, Barbara, "6S-'67 Flaitz, Joseph, '66-67 Flaitz, Karl, '68 Flaitz, Josepha, '66-'68 Fleckenstein, '67 Fleckenstein, Joseph, '64 Fleckenstein, Jacob, '64 Frauenholz, John, '62-'68 Frauenholz, Mary, '67-68 Frauenheim, Flor., '67-'68 Frauenheim, Rose, '67-'68 Frauenheim, Josephine, '68 Freund, Wm., '63 Freund, Anton, '63 Freund, Stanislas, '63 Fritsch, Mary, '68 Fritsch, August, '66-67 Fuehrer, Frank, '62-'63 Fuehrer, Mary, '62-63 Fuchs, Margaret, '63 Fuchs, Nicholas, '64 Fuhr, Jacob, '64-'67 Fuehrer, Philomena, '66 Fuehrer, Wm., '66-'68 Fuerle, Wm., '66-'67 Fuehrer, Joseph, '68 Garrohs, Cath., '66 Gassler, Elizabeth, '66-67 Gerhart, Caroline, '62 Gerste, Anna, '63 Gilbert, Karl, '62-'61 Gilbert, Anna, '67-'68 Gilbert, Margaret, '66-67 Geiselhart, Justina, '62 Gilmore, Fred, '64 Gipperich, John, '65-'67 Gipperich, Henry, '66-67 Glaab, Rosina, '62 Glaab, Margaret, '67-'68 Glaab, Barb., '68 Glaab, Kunibert, '68 Glur, Mary, '63-'68 Glur, Cath., '65 Grant, Bettie, '63 Grant, Mary, '66-'67 Gruen, Frances, '64 Green, Jacob, '68 Glur, Mich., '66 Glur, Geo., '66 Glur, Francis, '67-'68 Godron, Kunigunida, '65-'67 Godron, Nicholas, '66-'68 Green, Barb., '68 Green, Rosina, :68 Gruber, Eliz., '67-'68 Gruber, Magdal., '67 Gruber, Helen, '67 Gudenbur, Geo., '62-67 Gudenbur, Peter, '62-68 Gudenbur, Eliz., '67-'68 Gudenbur, Cath., '67 Haas, John B., '62 Haas, Karl, '64-'67 Haas, Louis, '64-'68 Haas, Mich.' Anth., '65-'67 Haas, Jacob, '66-'68 Haas, Carolina, '66-'68 Haas, Cath., '66-'68 Haas, Mich., '66-'67 Haas, Boniface, '66-'68 Haas, Anton, '68 Haas, Frances, '68 Happe, Lawrence, '62 Happe, Peter, '62-'68 Happe, Anton, '63 Happe, John, '63 Happe, Andrew, '67 Hagerty, Bertha, '66 Hagerty, Ann, '63 Hart, Joseph, '63-'67 Hagerty, Brigid, '66 Hart, John, '64 Hart, Carl, '64 Hartwig, Theres., '64 Hartman, Nich., '66-'68 Hartman, Wm., '67-'68 Hartman, Henry, '67 Hampel, Karl, '67 Hampel, Geo. Jos., '67 Hart, Louise, '67 Heuring, Wm., '62 Helbling, Jos., '62-'63 Helbling, Theresa, '62 Helbling, Mich., '62-'61 Helbling, Cath., '62 Helbling, Josephine, '62 Hein, John, '62 Hein, Mary, '62 Heibel, Barb., '62 Heim, Caroline, '62 Heim, Alfred, '62 Hegner, Philomena, '63 Heuring, Henry, '63 Heil, Cath., '63 Heil, Wm., '63 Heil, Victor Theod., '63-'67 Helbling, Wm., '64-'68 Heil, Anton, '64-67 Heim, Stephania, '64-'65 Heim, Herman, '65 Heim, Helen, '65 Heyl, Andreas, '65 Heil, Maria, '66 Helbling, John, '66 Helbling, Bernard, '66-'68 Hepert, Geo., '65-'66 Helbling, Philom., '68 Herscht, Philom., '68 Herscht, Helen, '68 Heyd, Wm., '68 Hegner, Jos., '66-'68 Heitz, Anna, '66-'68 Heitz, Mary, '66-'67 Heitz, Wm'., '68 Heitz, Magdalen, '68 Hoakens, Chas., '64 Hoeveler, Aristide, '66-67 Hoeveler, Wm., '62 Hoeveler, Stella. '64 Howley, Nellie, '64-'66 Howley, Mary, '64-'66 Hofmann, Ann, '68 Hofmann, Nicholas, '67 Hofmann, Eliz., '67-'68 Hofmann, John, '67-68 Hohman, Anton, '66-67 Hohman, Wendel, '67-'68 Hohman, Aug., '67 Huck, Amelia, '67 Hug, John, '68 Hug, Wm., '62-'67 Hunter, Aristide, '66 Hutman, John, '66-67 Hutman, Mich., '66-67 Jaeger, Barbara, '62 Jaeger, Catherine, '62 Jaeger, Jos., '65 Jaeger, Geo., '65 Jaeger, Conrad, '65 Jakwirth, Geo., '66-67 Jester, John, '65 Jester, Stephen, '65-'68 Jester, Valentine, '66-67 Jester, Jacob. '66-'68 Jester, Martin, '68 Jueden, Joseph, '62 Jueden, Mary, '62 Jueden, Herman, '62 Jueden, Margt., '63-'65 Kalchthaler, Philo., '62 Kalchthaler, Wm., '62-'68 Kalchthaler, Louise, '63 Kalchthaler, Francis, '63 Kalchthaler, Benj., '63-'68 ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 111 Kalchthaler, Jos., '63-'68 Kalchthaler, Cath., '63-66 Kalchthaler, Karl. '63 Kalchthaler, Alb., '64-'68 Kalchthaler, Anna, '6S-'68 Kalchthaler, Fran., '66-'68 Kalchthaler, Louis, '66-'68 Kaibers, Peter, '68 Kastner, Mary, '68 Kastner, Anna, '68 Kehl, John, '64 Keller, Wm., '62 Kirk, James, '62 Klein, Nicholas, '62 Klein, Magdalen, '62 Klein, Philom., '62-'67 Klein, Marg., '62-'68 Klein, Mary, '62-68 Klein, Geo., '63-'68 Klein, Emma, '66 Klein, Cath., '68 Klein, Jacob, '68 Kloman, Anna M., '64 Kloman, John, '64 Kloman, Mary, '66-'68 Kloman, Karl, '66-61 Kloman, Bertha, '66-67 Knapp, Henry, '66-'68 Koch, Joseph, '67-'68 Koebert, Adam, '62 Koebert, Mary, '62 Koebert, Eliz.,(2) '63-'67 Koebert, Jacob, '64-'68 Koebert, John, '66-'68 Koebert, Anna, '66-'68 Koebert, Eliz., '66-'68 Koleman, Margaret, '63 Kraus, Edward, '62 Kraus, Herman, '62 Kraus, Mary, '62 Kraus, Jacob, '63 Kraus, Henry, '63 Krut, Christina, '68 Kress, Anna, '67-'68 Kress, Rosa, '67-'68 Kuehn (Kuhn), M., '62-'65 Kuehn, Anna, '62-66 Kuehn, Philom., '66-61 Kuerstin, Jos., '68 Kunz, Ludwig, '67-'68 Kunz, Louise, '66 Kurz, Geo., '67-'68 Kurz, Anna, '67-'68 Kwoczalla, Philom., '62 Kwoczalla, Frances, '63-'68 Kwoczalla, Francis, '65-'68 Lamkemeyer, H., '66-'68 Lamkemeyer, X., '66-'68 Lamkemeyer, Mary, '65-'68 Lauer, '66 Leis, Karl, '67-'68 Leis, George, '67-'68 Leis, Mary, '68 Leis, Albertina, '68 Leis, Wilhelmina, '68 Link, Marv, '66-'68 Link, Florian, '62 Lindenfelser, Wm., '62-'63 Lindenfelser, Ph., '62-'68 Lindenfelser, Christina, '62-61 Lindenfelser, S., '66-'68 Lindenfelser, Thomas, '68 Lindenfelser, Philom., '68 Loeffler, Karl, '63-68 Loeffler, Eliz., '63-'68 Loeffler, Joseph, '64 Loeffler, Bertha, '64 Loeffler, Mary, ''65-'68 Loeffler, Anna, '67-'68 Lorchen, Mich., '66 Lukas, Christian, '68 Lutz, John, '63 Lutz, Catherine, '63-'66 Lutz, Jacob, '63 Lutz, Henry, '64 Lutz, Bernard, '66-'68 Maidhof, J., '67-'68 Maloney, Timothy, '67 Markes, Philomena, '65-'68 Markes, Anna, '67-'68 Marschal, Mary, '68 Marschal, Magdalen, '68 Marschal, Peter, '68 Martin, A. Mary, '66 Maxler, Theresa, '67-'68 McConnell, Mary, '63 McBright (2), '64 Meinert, Elizabeth, '67 Metz, Cath., '68 Meyer (Mayer), Mich., '65 Meyer, Peter, '66-'68 Meyer, John, '66-'68 Meyer, Jacob, '66-'68 Meyer, M. Aug., '66-'67 Meyer, Philip, '67 Menke, Wm., '67-'68 Morton, Hanna, '64 Muehlhaeuser, A. M., '63 Muehl, Mary, '65 Muehl, Lowinia, '66-61 Muehl, Philip, '66 Mueller, Mary, '68 Mueller, John, '68 Mulby, Mag., '63 Mulvene, John, '62 Neckermann, Adelaide, '62 Neff, Mary, '66-'68 Neuhaeuser, Rosina, '62-'66 Neuhaeuser, Philom., '63-'68 Neuhaeuser, Mary, '64-'68 Neuhaeuser, Adam, '67-'68 Neumeyer, Theresa, '65 Niehaus, Eliza., '62-'64 Niehaus, Aug., '62-'66 Pauder, John, '67-'68 Pearson, Jacob, '64-'66 Pearson, Anna, '64-'66 Pleibel, Elizabeth, '65 Pottmeyer, Eliz., '65-'68 Rau, Amalia, '66 Rau, Anna, '64 Redel, Robert, '65-'68 Redel, Mary, '65-'68 Reed, Rosina, '68 Riot, Sophia, '66-'68 Riot, Andrew, '68 Ritscher, Joseph, '62 Rogner, Geo, '67-'68 Rogner, Bernard, '67-'68 Rogner, Clement, '67-68 Rolf, Philomena, '67 Sauer, Nickolas, '66-61 Sauer, Mary, '66-61 Schaefer, Mary, '63 Schaefer, George, '66-'68 Schmidt, Matilda, '62 Schmidt, Oscar, '62-67 Schmidt, Amalia, '63-'66 Schmidt, Sara, '62 Schmidt, Catherine, '66-61 Schmidt, Christian, '62 Schmidt, Bertha, '64-'67 Schmidt, Louise, '64 Schmidt, Herman, '65-'66 Schmidt, August, '65 Schmidt, Ida, '66-'68 Schmidt, Agnes M., '66-'67 Schmidt, Clara, '66-'68 Schmitt, Paulina, '66-61 Schmitt, Philom., '67-'68 Schmitt, Elizabeth, '67 Schmitt, Mary, '67-'68 Scheidt, Jacob, '68 Scheidt, Kaspar, '68 Schillo, Elizabeth, '66-61 Schillo, Margaret, '65-'66 Scherer, Cath., '68 Schleicher, Elizabeth. '68 Schleicher, Margaret, '68 Schleicher. Barbara. '68 Schano, Margaret, '68 Schiffauer, Rosina, '65-'68 Schiffauer, August, '68 Schneider, Fridolin. '67-'68 Schneider, Rosalia. '66-'68 Schneider. Mich.. '63 Schneider, Mary, '64 Schnabel, Gustave, '62 Schnabel, Mary, '65-'66 Scholl, Philip, '66-'68 Schoepf, John, '63-'67 Schrankel, Anna, '62 Schrankel, John, '63-'68 Schrankel, Mary, '65-'68 Schuler, F., '66 Schultes, Anna, '66-61 Schuermann, Francis, '68 Schuermann, Bernard, '68 Schuermann, Henry, '65-'6S Sommer, Cath., '63 Sperli, Crescentia, '63 Sperli, Philippina, '63-'66 Stoebe, Sabina, '62 Stein, Joseph, '67 Stein, Anna, '65-"66 Stein, Cath., '65-'66 Seibert, Peter, '66-61 Stolz, Alb., '66-'68 ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 112 [image] Rev. John Steigner, Born December 27, 1891, Ordained May 31, 1917 [image] Rev. Theodore Schillo, O.M.Cap., Born September 25, 1891, Ordained May 15, 1918 [image] Rev. Claude Vogel, O.M.Cap., Born December 27, 1891, Ordained May 31, 1917 [image] Rev. Theodore Schillo, O.M.Cap., Born September 25, 1891, Ordained May 15, 1918 images may be viewed at: http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/allegheny/church/staugustine-pittsburgh/112.jpg ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 113 Stapf, Jos., '66 Stapf, '66 Stuetzer, Kath., '68 Stuetzer, Alois, '68 Streiter, Cath., '68 Streiter, Emma, '62 Streiter, Mary, '62 Streiter, Anna, '62-'66 Streiter, Philom., '63-'63 Streiter, Matilda, '65-'6S Strehly, Mary, '65-'66 Stuermer, Wm., '63 Strothof, Diederich, '62-'63 Strothof, Henry, '62-'63 Sulvin, Mary, '65 Swords, John, '64 Sullivan, Brigid, '65-'66 Thalheimer, Karl, '63-'67 Thalheimer, John, '63 Thalheimer, Anton, '6S-'68 Thoma, Elizabeth, '66-'68 Thoma, Ferdinand, '66-'68 Tieman, Eliz., '66-'68 Tieman, Philip, '67-'68 Tieman, Henry, '68 Toerky, John, '65-'66 Tranor, Sara, '66-67 Tranry, Sara, '65 Tranry, Emma, '65 Trunzer, Mary, '62-'66 Trunzer, John, '63-'68 Trunzer, Joseph, '67-'68 Tragner, Sara, '68 Tuchscherer, Henry, '64-'65 Unverzagt, Wm., '62 Urban, Louis, '64-'66 Urban, Frank, '64-'67 Urban, Mary, '64-'67 Vetter, John, '66 Voelker, Oscar, '62 Voelker, John, '62-'66 Voelker, Fritz, '63-'66 Voelker, Ferdinand, '67-'68 Voelker, Frances, '67-'68 Voelker, August. '67-'68 Vogel, John, '62-'66 Vogel, Daniel, '62 Vogel, Joseph, '62-'66 Vogel, Louis, '62-67 Vogel, Carolina, '64 Vogel, Barbara, '64-'67 Vogel, Philomena, '65-'66 Vogel, Michael, '67-'68 Vogel, Barbara, '67-'68 Vogeler, Henry, '67-'68 Vogeler, Theres., '67-'68 Vogt, Eliz., '62 Vogt, Barb., '64 Vogt, Philip, '65-'68 Vogt, George, '67-'68 Wachter, Barb., '65 Wachter, John, '68 Wagner, Philom., '66-'68 Wagner, Edward, '66-'68 Wagner, Emma, '62-'68 Wald, Wm., '62 Wald, Barb, '64-'67 Wald, Philom, '65 Wald, Elizab., '66-'68 Walter, Rose, '66-'68 Walter, John, '67-'68 Wehner, Mary, '66-67 Weber, Anna, '68 Weber, Louise, '66-'68 Werner, Frances, '68 Werner, Josephine, '68 Werth, Philomena, '66 Weisser, August, '62 Weisser, Anton, '62 Weisser, Philomena, '63 Weiler, Magdalena, '64-'66 Weiler, Helena, '65-'68 Weisenberger, Peter, '66-'68 Weisenberger, Jos, '64-'68 Weisenberger, John, '68 Weisenberger, Anna, '68 Wilpert, Anton, '68 Winter, Adam, '64-'67 Winter, Catherine, '64-'68 Winter, Mary, '64-'68 Winkelman, '64 Winkelman, '64 Wirth, Theresia, '62-'64 Wirth, Mary, '62-'66 Wirth, Catherine, '62-'65 Wirth, Joseph Law, '62 Wirth, Margaret, 63-67 Wirth, Alexander, '63 Wirth, John, '63 Wirth, Jacob, '63-'67 Wirth, Lawrence, '64 Wirth, George, '66-67 Wirth, Gottlieb, '68 Wirth, Emma, '66-67 Wirth, Philomena, '66-67 Wirth, Elizabeth, '68 Wolf, Henry, '68 Wolf, John, '68 Wurzel, Anton, '62 Wurzel, Joseph, '62-'68 Wurzel, George, '63-'68 Wurzel, Jacob, '65 Wurzel, Mary, '66-'68 Ziegler, Amalia, '63-'65 Zimmer, John, '67-'68 Zimmer, Peter, '67-'68 Zimmer, Herman, '67-'68 Zimmerman, Amalia, '65-'66 Zmimerman, Maria, '65-'68 Zimmerman, Jos., '65-'67 Zimmerman, Francis, '66-67 Zimmerman, Philom, '66 Zimmerman, Xavier, '68-'70 Zimmerman, Wm., '68-'70 Zimmerman, Louise, '68-'70 (3) The foregoing list of names was compiled by Father Cyprian Gehrling from the Oldest School Record and it was published in the St Augustinus, July, 1922, pp. 4-7. The same Father compiled a list of names of the pupils of St. Augustine's School of the years 1870-1874 and published it in the St. Augustinus, September, 1922, pp. 4-6. This list, comprising 316 names, is, however, incomplete, apparently only recording the names of pupils who paid the school-money, 50 cents a month. ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 114 The foregoing list comprises 617 names, among them 44 which are unmistakably English, 4 French (Bullion) and 3 Polish (Kwocalla). The latter family is still represented in the parish. The French, or rather Alsatian family, has disappeared from the church records. The Christian names are given in German in the original but the English names have the Christian names in the English form which helps to identify corrupted names like Toerky (i.e. Turkey), Hutman (i.e. Hotman), Pauder (i.e. Powder), Sulvin (i.e. Sullivan). A few other names might be English but they cannot be identified with certainty. The mother of the Hoeveler children was Irish and this might be the case with some other chidren of purely German names. Mr. John Kraus' study plan of a four-grades school was surely with slight alterations the standard up to the establishment of a fifth school room. Certainly when two or three teachers were actively engaged in St. Augustine's school some of the periods marked "Quiet occupation" were filled out by the teacher with instruction, yet hardly any new branches were incorporated into the schedule. The first Franciscan Sisters who taught at St. Augustine's were the Sisters Mary Angela Endres, a native of Koblenz, Germany, and Mary Bernard Kim, a native of Pittsburgh. They took charge of the two lower grades, while the teachers, Stuetzer and later Trimberger, taught the boys of the upper grade. This arrangement lasted from November 9, 1871, till the fall term of 1874, when a third Sister was employed to take over the upper grade. Unfortunately the name of this third Sister cannot be learned. Sister Mary Angela (Miss Helen Endres) was born January 18, 1849, at Koblenz, Germany. When yet a child, the family emigrated to this country settling at Buffalo, N. Y. At the age of seventeen, she entered the Community of Franciscan Sisters at Buffalo, N. Y., on August 15, 1866. As a Postulant she came to Pittsburgh, Pa., in December, 1866, to assist at St. Francis Hospital. The following year she returned to Buffalo, N. Y.. where she received the habit on October 4, 1867. After completion of the two-year novitiate she pronounced her vows on August 12, 1869. Early in 1871 she returned to Pittsburgh. She died October 31, 1927. Sister Mary Bernard (Miss Anna Kim) was born at Pittsburgh, Pa., on February 7, 1847. On February 2, 1866, she entered the Community, and was sent to Buffalo, N. Y., where she received the habit November 29, 1866. At the expiration of her novitiate, she was admitted to Profession on January 2, 1869, and returned to Pittsburgh, Pa., in 1871. She died on May 17, 1889. The first teachers at St. Augustine's School of the Franciscan Community lived at St. Francis Hospital and came down every day to teach in the school for five years. When in the fall term of 1875 a fifth school-room had been opened five Sisters had to walk down from the hospital every day to teach in the school. On April 15th, 1876, a house was bought to serve as a home for the teaching Sisters. It was a small dwelling standing on the present site of the Sisters' Convent on Thirty-seventh Street. On May 14, 1876, it was announced in church that "a house had been bought for the Sisters near the school-building. To obtain the necessary funds for furnishing it, a dramatic play will be staged in Klopfer's Hall." On May 31, 1876, the Sisters moved into this house which later was torn down to make room for the present Convent. Sister Mary Agnes Rose (now Mother Mary Agnes in her 88th year living at the Motherhouse) was appointed first Sister Superior. She did not teach in school but was employed in teaching music to pupils in the Convent. On August 13, 1876, it was announced in church that the Sisters would give private lessons in music.(4) The five Sisters who taught in school in the fall term of 1876 were the following: Sister Mary Francis Hechler (Hehsler), who died June 8, 1916. Sister Mary Ignatia Egler who died January 26, 1930. Sister Mary Regina Murphy who died April 14, 1915. Sister Mary Petronella Haas who died September 26, 1916, and Sister Mary Veronica Rheinhardt who is still living (85 years old). (4) St. Augustinus, August, 1923, pp. 50, 117, 122-123, 130. Mr. Titus Berger bought, April 15, 1876. the property, three lots, and on May 20, 1876. deeded it over to the Bishop. See Deeds of May 20, 1876, printed in St. Augustinus, March, 1924, pp. 49-50. ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 115 On July 30, 1876, it was announced in church: "Every one knows that a new school building is needed in a few more years and for this purpose lots have been bought which must be paid for. By means of a Fair this could be done." The lots were bought for $6,500 and the Fair netted $4,365.19.(5) The enrolment of the school continued to increase steadily. In 1875 the attendance was 350 and in 1876 it was 360. On June 23, 1878, it was announced that a sixth grade has to be added to the school and a new room accordingly has to be furnished. Attendance, 370 pupils. The next year, however, additional space was provided on the upper floor of the Parish Hall. On August 10, 1879, it was announced in church that the lots bought three years before would be utilized by building a hall to hold the proposed Fair and to gain several much needed school-rooms. The school was becoming too small for the number of children (410) and the building of the hall would eliminate the necessity of building a new school. On November 5, 1879, the new hall and the new school- rooms were ready for service. The school was now kept in two different buildings on opposite sides of Thirty-seventh Street. In July, 1882, a new room was fitted up for school purposes (attendance, 462 pupils) and in July, 1883, two new schoolrooms were furnished with new desks. Attendance then was 542 pupils. On September 28, 1885, the ninth classroom was started in St. Augustine's School. Attendance was then 580 pupils. Two months later, November 29, 1885, it was announced in church that the great and ever increasing number of school children will make the erection of a new school building a necessity in the near future. In their meetings of March 14 and April 18, 1886, the Church Committee rejected the proposition of the pastor, Fr. Felix Maria, as to building a new school. Yet the donation of $10,000 by the late Mr. Michael McCollough opened the way to the realization of the plan of Fr. Felix Maria. On February 26, 1887, the pastor announced that he would take up a house collection for the purpose of erecting a new school building, since the late Michael McCollough had made a donation of $10,000 to that effect.(6) On March 3, 1889, the new school building was dedicated with great ceremonies. It was the best equipped school building of any parish of the city and could well rival with the stately public schools. On March 21, 1889, the children began to move into the new school, 607 in all. St. Augustine's ranked at the fourth place among the schools of the city of Pittsburgh at that time according to enrolment of pupils; St. Paul's Cathedral with 998, St. Michael's, South Side, with 950 and St. Mary's, Forty-sixth Street with 700 preceding her. On September 8, 1889, it was announced in church that "to accommodate those children who made their first Holy Communion (who were twelve years and above) a new class-room, the tenth, has been established, and all excuses advanced formerly to send the children to the public schools have now no foundation any more. There is hardly another school which can measure up to ours in external equipment, and our teaching staff is just as efficient, if not more, than that of other schools." On November 27, 1889, it was announced in church that the total cost of the new school with all furnishings amounted to $43,781.15. The upper story of the old hall (present Casino building) which had served as three or four class-rooms since November, 1879, was turned over to the Sisters as living quarters and the lower story continued to be used for stage purposes and meeting rooms for the societies till the present Casino was fitted up. The old school building on the opposite side of the street was torn down. In 1890 the enrolment of St. Augustine's School reached the 615 mark. The parish numbered 4,000 souls; it was steadily increasing from 2,500 souls in 1877.(7) St. Augustine's School enjoyed a great reputation in those days even among the Irish population. In a letter, dated September 1, 1938, Sr. Mary Hieronyma of the Or- (5) St. Augustinus, August, 1923, pp. 129, 131. (6) St. Augustinus, 1923. pp. 82, 122, 129, 130, 131, 193, 197; 1924, pp. 36- 38, 130, 167, 262, 270; 1925, pp. 13, 25, 34-65; 1926 pp. 120-121. (7) St. Augustinus, 1925, pp. 75, 107, 115, 130-137, 150-152, 153, 165, 167, 172, 174, 175, 194; 926. pp. 120-121. Hoffman's Catholic Directory. Milwaukee, 1888, p. 235, and Milwaukee, 1889, p. 357. ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 116 [image] Rev. Elmer Praxmarer, O.M.Cap, Born September 29, 1902, Ordained December 11, 1928 [image] Rev. Aurelius Nickel, O.M.Cap., Born December 26, 1903, Ordained December 11, 1928 [image] Rev. Edgar Schano, O.M.Cap., Born November 26, 1900, Ordained September 23, 1930 [image] Rev. Gerard Greenewald, O.M.Cap., Born January 30, 1904, Ordained September 23, 1930 images may be viewed at: http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/allegheny/church/staugustine-pittsburgh/116.jpg ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 117 der of Mercy Sisters of Pittsburgh, writes that she, Catherine Stella McCaffrey, was sent to the German St. Augustine's School like her brothers and sister, although both her parents were Irish; because in those days St. Augustine's School was the school in Lawrenceville. In September, 1886, she first went to that school. "I recall," she writes, "that a saintly Sister of St. Francis, a Sister Benedict, was my first teacher in, I believe, number 0 (naught), as the baby room was called in the little old frame school which stood where the present monastery garden now is located." On July 3, 1892, she received her first Holy Communion in the old St. Augustine's Church together with 38 boys and 71 girls. The best known of those boys in later life was Joseph G. Steedle, who began to practice medicine at McKees Rocks in 1904, served as burgess of McKees Rocks from 1909-1914, and as Representative in the House at Harrisburg, Pa., from 1912-1934, representing the Twelfth District. The best known of the girls in later life became Camilla Mary Frauenheim, who on November 24, 1903, married Mr. Eugene S. Reilly.(8) On September 4, 1892, an academy for girls was opened in St. Augustine's School and the number of pupils was raised to 625. The academy was planned to comprise a three years' course of studies. The school comprised twelve class rooms, each of which would seat conveniently sixty and more pupils. Actually, however, eleven rooms were occupied and eleven Sisters were teaching. The number of souls was given as 3,800. The pupils were divided into 300 boys and 325 girls. On September 3, 1894, a higher grade for the boys was started to raise the St. Augustine's School to the standard of the pubic schools and thereby to enable the boys to pass the High School examination or to equip them for training in other useful occupations, in case they do not wish to continue their studies. Only boys who had completed the fifth grade were to be admitted. On the same day the third year of the girls' academy was inaugurated and fancy work was included into the curriculum of studies. Thus since 1894 two class-rooms of the academy and ten class-rooms of the grades-school had been established in the twelve spacious rooms on the three floors. On July 2, 1895, the students of the Third Academic Class graduated. The boys' high school opened in September 1894 closed with an attendance of 27 and the attendance of the entire "parochial school during the scholastic terms of 1894-1895 fluctuated between 630 and 640. On September 5, 1899 a class of Kindergarten was opened for the first time. Children from 3 to 6 years were received and ten cents a week was charged for tuition. These babies could easily be kept in the rooms in the Hall. On September 5, 1899, the Kindergarten class was opened with 60 children and two days later as many as 90 children were received. On June 20, 1900, the Kindergarten class had their first commencement. It was reopened on September 3, 1900 but closed in June 1901 forever. The Three years' Boys and Girls Academy of High School was kept up regularly and had on the average an enrolment of from 55 to 66. In September, 1909, the name of Academy was dropped and the high school course was called "Commercial". When the Central High School was opened, the boys were sent to that institution (1931) and the Commercial School of St. Augustine's is exclusively composed of girls. The Academy or Commercial School was often overcrowded. In September, 1906, some pupils had to be refused admission and the following year an assistant teacher was installed. Then in 1911 the rule was made that only boys and girls who passed the eighth grade with 80 and above, would be admitted to the academy. Some years there were only two classes of the academy.(9) The attendance of St. Augustine's School kept above the 600 mark since 1889. In 1896 the school closed with 594 pupils, in 1897 it commenced with 667 pupils, in 1898 (8) The names of the class of First Communicants of 1892 are printed in the St. Augustinus, September, 1926, pp. 196-197. (9) St. Augustinus, November. 1899, p. 3; June, 1900, p. 4; July, 1900, p. 4; September, 1903, p. 1; July, 1905, pp. 8-9; September, 1905, p. 10; July, 1906 p. 9; November, 1906, p. 10; September, 1907, p. 8; October, 1907, p. 9; September, 1909, pp. 8-9; May, 1911, p. 8; June, 1923. p. 89; August, 1926, pp. 157-158, 223, 246; 1927, pp. 97, 140, 183, 206, 228, 229; 1928, pp. 35, 113, 214; 1929, pp. 16, 240; 1930, pp. 13, 116. ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 118 the attendance was 640, in 1899 it was 736, in 1901, it was 634, in 1903 it was 710, in 1904 it was 664, in 1907 it was 630, in 1909 it was 650, in 1910 again 650. In September 1910 the grades were marked so that the number of the rooms is also the number of the grades. During the 84 years of its existence 1854-1938 at least 5,000 children have received their complete course of instruction in St. Augustine's School.(10) A limited number of children from other parishes were always received at St. Augustine's School. Many a time applications from outsiders had to be refused. In August, 1923, Fr. Philip Knupfer wrote: "We want every child of St. Augustine's Parish in St. Augustine's School. Outsiders will be admitted only, if we can conveniently accommodate them. The fact that so many children from other parishes apply here, speaks volumes for our school."(11) Prior to the year 1900 the boys were separated from the girls in St. Augustine's School. But in September 1900 coeducation was introduced. "Since the boys' rooms were overcrowded", the pastor wrote, "while the girls' rooms were not sufficiently filled, it was decided to put the same grades of boys and girls together into one room respectively. This has been the practice in a number of Catholic schools these past years".(12) In the primary grades, however, coeducation had been the practice from the very beginning. Previous to the year 1893, the Parochial School was treated as a strictly parochial institution; each school was independent in its grading, method of teaching, and adoption of text-books. The management of the school was an exclusive affair of the pastor and his teachers. The so-called standardization of schools with its baneful influence on personal initiative was not yet born in the brains of our educators and the way was not yet opened to the stagnant byzantinism which would eliminate not only racial and tribal characters but even personal traits from the life of the pupils. Happily those new-fangled educational systems would not live long and in the rapid succession of new methods sometimes a cramped genius could take a new lease of life. School attendance -was not compulsory in the early days and the children who attended St. Augustine's School were sent there by their parents in compliance with the wish and command of the respective pastor, and later, also of the diocesan bishop. When the pupils had received their First Holy Communion, which before the decree of August 8, 1910, was not allowed to be received unless they were twelve years and above, the vast majority of the graduates were put to work by their parents, while a limited number could continue with their studies only in the public schools. To counteract this practice, St. Augustine's opened in the fall term of 1892 an Academic Class with a three years' course, introducing also shorthand and typewriting; two years later an Academic Class was inaugurated also for the boys and in 1895 the course of special work was begun. The High School Boys were taught from 1895 to 1904 by Sister M. Ambrosia Hottowitz, the best remembered of the teachers at St. Augustine's, from 1904 to 1910 by Sister M. Gertrude Peitz. The Academy Girls were taught from 1895 to 1901 by Sister M. Liguori Lawton, from 1901 to 1904 by Sister M. Claudia Hanlon, from 1904 to 1909 by Mother M. Gonzaga Niederberger, and from 1909 to 1910 by Sister M. Benigna Lattner. In 1910 co-education was introduced into the Academy and the boys and girls were taught united in a common class by Sister M. Loyola Steggert, from 1910 to 1913. At the sixth Diocesan Synod, held February 1893, in accordance with the decrees of the Third Plenary Council of Baltimore, a School Board and a Board of Examiners of teachers were constituted. This School Board, from time to time discussed the necessity of instituting a Superintendent of Schools. In 1896 the Rev. N. P. (10) St. Augustinus, November, 1899, p. 5; September. 1901. p. 4; September. 1903, p. 1; December, 1903, p. 4; September, 1905, p. 8; September, 1908. p. 8; October, 1909 p. 10; September 1910, p. 8; November. 1910, p. 8; 1928, pp. 13, 73, 154. (11) St. Augustinus, August. 1923, p. 125. (12) St. Augustinus. May, 1930, pp. 116-117. ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 119 McNellis was appointed Diocesan School-Superintendent but he resigned after a few months. The Office remained vacant until 1904, when the Rev. Thomas Devlin was appointed to that office by Bishop Canevin. At a meeting of the School Board June 14, 1907, a standardized Course of Studies was adopted for use in the Parish Schools of the Pittsburgh Diocese. This Course was the revised Edition (1906) of the Course of Study used in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, supplemented by a Course in Physiology and Hygiene, and the teaching of Civics in connection with History. During this year, the Muscular movement System in Penmanship was taken up by the teachers and pupils with enthusiasm. General interest was also manifested in Singing and Church Music. Father Devlin had exercised his zeal in the field of education, being Secretary of the School Board from 1893 to 1904, when he was appointed Superintendent. He resigned in 1909, and was succeeded by Reverend Hugh C. Boyle (our present Bishop.) On the resignation of Father Devlin, Reverend M. Hegerich became Secretary, a position which he held for thirty years until his death December 4, 1936. Experience had taught that a greater advantage would be obtained by placing boys and girls together, and in 1911 in all the classes of the Diocesan Parochial Schools, the boys and girls were no longer separated. Pope Pius XI condemned this system of co-education in his Encyclical of December 31, 1929. In 1913 uniformity in text- books was adopted, and a schedule allotting a specified time for each subject. The problem of Commercial work thrust itself upon St. Augustine's School, and in 1909 the Academic Class was transformed into a two-year Commercial Course. This continued until 1932, when it merged into a four-year High School Course, which was accredited by the State February 1, 1935. In 1911, when the first Community Supervisor was appointed, in the person of Sister M. Clarissa Popp, the Sisters of St. Francis adopted a special School Register, in which not only the pupil's attendance was recorded, but also his monthly progress in his studies. Also a system of Record Cards, showing the pupil's age, health, grade, and position in class. These were kept on file in case the pupil was transferred to another school. In 1931, the Register was revised, giving a more complete and detailed account of the pupil's standing. While Supervisor, (1911- 1922) a "Syllabus" was adopted for the use of the Diocesan Schools. The text- books in use at the time, were not at all in accord with the Syllabus, and the teachers were encumbered and retarded in their work. In order to facilitate the work and assist them, Sister M. Clarissa Popp compiled Note-Books in language and geography for the third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth grades; in arithmetic for the third and fourth grades; in United States History for the fourth and fifth grades; History of Pennsylvania for the sixth, seventh, and eighth grades; Literature (the interpretation and explanation of twenty poems) for the fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth grades; a catechism of music for the seventh, and eighth grades. These books are no longer in the hands of the pupils; but many of the teachers still use them in preparing their class work. Medical Inspection to which the Board of Health, in the city of Pittsburgh, subjected the schools and school children, was obtained for the Parochial Schools by Father Boyle, and was gratefully welcomed by the Pastors and people. In December, 1916, Father Boyle resigned and was succeeded by Reverend Ralph L. Hayes. In the year 1917, the Diocesan School authorities made one change in the curriculum of the schools. The Religion Book and the Catholic Readers were to be introduced the following year. The "Ward Method of Music" was introduced in 1918. The repeal of water-tax, the exemption allowing 2500 gallons of free water for every child in the school, was obtained in 1918. In 1919 Physical Culture was made a part of the curriculum, and free text-books were to be furnished where possible. St. Augustine's School was one of the first to follow the regulations. In 1920 the display of the United States Flag in every school was imposed, and the obligation of saluting it once a day. This ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 120 [image] Rev. Terrence Moffat, O.M.Cap., Born February 2, 1906, Ordained June 14, 1932 [image] Rev. Bernard Nickel, Jr., O.M.Cap., Born April 15, 1908, Ordained June 13, 1934 [image] Rev. Linus Doemling, O.M.Cap., Born July 12, 1908, Ordained June 13, 1934 images may be viewed at: http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/allegheny/church/staugustine-pittsburgh/120.jpg ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 121 year a Law was passed forbidding children fourteen years of age to work. This proved a great advantage to the school: the parents had to stop causing trouble to both pastor and Sisters on account of keeping their children in school and preventing them from being put to work. (See St. Augustinus, July 1905, p. 14.) Elaborate graduating exercises were disapproved of in 1921, and their discontinuance strongly urged. Fire Drills were made obligatory to be conducted at least once a month. The Common Drinking Cup which was installed in September 1900 was abolished, and the schools supplied with Drinking Fountains. (See St. Augustinus, October, 1900, p. 4). To insure progress, in 1922, three new text- books were introduced: "The Essentials in Spelling" by Pearson and Suzzalo, "The Catholic Citizen" by John A. Lapp, and 'Health and Happiness" by Reverend F. J. Dore, S.J. Algebra was eliminated, being no longer a requirement for High School. "Prangs Art Education" had been among the adoption of text-books in 1913, but as the work had not been satisfactory, a Course was begun in 1922 with encouraging success, and introduced gradually until the Eight Year Course was fully in the schools. As the Course of Studies had been in use for twenty years, it was decided to make a change. Various branches of the curriculum were allotted to sub-committees composed of Supervisors and teachers. Their studies and reports were submitted and a mimeographed tentative Course, at the beginning of September, 1925, was placed in the hands of the teachers. Reverend Father Hayes resigned June 1, 1926, and was succeeded by Reverend Paul E. Campbell. In 1927 schools having an enrollment of 500 or more children requested, where possible, to have a principal free from class work. St. Augustine's School was one of the first to comply with the requisite, and Sister M. Gertrude Peitz was the first free principal. This year also witnessed the introduction of the method of "Sight Reading" in the Primary Grades. The present Superintendent, .in 1932, introduced Departmental work; this is in use in the seventh and eighth grades. In 1934 an official Calendar was provided in which a number of free days were allotted to the schools; this was done to secure uniformity in the schools regarding free days. The following is a record of the school from 1911 to 1938 inclusive, giving the names of the teachers and the number of pupils in each grade. 1911-1912 Grade Pupils 1. Sister M. Perpetua Schleicher 80 2. Sister M. Theolinda Kiesling 69 3. Sister M. Petronella Haas 67 4. Sister M. Ignatia Egler 62 4. Sister M. Severia Kircher 54 5. Sister M. Seraphine Holzer 50 5. Sister M. Kostka Kirsch 43 6. Sister M. Pauline Spiegel 38 6. Sister M. DeSales Schwaab 37 7. Sister M. Herman Schoeppner 34 8. Sister M. Teresita Friedel 23 Sister M. Loyola Steggert (Com. Class) 25 _______ Total 580 1912-1913 Grade Pupils 1. Sister M. Perpetua Schleicher 85 2 Sister M. Theolinda Kiesling 69 3. Sister M. Petronella Haas 66 4. Sister M. Ignatia Egler 59 4. Sister M. Michael Neff 59 5. Sister M. Celestine Ziefel 49 5. Sister M. Seraphine Holzer 50 6. Sister M. Kostka Kirsch 43 6. Sister M. Rose Schuler 35 7. Sister M. Herman Schoeppner 31 8. Sister M. Luitgardis Baurnann 24 Sister M. Loyola Steggert (Com. Class) 20 ___________ Total 590 1913-1914 Grade Pupils 1. Sister M. Lawrence Burrey 86 2. Sister M. Theolinda Kiesling 67 3. Sister M. Cornelia Flotzinger 59 3. Sister M. Inez Straub 63 4. Sister M. DePazzi Reich 49 5. Sister M. Berenice Miller 44 5. Sister M. Francis Hehsler 49 6. Sister M. Celesta Bernarding 34 6. Sister M. Rose Schuler 32 7. Sister M. Herman Schoeppner 31 8. Sister M. Germaine Seibel 23 Sister M. Liguori Lawton (Com. Class) 27 ___________ Total 567 1914-1915 Grade Pupils 1. Sister M. Georgiana Raab 84 2. Sister M. Angeline Graner 68 3. Sister M. Leona Stumph 66 3. Sister M. Inez Straub 62 4. Sister M. DePazzi Reich 54 5. Sister M. Bertilla Hack 47 6. Sister M. Francis Hehsler 43 6. Sister M. Antoinella Snelsire 45 7. Sister M. Celesta Bernarding 41 8. Sister M. Alma Feineigle 32 Sister M. Germaine Seibel (Jr. Com.) 21 Sister M. Liguori Lawton (Sr. Com.) 16 ____________ Total 585 ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 122 1915 - 1916 Grade Pupils 1. Sister M. Georgiana Raab 83 2. Sister M. Angeline Graner 71 3. Sister M. Loena Stumph 67 4. Sister M. Edmund Jacob 60 4. Sister M. DePazzi Reich 59 5. Sister M. Paul Hauser 50 5. Sister M. Bertilla Hack 52 7. Sr. M. Ambrosia Schmitt 26 8. Sister M. Lucille Doerr 34 Sister M. Alma Feineigle 32 Sister M. Germaine Seibel (Jr. Com.) 21 Sister M. Aurelia Arenth (Sr. Com.) 24 ____________ Total 579 1916-1917 Grade Pupils 1. Sister M. Ottilia Fischer 78 2. Sister M. Bernardine Goodman 60 3. Sister M. Leona Stumph 63 3. Sr. M. Joseph Mary Hogenmiller 54 4. Sister M. DePazzi Reich 61 5. Sister M. Dolorita Ohrman 47 5. Sister M. DePaul Lattner 52 6. Sister M. Bertilla Hack 43 7. Sister M. Lucille Doerr 37 8. Sister M. Anita Froelich 33 Sister M. Regis Glaesner (Jr. Com.) 13 Sister M. Aurelia Arenth (Sr. Com.) 12 ___________ Total. 579 1917 - 1918 Grade Pupils 1. Sister M. Mechtildis Evans 84 2. Sister M. Blanche Tewes 64 3. Sister M. Ottilia Fischer 65 3. Sister M. Carmelita Krah 59 4. Sister M. DePazzi Reich 60 5. Sister M. Agnella Rengers 46 5. Sr. Joseph Mary Hogenmiller 47 6. Sister M. DePaul Lattner 41 7. Sister M. Dolorita Ohrman 31 8. Sister M. Lucille Doerr 24 Sister M. Teresita Friedel (Jr. Com.) 26 Sister M. Aurelia Arenth (Sr. Com.) 10 ____________ Total 557 1918-1919 Grade Pupils 1. Miss Mathilda Nort 90 2. Sister M. Blanche Tewes 69 3. Sister M. Josephine Dold 71 4. Sister M. Ottilia Fischer 52 4. Sister M. Regina Kramer 61 5. Sr. Joseph Mary Hogenmiller 48 5. Sister M. Ludmilla Blockinger 41 6. Sister Francis Marie Lang 43 7. Sister M. Dolorita Ohrman 38 8. Sister M. Herman Schoppner 28 Sister M. Teresita Friedel (Jr. Com) 23 Sister M. Callista Steggert (Sr. Com.). 11 ____________ Total 575 1919-1920 Grade Pupils 1. Sister Damian Blind 90 2. Sister Theolinda Kiesling 74 3. Sister Teresa Rengers 60 3. Sister M. Josephine Dold 55 4. Sister M. Regina Kramer 53 5. Sr. Joseph Mary Hogenmiller 58 6. Sister M. Ludmilla Blockinger 54 6. Sister Francis Marie Lang 34 7. Sister M. Dolorita Ohrman 38 8. Sister M. Lucina Appel 29 Sister M. Germaine Seibel (Jr. Com.) 23 Sister M. Callista Steggert (Sr. Com.) 16 ____________ Total 586 1920 - 1921 Grade Pupils 1. Sister M. Damian Blind 84 2. Sister M. Theolinda Kiesling 85 3. Sister M. Josephine Dold 73 4. Sister M. Teresa Rengers 63 4.. Sister M. Regina Kramer 53 5. Sister M. Ludmilla Blockinger 55 6. Sr. Joseph Mary Hogenmiller 47 6. Sister M. Paul Hauser 43 7. Sister M. Kostka Kirsch 40 8. Sister M. Lucina Appel 29 Sister M. Germaine Seibel (Jr. Com.) 45 Sister M. Callista Steggert (Sr. Com.) 19 ___________ Total 636 1921 - 1922 Grade Pupils 1. Sister M. Marcelline Laaks 74 2. Sister M. Damian Blind 81 3. Sister M. Leona Stumph 76 4. Sister M. Teresa Rengers 69 5. Sister M. Herman Friedman 62 6. Sister M. Pau1 Hauser 56 6. Sr. Joseph Mary Hogenmiller 50 7. Sister M. Regina Kramer 45 8. Sister M. Bertilla Hack 48 Sister M. Germaine Seibel (Jr. Com.) 60 Sister M. Callista Steggert (Sr. Com.) 40 Sister M. Teresita Friedel (Typewriting Teacher) ____________ Total 661 1922 - 1923 Grade Pupils 1. Sister M. Georgiana Raab 92 2. Sister M. Damian Blind 82 3. Sister M. Leona Stumph 76 4. Sister M. Teresa Rengers 71 5. Sister M. Herman Friedman 60 6. Sister M. DePaul Lattner 37 7. Sister M. Pau1 Hauser 52 7. Sister M Rose Schuler 41 8. Sister M. Bertilla Hack 35 Sister M. Gertrude Peitz (Jr. Com.) 40 Sister M. Germaine Seibel (Sr. Com.) 40 Sister M. Cailista Steggert (Sr. Com.) 20 ___________ Total 646 ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 123 1923-1924 Grade Pupils 1. Sister M. Georgiana Raab 65 2. Sister M. Damian Blind 68 3. Sister M. Roberta Feldmeier 62 3. Sister M. Leona Stumph 61 4. Sister M. Eulalia Wank 57 5. Sister M. Herman Friedman 63 6. Sister M. DePaul Lattner 61 7. Sister M. Paul Hauser 45 7. Sister M. Cletus Wehrle 28 8. Sister M. Aquina Wacker 36 Sister M. Gertrude Peitz (Jr. Com.) 43 Sister M. Aurelia Arenth (Sr. Com.) 33 _____________ Total 622 1924-1925 Grade Pupils 1. Sister M. Georgiana Raab 77 2. Sister M. Carmencita Einloth 73 3. Sister M. Julene Ganther 68 3. Sister M. Leona Stumph 60 4. Sister M. Celestine Ziefel 57 5. Sister M. Herman Friedman 64 6. Sister M. Constance Mahler 59 7. Sister M. Paul Hauser 45 8. Sister M. Liguori Strattmeier 31 8. Sister M. Aquina Wacker 35 Sister M. Gertrude Peitz (Jr. Com.) 41 Sister M. Aurelia Arenth (Sr. Com.) 40 ___________ Total 650 1925 - 1926 Grade Pupils 1. Sister M. Georgiana Raab 75 2. Sister M. Carmencita Einloth 74 3. Sister M. Leona Stumph 68 4. Sister M. Celestine Ziefel 58 4. Sister M. Bertram Freund 64 5. Sister M. Herman Friedman 57 6. Sister M. Constance Mahler 51 7. Sister M. Paul Hauser 45 8. Sister M. Aquina Wacker 34 Sister M. Jeanne Voelker 36 (Jr. Com.) Sister M. Gertrude Peitz 25 (Sr. Com.) Sister M. Aurelia Arenth 35 (Sr. Com.) ________________ Total 622 1926-1927 Grade Pupils 1. Sister M. Georgiana Raab 75 2. Sister M. Carmencita Einloth 79 3. Sister M. Leona Stumph 71 4. Sister M. Barbara Kuenzig 62 5. Miss Marie Greenewald 60 5. Sister M. Bertram Freund 60 6. Sister M. Constance Mahler 52 7. Sister M. Honcra Garrity 46 8. Sister M. Bertilla Hack 39 Sister M. De Chantal Staudt (Jr. Com) 44 Sister M. Jeanne Voelker (Sr. Com.) 24 Sister M. Jean Frances Henry (Sr. Com.) 33 Sister M. Gertrude Peitz, Principal ________________ Total 645 1927 - 1928 Grade Pupils 1. Sister M. Georgiana Raab 69 2. Sister M. Carmencita Einloth 77 3. Sister M. Leocadia Schleicher 73 4. Sister M. Barbara Kuenzig 63 5. Miss Marie Greenewald 62 6. Sister M. Marita Gruber 58 6. Sister M. Berenice Miller 50 7. Sister M. Armella Lueber 45 8. Sister M. Edmond Jacob 38 Sister M. De Chantal Staudt (Jr. Com.) 42 Sister M. Victorine Jacobs (Sr. Com.) 40 ____________ Total 617 1928 - 1929 Grade Pupils 1. Sister M. Georgiana Raab 67 2. Sister M. Carmencita Einloth 78 3. Sister M. Leocadia Schleicher 72 4. Sister M. Coletta Neuner 63 5. Miss Marie Greenewald 62 6. Sister M. Marita Gruber 60 7. Sister M. Celesta Bernarding 52 7. Sister M. Agneta Ganther 42 8. Sister M. Edmond Jacob 39 Sister M. DeChantal Staudt (Jr. Com.) 46 Sister M. Victorine Jacobs (Sr. Com.) 32 ___________ Total 613 1929-1930 Grade Pupils 1. Sister M. Marion Schiffhaur 59 2. Miss Ruth Rock 64 3. Sister M. Ottilia Schwaab 55 3. Sr. M. Leocadia Schleicher 56 4. Sister M. Coletta Neuner 63 5. Sister M. Alberta Mason 64 6. Sister M. Marita Gruber 58 7. Sister M. Agneta Ganther 53 8. Sr. M. Celesta Bernarding 40 8. Sister M. Lucille Doerr 40 Sister M. Eunice Herbst (Jr. Com.) 30 Sister M. De Chantal Staudt (Sr. Com.) 38 ____________ Total 620 1930-1931 Grade Pupils 1. Sister M. Perpetua Schleicher 70 2. Sister M. Edna Bachman 67 3. Sister M. Coletta Neuner 73 4. Miss Ruth Rock 61 4. Sister M. Clare Sedlmeier 65 5. Sister M. Clement Fey 64 6. Sister M. Esther Bosle 56 6-7. Sister M. Rose Ann Gruber 45 7. Sister M. Agneta Ganther 44 8. Sister M. Celesta Bernarding 46 9. Sister M. Germaine Seibel 34 10. Sister M. De Chantal Staudt 23 Sister M. Antoinette Ruffenmach, Principal _____________ Total 648 ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 124 [image] Top: Charles Moffiat, Anthony Mackiewicz, Louis Zinsmeister, Clarence N. Schmolder, Joseph Brei, George Hinchcliff. Middle: Frank Limpert, Louis Fuchs, Lester Morris, August Rattay, Adolph Jans, Bernard Ceponis. Bottom: Andrew Bieneman, Adolph Lutz, Rev. Ralph Graham, O.M.Cap., Leo Schakmar, John Zawart. image may be viewed at: http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/allegheny/church/staugustine-pittsburgh/124.jpg ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 125 1931-1932 Grade Pupils 1. Sr.M. Perpetua Schleicher 87 2. Sister M. Edna Bachman 81 3. Sister M. Mathilda Zeus 74 4. Miss Ruth Rock 72 5. Sister M. Wilma Schuster 68 5. Sister M. Clement Fey 64 6. Sister M. Clare Sedlmeier 34 6. Sister M. Claudia Freund 52 7. Sister M. Floria Hack 52 8. Sister M. Esther Bosle 43 8. Sister M. Agneta Ganther 43 9. Sister M. Edmond Jacob 12 10. Sr. M. Germaine Seibel 31 Sr. M. Antoinette Ruffenmach, Principal _________ Total 713 1932 - 1933 Grade Pupils 1. Sister M. Perpetua Schleicher 66 2. Sister M. Carol Mader 83 3. Sister M. Mathilda Zeus 77 4. Sister M. Georgine Zeuger 76 5. Sister M. Clement Fey 70 6. Sister M. Clare Sedlmeier 68 6. Sister M. Claudia Freund 53 7. Sister M. Joan Doney 42 7. Sister M. Lavina Nort 41 8. Sister M. Eulalia Wank 43 9. Sr.M. Adelaide Feldmeier 21 10. Sister M. Edmond Jacob 8 11. Sister M. Germaine Seibel 21 Sr. M. Antoinette Ruffenmach, Principal ________ Total 669 1933 - 1934 Grade Pupils 1. Sister M. Perpetua Schleicher 72 2. Sister M. Mary Ann Schoppal 78 3. Sister M. Alberta Mason 72 4. Sister M. Florence Greiner 71 4-5. Sr. M. De Lourdes McGrath 67 5. Sister M. Clement Fey 57 6. Sister M. Angelica Hahner 55 7. Sister M. Roberta Feldmeier 52 7. Sister M. Claretta Gardill 52 8. Sister M. Eulalia Wank 53 9. Sr. M. Mary Marg.Wiegand 18 10. Sister M. Benigna Lattner 21 11. Sister M. DeSales Schwaab 8 12. Sister M. Germaine Seibel 19 Sr. M. Antoinette Ruffenmach, Principal ________ Total 695 1934 - 1935 Grade Pupils 1. Sister M. Cecilia Marie Fahrner 76 2. Sister M. Mary Ann Schoppal 81 3. Sister M. Walter Franko 85 4. Sister M. Florence Greiner 78 5. Sr. M. Marg. Mary Muehlbauer 76 6. Sister M. Xavier Kroha 55 6. Sister M. Angelica Hahner 53 7. Sister M. Clara Marie Bliss 55 8. Sister M. Bertilla Hack 45 8. Sister M. Eulalia Wank 51 9. Sister M. Judith Abel 18 10. Sister M. Marilda Dusch 19 11. Sister M. Benigna Lattner 21 12. Sister M. Germaine Seibel 8 Sr. M. Victorine, Principal ________ Total 721 1935 - 1936 Grade Pupils 1. Sister M. Perpetua Schleicher 78 2. Sister M. Mary Ann Schoppal 65 3. Sister M. Marie Antoinette Lindner 65 4. Sister M. Lioba Bernarding 48 4. Sister M. Florence Greiner 49 5. Sister M. Praxedes Schmitt 40 5. Sister Margaret Mary Muehlbauer 47 6. Sister M. Angelica Hahner 59 7. Sister M. Joan Doney 48 7. Sister M. Roseleen Lunzma 51 8. Sister M. Bertilla Hack 46 9. Sister M. Leonilla Green 21 10. Sister M. Judith Abel 19 11. Sister M. Benigna Lattner 16 12. Sister M. DeSales Schwab 18 Sister M. Victorine, Principal ________ Total 670 1936 - 1937 Grade Pupils 1. Sister M. Amelia Koenig 66 2. Sister M. Clarence Orient 82 3. Sister M. Leona Stumph 72 4. Sister M. Florence Greiner 61 5. Sister M. Alverna Quiring 45 5. Sister M. Praxedes Schmitt 48 6. Sister M. Marie Celine Eichhorn 41 6. Sister Margaret Mary Muehlbauer 41 7. Sister M. Owen Amann 47 8. Sister M. Roseleen Kuzma 39 8. Sister M. Rose Marie Tresch 40 9. Sister M. Leonilla Green 31 10. Sister M. Maura Reilly 16 11. Sister M. Benigna Lattner 15 12. Sister M. Deo Cara Wehrheim 12 Sister M. Victorine Jacobs, Principal ________ Total 659 1937 - 1938 Grade Pupils 1. Sister M. Amelia Koenig 65 2. Sister M. Clarence Orient 76 3. Sister M. Leona Stumph 72 4. Sister M. Florence Greiner 68 5. Sister M. Praxedes Schmitt 66 6. Sister M. Cornelia Reiser 46 6. Sister M. Norbertine Bauer 44 7. Sister Margaret Mary Muehlbauer 40 7. Sister M. Ambrosia Schmitt 40 8. Sister M. Roseleen Kuzma 40 9. Sister M. Judith Abel 34 10. Sister M. Claver Zeuger 24 11. Sister M. Benigna Lattner 18 12. Sister M. Deo Cara Wehrheim 16 Sister M. Victorine Jacobs, Principal ________ Total 649 ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 126 HISTORY OF SAINT AUGUSTINE'S PARISH Societies of St. Augustine's Church A history of a parish cannot pass by the societies which do an incalculable amount of good in every parish, and to a certain extent are a safe indicator of the spirituality pulsating in every portion of the Church Universal. It is but too true that the societies, be they ever so numerous, will not gather in all members of the particular congregation, since a goodly number of parishioners will always stay aloof from those associations, sometimes for no reason whatsoever. Yet on the other hand there always will be found a certain number of parishioners who join various societies at the same time, multiplying thereby their efforts in mutual assistance at the edification and personal sanctification of the body of co-parishioners. I. Religious Societies. 1. THE THIRD ORDER OF ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI. The Third Order is, what the name expresses, a veritable Religious Order and as such ranks higher than any confraternity, society, association, and pious union. The history of the particular congregation of the Third Order established at St. Augustine's Church makes part and parcel of the history of the whole parish. Isolated Tertiaries had been living in St. Augustine's parish prior to the coming of the Capuchin Fathers. These Tertiaries had been received into the Order in Europe and continued to observe the Rule as best as they could in this country. Yet a corporate activity became a reality only after the Capuchin Fathers had taken charge of St. Augustine's parish. This was done in 1874. The first meeting was held on the third Sunday of May, on May 17, 1874. At first only one Congregation was established, that of the German speaking Branch. Although the sermons and prayers were in German at the earliest meeting, yet before long English prayers and English addresses were joined to the German, for the benefit of the English speaking members. Yet as early as September 30, 1883, separate meetings were kept for the English speaking members with English sermon and prayers. Finally in 1886 the English speaking members were established as an independent branch and ever after two congregations of Tertiaries have been flourishing at St. Augustine's. Naturally for many years the German branch proved the stronger of the two. In 1907 the German branch counted as many as one thousand members, whilst the English branch counted only half that number. From September 17, 1887, till 1925 the German branch has expended $5,550.50 for Masses for the living and deceased members of its branch, $1,733.50 for the relief of the poor members of its branch and other poor people, $1,818.75 to the Seraphic Work of Charity and the Toner Institute to care for dependent and neglected boys, $1,040.25 contributed to various churches, $742 for vestments and various church articles, $375 for retreats and funded Mass, $320.50 to the Pope, $155.27 to poor Sisters in Rome, $220 for Missions, $213 to St. Augustine's School, $413.81 on the library which they have established, $180 for various charitable purposes not included in the above figures, $152 to defray the expenses of their Convention in 1921. The German branch counts from 1874 till 1925 deceased members, 941 (4 Priests, 119 men, 818 women). In 1925 this same branch counted 683 active members (3 Priests, 43 men, 637 women) and 419 inactive members (7 Priests, 52 men, 360 women). The Rt. Rev. Regis Canevin, late Bishop of Pittsburgh (died 1927), has been the most prominent member of the English Congregation established at St. Augustine's. From St. Augustine's the Third Order was introduced into several other parishes of the city. Up to the present time 2436 members have been invested in the English Branch and 2,193 members in the German Branch. There are about 500 active members who attend the meetings regularly since June when both branches were united into one fraternity. The more recent directors of the Third Order are Fathers Paul, Clement, Cassian, Angelus, Sigmund, Gregory, Albert, Theodore, Florence and Rupert. ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 127 The Third Order also has charge of the St. Elizabeth Retreat House at Herman, Pa. On September 24, 1933, the formal opening of the house took place. About 800 people attended. The Most Rev. Bishop Boyle was present and encouraged the tertiaries in the retreat movement. Fathers Delaney and Sigmund also spoke. About 45 retreats have been conducted since and about 500 women attended. The first Tertiary Provincial Convention was held in Pittsburgh in 1926 on September 19, 20, 21. Delegates from Wheeling, Cumberland, Dover, Washington, Rochester and Butler attended. The religious services were conducted at St. Augustine Church while the business sessions were held at the Harris theater. Bishops Boyle, Swint, Keneally and Tief and also Archabbot Aurelius were present at the convention. Many secular and religious priests attended. The Third Order has also been very busy conducting Days of Recollection during the past year. At the Ursuline Academy 123 women attended, at Mt. Alvernia 197 attended and again at Mt. Alvernia 215 women were present. The fraternity has done much to support the St. Elizabeth Retreat House, the St. Vincent de Paul Society, the Maternity Guild, the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, the Puerto Rican and China Missions, the Seraphic Home and the House of Hospitality. Since the tertiary province is affiliated with national Third Order organization and since a national convention is held every five years the St. Augustine tertiary province has been asked to hold the fifth quinquennial convention in Pittsburgh in 1941. The other conventions were held in Chicago, New York, San Francisco and Louisville.(1) The ARCHCONFRATERNITY OF CHRISTIAN MOTHERS ranks highest among the Religious societies established at St. Augustine's. It was first established in March, 1875, as a confraternity affiliated to the archconfraternity at Aschaffenburg, Bavaria, but in 1877 was canonically erected as a confraternity and finally on January, 1881, raised to the rank of an archconfraternity with the right to affiliate similar confraternities. In the course of time this archconfraternity has spread far and wide. At the beginning of 1907 it counted 631 aggregated confraternities in the United States and Canada with a membership of more than 50,000. These confraternities were established in churches of various nationalities: Americans, Germans, Poles, Bohemians, Italians, French, and Slavic, where according to the rules of the archconfraternity monthly meetings are kept. By the year 1938 the number of aggregations amounted to 1,180 with a membership of 90,000. The archconfraternity maintained a special monthly periodical which was issued under the title: Die Christliche Mutter : eine katholische Monatsschrift fuer haeusliche Erziehung. Organ der Erzbruderschaft christlicher Muetter in Amerika, vol. I—XXXII. No. 8. New York, January, 1897—August, 1928, but at the latter date ceased publication. The English periodical: The Christian Mother: a Catholic Magazine for the Improvement of Home Education. Organ of the Archconfraternity of Christian Mothers had a shorter span of life. It was issued monthly from April, 1903, till March, 1907. The general director of the archconfraternity has always been a Capuchin Father of St. Augustine's Monastery in Pittsburgh who at the same time is director of the local confraternity at St. Augustine's. In 1907 the local confraternity had a membership of 690 but at present the membership has dropped to 457 active members, not counting the inactive.(2) (1) Cyprian Gehriing, O.M.Cap. Kurze Geschichte des Deutschen Dritt-Ordens- Zweiges in der St. Augustinus Kirche, Pittsburgh, Pa., 1874-1925, pp. 30. The same wrote: A short sketch of the Third Order in St Augustine's Church, in: St. Augustinus, August, 1924, p. 178. Hyacinth Epp. O.M.Cap. In: Seraphischer Kinderfreund, vol. IX, Pittsburgh, 1907, pp. 201. 203. Lenhart John, O.M.Cap.. De Historia Congregationis Tertiariorum Pittsburgensis, in: Analecta, O.M.Cap., vol. XLI, Romae, 1925, pp. 208, 211. (2) Epp, op. cit., p. 203; Gehrling in: St. Augustinus, July. 1921, pp. 2-3; Analecta, O.M.Cap., vol. II, Romae, 1886, pp. 54-59; Annales Capucinorum Provinciae Pennsylvanicae, MS., pp. 16, 353-355. Seeberger. Cosm. Key to Spiritual Treasures. Collegeville, Ind., 2d. ed., 1897, pp. 270-277; 442-445, 524-529: Beringer, Fr. Die Ablaesse, vol. II, 14th edit., Paderborn 1916. pp. 317-320. Fr. Cyprian Gehriing printed the names of the 482 active members of 1926 in: St. Augustinus, December, 1926, pp. 237-239, 241. ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 128 [image] Ushers' Club Top Row: Joseph Steinkirchner, Joseph P. Uhrin, C. L. Hook, William J. Elsesser, Bernard Fellinger, Louis Dadowski, Jr., Bernard Stadelman, Louis Reith, Front Row: Albert Henning, Edward Goetz, Michael Rixner, Francis Dadowski, Ralph Dadowski, Anthony Orga, Charles Bentz. image may be viewed at: http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/allegheny/church/staugustine-pittsburgh/128.jpg ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 129 The CONFRATERNITY OF CHRISTIAN MEN, locally called THE MEN'S CONFERENCE, was established at St. Augustine's on January 2, 1876, and aggregated to the Archconfraternity of the Holy Family, Jesus, Mary, and Joseph at Liege in Belgium. The latter was established in 1845 and is under the direction of the Redemptorist Fathers "That the establishment of the Men's Conference was a great success," writes Fr. Cyprian Gehrling (St. Augustinus, May, 1926, pp. 82- 83), "cannot be doubted, because to this day it has preserved its innate vigor. The chief success attained by it has been a close touch with the trials and triumphs of Mother Church and a special instruction in their duties. Another gain was the round of general communions during Eastertime and Forty Hours' devotion. Furthermore the Conference kept alive in the parish the devotion to the Holy Family and by the numerous Masses ordered by it was instrumental in drawing down God's blessing on their homes and their parish. Finally the Conference lent its powerful aid to works of charity sponsored by the parish." The Redemptorist Fathers have published for the members of the archcon- fraternity in German as early as 1861 the rules: Die Regeln der Erzbruderschaft der heiligen Familie, Baltimore, Murphy, 1861, and as early as 1864 a manual: Handbuechlein der Erzbruderschaft der heiligen Familie. New York, 1864. These booklets passed through numerous editions in the course of time, and were translated into English time and again. By January, 1924, the Men's Conference at St. Augustine's counted 199 active members, 229 deceased members and 210 members who dropped out for one reason or another. Accordingly the sum total of membership from 1875 till 1924 was 638.(3) THE CONFRATERNITY OF YOUNG MEN, locally called THE YOUNG MEN'S CONFERENCE, was established at St. Augustine's prior to the Men's Conference on November 7, 1875, and was likewise aggregated to the Archconfraternity of the Holy Family at Liege. It flourished for some years and then worldliness reduced the number of members considerably, so that it was reorganized on February 1, 1885. In February, 1902, the confraternity counted 110 members. Again in the course of time the number of members dropped so, that since July, 1923, it practically ceased to exist. Efforts were made to revive the society but they proved futile. All that is left of the once flourishing confraternity of young Men is the custom that since November 1, 1925, all young men of the parish receive Holy Communion in a body with the members of the Men's Conference. Certainly many young men joined other Religious societies, yet they did not relish the arrangement that they were supposed on certain Sunday afternoons to attend a special conference with a round of prayers.(4) The CONFRATERNITY OF YOUNG LADIES, locally first called the YOUNG LADIES' CONFERENCE and since 1886 the YOUNG LADIES' SODALITY, was established simultaneously with the Young Men's Conference on November 7, 1875, with aggregation to the Archconfraternity of the Holy Family at Liege. However, on March 27, 1886, it was also aggregated to the Congregation of the Blessed Virgin of the Annunciation established since 1564 in the College of the Jesuit Fathers at Rome. Since this congregation bears also the second title of "Sodalitium," it is generally called "Sodality of the Blessed Virgin." From 1889 till 1925 at least 836 girls have been received into the Sodality. Forty- one of the Sodalists have entered Sisterhoods during the same period. Monthly Holy Communion in a body and two solemn annual Holy Communions has been a custom which was upheld all these years. From 1877 till 1887 the members of the Sodality formed part of the sacramental processions in church and in many a case furnished the singing during those functions. Besides they would take active part in all parish activities, entertainment and picnics. During the (3) Epp, op. cit., p. 203; Cyprian Gehrling, in St. Augustinus, July, 1921, pp. 1-2; November. 1923, pp. 182-183; December, 1923, pp. 205-207; January, 1924, pp. 12-13; May, 1926, pp. 81-87, 90-92. About the confraternity in general see: Beringer, op. cit., pp. 130-133. (4) Fr. Cyprian H. Gehrling, in: St. Augustinus, July, 1921, pp. 1-2 and May 1926, pp. 81-82, and especially: Chronicle of the Young Men's Conference by the same writer in: St. Augustinus, May, 1926, pp. 92-97, where the spiritual success and the social activities of this society are described in detail. Fr. Hyacinth Epp has a short notice of the society in: Seraphischer Kinderfreund, vol. IX, 1907, p. 203, and St. Augustinus, February, 1902, p.7. ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 130 twenty-four years, 1902 till 1925, the Sodality expended $3,258.35. The principal items were for masses, $997, library, $773.15, $232.05 donations to St. Augustine's Church, $112 to St. Augustine's School founding scholarships and furnishing medals, $52.40 alms, $50 to Foreign Missions, $39.35 for distribution of pamphlets, $47.85 to Catholic societies. These monies were disbursed directly from the treasury of the Sodality. The donations to the church in the guise of euchres and entertainments are not counted; they were considerable. In May, 1910, the euchre for St. Augustine's Church netted about $650. The Thanksgiving Festival in November, 1910, netted $404.65. The Sodality kept a separate library from about 1895 till 1918, when their library was merged with those of the Third Order and the parish school to form the present St. Augustine's Parish Library. In 1904 the Sodality counted about 307 members, in 1907 exactly 335 members, in 1921 in all, 270 members, in 1925 as many as 294 and in 1938 as many as 340. The election of officers takes place every year. The officers of the present year are Cecilia M. Dadowski, President; Margaret Becker, First Assistant; Mary Raffel, Second Assistant. The Prefects are the following: Aurelia Conrad, Gertrude Conrad, Anna Mary Fasel, Mary Closs, Cecilia M. Dadowski, Margaret Smith, Marcella Leber, Mary Schmolder, Margaret Becker, Elizabeth Raible, Elizabeth Suewer, Ida Zinsmeister, Clara Schmidt, Anna Haas, Minnie Besselman, and Bertha Kalchthaler. Assistant Prefects are: Anna Becker, Louisa Melchior, Anna Schmolder, Alary Raffel, Mary Leah Stadelman, Helen Zinsmeister, Margaret Haas, and Caroline Sauers.(5) The APOSTLESHIP OF PRAYER was instituted at St. Augustine's on November 17, 1877. This society was originally founded in 1844 at Vals in France. At St. Augustine's the members pursue also the particular aim to spread devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus by distributing the monthly leaflets explaining the monthly intention to the members of the Sacred Heart League. The promoters supervise the distribution of the leaflets, report the deaths of deceased members and gather in new members. Once a month these promoters meet to conduct their business and a special Mass is offered up for them on that day. In 1921 no less than 43 promoters would distribute 1,400 leaflets to their respective bands. In 1902 more than 1,500 members belonged to this society.(6) The CONFRATERNITY OF THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS was introduced at St. Augustine's on January 16, 1888, and was aggregated on February 15, 1888, to the Archconfraternity of the Sacred Heart established in St. Bonaventure's Church in Detroit, Michigan. The purpose of this confraternity is to promote devotion to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus by appropriate prayers and reception of the sacraments of Penance and Holy Eucharist. This confraternity was at one time very flourishing. "That the Apostleship of Prayer and the Confraternity of the Sacred Heart flourish well is best attested by the large number of Holy Communions on the First Fridays and First Sundays of the month." Thus Fr. Hyacinth Epp in 1907. In July, 1927, this confraternity counted 72 active members besides a number of inactive ones. Local benefits have been for many years participation in a funded Mass on every First Friday of the month, in a solemn High Mass on the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and a Requiem High Mass for every deceased member. The High Mass on the First Fridays has been chanted since January, 1878. The members are supposed to contribute sixty cents a year towards the fundation of those masses. In 1921 this confra- (5) Fr. Cyprian Gehrling published a detailed history of this confraternity in 1925 entitled: Golden Jubilee of the Young Ladies' Sodality of St. Augustine's Church, Pittsburgh, Pa., 1875-1925, pp. 40. The same writer published shorter sketches in St. Augustinus, July, 1921. pp. 1-3, and July, 1927, p. 142. A short note by Hyacinth Epp. in: Ser. Kinderfr. vol. IX, p. 203. On the Sodality in general see: Seeberger', op. cit., pp. 159-166, 417-421, 479-482, and Beringer, op. cit., pp. 169-178. (6) Cyprian Gehrling, in St. Augustinus, July, 1921, p. 3, and July, 1927. p. 142. Annales Capucinorum Provinciae Pennsvlvanicae, MS., vol. I, pp. 358-360. See about his society in general Seeberger, op. cit., pp. 63-76. and Beringer, op. cit., pp. 114-121. See also: St. Augustinus, February, 1902, p. 7. ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 131 ternity counted yet 111 members, and 1902 as many as 258 in twenty divisions.(7) The CONFRATERNITY IN RELIEF OF THE SUFFERING SOULS IN PURGATORY, generally called THE PURGATORIAL SOCIETY, was established at St. Augustine's as a simple society on January 1, 1888, was raised to the rank of a confraternity by Bishop Tuigg on April 2, 1890, and on April 23, 1890, was aggregated to the Archconfraternity in Relief of the Suffering Souls established in 1841 at the Church of the Blessed Lady in Monterone at Rome. The members have to say certain prayers for the relief of the suffering souls and contribute annually 25 cents and at the death of each member besides ten cents to a fund which is expended in having one Requiem High Mass and one low Mass celebrated every month for the relief of all deceased members of the society. Moreover, at the death of every member three Requiem High Masses and twenty low Masses are celebrated for the relief of the particular deceased member. The age limit for enrollment into the society is extended to seventy years. From 1888 till 1925 no less than four hundred and eight members have died and received the benefits of the confraternity. In 1902 the confraternity had a membership of 450. In 1927 membership of the confraternity amounted to 364 active members, not counting a number of such which had neglected for some time to pay their dues. The members of the confraternity would meet four times a year (Sundays of Ember weeks) attending a special devotion with sermon and prayers in relief of the suffering souls. Of late this devotion is not kept up so regularly as formerly.(8) The CONFRATERNITY OF THE MOST HOLY TRINITY was established at St. Augustine's by the Rt. Rev. Bishop Pehlan of Pittsburgh on April 8, 1895, by virtue of the faculty granted by the Very Rev. General of the Order of the Most Holy Trinity under date of December 12, 1894. According to the rules of the confraternity the names of the members are recorded in a special book which is kept in the parish office. A considerable number of persons have been enrolled but of late the confraternity has shown little life.(9) The CONFRATERNITY OF THE SCAPULAR OF OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL was established about 1880. The late Father Pius Reinhold, O.M.Cap. (died in 1916) was a great promoter of this confraternity. In 1886 he published: Skapulier- Buechlein at Einsiedeln, New York & Cincinnati (12mo., pp. 446) and about 1890 he published at Cumberland, Md. a Modus Brevior induendi Scapulare Ouintuplex, printed by our Brother Arsenius on the press of the St. Peter & Paul's Monastery. In 1921 this confraternity had become almost unknown at St. Augustine's but it was still kept up by having the First Communicants enrolled every year. This custom of having the First Communicants enrolled every year dates back to June 28, 1885, when it was done for the first time.(10) The CONFRATERNITY OF THE MOST HOLY ROSARY was established at St. Augustine's on April 3, 1903, at the Blessed Virgin Altar. The members oblige themselves to pray the fifteen decades of the Rosary every week in addition to a short meditation on the respec- (7) Cyprian Gehrling, in St Augustinus, July, 1921, p. 3, and July, 1927, p. 143. Hyacinth Epp, op. at., p. 204. Annales Prov. Pennsylv. MS., pp. 364-366. On the confraternity in general see Seeberger, op. A., pp. 46-52, 383-387 and Beringer, op. cit., pp. 102-116. See yet St. Augustinus, February, 1902, p. 7. (8) Cyprian Gehrling published "An Historical Sketch of the Purgatorial Confraternity" at St. Augustine's Church, in: St. Augustinus, October, 1923, pp. 163-166, and shorter articles in: St. Augustinus, July, 1921, p. 3, and July, 1927, p. 143. Hyacinth Epp has a short note in: Seraph. Kinderfr., vol. IX, p .204. The documents are written in: Annales Prov. Pennsylv. MS., pp. 367-373. See on the archconfraternity in general Seeberger, op. cit., pp. 292-300. 447-450, 529-531 and Beringer, op. cit., 309- 313. See also: St. Augustinus, February, 1902, p. 7. (9) Cyprian Gehrling, in: St. Augustinus, July, 1921, p. 3, and July, 1927, p. 143. Annales Prov. Pennsylv. MS., pp. 314-317. See on the confraternity in general Beringer, op. cit., pp. 58-62. (10) Hyacinth Epp, op. cit., p. 204. Fr. Cyprian Gehrling, in St. Augustinus, July, 1921, p. 3; July, 1S04, p. 6; July, 1925, pp. 131-173. Announcement- Books, MS., June 28, 1885. On the confraternity in general see: Seeberger, op. cit., pp. 187-192, 429-431, 485-487, and Beringer,. op. cit., pp. 153-164. ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 132 [image] image may be viewed at: http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/allegheny/church/staugustine-pittsburgh/128.jpg Altar Boys Bottom Row: Left to right: Edward Fitzpatrick, William King, Stanley Pupinski, Robert Celender, Bruce Hook, Raymond Kosinski, Raymond Ostrowski, Joseph Grimm, Richard Bevilacqua. Second Row: Joseph Stein, Gerard Krebs, Ralph Bevilacqua, Chester Pupinski, Peter Uranker, Joseph Vuljanic, Edward Holliday, Joseph Frueh, Third Row: Robert Felich, George Sufak, Earl Stehle, William Sufak, Norbert Dobrowolski, Robert Herbert, Marion Ziecina, Henry Treu. Top Row: Michael Kowalewski, Joseph Chraska, Peter Stajduhar, Stanley Jastrzebowski, Leonard Ostrowski, Stanley Schultz, Richard Delaney. ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 133 tive mysteries. Moreover, the members of the confraternity must arrange and take part in a solemn procession on the first Sunday in October in the open air. In case of hindrance this procession must be transferred to the next following Sunday. In 1921 this confraternity had 386 persons enrolled and new members were coming in every year. The interest in the confraternity is kept alive by the annual solemn procession. Fr. Hyacinth Epp wrote in 1907: "The processions at the beginning and close of the Rosary devotions in the month of October must be classed among the most beautiful, most devotional and most inspiring solemnities at St. Augustine's Church."(11) The SOCIETY OF THE LIVING ROSARY was introduced at St. Augustine's as early as the year 1880, if not earlier. It is no confraternity but a simple union or informal society of fifteen persons who band together with the purpose of reciting daily one decade of the Rosary; every month they distribute the fifteen decades among themselves. Since this society does not keep a record like the confraternity, the exact date of its establishment at St. Augustine's cannot be ascertained. At St. Augustine's the society of the Living Rosary was changed at an early date into a sort of Mass Association of a private character. The members pay annual sixty cents into a common fund which is used to have a solemn High Mass chanted on the Feast of the Most Holy Rosary every year, and at the death of a member a Requiem High Mass chanted and thirteen low Masses said in accordance with the particular rules of this society. During the first years of its existence at St. Augustine's a great number ofpersons had joined the society. In 1927 this society as constituted as a private Mass Association counted 260 paying members besides a number of irregularly paying members. In February, 1902, as many as 517 members had been actively belonging to the society who were divided into 38 divisions.(12) The CONFRATERNITY OF THE CORD OF ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI was first established at St. Augustine's on March 21, 1879, in virtue of the grant issued by the Most Rev. Antonio M. Adragna, General of the Friars Minor Conventual. Later, however, doubts arose about the validity of erection, because apparently the consent of the diocesan bishop had not been obtained. For many years numbers of members had been enrolled. Fr. Hyacinth Epp apparently had no doubts about the validity of erection. In 1921 Fr. Cyprian Gehrling wrote that the confraternity by that time had become almost unknown. He began to take interest in the confraternity and worked for a revival. In studying the past history of the confraternity he came across the remark entered into the Annales that the confraternity seemingly was erected invalidly. To settle all doubts the confraternity was newly erected on November 20, 1926, in virtue of the faculty granted by the Very Rev. Provincial of the Capuchin Province of St. Augustine's, Henry Kluepfel, by the diocesan bishop, His Excellency Hugh Charles Boyle. May be that the confraternity had been erected validly in 1879 and that the document like other documents of a similar nature had been lost. In 1927, Fr. Cyprian Gehrling wrote: "In the last year most of our school children and a number of children of (Missionary) Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (who go to the public school) and also some children of the Tertiaries were invested with the Cord of St. Francis. This was done to comply with the wishes of the Holy Father Pope Pius XL who desires that those young persons who cannot yet join the Third Order on account of their minor age, be invested with the Cord of St. Francis in preparation to their future entrance into that Order. Adults, however, may also join the Cord-bearers. The only essential requisite for membership is wearing of the cord or girdle which is bestowed upon the members on the day of investment with appropriate prayers (11) Hyacinth Epp, op. cit., p. 204. Cyprian Gehrling, in: St. Augustinus, July, 1921, p. 3. On the confraternity in general see: Seeberger, op. cit., pp. 109-133, 396-414, 475-478. Beringer, op. cit., pp. 135-147. (12) Hyacinth Epp, op. cit., p. 204. Cyprian Gehrling, in: St. Augustinus, July, 1927, p. 143. St. Augustinus, February, 1902, p. 7. On the society in general see: Beringer, op. cit., pp. 149-153. ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 134 and ceremonies and besides entering of their names on the book of the confraternity." Naturally the confraternity at St. Augustine's is aggregated to the Archconfraternity of the Cord of St. Francis of Assisi established by Pope Sixtus V., on November 19, 1585, in the Sacro Convento of the Friars Minor Conventuals at Assisi. At places where there is no monastery of the Minor Conventuals, the other branches, Friars Minor and Capuchins, have by papal privilege the power to erect such confraternities at their churches with the consent of the diocesan bishops.(13) The ASSOCIATION OF THE HOLY CHILDHOOD was introduced at St. Augustine's as at other German Catholic parishes some time about 1880. The aim of the association is to enroll children into the society of Propagation of Faith. Members of the association may be all children up to twelve years. Obligations are some short prayers and small contributions to the missionary association: one cent monthly. This association had been very popular in Germany and naturally it was introduced in the United States in German churches at an early date. At St. Augustine's the association was at first only a school affair. On Easter, April 25, 1886, it was announced that on the following day a High Mass will be chanted for the members of the Association of the Holy Childhood and the children would be blessed after Mass and Procession of the children would follow. On Christmas, 1892, it was announced in church for the first time that on Holy Innocents Day, December 28, a solemn High Mass will be chanted for the members and benefactors of the Association of the Holy Childhood and the children shall attend with their badges. On May 22, 1893, the Association of the Holy Childhood celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of its foundation. The children went in procession from the school to the church and attended a special High Mass with sermon. After the High Mass a special blessing was given the children who belonged to the association and benediction with the Blessed Sacrament closed this ceremony. On December 28, 1893, for the first time a solemn High Mass was chanted for the children belonging to the Association of the Holy Childhood followed by devotion, sermon, procession of the children in church and Benediction with the Blessed Sacrament. This solemnity became an annual custom which on January 6, 1901, was transferred to Epiphany Day, when also the contributions for the support of the Foreign Missions will be collected. On January 6, 1921, the collection amounted to $66.75. Over five hundred children were marching; the first time that the higher grades also marched in line. Fr. Hyacinth called this children's procession in 1907 "one of the most devotional ceremonies" at St. Augustine's.(14) The CONFRATERNITY OF THE HOLY NAME OF JESUS was introduced at St. Augustine's on January 2, 1910, in accordance with the command given by the diocesan bishop. No less than 250 men and young men were enrolled at that occasion. In February, 1915, it was united with the Volksverein. In September, 1916, the members of the Men's Conference were also made members of the Holy Name Society. The members took part in several of the Holy Name Parades held in the city. On October 14, 1917, they made their last colorful appearance at the Rally held at St. Mary's on Forty-sixth Street. By the middle of 1918 the Holy Name Confraternity at St. Augustine's had ceased to exist as a society of the parish and also as a (13) Cyprian Gehriing, in: St. Augustinus, July, 1921, p. 3, March, 1924, p. 51, and July, 1927, p. 144. Hyacinth Epp. op. cit., p. 204. Annales Capucinorum Provincial Pennsylvanicae, MS., pp. 28, 29. On the confraternity in general see: Seeberger, op. cit., pp. 243-244, 440-441, 520-521. Beringer, op. cit., pp. 237-239. And the pamphlet: The Archconfraternity of the Cord of St. Francis: an Explanation, Philadelphia, McVey, 1918, pp. 18. Cyprian Gehriing, in: St. Augustinus, November, 1926, pp. 218-220. (14) Hyacinth Epp, op. cit., vol. IX, p. 204. Cyprian Gehriing in: St. Augustinus, January, 1921, p. 10; July, 1921, p.3; September, 1926, p. 175; November, 1926, pp. 227-228; January, 1927, p. 14; January, 1909, p. 8; 1925, p. 37; January, 1900, p. 7; January 1904, p. 4; 1905, p. 6. On the Association in general see: Seeberger, op. cit., pp. 261-269, 442, 522-524, and Beringer, op. cit., pp. 278-284, and Catholic Encyclopedia, vol. VII, pp. 399-400. Association of the Holy Childhood: History and Indulgences, Pittsburgh, Pa., 1891, p. 16, a pamphlet, and a later edition. ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 135 a unit of the Pittsburgh Diocesan Union of the Holy Name Society. In March, 1910, the Holy Name Society was also introduced among the boys of all grades of the parochial school. The confraternity was resurrected in 1921 in view of the great Holy Name Parade. In September of 1921 the confraternity was reorganized at St. Augustine's and the members took part in the parade on the second Sunday in October, October 16, 1921. On January 8, 1922, a meeting was held and election of officers took place with a fairly good attendance. Again on October 15, 1922, the confraternity took part in the Holy Name Parade attending in full numbers and making a very good appearance. Likewise the members of St. Augustine's Holy Name Society took part in the Holy Name Rally held on April 1, 1928, in the Arsenal Theater. The theater was filled to its utmost capacity and the Rt. Rev. Bishop Hugh C. Boyle expressed his genuine pleasure in reviewing those large crowds of men and young men.(15) The CONFRATERNITY OF CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE was introduced into the diocese of Pittsburgh by Bishop Canevin on October 6, 1907, in compliance with the command given by Pope Pius X. in the encyclical letter of April 15, 1905, which had enjoined upon all bishops the obligation to introduce this confraternity into every parish. This confraternity is a society of lay persons who assist the pastor in the work of giving catechetical instruction. To guide the pastors in their efforts of introducing this confraternity Bishop Canevin issued a Manual of Confraternity (published at Pittsburgh in 1907 and reprinted several times). To cover incidental expenses every member of the confraternity was supposed to pay annually twenty-five cents. As the book of the diocesan treasurer of the diocesan confraternities shows, St. Augustine's parish paid the dues for two years. But that it is all what was done at St. Augustine's; the confraternity was never introduced according to the laws prescribed by the Manual and lay persons were never employed to assist in the work of catechetical instruction to this day. The priests gave catechetical instruction twice a week in all grades and on Sunday afternoons the pastor gave a catechetical instruction to the graduates in church which was attended by the boys and girls up to sixteen years of age. Accordingly the aid of lay persons was thought to be unnecessary. On Sunday, September 23, 1923, Fr. Philip Knupfer discontinued the catechetical instruction on Sunday afternoons in church and entrusted such instruction to the Sisters in school; this was to become the present custom.(16) The SCAPULAR OF ST. JOSEPH was introduced into St. Augustine's parish on April 15, 1894, when enrollment was given after High Mass and Vespers in the afternoon. To spread the devotion more enrollment took place every Tuesday after the St. Anthony's devotion in the evening. In succeeding years larger enrollments were made on St. Joseph's Feasts. On March 19, 1922, about 90 persons were enrolled and on the Feast of St. Joseph's Patronage, May 7th, 1922, over 90 persons were enrolled. Larger and smaller groups of people were enrolled up to our days (April 22, 1923). The purpose of the scapular is a threefold: devotion to St. Joseph, sanctification of life, and protection of St. Joseph in the hour of death. The blessing and enrollment of St. Joseph's Scapular is a privilege of the Capuchin Fathers, so that in places where there (15) Fr. Godhard Friedmann, O.M.Cap. in: St. Augustinus, January 1910, pp. 5- 6; March, 1910, p. 8. Cyprian Gehrling, in: St. Augustinus, July, 1921, p. 3; April, 1928, p. 68. On the confraternity in general see: Seeberger, op. cit., pp. 101-102, 391-394. Beringer, op. cit., pp. 66-68. St. Augustinus, Sept., 1921. p. 9: January, 1922. p. 8; April, 1922. p. 8: September. 1922. p. 9; October, 1922, p. 8; January, 1916, p. 12; December, 1916, p. 1- January, 1917. p. 8: October, 1917, p. 8; October, 1911, p. 8; November, 1911, p 8; April 9, 1905, pp. 1-2; May, 1905, p. 5. (16) Cyprian Gerhling in: St. Augustinus, July, 1921, p. 3. Philip Knupfer, in: St. Augustinus, October, 1923, p. 160. On the confraternity in general see: Beringer, op. cit., pp. 210-213. ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 136 [image] image may be viewed at: http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/allegheny/church/staugustine-pittsburgh/136.jpg St. Augustine's Church Committee Joseph H. Reiman, 1909 - 30 Frank X. Fuchs, 1912 - 39 Mathias N. Werrier, 1918-39 Lawrence J. Fey, 1921 - 39 ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 137 is a Capuchin house, no other priests have the faculty to bless it.(17) The ALTAR SOCIETY was founded in January, 1902, at the request of a group of parishioners. This society is a purely local institution. The rules printed for the new society comprise twelve points: promotion of the devotion to the Blessed Sacrament, furnishing necessary church goods for St. Augustine's and other churches in need, payment of one dollar or more annually to the treasury of the society, benefit of a High Mass for all living and deceased members, benefit of a Requiem High Mass for all deceased members, benefit of a Requiem High Mass for every newly deceased member, thirty dollars constitute perpetual membership. Donations in money as well as in kind were solicited and a number of zealous promoters succeeded to have a considerable number of members enrolled. In December, 1903, membership was 220, among them 3 perpetual members. In 1921 the society counted besides several perpetual members about one hundred sustaining members. In July, 1927, however, Fr. Cyprian Gehrling complained that "the Altar Society is at present not in a flourishing condition due to the remissness of the promoters who lost much of their interest. Yet the spiritual benefits as well as the good work should attract the parishioners."(18) The MASS-ASSOCIATION,, established since 1727 at the church of the Friars Minor at Ingolstadt in Bavaria, also called MARIAN MASS-ASSOCIATION, was promoted by the Fathers at St. Augustine's Monastery. The first enrollments were made about 1885 and the society was promoted by several Fathers during the succeeding years. The late Fathers Joseph Anthony Ziegelmayer and Godhard Friedmann were the last promoters. In June, 1916, the St. Augustinus carried an article recommending this society and accordingly a larger number of parishioners were enrolled. Yet in 1919 both Fathers died and apparently no one continued their good work. The obligations of the members are to have one Mass said every year for the living and dead members of the society and to pay twenty-five cents on the day of enrollment for diploma; no other charges are made or demanded. More than 800,000 members are enrolled into the society, so that actually more than 2,000 Masses are said for the living and deceased members of the society, on every day of the year except the three last days of Holy Week. This Mass-Association was never an organized society of the parish.(19) The ASSOCIATION OF THE HOLY SEPULCHRE was introduced into St. Augustine's parish in 1897. On May 30, 1897, as many as 1,029 members were counted. In October, 1899, it was counted among the twenty flourishing societies established in the parish. Later, however (after 1919), none of the Fathers promoted the society. Yet there are some lay members still actively promoting the work among the laity. The members enrolled into the association were never properly organized into a separate branch-society, but in smaller or larger groups, or even singly, have been promoting the work of supporting the missions in the Holy Land, rescuing the Holy Places from the hands of the Moslems, and caring for the Pilgrims who visit the Holy Sites. The association was first founded in 1855 at Aix-la-Chapelle in Germany and was introduced into the United States in 1882, when the Commissariat of the Holy Land was established in New York City; since November 23, 1897, it is established in Washington, D. C. The name of the society was changed into "THE CRUSADE or THE HOLY LAND." The Crusaders collect alms for the Holy Land and share in (17) Cyprian Gehrling, in: St. Augustinus, May, 1922, p. 8, April, 1923, p. 56, and May, 1927, p. 95. Annales Prov. Pennsylvanicae, MS., pp. 297, 327. On the Scapular in general see: Beringer, op. cit., vol. I, pp. 517-519. Analecta O.M.Cap., vol. IX, Rome, 1893, pp. 161-167, 201-202. Pius Reinhold, O.M.Cap. St. Joseph's Skapulier, Pittsburgh, ca. 1894, p. 4, and St. Joseph's Scapular Pittsburgh, ca. 1894, p. 4. (18) St. Augustinus, February, 1902, pp. 4-5; December 25, 1903, p. 2-3; May, 1904, p. 4; September, 1904, p. 4; February, 1905, p. 5; February, 1906, p. 9; July, 1921, p. 3; January, 1924, pp. 9-10; July, 1927, pp. 142-143; January, 1929, p. 7. (19) St. Augustinus, June, 1916, pp. 1-2. On the society in general see: Beringer, op. cit., vol. II, pp. 92-94. ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 138 many spiritual privileges. The Fathers Gregory Autsch (died 1902) and Godhard Friedmann (died 1919) were the great promoters of this association.(20) At St. Augustine's Church as early as 1864 a Society for married women and another for young ladies were established canonically by the diocesan bishop M. Domenec. In 1869 the SOCIETY OF THE SACRED HEART was likewise established by the bishop. Besides the ST. MARY'S SOCIETY for married women and the ST. ROSE of LIMA SOCIETY for young ladies, a ST. ALOYSIUS SOCIETY was established for the benefit of the young men about 1865. These Religious societies were restored later by the Capuchin Fathers and merged with the various confraternities which were introduced by them after 1874.(21) II. Beneficial Societies. At an early time some semi-religious societies were established at St. Augustine's Church which besides practice of the Catholic Religion promoted also temporal welfare in the shape of financial aid. The oldest of those beneficial societies was the St. Augustinus Verein which was founded on March 1, 1863, and legally incorporated on June 8, 1863. The original charter is still preserved in the parish archives. The society was chartered under the title of "GERMAN ROMAN CATHOLIC ST. AUGUSTINE'S AID SOCIETY." The charter members were the following men of the parish: Anton Happe, President; Thomas Lindenfelser, Vice-President; John Kraus, Secretary; Gabriel Weisser, Treasurer; Peter Gudenbur, Leonhard Vogt, George Baust, John Frauenholz, John Adam Hofmann, Xavier Burkhart, John Schoepf, Michael Helbling, John Elsesser, Jakob Elsesser, Alexander Wirth, Jacob Dietz, Jakob Helbling, Jakob Wagner, Hermann Niehaus, Jakob A. Fuhrer, Peter Schrankel, John Wirth, Karl Geiselhart, and Joseph Hart. From 1871 this society met in the school-hall and paid annually $36 rent for the use of the hall. In 1874 this meeting room had to be evacuated and the members had to meet elsewhere. Certainly this society like similar ones which were established at St. Augustine's in the course of time was not strictly speaking a Religious society because its primary aim was a worldly one, mutual aid to the sick and the families of deceased members. Moreover, this like similar beneficial societies was independent of the parochial clergy in their social affairs and formed a legal corporation governed by the laws of the State. Yet on the other hand all the members were Catholics in good standing who would receive the sacraments in a body during Lent and several other occasions. The society was placed under the patronage of St. Augustine and celebrated his feast with great external solemnity every year. Moreover the society took part in a number of solemnities as dedication of church and school and contributed considerable donations of money to the church fund. And for these reasons we must class it among the semi- religious societies. For twenty-five years the members would at stated times receive the sacraments in a body, would attend High Masses and Requiems in a body and these functions were always announced in church during the Masses. On July 4, 1875, the members of the society together with members of other Catholic societies escorted the Rt. Rev. Bishop Domenec from the Cathedral to St. Augustine's Church for the purpose of re-dedicating that church. On March 4, 1888, the society celebrated its twenty-fifth anniversary of its foundation, attending a solemn High Mass and receiving Holy Communion in a body. This was the last official function. The society disappears from the announcements made in church, because it soon after had broken up owing to financial difficulties caused by having been placed upon an unsound financial basis, so that the stipulated rates could not be paid in full. The society had procured a beautiful banner from Anton Iske on January 5, 1865, at the price of $213.95.(22) (20) St. Augustinus, October, 1899, p. 2; November, 1899, p. 5; April 1928 p. 73. On the Association in general see: Seeberger, op. cit., pp. 338-343, 453- 454. Beringer, op. cit., pp. 97-98. (21) Cyprian Gehrling, in: St. Augustinus, August, 1922, p. 2; November, 1922, p. 7. Annales Prov. Pennsylv, MS., p. 16. (22) Cyprian Gehrling in: St. Augustinus, August, 1922, p. 2; December, 1922, p. 2; 1923. pp. 5, 20, 34, 35, 49, 84, 86. 101, 130. 131, 155, 196; 1924, pp. 6, 30; 1925, pp. 13, 67, 73, 127. ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 139 The SAINT LAWRENCE VEREIN was a rival beneficial or aid society which was founded about 1865; the exact date of foundation cannot be ascertained. This society met from 1871 till 1874 in the school hall, paying annually $36 rent like the St. Augustinus Verein. The members for many years received their Easter Communion in a body together with the members of the St. Augustinus Verein during the same High Mass. On July 4, 1875, the members were in the escort formed by the different Catholic societies in conducting Bishop Domenec from the cathedral to St. Augustine's. They marched under their own banner like the other societies and under the strains of their own music band, despite the heavy rain. On November 7, 1876, the members attended a Requiem High Mass for the repose of the deceased members of their society. This is the last announcement made in church about the St. Lawrence Verein. Shortly after the society disbanded for the same reason as the St. Augustinus Verein, viz.: unsound financial basis. On August 24, 1873, the society marched in parade from St. Augustine's to Old St. Philomena's Church to grace the celebration of the patronal feast.(23) The ST. RAPHAEL'S VEREIN was founded on December 3, 1869, and is still in existence. It was chartered as GERMAN ROMAN CATHOLIC ST. RAPHAEL'S BENEFICIAL SOCIETY OF PITTSBURGH. Its aim is mutual encouragement of the members for better practice of their Catholic Religion besides aid to sick and needy members and in case of death aid of the widows and children according to the Constitution of the society. Since these aims may be obtained without demonstrative pomp, the society shall turn out in gala only on its patronal feast, on the day of the Easter Communion and at funeral of one of its members. Habitual missing mass on Sundays and sending of children to the public school will be punished by expulsion of those members. The constitution of the society was printed in 1869 at Pittsburgh, Pa. (pp. 16) and comprises 24 articles with many paragraphs. A copy is preserved in the parish archives. On November 24, 1877, the society received a charter and a revised edition of the constitution was printed at Pittsburgh in 1878 (pp. 26). This revision was necessitated by the extension of the work of the society. In an additional article (No. 25) the duties of the committee for relief of needy persons are detailed in five points. Four other additional articles (nn. 26-29) describe in 23 points the duties of the librarian. On September 26, 1877, the priests announced in church that the St. Raphael's Verein had established a library in the upper floor of the school and would lend books to everyone. This library was to form the original stock of the present splendid parish library. A copy of the revised constitution of 1878 is likewise preserved in the parish archives. The late Mr. Titus Berger, the founder, (died March 11, 1909) was the first President of the society and was continued in office for over thirty-eight years. The society was founded with twenty-four charter members in 1869. Up to December 1, 1875, no less than 199 members were received, including the original charter members. During that time 8 members died and 79 were expelled for neglect of their duties, so that on December 1, 1875, a total of 112 members were counted. In 1899 the society had a membership of 180, in 1902 had a membership of 216, and in 1938 of 55. Up to 1925 at least 500 unworthy members were expelled. When on December 2, 1894, the society celebrated its Twenty-Fifth Anniversary of foundation the secretary reported that up to that date as many as 474 members had been received, of whom 27 died. The receipts of the society during the. twenty-five years amounted to $23,454.21, and the expenses to $18,898 and some cents. Their library contained 326 books. Mr. Titus Berger had been President all these years with the exception of one. At the Golden Jubilee on October 26, 1919, the secretary reported that the society had during the fifty years of its existence paid out $64,832.45 for sick and death benefits and for other charitable purposes. On September 5, 1938, the secretary submitted the following figures: Paid out for sick relief, $43,621.00; for death benefits, (23) Cyprian Gehrling, in: St. Augustinus, August, 1922, p. 2; 1923, pp. 5, 20, 33. 4-9, 84, 101, 131: 1925, p. 13. ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 140 [images] images may be viewed at: http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/allegheny/church/staugustine-pittsburgh/140.jpg St. Augustine's Church Committee Edward D. Eichenlaub, 1927-39 Edward J. Vogel, 1927-39 Clement R. Burlett, 1930-39 Joseph T. Peoples, 1936-39 ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 141 $20,948.25; for the poor, $1,714.35. In these figures the charitable other works are not counted, as contributions to St. Augustine's and other churches, missions, hospitals, etc. This society always took active part in promoting the welfare of St. Augustine's. As early as January 1, 1874, the three beneficial societies, St. Augustinus Verein, St. Lawrence Verein and St. Raphael's Verein gave a social for the benefit of St. Augustine's Church. During the first six years (1869-1975) this society donated to St. Augustine's Church $252 and to the St. Francis Hospital $88.50 ($18.50 payment for nursing the sick members and $70 free donations) and expended on the ecclesiastical festivities $287.The present officers are: Lawrence J. Fey, President; John Zawart, Vice-President; Peter A. Halli, Secretary; Leo Hungerman, Treasurer; W. A. Terheyden, M.D. The Finance and Appeal Committee is composed of: George Doemling, Philip Kreckler, John Zawart, and Philip J. Zeus. This society spread to many other parishes of Pittsburgh, Pa.(24) The ST. FIDELIS VEREIN is another beneficial society established at St. Augustine's Church which was to replace the society of Brethren (or sons) of St. Joseph. The latter society, called by Fr. Maurice Greck "of dubious fame", is never mentioned in the pages of the announcement book save once when it was announced on August 6, 1876 that the St. Fidelis Verein would replace it. The St. Fidelis Society was constituted at a meeting on April 7, 1876, and its constitution and by-laws were printed soon after in German under the title of: Constitution und Nebengesetze des St. Fidelis Roemisch-Katholischen Unterstuetzungs-Vereines der St. Augustinus Kirche zu Pittsburgh, Pa. (Pittsburgh, Hugh Hagan, 1876, pp. 26). These constitution and by-laws differ only slightly from those of the other beneficial societies. The society celebrated its patronal feast with attending a High Mass and receiving Holy Communion (Easter Communion) .in a body. The monthly meeting was placed on the first Monday evening in the school-hall. A copy of the constitution and bylaws is preserved in the parish archives. In 1885 Fr. Maurice Greek wrote about this society that its "financial standing is fairly good, but a great number of its members are somewhat easy going. An example of their levity is the "Fair" of the year 1881 which realized $2,200". However, on August 20, 1893, it was announced in church that the St. Fidelis Society had ordered sixty Masses to be said for the living and deceased members of the society. A few days before the society had ceased to exist. Of all the beneficial societies the St. Raphael's was the only one which continued its work.(25) The sad failure of the parochial beneficial societies gave rise to the foundation of inter-parochial societies. In every German Catholic parish were established several parochial beneficial societies which in the course of time were doomed to failure or could hold their own only in a precarious way. The danger was great that the Catholic men would join non-Catholic beneficial societies, having been sadly disappointed in the Catholic institutions. To remedy these evils in June, 1880, a number of Catholic men who mostly belonged to the parochial societies sent out an appeal to recruit members for the proposed inter-parochial beneficial society. This first society was established under the name of: THE ORDER OF THE GERMAN ROMAN CATHOLIC KNIGHTS OF ST. GEORGE, on January the first, 1881, and received its charter on January 10, 1881. One of the thirteen charter members was Michael Limpert, a member of St. Augustine's parish. The Order spread rapidly. On May 7, 1881, as many as 391 members had joined it, and on August 6, of the same year, well nigh one thousand members were counted. The Constitution und Nebengesetze, first printed in 1881, were reprinted with additions in (24) Handbuck des Pittsburger Beobachter, Pittsburgh, Pa., 1899, p. 36. St. Augustinus, February, 1902. p. 2: November, 1919, p. 6; October, 1922, p. 3; December, 1922, p. 7; January, 1923, p. 5; March, 1923, p. 34; June, 1923, p. 86; August, 1923, p. 131; 1925, p.. 13. Bericht ueber die Wirksamkeit des St. Raphaels Wohltaetigkeitsvereins von Dezember, 1869 bis Ende November, 1875. Annales Provinc. Pennsylvanicae, MS., p. 314. (25) Cyprian Gehrling, in: St. Augustinus, 1923. pp. 130, 155, 195, 196; 1924, pp. 31, 99, 145, 170, 224, 263; 1925, pp. 13, 31, 150, 173, 233; 1926, pp. 55, 155, 227, and 245. Annales Provincae Pennsylv, MS., pp. 152, 292. ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 141 $20,948.25; for the poor, $1,714.35. In these figures the charitable other works are not counted, as contributions to St. Augustine's and other churches, missions, hospitals, etc. This society always took active part in promoting the welfare of St. Augustine's. As early as January 1, 1874, the three beneficial societies, St. Augustinus Verein, St. Lawrence Verein and St. Raphael's Verein gave a social for the benefit of St. Augustine's Church. During the first six years (1869-1975) this society donated to St. Augustine's Church $252 and to the St. Francis Hospital $88.50 ($18.50 payment for nursing the sick members and $70 free donations) and expended on the ecclesiastical festivities $287.The present officers are: Lawrence J. Fey, President; John Zawart, Vice-President; Peter A. Halli, Secretary; Leo Hungerman, Treasurer; W. A. Terheyden, M.D. The Finance and Appeal Committee is composed of: George Doemling, Philip Kreckler, John Zawart, and Philip J. Zeus. This society spread to many other parishes of Pittsburgh, Pa.(24) The ST. FIDELIS VEREIN is another beneficial society established at St. Augustine's Church which was to replace the society of Brethren (or sons) of St. Joseph. The latter society, called by Fr. Maurice Greck "of dubious fame", is never mentioned in the pages of the announcement book save once when it was announced on August 6, 1876 that the St. Fidelis Verein would replace it. The St. Fidelis Society was constituted at a meeting on April 7, 1876, and its constitution and by-laws were printed soon after in German under the title of: Constitution und Nebengesetze des St. Fidelis Roemisch-Katholischen Unterstuetzungs-Vereines der St. Augustinus Kirche zu Pittsburgh, Pa. (Pittsburgh, Hugh Hagan, 1876, pp. 26). These constitution and by-laws differ only slightly from those of the other beneficial societies. The society celebrated its patronal feast with attending a High Mass and receiving Holy Communion (Easter Communion) .in a body. The monthly meeting was placed on the first Monday evening in the school-hall. A copy of the constitution and bylaws is preserved in the parish archives. In 1885 Fr. Maurice Greek wrote about this society that its "financial standing is fairly good, but a great number of its members are somewhat easy going. An example of their levity is the "Fair" of the year 1881 which realized $2,200". However, on August 20, 1893, it was announced in church that the St. Fidelis Society had ordered sixty Masses to be said for the living and deceased members of the society. A few days before the society had ceased to exist. Of all the beneficial societies the St. Raphael's was the only one which continued its work.(25) The sad failure of the parochial beneficial societies gave rise to the foundation of inter-parochial societies. In every German Catholic parish were established several parochial beneficial societies which in the course of time were doomed to failure or could hold their own only in a precarious way. The danger was great that the Catholic men would join non-Catholic beneficial societies, having been sadly disappointed in the Catholic institutions. To remedy these evils in June, 1880, a number of Catholic men who mostly belonged to the parochial societies sent out an appeal to recruit members for the proposed inter-parochial beneficial society. This first society was established under the name of: THE ORDER OF THE GERMAN ROMAN CATHOLIC KNIGHTS OF ST. GEORGE, on January the first, 1881, and received its charter on January 10, 1881. One of the thirteen charter members was Michael Limpert, a member of St. Augustine's parish. The Order spread rapidly. On May 7, 1881, as many as 391 members had joined it, and on August 6, of the same year, well nigh one thousand members were counted. The Constitution und Nebengesetze, first printed in 1881, were reprinted with additions in (24) Handbuck des Pittsburger Beobachter, Pittsburgh, Pa., 1899, p. 36. St. Augustinus, February, 1902. p. 2: November, 1919, p. 6; October, 1922, p. 3; December, 1922, p. 7; January, 1923, p. 5; March, 1923, p. 34; June, 1923, p. 86; August, 1923, p. 131; 1925, p.. 13. Bericht ueber die Wirksamkeit des St. Raphaels Wohltaetigkeitsvereins von Dezember, 1869 bis Ende November, 1875. Annales Provinc. Pennsylvanicae, MS., p. 314. (25) Cyprian Gehrling, in: St. Augustinus, 1923. pp. 130, 155, 195, 196; 1924, pp. 31, 99, 145, 170, 224, 263; 1925, pp. 13, 31, 150, 173, 233; 1926, pp. 55, 155, 227, and 245. Annales Provincae Pennsylv, MS., pp. 152, 292. ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 142 (Pittsburg. p. 33) and in a revised edition at Pittsburg in 1894. Originally the Order was restricted to the dioceses of Pittsburgh and Allegheny but in 1907 the charter was amended to establish branches outside those dioceses in the State of Pennsylvania and elsewhere. (Charter, Constitution and By-Laws, Pittsburgh, 1907. pp. 97, also German edition). In 1906 the Order counted in 64 branches about 7,500 members and had paid out during the twenty-five years of its existence $1,300,000 in sick and death benefits. On January 1, 1938, the Order had established 361 branches with a membership of 18,540 in the seven states of Pennsylvania, Ohio, New Jersey, West Virginia, Michigan, Illinois, and Maryland, and carried an insurance of $12,878,552.50. The Past Supreme President of the Order, Honorable Mr. Joseph H. Reiman, is a member of St. Augustine's parish. The first three branches were established on January 8, 1881, at Old St. Philomena, St. Michael's, South Side, and St. Mary's, North Side. The fourth branch was established at St. Anthony's, Millvale, and the fifth at St. Augustine's on July 3, 1881. Before the establishment of a separate branch many members of the parish had joined the Order in those recently established branches of those parishes. On April 17, 1881, it was announced in church that the members of the Order of Knights of St. George were invited to attend the celebration of the pattronal feast of the Order in St. Michael's Church, South Side, on April 21st. Two months later, on June 26th, it was announced in church that the Knights of St. George will have a meeting next Sunday in the school- hall at 2 o'clock in the afternoon. At that meeting, on July 3, 1881, Branch No. 5 of the Order of the German Catholic Knights of St. George was established at St. Augustine's. On August 7th a meeting of the Knights of St. George's was announced for the following Sunday. Ever after every month the meeting of the Knights was announced in church to this day. On February 9, 1902, the Branch 5 of the Knights of St. George had a membership of 400. President of the branch was Charles J. Jaegle and the meetings were conducted on the second Sunday of each month up to date. On September 14, 1938, the membership of the branch was 400. The officers of the branch were then: D. R. Rolling, President; A. J. Boberg, Vice-President; N. L. Martin, Recording Secretary; John J. Rodgers, Financial Secretary and Treasurer; Messrs. Frank X. Fuchs, John J. Link, and Louis P. Seemiller, Trustees; Louis Roth, Marshall, Joseph 0. Grimm, Captain of Cadets.(26) The FIRST REGIMENT OF UNIFORMED KNIGHTS OF ST. GEORGE was established in Kunkel's Hall on Josephine Street, South Side, Pittsburgh, on March 11, 1883, to grace the solemnities of the various churches and to attend in full regalia the funerals of deceased members of the Order. Besides, the family of a deceased Uniform Knight receive a certain sum of death benefit. In 1899 the Regiment was composed of 140 men who were divided into seven companies. Company C was established in St. Augustine's parish meeting every third Sunday in the month in Frecker's Hall on Butler Street. Major of the company was then Mr. Leo Jost and Sergeant Mr. Albert Sauer. These uniformed Knights graced the various solemnities of St. Augustine's parish, as dedication of school and church, Easter Communion of the Company, jubilees of the Order, First Masses of newy ordained priests, and obsequies of deceased members at stated times up to our times. Sometimes they received also their Easter Communion in a body and with full regalias. (27) The CATHOLIC MUTUAL BENEFIT ASSOCIATION was first organized at Niagara Falls, N. Y., in December, 1876, with a view to furnish cheap life insurance without joining secret societies condemned by the Church. (26) Cyprian Gehrling in St. Augustinus, 1924, pp. 99, 106, and Charles Speckert in St. Augustinus, 1902, February, 1902, p. 2. On the Order in general, a rather extensive literature is extant. We quote only: Handbuch des Pittsburgh Beobachter, pp 31-32, and the files of: The Official Organ of the Catholic Knights of St. George, published monthly since January, 1907, which contains regular reports on the branch established at St. Augustine's. (27) Handbuch des Pittsburgh Beobachter, p. 32. St. Augustinus, November, 1899, p.7; April, 1900, p. 4. St. Augustinus, July, 1919, p. 9; 1925, p. 130. ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 143 The society was incorporated under the laws of the State of New York on June 9, 1879. The object of the Association as set forth in the Act of Incorporation is: To improve the moral, mental, and social condition of its members, to aid and assist its members and their families in case of sickness and death. About the year 1882 the Association estabished its first branch, Branch 26, in the State of Pennsylvania at McKeesport. In 1888 as many as fifteen branches had been established in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, which founded an Advisory Council to unite those branches more closely and to provide for employment for its members in times of unemployment. On January 1st, 1889, the total membership of the Association was about 20,000 of whom about 3,000 were in the State of Pennsylvania. Up to that time the Association had paid to the beneficiaries of deceased members upwards of $1,650,000. In 1899 the Advisory Council of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, had under its jurisdiction a total of fifty-five branches of which 18 were established in German parishes, and a total membership of well nigh 6,000 members. At that time (1899) the total membership for the State of Pennsylvania was over 10,000. A revised edition of the Constitution and By-Laws of the Catholic Mutual Benefit Association was printed at Buffalo, N. Y., 1912. pp. 122, XV. An older edition in German was printed at Buffalo, N. Y., 1886, pp. Ill, III. Branch 45 of the Catholic Mutual Benefit Association was established in St. Augustine's parish some time in 1888 or 1887. Mr. Martin H. Hager was its first President; Charles M. Risacher, Treasurer; Jacob L. Zinsmeister, Secretary. At first the Branch met in some hall. However, on July 7, 1889, it was announced for the first time in church that the Catholic Mutual Benefit Association would meet in the school hall every second and fourth Wednesday of the month, later changed to second and fourth Tuesday. In February, 1902, Branch 45 of the Catholic Mutual Benefit Association had a membership of 195 and met every second and fourth Tuesday in the month. Mr. J. B. Limpert was Chancellor; J. G. Lauer, President, Joseph Irlbacher, First Vice-President; Ed. Vilsack, Second Vice President; Phil. J. Scholl, Financial Secretary; A. Green, Recording Secretary; John Fink, Treasurer. Too low rates of assessment carried finally the mighty organization upon the rocks of destruction and Branch 45 had to disband. The members of Branch 45 met regularly up to December 23, 1919. On December 21, 1919, the meeting of the Catholic Mutual Benefit Association was announced for Tuesday, December 23, 1919. This is the last announcement made in church about this society and hereafter they disappear from the church records of St. Augustine's.(28) The GERMAN MILITARY SOCIETY (MiLiTAER VEREIN) was founded on April 27, 1884, in the hall of the South Side Turner (Athletics) on South Fourteenth Street. Three companies were organized within the same year, four more followed, so that the Verein had in 1899 a membership of 500. Chief purpose of the society was mutual support in cases of sickness and death or other calamities. Another aim of the society was sociability and culture of German language and customs. The 5th Company of this society met every fourth Sunday of the month in Frecker's Hall on Butler Street. In 1899 Mr. Felix Fey was Major and Mr. Louis Theilig Secretary of this company located in St. Augustine's parish. Naturally also this society came to an untimely end before long.(29) The GERMAN ROMAN CATHOLIC KNIGHTS OF PENNSYLVANIA were founded in the Fall of 1894 as the result of several preparative meetings. On November 1, 1894, the society received a charter and was called Deutsche Roemisch-Katholische Ritter von Pennsylvania. About the same time it received also the approval of the diocesan Bishop Richard Phelan. The purpose of the organization was to grant a death benefit to the families of deceased members, to keep Catholic men and (28) Handbuch des Pittsburger Beobachter, p. 38. St. Augustinus, February, 1902, p. 2. St. Augustinus, November, 1912, p. 16; February, 1913, p. 16; March, 1913. p. 16: April, 1913, p. 16: July, 1913, p. 16; August, p. 16; February, 1915, p. 16; March, 1915, p. 16; May, 1915. p. 16: July, 1915, p. 16; September, 1915, p. 16. Announcement Book, MS., on December 21, 1919. (29) Handbuch des Pittsburger Beobachters, pp. 38-39. ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 144 [image] image may be viewed at: http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/allegheny/church/staugustine-pittsburgh/144.jpg St. Augustine's Church Committee Christian J. Kolling, 1936-39 George J. Bich, 1936-39 Frank J. Dufner, 1937-39 Paul J. Lakits, 1938-39 ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 145 young men from joining non-Catholic societies, to care for unemployed members, and to have certain Masses said. This society made rapid progress, so that within four years it established twelve divisions with a membership of approximately 600 in the city of Pittsburgh and vicinity. Death-benefits were paid in 1899 for the families of deceased members to the number of eighteen since the foundation of the society. About 1888 Division 8 of this society was established at St. Augustine's Church. In February, 1902, this division had a membership of 85 and met every third Sunday of the month. Directors of this division were in 1902: John J. Gerlach and E. Weismuller; Mr. Martin Buster was President; Michael Deininger, Vice-President; M. N. Werries, Secretary and Treasurer. Naturally this society shared the sad lot of so many others. Within some years it was broken up. For many years the society met elsewhere. On May 16, 1897, the meeting of this society was announced in church and it was regularly after announced for the third Sunday of the month.(30) THE LADIES' CATHOLIC BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION was founded at Titusville, Pa., on April 9, 1890, and incorporated under the laws of the State of Pennsylvania on the same day. The constitution and by-laws were later revised in July, 1910, and printed at Erie, Pa., in 1910 (pp. 127). This benevolent society spread rapidly. On January 7th, 1894, Branch 103 of this society was established at St. Augustine's and is still in a flourishing condition. In February, 1902, this branch had a membership of 196. The officers at that time were: Mrs. M. C. Frecker, Past President; Mrs. B. Vilsack, President; Miss T. Schiffhauer, First Vice-President; Miss M. Dietz, Second Vice-President; Miss Minnie C. Berger, Recorder; Miss C. Lackner, Assistant Recorder; Miss A. Besterman, Financial Secretary; Miss Cath. Fey, Treasurer; Miss A. Gudendorf, Marshall; Miss A. Gerlach, Guard. This branch met every first and third Friday in the month. All these many years this branch was active in raising funds for St. Augustine's Church and took part in all social works carried on in the parish. The present officers (1938) of the branch are: Mrs. Catherina Limpert, Past President; Mrs. Mathilda Kalchthaler, Acting President; Miss Minnie Besselman, First Vice-President; Mrs. Dorothy Cooke, Second Vice-President; Mrs. Lidwina Fogerty, Recorder; Miss Minnie Berger, Financial Secretary; Miss Catherine Fey, Treasurer; Miss Mary Fey, Marshall; Miss Elizabeth Raible, Guard. Actual membership of the branch is 197. The branch meets now every first and third Tuesday of the month in St. Augustine's parish-house.(31) The CATHOLIC WOMEN'S LEAGUE OR UNION (FRAUENBUND) was first organized at St. Augustine's as early as February 10, 1864, and must have existed some time before that date. On November 23, 1864, this society loaned sixty dollars to the church of St. Augustine's. How long it existed cannot be ascertained. Probably this society was merged in 1875 with the confraternity of Christian Mothers. In 1913 the Catholic Women's League of Pennsylvania (Katholischer Frauenbund von Pennsylvania) was founded with the avowed purpose to unite the Catholic women and women's organization for united action, to inform the Catholic women about the problems facing them, and to do social and charitable work in a Catholic spirit and to defend Catholic principles against the modern secular women's organizations. The statutes of this new organization were printed in German at Philadelphia in 1913 (pp. 20). This society was introduced at St. Augustine's in February, 1915, and the meetings were arranged for every Thursday in the Casino Hall, and later in the basement of the school. Naturally the members took part in the social activities of the parish, they raised money for the St. Augustine's church and charitable works. During Christmas season of 1915 they distributed gifts to needy families of the parish but after New Years of 1916 they extended their work to other parishes. The members (30) Handbuch des Pittsburger Beobachters, p. 35. St. Augustinus, November, 1899, p. 7; February, 1902, p. 2; January, 1928, p. 13. Announcement Book, MS. on May, 1897, etc. (31) St. Augustinus, October, 1901, pp. 1, 4; December, 1901, pp. 4, 5; February, 1902, p. 2; 1924, pp. 101; 1927, pp. 14, 15, and at innumerable places in the 38 volumes of the St. Augustinus. ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 146 gathered and mended clothes to distribute to needy persons, they went after the Catholic children who were neglected and had them instructed in the Catholic Religion by the teachers of the Missionary Confraternity. The first officers of the Frauenbund were: Mrs. Harry Acker, President; Mrs. Frank Schultz, First Vice-President; Mrs. Koebert, Second Vice-President; Mrs. Walz, Secretary; Mrs. A. Stehle, Treasurer, Mrs. Speth, Marshall. The present officers are: Mrs. Anna Gauscheman, President; Mrs. Frances Berry, Secretary and Treasurer. Membership is at present 65. The meeting is placed now on the fourth Tuesday of the month and is held in St. Augustine's Hall.(32) The ORDER OF CATHOLIC FORESTERS was incorporated on May 24, 1883, at Springfield, Illinois, under the laws of the State of Illinois, as the Illinois Catholic Order of Foresters. However, on June 4th, 1889, the name was changed to Catholic Order of Foresters. The original constitution and by-laws were revised and changed on August 11-14, 1903, and printed in a German edition at Chicago, 1903, (p.131). On April 8, 1916, however, the Order of Catholic Foresters was reorganized, taking the name of The Catholic Knights of America. Its laws were printed at St. Louis, Mo., in 1916 in an English edition (pp. 122). The object of the Order is fraternal union, sick benefits and widows' and orphans' benefit fund. Up to December 31, 1923, the Order had paid in death benefits $36,100,000. The total amount of the reserve fund was thirteen millions and total membership 130,000. In November, 1927, the Order had etablished 1,644 branches or Courts in twenty-nine states and in eight provinces of the Dominion of Canada with a membership of 122,589 and a reserve fund of $20,266,509.46. In 1938 it had a reserve fund of over thirty-six million dollars and a membership of 138,276. The Branch established at St. Augustine's is Court No. 1201. It was established on April 20, 1901, and the members have regular meetings in the Casino from June, 1904, to date. At first the meetings were held on every second Friday of the month; now they have their meetings on every second and fourth Friday of the month. The Charter Members initiated on the day of foundation, April 20, 1901, were the following: John B. Limpert, Lawrence A. Schott, John P. Schmitt, Arch. H. Gribbin, Patrick J. Galvin. Will. Glenn, John McCusker, Will. Heilman, Thomas E. McGee, John Quinlan, Charles F. Schaffer, Leo H. Schott, Patrick G. Salmon, E. J. Glenn, J. J. Bayer, August Friedrich, F. J. Frank, John Hisdorf, Edward T. Miller, Edw. Murphy, James McAllister, Edward T. O'Connor, J. Schmitt, Jr., and Peter P. Yeager. Mr. Arch. H. Gribbin is at present the only living member of the original Court. The officers for the year 1915 were the following: S. L. Schaffer, Chief Ranger; Ed. J. Vogel, Vice-Chief Ranger; Arch. H. Gribbin, Recording Secretary; A. Marchlewitz, Financial Secretary; C. F. Schaffer, Treasurer. The officers for 1938 are: Edw. J. Vogel, Chief Ranger; Will. Speth, Vice-Chief Ranger; S. Leo Schaffer, Past Chief Ranger; Will. J. Schaffer, Recording Secretary; Francis E. Vogel, Financial Secretary; Francis A. Vogel, Financial Secretary; Oskar N. Vogel, Speaker. Trustees are: George McKinzie, Frank J. Schaffer, and Charles J. Kelly. St. Augustine's Court has at present a membership of twenty-five men.(33) The CATHOLIC RELIEF AND BENEFICIARY ASSOCIATION was incorporated under the law of New York State on January 31, 1893, to maintain a sick fund and establish a relief reserve fund to pay sick and death benefits. The constitution of the association was printed in 1915 (pp. 141). At St. Augustine's is established branch No. 124. St. Leo's Church since February, 1910, and meets every second and third Thursday of the month in St. Augustine's Hall. The branch was still meeting there on June 9, 1925, but later ceased to exist.(34) (32) St. Augustinus, February, 1915, p. S; August, 1915, p. 10; January, 1916, pp. 8-9, 12; August, 1922, p. 2; November, 1922. p. 6, and at many other places in the volumes of this monthly, and report of the Secretary. (33) St. Augustinus, June, 1904, p. 3; January, 1915, p. 9; May, 1924, p. 100; November, 1927, p. 220; February, 1928, p. 22; March, 1928, pp. 48-49. Report by the Secretary. MS. (34) St. Augustinus, February, 1910, p. 13; March, 1910, p. 13; April, 1910, p. 13, etc. Announcement-Books, MS. on the respective Sundays. ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 147 The LADIES' AUXILIARY KNIGHTS OF ST. JOHN established St. Mary's Ann Branch No. 86, of the First District of Western Pennsylvania at St. Augustine's in September, 1903. This branch met in St. Augustine's Casino Hall every first and third Friday of the month from the beginning of 1919 till February 20, 1925, when they moved their headquarters into a house on Bandera Street. However, on January 15, 1926, they returned to their former meeting room in St. Augustine's Hall, and at present Library, where they still keep their meetings. On January 1, 1921, this branch reported a balance of $849.85 for the sick fund and cash receipts during 1920 of $164.25. In 1920 sick benefits were paid to the amount of $162. Expenses during 1920 amounted to $177.91. On December 3, 1927, these officers were elected: Miss M. Eichenlaub, President; Mrs. D. Cook, First Vice-President; Mrs. M. Speth, Second Vice-President; Mrs. M. Melchert, Recording Secretary; Mrs. F. Berry, Financial Secretary; Mrs. M. Kline, Treasurer; Mrs. R. Kress, Messenger; Mrs. M. Marchlewitz, Sentinel; and Miss A. Overington, Guard. The officers for 1938 are: Mary Eichenlaub, President; Mrs. Frances Berry, Secretary; Mrs. Mary Klein, Treasurer. Membership at present is 29 in all.(35) In 1902 the movement grew strong to have all Catholic societies federated into one or more larger organizations. Bishop Canevin favored the plan of THE AMERICAN FEDERATION OF CATHOLIC SOCIETIES and advocated it. According to his wishes Diocesan organizations united different groups of societies. In 1904 the PITTSBURGH COUNCIL OF CATHOLIC WOMEN was established. In 1923 this organization had affiliated one hundred forty women organizations of the diocese with an aggregate membership of 40,000. All the women societies at St. Augustine's joined the Pittsburgh Council at one time or another, but not all did keep up their affiliation.(36) In 1876 some members of St. Augustine's belonged to the ST. JOHN SOCIETY, but this society was never established in the church.(37) ST. AUGUSTINE'S PARISH FEDERAL CREDIT UNION was organized on March 26, 1935. The credit union system is a cooperative organization to furnish money at cheap rates. This cooperative banking system originated in Germany. Victor Aime' Huber (died in 1869) was the first man to explain theoretically the system. Hermann Schulze-Delitzsch and Frederick William Henry Raiffeisen formulated the methods by which this cooperative banking system has attained success. In 1850 Schulze-Delitzsch established the first credit association which grew into a regular cooperative bank. The system of Schulze-Delitzsch aims to stimulate thrift and help artisans and farmers with credit. Raiffeisen in 1869 organized a society to provide rural credit based on mutual aid among neighbors. The Raiffeisen banks developed especially in rural districts. From these beginnings has grown the cooperative banking movement that is to be found now in every country: since 1900 in Canada and since 1905 in the United States. The first credit Union law was enacted in Massachusetts in 1909, and followed by most states. A federal law was enacted in 1933, and a national federation of credit unions is now in operation. The first credit unions were Parish Credit Unions organized by French Canadians since 1905. The first Federal Credit Unions were St. Boniface Parish Credit Union, New Haven and St. Mary's Credit Union, Meriden, Conn, which both received their charter on November 15, 1934. St. Augustine's Federal Parish Credit Union, Pittsburgh, Pa., is one of the first three organizations of the Pittsburgh district. On December 31, 1936, as many as 33 such Federal Parish Credit Unions were in operation in the United States. Five of them had not reported but the remaining 28 counted 2,305 members with a share balance of $52,662; 1,127 loans for a total of $104,593 had been authorized within the short span of two years. The Parish Federal Credit Union at St. Augustine's, Pittsburgh, has made since its organization on March 26, 1935, up to September 16, 1938, 199 loans to the amount of $22,978.25. (35) St. Augustinus, March, 1921, p. 8; March, 1923, p. 42; May, 1924, p. 101; March. 1925, p. 48; January, 1926, p. 10; December, 1927, p. 246. Announcement-Books, MS., 1919 to date. Report of the Secretary for 1938. (36) St. Augustinus, May, 1923, p. 76-77. (37) St. Augustinus, August, 1923, p. 123. ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 148 [image] image may be viewed at: http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/allegheny/church/staugustine-pittsburgh/148.jpg Choir Boys Bottom Row: Left to right: Francis Jans, Leonard Quering, Earl Barbour, Richard Marino, John Kozub, William Rotella, William Zukowski, Edward Senge, John Baj, Joseph Bruckner. Second Row: Elmer Rudzke, Bernard Mizgorski, Raymond Pidorski, William Ashton, John Grubbs, Elmer Siegle, Robert Balaski, Peter Chepponis, Joseph Carr, Gerard Staudt. Third Row: Elmer Tenure, Anthony Schmeck, Robert Bich, Richard Irlbacher, Raymond Fulton, George Bich, Walter Pawlak, John Krupa, William Reissmann, William Pottmeyer. Top Row: John Gribben, Joseph Baj, Leon Borczyk, John Maier, Rev. Fr. Ralph, Herbert Goetz, Charles Varasse, Robert Dedig, Russell Mikszan. ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 149 The credit union numbers 173 members and meets every Tuesday evening in the Parish Library. The officers are: Joseph G. Trakofler, President; Joseph T. Kaduck, Vice-President; B. A. Stadelman, Treasurer; C. R. Moffat, Clerk. Directors are: B. A. Stadelman, C. R. Moffat, J. T. Kaduck, J. W. Penar, J. G. Trakofler. Credit Committee: F. Vuchmanic, J. T. Kaduck, W. A. Hanna. Supervisory Committee: Dorothy Schumacher, Paul C. Lyden, C. J. Kolling.(38) The late Fr. Maurice Greck, O.M.Cap. (died in 1898), one time pastor of St. Augustine's, held a low opinion about the beneficial societies established at St. Augustine's. In 1885 he wrote: "Although they are known to me, I can say but little about them. I do not say that they do harm to the church, yet they do not much good either. The men who join those societies comply mostly with their Religious duties and none of those who neglect them was ever converted to a better life. These societies are organized to give sick and other benefits and keep men from joining secret societies." (Annales Prov. Capucinorum, MS., vol. I, pp. 151-152; St. Augustinus, 1925, p. 13). This opinion was based on the four parochial societies then established at St. Augustine's. Three of them went upon the rocks and the fourth was saved through the able guidance of its lifelong president, Mr. Titus Berger (died 1909). If the good Father had witnessed the good work done by the great diocesan and inter-diocesan organizations, he would have been compelled to change his pessimistic view. As it is, the societies, beneficial as well as Religious, are the mainstay of our parishes; the pastor calls upon them first in every emergency and the members cooperate most willingly in any parochial or diocesan undertaking. Men who neglect their Easter duty are now impossible in our societies. On February 21, 1875, the Fathers found themselves constrained to request in church the Presidents of the different Catholic societies to exclude members who neglect their Easter duty. (St. Augustinus, 1923, p. 84). The beneficial societies made many gifts in money to St. Augustine's Church and raised large funds by sponsoring various euchres, dramatic plays and socials. Since the account books of those societies are not accessible, we cannot give a full account of their work of cooperation to parochial, diocesan and national affairs. We only record the few incidental facts which their secretaries deigned to submit for publication. Branch 5 of the Order of Knights of St. George presented to the new St. Augustine's Church a painted window with the representation of their patron saint, St. George. Moreover the same branch defrayed the expenses for purchasing the large bell of the new church, costing $1,700, and weighing 5,500 pounds, which, by the way, is the largest bell in the city of Pittsburgh. The President of the Order, Mr. Joseph Reiman, presented this bell in the name of the Order, delivering a spirited address. The bell was christened with the name of St. George and according to a written agreement made with the pastor of St. Augustine's this bell is always tolled at the notice of a death of a member of the branch and at the funeral services. On February 27, 1889, the Knights of St. George donated the $100 Melodeon to St. Augustine's Schools. (St. Augustinus, October, 1925, p.-94). III. Charitable Organizations. To a certain extent the beneficial societies must be classed also among the charitable organizations; yet charity is primarily, though not exclusively, dispensed towards the members of the society. The Religious societies of Association of Holy Childhood and St. Augustine's Altar Society apparently pursue charitable aims only secondarily. We are considering here organizations which primarily are instituted to promote charitable works, outside the parish limits. The MISSIONARY AID SOCIETY was introduced into St. Augustine's in October, 1909, at the behest of the Rt. Rev. Bishop Canevin. Its aim is to support financially poor parishes of our country and in foreign mis- (38) Report by the clerk of the Credit Union. On the general history see: Warbasse, James Peter. Cooperative Democracy, 3rd. edition, New York, 1936, pp. 72-76. Central-Blatt and Social Justice, vol. XXX, No. 3, June, 1937, p. 95. ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 150 sions. As Promoters were appointed the Messrs. Edw. Halli, Mat. Werries, A. A. Kerner, Edw. Pottmeyer, Aloys. Nagel, and Miss Coletta Sohl. The Rev. Pastor, Fr. Ignatius Weisbruch, wrote at that time that a congregation of the size of St. Augustine's ought to furnish at least twenty-five promoters and he urged all parishioners to join the society. This organization has done good work all these many years. The annual reports issued by the Director, Msgr. P. C. Banner, since 1909, list the contributions received from the branch established at St. Augustine's year by year. Likewise the annual financial reports printed in the January number of the St. Augustinus since 1910, give also the contributions raised by the branch of the Missionary Aid Society. In 1937 these contributions amounted to one hundred thirteen dollars.(39) THE CATHOLIC STUDENTS' MISSION CRUSADE was organized at Techny, Illinois, July 27 to 30, 1918. The movement aims at enlisting Catholic Students in the cause of the missions. The programme includes education in mission facts and ideals by means of lectures, correspondence with missionaries, books and pictures on the missions and a periodical besides promotion of regular prayers and personal sacrifices in behalf of the foreign missions. The Crusade does not directly collect money for the missions but leaves this part of the programme to the affiliated societies. The founders of the Crusade expected to raise one million dollars by getting the two to three million students interested in the movement. On January 3, 1921, Fr. Philip Knupfer had the children of the parish school affiliated with the Catholic Students' Mission Crusade and the pupils who were actively engaged in the work received the name of LITTLE MISSIONARIES. When Fr. Agatho Rolf left for the distant mission of Kansu in northern China, January 1, 1922, the Little Missionaries presented him a purse of $420. The Little Missionaries are still in the field.(40) The KANSU MISSION CLUB was organized in October, 1922, among the ladies of St. Augustine's to furnish the Kansu Mission with church goods and money. The members met every Thursday evening after Holy Hour devotion in the parish library. For the benefit of the Kansu Mission they gave their first euchre party on October 24, 1922. Besides large sums were collected by the members and their friends in 1923 and later years. Yet the depression has of late dampened the missionary spirit of the club-members very much, so that by this time the club has fallen into abeyance.(41) The LITTLE FLOWER MISSION CIRCLE was established at St. Augustine's by Fr. Agatho Rolf in March, 1916. The Circle was composed of active and contributing members (ladies). They first contributed money and work; they would work on altar linen and make articles needed in foreign missions. The contributing members contributed money to buy the articles to be worked up. Fr. Agatho wrote in the April number of the St. Augustinus, 1916, that "the issues of the St. Augustinus and the newly created 'Mission Circle' are a consistent campaign to awaken interest in the work for the support of the foreign missions. Of course we expect some adverse criticism but this will only be a stimulus to the missionary circle. The work of such a circle is an apostleship of its own." When Fr. Agatho left St. Augustine's in July, 1918, the interest of the members began to slacken but it was revived, when the founder of the Circle showed by his own example that he meant what he had preached these many years: support of the work of foreign missions needed him and he heeded the call and he was finally laid to rest in distant northern China.(42) (39) St. Augustinus, November, 1909, p. 9, and January, 1938, p. 1. (40) The Fortnightly Review edited by Arthur Preuss, vol. XXV, 1918, p. 268. St. Augustinus January, 1921, p. 8; January, 1922, pp. 8-9. The missionary spirit was instilled into the hearts of the pupils by the annual celebration of the Association of the Holy Childhood and since 1915 by spreading the missionary periodical "The Little Missionary" in St. Augustine's School. See: St. Augustinus, August, 1915, p. 15; September, 1915, p. 9. Yet before 1921, the Little Missionaries were no organized group. (41) St. Augustinus, October, 1922, p. 8-9; January, 1923, pp. 9; February, 1923, p. 1; June, 1923 pp. 93-94. (42) St. Augustinus, March, 1916, pp. 9-10; April, 1916, pp. 10, 16; April, 1917, p. 2. ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 151 However, the oldest charitable organization of the St. Augustine's parish contributed to the support of an institution nearer home, namely, the GERMAN ROMAN CATHOLIC ST. JOSEPH'S ORPHAN ASYLUM on Troy Hill, now Pittsburgh. In the meeting of the Board of Managers of that asylum it was decided on April 9, 1863, that "since the Congregation of Lawrenceville has sent a delegate to the Board with the request to be admitted as a Filial-Verein, it was unanimously decided that such a Filial-Verein be organized and the officers be elected, so that their officers can be elected into the Board of Managers in the near future." Accordingly the FILIAL-WAISEN-VEREIN was established at St. Augustine's with the election of a president, a vice-president, treasurer, secretary, and a number of collectors. This was done some time before May 4, 1863. On that date the Board of Managers recognized the Filial-Waisenverein of St. Augustine's as duly organized and the Messrs. Jacob Dietz and John Elsesser and Gabriel Weisser were elected as members of the Board of Managers, the latter as treasurer of the Board of Managers. The pastor of St. Augustine's, the Rev. Philip Francis Schmidt, was elected to serve on the committee of schools. Ever since that time the Filial-Waisenverein of St. Augustine's has contributed on the average from $200 to $300 to the support of St. Joseph's Orphan Asylum on Troy Hill or a total of from $15,000 to $20,000. The Filial- Waisen-Verein of St. Augustine's in 1936 was constituted with Peter A. Halli, President; Messrs. Frank X. Fuchs, Adolph Jans and Frank Gronau, Directors; Misses Cecilia Dadowski, Mary Schmolder, Mary Closs, Margaret Haas, Elizabeth Suewer and Elizabeth Raible, Collectors. On July 1, 1938, the St. Joseph's Orphan Asylum ceased to exist and accordingly the Filial-Waisen-Verein of St. Augustine's came to a glorious end.(43) IV. Educational and Literary Societies. An educational society of a general character was the VOLKSVEREIN (People's Union or Society) which was established at St. Augustine's on October 27, 1912. The society was founded in 1890 in Germany at the suggestion of the veteran leader, Louis Windthorst, to educate the common people in the different aspects of the social question and to enlist their cooperation in the great work of social reform, and the repression of socialism. A staff of lecturers gave special courses of social science to various classes of people to familiarize them with the true Catholic principles of social reform. In 1907 the Volksverein had in Germany a membership of 565,000. About this time the society was introduced into some German Catholic parishes of the United States. By the year 1911 it had been introduced into several German Catholic parishes in the diocese of Pittsburgh. Finally on December 18, 1911, a mass meeting was called with the view to establish it at St. Augustine's. The pastor, Fr. Ignatius Weisbruch, urged the parishioners, men and women, to join this new society and to sponsor an important cause which would unite the Catholics of this country in defense of their rights and their Church. "Therefore, your pastor invites, nay urges you, especially young men and ladies, to attend this meeting." Yet the good people were slow in grasping the importance of the movement. On October 27, 1912, again a mass meeting was held in St. Augustine'.; Hall which finally resulted in the establish ment of this society at St. Augustine's. The new society, called ST. AUGUSTINE'S VOLKSVEREIN, met every fourth Sunday at 8 o'clock P.M. Thirteen promoters were appointed to recruit new members. In the vestibule of the church pamphlets were placed on a book-rack for free distribution. Seemingly the bulk of parishioners was not prepared to get much benefit from the new organization and many issues of the St. Augustinus during the years 1912 to 1914 carried articles in defense of the Volksverein. Up to February, 1915, the society met regularly on the fourth Sunday. Yet on the fourth Sunday of February, 1915, the Volksverein was united with the Holy Name Society, another society which could not thrive at St. Augustine's. The two societies met together for about two years and with the entrance of the United States into (43) Minutes of the Board of Managers (Protokolle des St. Joseph Waisen- Vereins). M.S., April 9, 1863: May. 4. 1863. Finanz-Berichte der St. Joseph Waisen-Anstalt, 1864-1937, annual reports printed at Pittsburgh, 1864-1937. The Pittsburgh Catholic, July 14, 1938. ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 152 [image] image may be viewed at: http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/allegheny/church/staugustine-pittsburgh/152.jpg Laying of Cornerstone of New Church, October 29, 1899 Blessing of the Bells, December 2, 1900 ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 153 the World War the Volksverein at St. Augustine's died out.(44) The KNIGHTS OF ST. GEORGE CADETS, a semi-military organization for young men, was founded in May, 1914. Catholic boys of twelve years and over were banded together who upon reaching the sixteenth year were to be initiated into the Order of Knights of St. George. The Cadets receive drilling every week according to the Infantry Drill Regulations of the United States Army and are otherwise trained along usual Cadet lines enjoying also the advantages of lectures and practical demonstrations given by business and professional men. Each branch of the Order is qualified to establish such auxiliary branches in the form of Companies under control of commissioned officers. Each company must have at least twenty-four cadets. The companies are formed into regiments. Up to April 1, 1916, two such regiments had been formed. In the Summer of 1916 were also printed the Constitution and By-Laws of the Knights of St. George Cadets (Pittsburgh, 1916. pp. 16). Branch 5 of the Order of Knights of St. George established the first company of Cadets, Company C, some time in Fall of 1914, and ever since the Cadets have been part and parcel of St. Augustine's and their "doings" are chronicled in the issues of the St. Augustinus. The Cadets take part in the processions, parades, and other public demonstrations; their parades at the annual picnic prove a great attraction. The present officers (1938) are: Joseph O. Grimm, Captain; Edgar Fry, Lieutenant; Gregory Gottschalk, Lieutenant; Jerome Scheirer, Lieutenant; Theodore Lach, Lieutenant; Roy Ludwig, Corps Instructor. The Cadets maintain a Summer Camp and Outing at the Knights of St. George's Home at Wellsburg, W. Va. The Cadets took part in the Sesqui-Centennial Parades of Allegheny County in 1938 and took part in the Memorial Services of the Knights of St. George, November 6, 1938. St. Augustine's Company C is composed of 32 men of the Drum-Bugle Corps and 75 men of the Infantry. The Company has meetings and drillings on Wednesday and Friday of each week and the Drum Corps disturbs the peace of the neighborhood many a time with their practices.(45) The oldest literary society established at St. Augustine's was the SAINT STANISLAS KOSTKA SOCIETY. It was a society founded for the benefit of the young men of the parish. The exact date of its erection cannot be ascertained but it was evidently established at the end of the year 1863 by the pastor, Fr. Tamchina. On February 3, 1864, this young men's society gave a dramatic and musical entertainment in the school building. The tickets printed for that occasion read: "Unterhaltungsfest des St. Stanislaus Costka-Vereins im Schulhause der St. Augustinus Kirche in Lawrenceville, Mittwoch den 3. Februar 1864. Eintritt 10 Cents. Fest-Committee: Adam Dietz, Titus Berger, George Hegner." (Tickets preserved in the scrap-book of the late Titus Berger). This society existed -- yet in 1871 but must have gone out of existence some time after that year.(46) A more pretentious literary society was formed in 1869, or earlier, by a group of young men of St. Augustine's parish and called ST. GEORGE'S LITERARY ASSOCIATION OF PITTSBURGH, PA. During the fair of St. Augustine's parish which was opened at December 28, 1869, and closed January 9, 1870 this literary association staged two plays for the benefit of the school. The program printed for that affair reads: "Grand Opening for the St. Augustine Fair and Hall by the St. George's Literary Association for the Benefit of St. Augustine's School. Play I. "The Peoples' Lawyer". Players: Emmanuel Schillo, William Heyl, (44) St. Augustinus, December, 1911, p. 9; October, 1912, pp. 24; November, 1912, pp. 9, 16; December, 1912, pp. 4-5; January, 1913. pp. 4-5; February, 1913, pp. 4-5, 16; March, 1913, pp. 4, 16; April, 1913, p. 16; July, 1913,'p. 16; August, 1913, pp. 9, 16; April, 1914, pp. 9-10, 16; June, 1914, pp. 2, 4-5, 6, 16; February, 1915, pp. 5, 16; September, 1915, p. 16. On the Volksverein in general see: Der Volksverein, New York, 1915, pp. 50, and English translation, New York, 1915, p. 49, and Catholic Encyclopedia, vol. XV, pp. 502-503. (45) St. Augustinus, August, 1915, p. 8; February, 1916, p. 5; March, 1916, p. 9; October, 1916, p. 9, etc., April, 1919, p. 9, etc., July, 1921, p. 8, etc., April, 1922, p. 8, etc., etc. (46) Cyprian Gehrling, in: St. Augustinus, August, 1922, p. 2. ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 154 Joseph Rihn, James Voit, Frank Kuntz, William Hoeveler , William Lindenfelser, Louis Urban, John Haas, Joseph Elsesser, Jacob Elsesser, John Wurzel, John Yeaster, John Kloman. Play II. "Der Prozess". Players were: Ed. Mulzer, Peregrin, Henry Averman, (Aloys.) Frauenheim, A. Schillo and E. Schillo. In May 1870 the association staged again a play for the benefit of St. Augustine's Church which netted $60.08. Towards the end of 1870 were printed the: Constitution, By-Laws and Rules of Order of the St. George's Literary Association of Pittsburgh, Pa., with the imprint of 1871. Yet the copy preserved in the parish archives has the inscription on an inside page by William Alexander Heyl, dated Pittsburgh, December 28, 1870. The officers were: Henry Schmidt, President, William August Hoeveler, Vice-President, Anton Carl Kloman, Secretary. A notable fact about this booklet of sixteen pages is that it is printed in English, while all the other constitutions of the parish societies had been printed in German up to that time. The purpose of the association is defined in this constitution as "mutual improvement in elocution, composition, and debate and enlarging our fund of general information". The regular meetings were held on Wednesday evening (later Thursday evening) at 7:30 of every week. The performances of the society meetings consisted in "reading, essays, select reading, declamations, orations, dialogues, and debating". "German performances were in order at any time and had to be conducted solely in German. No person under eighteen years was eligible to membership". The association had also been in possession of a library and had appointed a librarian who had the duty to "keep all books correctly numbered, and attend to giving them out". The vice-president William Hoeveler attended St. Augustine's school in 1862. The member William Heyl was a pupil of St. Augustine's school in 1863 and served in 1888 and 1889 on the building committee of the new schoor building. Likewise six other players had been former pupils of St. Augustine's school between 1862 and 1868. A few of the remaining players may have attended St. Augustine's school some time prior to 1862. Nothing is known of this literary association after the year 1871.(47) The literary association of 1869 was a spontaneous effort on the part of the young men of St. Augustine's parish to which the pastor, Fr. Kircher, owing to his deficiency in English had been a stranger. It was different with the next following literary society established at St. Augustine's. At a meeting of the young men of St. Augustine's parish, called by the pastor Fr. Felix Lex, and presided over by Fr. Gregory Schneiders, on January 25, 1885, it was decided that a literary society should be organized among them. The organization was finally effected on February 9, 1885, by the adoption of a constitution and by-laws and the naming of the society was ST. AUGUSTINE'S YOUNG MEN'S LITERARY SOCIETY. The constitution and by-laws were printed in English at Pittsburgh, Pa. in 1885 (pp. 18). All the members of this society were at the same time members of the Young Men's Conference of the parish. The officers were Director, First and Second Vice-Presidents, Secretary, Treasurer, Librarian and Assistant Librarian. Meetings were held every Monday evening. This society had organized at the same time an orchestra and brass band which were open only to the members of the Literary Society. These musical organizations were governed by special by-laws, each being ruled by a Leader and Assistant Leader and an Instructor or Professor. Besides the literary society had also organized a Singing Club from among the members of the society, from which outsiders were excluded. The Singing Club elected a Leader and appointed an Instructor or Professor and was likewise governed by special bylaws. The Director and founder of this multiform Young Men's Literary Society was Fr. Gregory Naziance Schneiders, the best English scholar among the Fathers at St. Augustine's in his days. He was ordained priest on August 30, 1873, at Trier in Germany, was imprisoned during the Kulturkampf by the German government on November 1, 1874. When he was later released (47) Cyprian Gehrling in: St. Augustinus, August, 1922, pp. 2-3, September, 1922, p. 1; December, 1922, p. 7. Constitution der Gemeinde zu Lawrenceville und Finanzberichte, MS., Ill, p. 4. ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 155 he went to Scotland upon the advice of his bishop, where he stayed for three months with a noble family and mastered the English language (September 2, till December 1875). He went to England and taught for five months in St. Bede's College at Manchester. The Bishop of Salford appointed him there upon as assistant priest at Farnworth, where he labored for two and a half years till he was appointed pastor of Mount Carmel Church at Salford. Here he remained for four and a half years organizing that congregation and building a church. Finally he left England with the intention of entering the Capuchin Order. On November 11, 1882, he entered in the Bavarian Province, because the Capuchins had been still expelled from Prussia. Finally on January 28, 1884, he landed at New York and a few days later he arrived at St. Augustine's Pittsburgh. To distinguish him from the older Fr. Gregory Autsch who likewise stayed at St. Augustine's, the people nicknamed him "The English Fr. Gregory". At St. Augustine's Fr. Gregory Nazianz made good use of his mastery of English by introducing more English devotions and sermons. Knowing the needs of young men in English speaking countries he organized the literary society and directed it for over four years as none of the other Fathers could have done. Upon the advice of the physicians he returned to his native country on May 2, 1889, and died there on November 24, 1905. His memory is still fresh among the few remaining former members of his literary society and others. Since Fr. Gregory's literary society was without peer in the Lawrenceville district, a number of young men of the English parishes joined it, as Len. B. Blanchard, Dan Driscoll, John Collins, Henry Collins, John Lannigan of Millvale, J. P. Reardon, Harry Toner, Owen Mooney, Austin McGrath, Charles McCarren, F. McMullen, Shannon, Nick Liveo. Finally among the members was enrolled Mr. Hardy Wall, a non-Catholic, who associated with the "boys" at that time and despite the "constitution" he was made a member and as Mr. A. W. Liebler, Past President of the Literary writes (under date of Sept. 17, 1938), "he proved a good one". At present only three of the eighty and more members of the one-time St. Augustine's Young Men's Literary Society are still living. Len. B. Blanchard, a successful real estate agent (4506 Centre Ave.), John Link, and Andrew W. Liebler, agent of the General Office Machines Corp. (719 Liberty Ave.). The Officers of the society for the term 1889-1890 were: Fr. Gregory Nazianz Schneiders, Director. And. W. Liebler, First Vice-President (the Director was also President), John J. Link, Second Vice-President, D. A. Behen, Secretary, Will. J. Frecker, Assistant Secretary, Nich. Ulich, Librarian, John Engel, Assistant Librarian. The Committeemen were: Henry Werries, Jos. Nagel, John J. Schaffer, and Henry Uhte. On April 8, 1889, Fr. Gregory Nazianz attended the meetings for the last time. On May 2, following, he left and on May 6th his successor was introduced in the person of Fr. Irenaeus Kolb, O.M.Cap., a native of Philadelphia (died May 10, 1936). The receipts of the society from January 31, 1888 till July 1, 1889 amounted to $341.42 and the expenses to $319.05. The Constitutions were revised and Mr. A. W. Liebler was elected President of the Society in January, 1890. On October 7th, 1890, the Brass Band was made an independent organization. Yet the following month of November, 1890, the literary society as founded by Fr. Gregory Nazianz came to an end owing to the formation of the Jungmaenner-Verein, and the change of the Young Men's Literary Society into a general LITERARY MUSICAL SOCIETY which was open also to men as well as young men. St. Augustine's Young Men Literary Society carried out the program outlined in the Constitution up to the beginning of 1890. Then we notice a remissness both in attendance as well as in the performances. The society held also regular entertainments in St. Augustine's hall charging entrance fees. On January 14, 1889, the society had a public debate with the Young Men's Literary Society of St. John the Baptist Parish upon the question Whether McClellan was a greater general than Grant. The debate was carried through agreeably to both parties the judges having decided it to be a draw. The Messrs. E. M. Behen and W. R. Berger defended the affirmative for St. Augustine's and the Messrs. J. Greegan and Walter McCormick the negative for St. John's. The judges were Fr. Gregory Nazianz for St. Augustine's Mr. J. F. Miller for St. John's and Wm. A. Golden, Esq., the third party. ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 156 [image] image may be viewed at: http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/allegheny/church/staugustine-pittsburgh/156.jpg Cadets 1905 Members of St. Augustine Parish in Holy Name Parade ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 157 This was to be the last public performance of St. Augustin's Young Men's Literary Society under the direction of Fr. Gregory Nazianz. This debate was announced in church.(48) At the Katholikentag (Catholic Day) of the German Catholics of the United States held at Pittsburgh, Pa., September 22-25, 1890, all German Catholic Young Men's Societies were united into a Central-Bund (Central Union) which embraced also the Young Men's Literary Society of St. Augustine's. However, the Young Men's Societies of Pittsburgh were also formed into a diocesan organization under the name of: DIOEZESAN-VERBAND KATHOLISCHER DEUTSCH- AMERIKANISCHER JUNGMAENNER-VEREINE VON PITTSBURGH (Diocesan Union of the Catholic German-American Young Men's Societies of Pittsburgh). The first meeting was held on November 9, 1890, in St. Michael's Hall, South Side and ten societies were affiliated to the diocesan organization. Eight other societies joined the organization later. St. Augustine's Young Men's Literary Society of Lawrenceville was among the first societies which were affiliated to the diocesan organization. The diocesan organization was aggregated to the Central- Bund. The former held two mass-meetings every year (April and October) and two general meetings (January and July). The Constitution, By-Laws, and Rules of Order of this diocesan organization were printed at Pittsburgh 1890 in German and English (p. 47). The officers of the diocesan organization in 1899 were: Rev. Bernard Hehl, C.P., President; Mr. Karl Wunderly, Vice-President; Mr. Joseph H. Reiman, Recording Secretary; Mr. Henry Gensler, Financial Secretary; Mr. August Rausch, Treasurer. The Board of Directors was formed by the Messrs. Nicholas J. Kolling (Secretary); Bernard Hahn, Joseph A. Schmitt, August Rausch, Markus Reuss, Philip Zeus, Karl Mayer, Joseph A. Winter, Joseph Spinnen- weber, Joseph A. Mahler, Benjamin Hildebrand, John Hickel, Karl Steedle, J. E. Eberle, Joseph Heitz. The Diocesan organization infused new life into the ST. AUGUSTINE'S YOUNG MEN'S LITERARY SOCIETY and at the same time put an end to the organization founded by Fr. Gregory Nazianz Schneiders by changing it from an English into a German society, in which German was the official language and English was only tolerated within a restricted sphere. Indeed the newly reorganized literary society was regarded as an entirely new organization which on January 6, 1901, celebrated its tenth anniversary of foundation with great solemnity in church and in the hall. In February, 1902, the St. Augustinus Juenglings-Verein had a membership of about 90. The officers were: Fr. Clement Pfeifer, O.M.Cap., Director; Mr. John Zeus, President; Mr. Philip Kreckler, Vice-President; Mr. J. George Hager, Financial Secretary; Mr. William Stapf, Corresponding Secretary; Mr. William Busch, Librarian. Two years later the St. Augustinus Juenglings-(Jungmaenner-) Verein was reorganized and received from the place of meeting the name St. Augustine's Casino.(49) ST. AUGUSTINE'S CASINO as an organized society was founded on February 7, 1904, and took its name from the building in which the society meets. The Casino building is the old school hall which was built in August, 1879, to have the necessary place for meetings on Sundays and schoolrooms on weekdays. The hall was opened with a play on November 5, 1879. After the dedication of the new church the old church was changed into a parish hall which was opened on October 22, 1901, with a great dramatic play staged by the Dramatic Circle of the St. (48) Constitution and By-Lazes of St. Augustine's Young Men's Literary Society of Pittsburgh, Pa., Pittsburgh, Knapp, (1885), pp. 18, (a copy in the parish archives). Minute-Book of St. Augustine's Young Men's Literary Society, from August 27, 1888, till October 7th, 1890. MS. (in parish archives). St. Augustinus, 1925, pp. 13, 71, 167. Annales Provinciae Pennsylvanicae MS., vol. I, pp. 109-110, 443. Letter of information by Past President A. W. Lieblcr, dated Sept. 17, 1938. (49) ferhandlungen der Fierten Allgemeinen Fersammlung der Katholiken deutscher Zunge der Vereinigten Staaten von Nord-Amerika in Pittsburgh, Pa. herausgegeben von Rev. A. Fischer und Chas. J. Jaegle. Pittsburgh, Pa. 1890, pp. 41-44, 101-106, 112, 152. Handbuch des Pittsburger Beobachters, pp. 35-36, 37-38. St. Augustinus, October, 1899, p. 2, March, 1900, p. 3; September, 1900, p. 5; January, 1901, p. 3; September, 1901, p. 4, October, 1901, pp. 5, 8; January, 1902, p. 4; February, 1902, p. 2; December, 1903, p. 4; May, 1927, p. 93. ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 158 Augustine's Young Men's Society. The old Parish Hall was remodeled changing the one-story building into a two-story building with different meeting-rooms for the societies and a bowling-alley in the basement. On the first meeting of the Casino the election of officers took place with the result: Rev. Clement Pfeifer, Director; Mr. F. L. Kress, President; E. A. Halli, Financial Secretary. A committee was appointed to draw up the rules and regulations of the society, composed of the Messrs. P. J. Scholl, J. J. Noulett, Philip Krekler, Joseph Irlbacher, George Hager, Frank Dittman, John Fritch, Philip J. Zeus and Frank Besselman. A second committee was appointed to supervise the repairs to be made in converting the one-time parish hall into a casino. The Messrs. Peter Kerner, Charles Fuchs, Anton Lackner, Louis Kwozalla and Mat. N. Werries were elected to serve on this building committee. It was decided at the same time that the amount to be expended on these repairs should not exceed two thousand dollars. The meeting of March 7, 1904, ordered the constitution and by-laws to be drawn as read. This constitution with the by-laws was printed soon after. The reprint of the Constitution of St. Augustine Casino of 1912 is in the parish- archives. The constitution comprises 16 articles with 29 sections and the by- laws 15 articles with 20 sections. The revised Constitution and By-Laws printed at Pittsburgh in 1921 comprises 17 articles with 34 sections of constitution and 9 articles with 24 sections of by-laws. Finally the Constitution and By- Laws were reprinted in 1928 (17 articles and 35 sections of Constitution and 19 articles and 46 sections of By-Laws). The members constituting the Casino on February 7, 1904, were the following: Adelman, Frank; Alland, Jos.; Besselman, Frank; Besselman, Lawrence; Bauer, Elmer; Bich, George, Sr.; Berger, August; Bieneman, A.; Boberg, W.; Bracht, Henry; Brennan, Patrick; Brunner, Charles F.; Bush, Wm.; Buster, Charles; Buster, George; Dittman, F. D.; Doemling, George; Dorn, M.; Dresbach, Joseph; Eberlein, George; Eichenlaub, Edw. D.; Eichenlaub, Eugene E.; Eich- enlaub, Frank; Eichenlaub, B.; Engel, And.; Farmerie, Wm.; Fey, Lawrence; Fey, Rob., Sr.; Fey, Rob., Jr.; Fisher, AL; Fisher, Otto; Fortwengler, Jos.; Fortwengler, Wm.; Fritsch, John; Fuchs, Charles; Fuchs, Frank; Fuchs, Louis; Fuhrer, Wm.; Gauscheman, F.; Gerlach, John; Gerstbein, A.; Girty, Thomas; Golden, J.; Gottschalk, Henry; Gottschalk, John; Haag, John; Haber, George; Haeckler, Stephan; Halli, A. L.; Halli, Ed. A.; Halli, P. A.; Halli, P. J.; Hart, Mich.; Hoffman, L., Sr.; Hoffman, L., Jr.; Irlbacher, Jos., Sr.; Jacobs, H.; Kalchthaler, Frank; Kalchthaler, Wm.; Keiser, Nic.; Kelly, D. J.; Kemp, Edw.; Kiester, F. J.; Kerner, A.; Kerner, Frank; Kerner, Peter, Sr.; Kerner, Peter, Jr.; Klavon, J. A.; Kramm, Philip; Kreckler, Philip; Kress, Frank L.; Kuntz, Wm.; Kwozalla, L.; Lackner, Anton; Larkin, F. X.; Leas, Paul; Leisman, Edw.; Leisman, George; Leisner, Frank; McCabe, Frank; McGee, John; Meier, John; Meisner, Jos.; Meisner, Syl.; Nickel, George; Nickel, Jos.; Nieman, Ferd.; Nieman, L.; Noulett, And.; Noulett, John J.; Pottmeyer, Edw. M.; Pottmeyer, Harry; Pottmeyer, Jos.; Reckhaus, Henry; Reible, F.; Reiman, John; Riehl, Edw. P.; Reisinger, John; Schaffer, C. F.; Schaffer, George; Schaffer, Jos.; Schaffer, Will.; Schiffhauer, Frank; Schmidthammer, L.; Scholl, Frank; Scholl, Leo; Scholl, P. J.; Schultz, Frank M.; Skonetzi, A.; Skonetzi, C.; Schwer, Walter; Speth, Jos.; Stapf, Will. J.; Stehle, Louis; Steinkirchner, Edw.; Stierer, George; Strieber, Will.; Thiery, J.; Voelker, Fred.; Voelker, Frank; Voelker, Jos.; Vogel, Edw. J.; Walter, Charles; Weber, Frank; Weber, N. P.; Werries, Mat. N.; Westerman, Bernard; Wirth, Leo; Wolf, Math.; Wolfensberger, Victor; York, Charles; Zeus, John; Zeus, Phil. J.; Zinsmeister, L. A., Dr.; Zinsmeister, Will. J.; Zoeller, Edw. A total of 136. Possibly one or the other name is omitted through an oversight. On September 1, 1938, St. Augustine's Casino numbered 96 male and 53 female members, a total of 149. The officers for the 1938-1939 term were: Adolph Lutz, Jr., President; Henry Kins, Vice-President; Otto H. Werries, Financial Secretary; E. H. Hoellerman, Treasurer; R. J. Hinchcliff, Recording Secretary; Leo Schmolder, Marshall; Board of Directors is composed of the Messrs. Al. Weismiller, A. F. Lutz, Chas. Riedel, Leonard Dongweck, Walter Schwer, Jr., John C. Burlett, Airs. Cath. Rixner, Miss Ann Lakits and Miss Mary Rita Werries. Up to April 8, 1907, the meetings were con- ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 159 ducted in German and the minutes entered in German. With next following meeting, 37th Meeting of May 3, 1907, English was employed and kept up to date. On December 6, 1909, the Casino decided to affiliate with the County Federation of Catholic Societies but before long the County Federation of Catholic Societies was a thing of the past. In the course of time a number of standing and temporary committees were organized to manage the social, musical and literary affairs of the Casino. The Casino contributed in the course of time large sums to the support of St. Augustine's Church, school and other charitable works sponsored by the parish. For the last thirty years the Casino gave a treat to the school children of St. Augustine's during the Christmas season. Among the charitable works performed by the society to outsiders stands preeminently the sum of five hundred dollars contributed in 1923 to the Endowment Fund of the Central-Verein of America at St. Louis, Mo. The financial standing of the Casino had always been good. On January 1, 1921, the treasurer reported $1,193.40 cash balance.(50) The ST. AUGUSTINE'S DRAMATIC CLUB was organized in 1904. Dramatic plays proved a source of paying revenues to the church and school from the earliest years of existence of St. Augustine's parish. As early as 1868 the children of the school staged a play and the different parish societies followed suit ever since that date. The societies of men, young men and young ladies, the religious as well as the beneficial and social societies, formed dramatic clubs among their members from time to time to stage certain plays. These clubs formed units of longer or shorter duration, just as eventualities demanded. Twice a regular company of professional players was hired (1875, 1879) to attract people to the fair held for the benefit of the church. The GERMANIA THEATRE CLUB or LAWRENCEVILLE is perhaps the oldest Dramatic Club of St. Augustine's. A bill amounting to $20.75 for advertisements of the plays staged by that club during the church fair was presented by the manager of Der Republikaner in February, 1870, and was paid by the parish. This seems to prove that the Germania Dramatic Club of Lawrenceville was a parochial society; yet on the other hand it is possible that the parsih hired an outside dramatic club and paid for the advertisements. The St. Augustine's Young Men's Society was the first society which had formed a permanent Dramatic Circle within its society. This must have been done in 1891, when that society was first firmly organized. This Dramatic Circle became an independent parish society on the formation of the Casino in 1904. However, on October 16, 1921, the Dramatic Circle was incorporated into the Casino and ever since it is called the DRAMATIC CIRCLE (later CLUB) OF ST. AUGUSTINE'S CASINO. The officers of this dramatic circle were elected at the same meeting and they were: Mat. N. Werries, General Manager; Jos. 0. Vogel, Stage Manager; Anthony F. Haas, Secretary; Joseph Trakofler, Treasurer; the Messrs. Al. J. Nagel, L. H. Hufnagel, and E. J. Vogel, Directors. The Rules and Regulations of the Casino Dramatic Club comprise nine articles and limit membership to members of the Casino. These rules were never printed. Up to June 5, 1924, the secretaries would call the dramatic organization with the name Dramatic Circle. On June 12, 1924, they speak of the Dramatic Club for the first time, and kept this name consistently after that date. Finally on December 28, 1924, the Board of Directors decided that since there had "been a little confusion as to the correct name of our club, it shall be known as the 'CASINO DRAMATIC CLUB OF ST. AUGUSTINE'S PARISH' and this title is to be used on all (50) Minutes of the Meetings of the St. Augustine's Casino. MS. From February 7, 1904 till December 7, 1919. Minutes of the Meetings of the Board of Directors of the St. Augustine's Casino. MS. From February 21, 1917 till October 19, 1921. Constitution and By-Laws of the St. Augustine's Casino, Pittsburgh, 1912, 1921. 1928. Report of the Secretary Otto H. Werries, dated September 13, 1938. MS. The files of the St. Augustinus records the doings outside the meeting rooms from 1904 to date, although in very irregular order. The Catholic Year Book of the Diocese of Pittsburgh carries a summary notice of St. Augustine's Casino. 1908. p. 133, 1910, p. 63, 1913, p. 194, 1917,p. 150. Of the numerous reports about the Casino in the St. Augustinus, we quote only February 1921, p. 9, 1923, pp. 56. 57. On the County Federation see: St. Augustinus, April, 1922, p. 8, and June, 1922, p. 8 . ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 160 [images] images may be viewed at: http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/allegheny/church/staugustine-pittsburgh/160.jpg St. Augustine's Dramatic Club 1918 First Girls of the Academy, about 1894 Camilla Frauenheim, Frances Hug, Clara C. Bastian, Mary Frauenholtz, Rose Rehbein, Louise Kerner, Josephine Jaegle. Bottom: Stella Pechstein, Cecelia Westermann, Anna Fey, Elizabeth Heyl, May Fay, Mary Kempen. ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 161 tickets." According to an agreement made with the pastors of St. Augustine's parish the Casino pays all expenses and the Church receives 75 percent of the net proceeds and the Casino 25 percent. As a rule the plays staged proved a financial success. Yet it happened that the play was a failure financially and then the Casino and the Church paid the deficit. The club holds a picnic every year for the club members exclusively but since 1925 Casino members are also invited. The club gives also a treat to the acting members after every play. It had to be stated repeatedly that other club members who did not serve in the play, are not entitled to participate in the treat. The club staged as many as five plays and two sketches a season (1924-1925). One year it did not stage any play. Yet on the average it stages two plays in a season. The revision of the Constitution was accepted by the club on September 24 ,1934. According to this new constitution the parish is to receive 75 percent and the Casino 25 percent of the net profit of all public plays. The club has a Requiem and three low Masses celebrated at the death of a member. The meeting of February 6, 1922, ordered a sign-canvas to be stretched from the monastery walls across the street to the Casino-building and to post signs in front of the Casino building. Later the large sign-board on top of the monastery wall was erected which is still up for service. In December, 1923, the Rev. George A. Metzger, pastor of Holy Trinity Church, Brooklyn, N. Y., inquired about the plays staged by the club and information was forwarded. The officers of the Casino Dramatic Club for the year 1938-1939 were the following: Charles Riedel, General Manager; Hildegard Maisel, Recording Secretary; Otto H. Werries, Treasurer; the Directors were: Adolph Lutz, Jr., Edgar Fry, Walter Schwer, Jr., and Mary Rita Werries.(51) On February 11, 1910, the meeting of the Casino decided to establish a literary club as a branch and Mr. Mat. Werries was appointed chairman of the committee entrusted with the foundation of this new venture of the Casino. In December, 1910, nothing was done yet in that matter. However, in April, 1919, we read of a debate between two teams of the Casino on the merits and demerits of National Prohibition. In May, 1919, we read of a debate between the members of the Casino and Laetitia Club on the problem of equal rights. According to the verdict of the pastor the ladies should have proved superior, which would be an unusual feat of intellectualism. How long this literary branch of the Casino showed signs of life, was never told to the public.(52) The LAWRENCE PLAYERS were a body of unorganized volunteer players who were engaged by Fr. Clement Pfeifer, O.M.Cap., to raise funds for his mission of Avella, Pa. They were at one time or another members of the St. Augustine's Dramatic Club. Some time in 1915 they began their charitable work in behalf of the country missions. Later they staged also some plays in behalf of the Missionary Confraternity of Christian Doctrine of the Diocese of Pittsburgh. On June 18 and 22, 1917, they gave "The Seal of Confession" at Epiphany Hall, Pittsburgh. Some time after they disappeared from the scene.(53) ST. AUGUSTINE'S LAETITIA CLUB was founded on September 19th, 1913, to serve as a Casino society for the ladies of the parish. The officers elected at that constitutive meeting were: Mary Fey, President; Anna Hufnagel, Vice- President; Lizzie Burlett, Recording Secretary; Anna Kuester, Treasurer. The meetings were scheduled for every third Thursday of the month. On March 11, 1914, a board of directors was elected in the persons of Mary Fey, Minnie Berger, Cath. Besselman, Lizzie Raible, Lizzie Burlett, and Loretta Sweeny. At the same time the first Bowling Teams were formed. Regular gymnasium classes were held, basket ball playing and euchres and dances were on the (51) St. Augustinus, 1924, January, 1923, p. 4. Minutes of the Dramatic Club from October, 1921 to date. MS. The St. Augustinus carries many notes about the dramatic performances of the club, as f.i. October, 1901, p. 8, November, 1901, p. 1, etc., February, 1910, p. 10, etc., December, 1922, pp. 9, 11, etc., February, 1923, p. 17, etc., etc. (52) St. Augustinus, December, 1910, p. 9: April. 1919, p. 9; May, 1919, p. 8. Minutes of the Casino. MS. February 11, 1910. (53) St. Augustinus, May, 1917, p. 8. ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 162 program of the Laetitia Club. Banquets were had from time to time, as also socials of various kinds, old-fashioned sewing circles, an annual picnic, trips to different cities for sightseeing, Valentine receptions. The members assisted the Casino members time and again in arranging their socials. In January, 1918, the first joint meeting of the Casino and Laetitia Club was held, at which the newly elected officers were installed, and on July 4th following the Laetitia and Casino Clubs had a joint picnic. When a number of Casino young men had gone to war, the Laetitia Club had to keep the Casino open, and to "come across," as the President of the Casino expressed it. On May 9, 1919, a move was made by the Casino to have the Laetitia Club united with it, but on account of the opposition of the latter the movement failed. Finally on December 15, 1920, the Casino voted to consolidate with the Laetitia Club. Two days later the Laetitia Club held its last meeting as an independent society and made arrangements for the consolidation. According to the terms of union the Laetitia Club has two members on the Casino Board of Directors who are elected from among their club members. The Misses Catherine Berner and Margaret Legath were the first members of the Laetitia Club to sit in the Board of Directors. The pastor, Fr. Philip Knupfer, wrote in the Augustinus in January, 1921: "We heartily endorse this consolidation and we sincerely believe that it is to the advantage of both Clubs. We earnestly invite all the members of the parish to become affiliated with the St. Augusttine's Casino." The Constitution of 1921 changed the section regulating the Board of Directors raising the number from seven to nine and the Constitution of 1928 raised it to ten members. On September 1, 1938, the Laetitia Club counted S3 members.(54) The choir of St. Augustine's Church was organized into a regular society under the name of ST. AUGUSTINUS MAENNERCHOR in January or February, 1892. The society gave a concert on New Year's Day (1894) for the benefit of the poor, the proceeds of which amounted to $147. Similar entertainments were given by the society in the course of time and no small sums were realized for the church or charitable works. The election of officers in the first week of December, 1901, had the result as follows: Charles F. Stuedle, President (re- elected unanimously); Francis Johannbroer, Vice-President; Richard Rinscheid, Secretary; Joseph Joos, Treasurer; Mathias Meis, Director. The Board of Directors was composed of the Messrs. Constantine Waldvogel, Charles Fuchs, John Nickel, and John Fink. Membership of the society was 67. On February 2 and 3, 1902, the society celebrated the tenth anniversary of its foundation in the church as well in the hall. On New Year's Day, 1904, the society gave a social for the benefit of the poor. In April, 1911, the St. Augustinus Maennerchor was reorganized and changed from a German organization into an English one under the name of: ST. AUGUSTINE'S CHORAL CLUB. On May 8. 1911, the newly organized society gave a concert for the benefit of the church. Two more concerts were given for the same purpose later in the year. The officers for the year 1915 were: A. Lutz, President; Joseph Trakofler, Vice-President; Frank Trakofler. Secretary and Treasurer; John Zawart, Librarian; Rudolph Christof, Organist and Choir-Director. On June 4, 1929, the following officers were elected: John Bienemann. President; Joseph Trakofler, Vice-President; Francis McLaughlin, Financial Secretary; August Rattay, Librarian; Adolph Lutz, Assistant Librarian; Lawrence Fitz, Organist and Choir Drector. At the electon on January 12, 1934, these officers were constituted: Charles Moffat, President; Leo Schakmar Vice-President; Francis McLaughlin, Secretary and Treasurer. On April 13, 1934, the last meeting was held and ever since the organization is in abeyance.(55) (54) Minutes of the Meetings of St. Augustine's Laetitia Club, from September 19, 1913 to August 19, 1919. MS. St. Augustinus, May, 1914. p. 6; January, 1916. p. 12; July. 1919. p. 8; September, 1919, p. 8; October, 1919, p. 9; December, 1919, p. 8: January, 1921, p. 8, etc. (55) On the organizations of the choir see: St. Augustinus, December. 1901. p. 4; February, 1902. pp. 2, 4; January, 1904, pp. 4-5; April, 1911 p. 8: December. 1911. p. 9; January, 1915, p. 8; January, 1927, pp. 14, 16; May 1928, p. 90; July, 1929, p. 129. Minutes of Meetings, MS. 1929-1934. ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 163 ST. AUGUSTINE'S SINGING SOCIETY was established about 1875. It was an organized society, apparently mostly composed of the church choir. The society had an annual excursion and grand concerts on their program in 1877. No other data are available about this society which may have continued to exist till 1892 and be merged with the ST. AUGUSTINE MAENNERCHOR. St. Augustinus Casino founded a Singing Society on February 11, 1910, as a branch of the Casino. The new society was called CASINO CHORAL CLUB and was recruited only from members of the Casino. In order to have a mixed choral club, including soprano and alto, it was necessary to have the ladies incorporated; yet the latter were regarded only as guests or outside talent. In December, 1910, the Casino Choral Club had an enrollment of 35 members. On December 29, 1910, the club gave its first concert for the benefit of the church. This effort was very reassuring. Mr. Louis Imgrund was director of the choir of singers and a band of musicians took part also in the concert. This seems to have been the first and last appearance of the Casino Choral Club.(56) ST. AUGUSTINE'S ALUMNI ASSOCIATION was founded in July, 1927, for the purpose of keeping up a spirit of fellowship among the graduates of St. Augustine's High School. Any graduate of that school is eligible to membership. The association meets every three months in St. Augustine's School. At the quarterly meeting on January 8, 1928, the following officers were elected for the year 1927: Al Nieman, President; Armella Dunmire, Vice-President; Annette Creighton, Recording Secretary; Leo Andres, Financial Secretary; Gerard Boberg, Treasurer. The pastor of St. Augustin's Church invited all former pupils of the High School to join the association. On February 15, 1928, the members of the association gave a social which proved very successful. This was the second social given by the association. During the ten years of its existence the association has raised handsome sums for the benefit of the school from which they had graduated.(57) In April, 1905, the Boys Choir of St. Augustine's Church was founded, and assisted the men's choir under the direction of their common choir directors. On September 17, 1917, however, the boys' choir was organized in regular form by the able organist John Baptist Grilly and was called the PEROSI BOYS CHOIR OF ST. AUGUSTINE'S CHURCH. The name was suggested by Mr. Grilly who was a great admirer of his compatriot Lorenzo Perosi, the famous Italian composer and choir director. The regular election constituted the following officers of the society: Joseph Aschenbrenner, President; Joseph Polk, Vice-President; Edwin Wagner, Secretary; Paul Benz, Treasurer. At that time the Perosi Boys' Choir numbered about 50 members. The director of the choir Mr. Grilly was to realize his expectation to increase the efficienty of the choir with the great number of good voices he had at his command. He was confident that a little encouragement given to the young singers would put greater zest into the work of the boys, since they were so willing to do their utmost in the use of their gifted voice for the greater edification of liturgical service. The blessing he invoked on the parents, patrons and well-wishers of the Perosi Boys' Choir was surely realized in God's own time. Probably the resignation of Mr. Grilly as organist was attended with a disorganization of the once flourishing Perosi Boys' Choir of St. Augustine's Church.(58) The members of the Juenglingsvereines (Young Men's Society) have been charged with the office of ushers in St. Augustine's Church. This arrangement dates back to 1899 and probably to earlier years. The society selected the young men who were willing and capable to fill that office either for a definite period or only for special occa- (56) St. Augustinus, April, 1910, p. 9; December, 1910, p. 9; January, 1911, p. 8; 1924, p. 82. Minutes of the Casino. MS. February 11, 1910, and October 3, 1910. (57) St. Augustinus, January, 1928, p. 8; February, 1928, pp. 28-29; April, 1928, p. 68; May, 1928, p. 88; January, 1929, p. 9. (58) St. Augustinus, March, 1905, p. 7: May, 1905. p. 6; October, 1905. pp. 9, 10: September, 1917, P. 8. ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 164 [image] image may be viewed at: http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/allegheny/church/staugustine-pittsburgh/164.jpg Altar Boys, 1885 Standing, left to right: Anthony Vilsack, Charles Heyl, (Father Edward), John Werries, Joseph Frauenheim, Christ Limpert, August Vilsack, John Land, Seated: M. N. Werries, Joseph Limpert, George Zerr, Joseph Emerich, Albert Pechstein. ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 165 sions. To obtain more concerted action the pastor, Fr. Philip Knupfer, suggested the formation of a regular society. Accordingly on November 22, 1926, a new organization was introduced at St. Augustine's Church under the name of "ST. AUGUSTINE'S USHER CLUB". The members constituting the new organization were the following young men: Louis Dadowski, Jr., Francis J. Dadowski, Ralph J. Dadowski, Joseph T. Peoples, Joseph Hungerman, Leo Hungerman, Al. J. Nagel, Edmund Werries, Matthew Werries, Jr., Aloysius Pottmeyer, Charles E. Benz, Joseph Frueh, Clem. Burlett, Leo Schmolder, Joseph Grimm, Ralph Stehle, Joseph Doemling, and Joseph Schmitt. At their first meeting these eighteen members elected from among their ranks the following officers: Charles E. Benz, President; Louis Dadowski, Jr., Secretary; Mat. Werries, Jr., Treasurer. The purpose of the club is to furnish efficient men who are able to keep order during services in church and to curb all disturbers in every emergency. The pastor exhorted the parishioners to cooperated with the ushers and not create any difficulties to them. The members of the club meet once a month to discuss the best ways and means towards maintaining order and well behavior in church. The annual election of officers in December, 1927, resulted in the constitution of the following men: Al. J. Nagel, President; Clem. Burlett, Vice-President; Matt. Werries, Jr., Treasurer; Al. Pottmeyer, Secretary. The pastor, Fr. Gilbert Stickelmeier, was not stinting in the praise he gave to these men writing: "This club is certainly to be congratulated for the wonderful work it has achieved the past year. Loitering in the rear of the church during services is a thing of the past. We hope that they will continue the good work in the future." The officers for the year 1938 are the following: Francis S. Dadowski, President; Michael S. Rixner, Vice-President; Louis Dadowski, Jr., Secretary, and Leo Andres, Treasurer. The society meets every last Monday of the month, in the Parish Library. The club counts at present eighteen members.(59) The late Titus Berger wrote in 1875 that "America, the land without pilgrimages, is deluged with secular societies and clubs". He deplored the fact that many Catholic parishes were not yet blessed with Catholic societies or only with such which had a semblance of Catholic societies harboring many members of bad repute. Yet the establishment of really Catholic societies did not prevent Catholic men and women from joining secular societies and clubs for various reasons. At present most of the members of secular or inter- denominational societies are at the same time also members of Catholic societies. Naturally the Germans hailing from various parts of the fatherland were drawn to join the societies or clubs of their racial kin and so we find the parishioners of St. Augustine's fraternizing with their Bavarian, Hessian, Alsatian, Badenian, Suevian, Austrian, German-Hungarian kinsmen in ever so many societies. The location of such clubs induced others to join the near-by German society. This is evidently the case with the "SINGING-SOCIETY "ElNTRACHT OF LAWRENCEVILLE (Gesang-Verein Eintracht von Lawrenceville). This society was founded on January 6, 1866, for the purpose of cultvating singing and music among the Germans of Lawrenceville. The Society met in the parish school of St. Augustine's from 1870 till 1872 and paid annually $36 rent. After that time they had their meeting-room in the bank-building on the corner of 34th Penn Avenue and Butler Street. Since 1900 the society owns a building on 36th Street in the rear of St. Augustin's Church. In 1899 the society had a membership of 212, a singing club of 28 voices and an orchestra of 16 men. At that time Anthony Schillo was President and Henry Frecker, Vice-President, and Emmanuel Schillo, Treasurer, all three were parishioners of St. Augustine's. The society is still in a flourishing state. See on this society, Handbuch des Pittsburger Beobachters, p. 40. Mr. Berger in: Stimme der Wahrheit, 1875. St. Augustinus, January, 1923, pp. 4, 5. This multiplicity of societies and clubs was partly the result of a need and partly (59) St. Augustinus, November, 1899, p. 3; December, 1926, p. 240; December, 1927, p. 244; December. 1928. p. 288. Report of the secretary Louis Dadowski. ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 166 the creation of convenience and good fellowship. As long as they lasted they served a purpose and surely one or the other of the defunct societies or clubs will be resurrected in future under one form or another. Yet after all these societies and clubs exerted a beneficial influence on the parishioners and repressed the movements appealing to lower instincts springing up in various corners of the district. Naturally individual members belonged to various societies simultaneously, whilst others did not belong to any at all. St. Augustine's Casino has such a broad scope that it can minister to all possible recreational needs and tastes. A striking instance is the formation of the defunct BROTHERS' CLUB, a glee club, formed in 1912 under the direction of the Director of the Casino and dissolved in 1919. Naturally it was composed of members of the Casino and may be revived some future day. See: St. Augustinus, January, 1916, p. 9. The societies which we described in the present chapter were all established in St. Augustine's parish, partly at the church, partly at the hall and Casino. We may add two societies which were established at St. Augustine's Monastery, and not at the church. The first society of this kind is the SERAPHIC WORK OF CHARITY. The object of this society is to care for destitute children and to provide for their Catholic education by placing them in homes managed by the society, called SERAPHIC HOMES, or other Catholic institutions or, when feasible, with Catholic families. A second object is to assist boys and partly young men of poor families financially, or otherwise, to receive a training for a. future useful career in life. The Seraphic Work of Charity was a venture of the Third Order of St. Francis into the field of social welfare; it was a work of charity sponsored by the spiritual children of the Seraphic St. Francis and this is the meaning of the name. The Seraphic Work of Charity was founded on January 6, 1889, by the Tertiary Congregation at Ehrenbreitstein in Germany and was taken up in rapid succession by many other Tertairies' Congregations in Germany. Within the first four years the society had cared for three hundred children. In 1894 the society spent already $13,500 in support of destitute children in Germany. In 1893 the society was divided into two sections: North and South Germany. On January 1, 1898, a third section was established for Switzerland at Luzerne and on January 1, 1899, a fourth section at Herman, Pa. for North America. In 1934 no less than 25 sections in Germany, Switzerland, United States, Austria, and Czechoslovakia had a membership of more than 500,000 and published 15 periodicals in behalf of the work and many thousands of Catholic children have been saved to the church and Christian civilization by the society. A long list of indulgences were granted by Pius X. in 1914 to the members of the society. To become a member of the society the name must be enrolled and some small contribution in money must be paid to the society. Moreover members share in the benefits of 4,000 Masses which are celebrated annually for the living and dead members of the society. The different sections issue 15 periodicals with a subscription of a half a million. The Seraphic Work of Charity is no confraternity and the consent of the diocesan bishop is not needed for erection of any branch. It may, however, be erected like a confraternity with the consent of the bishop and then the indulgences and spiritual benefits are bestowed upon the branch as such. The Seraphic Work of Charity was introduced into the United States by the late Fathers Pancratius Dockler (died September 17, 1932) and Godhard Friedmann (died June 14, 1919), at Herman, Pa. On December 3, 1898, these two Fathers received the letter of approval of the General of the Capuchin Order, the late Bernard of Andermatt and on January 1, 1899, they formally established the branch for the United States. The boys cared for by the society were first placed into a private family at Herman, Pa., and later a sort of separate home was acquired. During the first five years (1899-1903) the Seraphic Work of Charity had distributed $2,697.88 in the United States. In August, 1906, the headquarters of the Seraphic Work of Charity were transferred from Herman, Pa., to the St. Augustine's Monastery at Pittsburgh and reorganized on a broader basis. At the Directors' Meeting of the Order of Catholic Knights of St. George on February 26, 1908, the Order decreed to assist the Seraphic Work of Charity in the Juvenile Court and the Grand President, Joseph Reimann, appointed a special committee to act ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 167 in this matter. On January 22, 1911, the Constitution of the Seraphic Work of Charity was passed constituting a society governed by a Board of Directors and the officers of President, Vice-President, Recording Secretary, Financial Secretary, Treasurer and three consultors. At the same time By-Laws were passed governing the LADIES' AUXILIARY SOCIETY. These constitution and by-laws were printed at Pittsburgh in 1911. pp. 8. When on November 11, 1914, the present Toner Institute was assigned to the care of the Seraphic Work of Charity and the number of boys to be cared for was rapidly jumping from 71 to 125, the organization was not adequate any more to support the institution. Other means were resorted to, as drives, tag days, bazaars and especially the Juvenile Court, and naturally the organization lapsed, although many members continued to support the work to this day and enjoy the spiritual benefits in their fullest extent. The late Mrs. Mary C. Freker proved the greatest inspiration to the Ladies Auxiliaries. In 1907 she espoused the cause and for well nigh fifteen years she cared for the neglected boys of the Home as a real "Mother", even going so far that she performed the menial work of "maids" in the spirit of true and genuine charity. Through her efforts the work of the ministering ladies was organized to achieve greater efficiency. Naturally she was elected First President of the society and on resigning the post of trust, she continued the charitable work as ever before. In the "Home" the name of Mrs. Freker stood for real care and the sight of her was hailed by boys who had never experienced the charm of maternal love with greatest delight. Besides these personal services she was indefatigable in raising funds for the Home, by a great number of socials, euchres and collections. All this work was done by her when she had past already the sixty mark of age. .Yet even old age did not put an end to her charitable work for the boys in the Home. Through a concurrence of external circumstances the good work of the Ladies Auxiliaries was suspended and Mrs. Freker was deprived of the opportunity to carry on her ministrations to the neglected boys of the Seraphic Home. She died on March 16, 1932 at the ripe old age of 84 years and 7 months; her memory will remain fresh for many a year to come at the Home which she served so well. Mrs. Harry Acker was a valiant companion and support of Mrs. Freker for many years in the care for the neglected boys in the Home. She likewise was an officer of the society and proved a zealous and active member to the last. One of the principal means of propagating the Seraphic Work of Charity are the periodicals issued in its behalf. These monthlies bear the title of: SERAPHIC FRIEND OF CHILDREN. The periodical of the section of Northern Germany had at one time more subscribers than any other Catholic periodical of the Fatherland. The founders of the American section of the Seraphic Work of Charity, the Fathers Pancratius and Godhard, founded also a periodical called SERAPHISCHER KINDERFREUND, which appeared first in January, 1899, and is still in the field. For the last twenty-six years, since March, 1912, this periodical has been ably edited by Fr. Joseph Leonissa Trageser and has won many supporters of the Seraphic Work of Charity to this day. With January, 1902, the Seraphischer Kinderfreund began to insert an English section under the title of Child of Mary, which in September, 1904, was changed to Seraphic Child of Mary. With January, 1905, the Seraphic Child of Mary was issued separately up to January, 1912, when the title was changed to Seraphic Home Journal. Since January, 1931, the periodical is issued under the title of St. Francis Home Journal.(60) The second society established at St. Augustine's Monastery is the SERAPHIC MASS ASSOCIATION. This society was founded in 1899 by the Tertiary Miss Frieda Folger in Switzerland for the purpose of supporting (60) The files of the Seraphischer Kinderfreund and of the Seraphic Child of Mary contain numerous articles and notes on the Seraphic work of Charitv in Europe and the United States, f.i. vol. I, 1899, pp. 3-5, 47-48, 100-102, 118- 120, 132-135, 143-144, 148-152, vol. II, pp.16, 178-179, 192, vol. Ill, pp. 222, 224-226, 239, etc. On the spiritual benefits of the work see Beringer, op. cit., pp. 284-286. ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 168 [image] image may be viewed at: http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/allegheny/church/staugustine-pittsburgh/168.jpg Altar Boys, 1892 Beginning at top row, left to right: First row, Jos. Leisman, John Fey, Aloysius Emmerich, Frank Besselman, Lawrence J. Fey, Harry Frauenheim, Edward A. Pottmeyer, Edward D. Eichenlaub. Second row: John Zimmer, Joseph F. Steedle, August Berger, John Zeus, George F. Hager, Clement Risacher, Charles Aufman, Edward Zunsmeister. Third row: Robert Fey, Frank Scholl, Father Joseph Anthony; O.M.Cap., John Kalchthaler, William Stapf, Brother Elsy, William Hager, John Welty. ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 169 the Foreign Missions which are in charge of the Capuchin Fathers. To become a member the name has to be enrolled and a stipulated sum to be paid once which will be used to support the Capuchin Foreign Missions. The members share in a number of Masses and prayers and good works during lifetime and after death. At first the members participated in the Masses said for all benefactors of the Order every day in every monastery church or chapel all over the world. These Masses amounted from 1899 till 1908 from 669 to 733 daily. In 1908, however, a number of Masses was stipulated to be said for the members of this association exclusively and the participation in those other Masses was maintained at the same time. This number of Masses was increasing with the increase of the missionaries and Fathers of the Order. Today the total number of Masses said for the members of the Mass Association amounts to more than 188,500 annually; besides the members share in the prayers and good works of over 13,000 members of the Capuchin Order, not counting the affiliated Friars and Sisters. In 1903 this association was introduced into all the Capuchin monasteries in the United States in accordance with the directions given by the General of the Order. An alms of fifty cents enrolls a person into the association for one year, may the person be living or deceased. Two dollars entitles deceased persons to perpetual membership and five dollars entitles a living person to perpetual membership during lifetime and after death. The Directors of the association established at St. Augustine's Monastery were Joseph Anthony Ziegelmayer (died May 25, 1919), Fidelis Maria Meier, Ansgar Zawart (died October 19, 1934), Patrick McGann, Cuthbert Schoeppner, and Cecil Nally. Naturally the association grew slowly at first but by the untiring zeal of the various directors it has spread all over the United States. At present the association established at St. Augustine's counts a membership of approximately 250,523 perpetual deceased members, 185,675 perpetual living members and 125,000 annual members. These figures include only the members enrolled since 1927. The older records were sent to headquarters in Rome and it is impossible to give an estimate of membership during the twenty-four years 1903-1927. In 1933 the headquarters of the association acquired a small office-room on the parish premises which proved inadequate within a year's time. To provide for larger office-room, the Director of the. Mass Association was graciously granted the present quarters by the pastor and the church trustees. This office- room was obtained by renovating the old Parish library room which on account of its height could well be divided into two stories, so that the present office is snugly perched above the library room. In February, 1935, the work of repairs was begun and came to an end towards the latter part of April, 1935. The Director of the association had also assumed the burden of having the approaches to the new library room remodeled. The new office of the association has a floor space of thirty-two by thirty-four. It contains complete files of all the records of the past nine years and the necessary office equipment of desks, typewriters and multigraph, mailing machine and the like. At present the Director employs seven stenographers to make the entries into the records and to handle the correspondence.(61) (61) On the Seraphic Mass Association in general see: Analecta O.M.Cap., vol .XVII, 1901, pp. 104-105, XIX, pp. 166-167, XXV, pp. 39-42, XLVII, pp. 176-177, etc. On the association at St. Augustine's see: Seraphischer Kinderfreund, vol. VI, pp. 10-13, vol. VIII, pp. 103-105, etc. and a number of reports issued by the various Director and the Mission Almanac published during the last twenty years. St. Augustinus, May, 1925. pp. 81-83. ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 170 Chapter 10 THE MISSIONARY CONFRATERNITY OF CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE THE MISSIONARY CONFRATERNITY OF CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE was introduced at St. Augustine's by the late Agatho Rolf in January, 1916, to give Religious instruction to the Italian and Slavic children who frequent the public schools of the district. This confraternity is a diocesan institution and was founded on June 21, 1908, by Miss Mary Dunn of St. John the Baptist Parish to carry the message of Christ to the great number of Catholic children in the outlying districts, where there are neither church nor school. In November, 1911, this pious lady introduced this missionary work also into the cities to reach the numerous groups of children of Catholic parentage who frequent the public schools and do not receive any catechetical instruction at home. Since the earlier parish confraternity was practically dead in every parish, the still flourishing Missionary Confraternity erroneously has been considered the only confraternity of Christian Doctrine. The Missionary Confraternity is organized in accordance with the principles laid down by Pope Pius X, in his encyclical letter of April I5, 1905, and by Bishop Canevin in his Manual of 1907; it is a lay organization doing catechetical work under the guidance of the priests. The teachers of the branch of the Alissionary Confraternity established at St. Augustine's have always been preponderately also members of St. Augustine's parish. Large classes of Catholic children of the district who frequent the public schools receive instruction in Christian doctrine every Sunday morning after the children's Mass and occasionally on evenings of week-days. In the course of time these children are prepared for reception of the sacraments of Penance and Holy Communion. For instance on June 4, 1922, thirty-eight children of six or seven different nationalities received at St. Augustine's their First Holy Communion with great solemnity; they were instructed by five ladies of the parish who are members of the Missionary Cofraternity. On April 9, 1923, the sacrament of confirmation was administered to 24 boys and 31 girls of the Missionary Confraternity School at St. Augustine's along with the children of the parochial school. In 1923 no less than 47 boys and 46 girls of the Missionary Confraternity schools received their First Holy Communion. Equally large numbers of such children have been prepared by eight teachers year after year up to the present time.(1) Teachers of the Missionary Confraternity of Christian Doctrine at St. Augustine's Parish from the Foundation in 1916 to date: Miss Mary Purcell, now Sister M. Philomena of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, 1916 till about 1918. Miss Irene Coleman, now Sister M. Teresita of the Charity Sisters at Greensburg, Pa., 1916 till about 1918. Miss Olive Vandergrift, now Sister Mary Baptista of the Charity Sisters at Greensburg, Pa., 1916 to about 1918. Miss Helen O'Connell, 1916 to about 1918. Miss Mary Steinkirchner, 1916 to June 1927. Miss Alice Bridgman, 1916 till? Miss Amanda Fassel, now Sister Benecita of the Franciscan Sisters of Stella Niagara, N. Y., 1916 till November, 1917. Miss Carrie Evrard, now Sister Mary Narcissa of the Franciscan Sisters of Stella, Niagara, N. Y., 1916 till November, 1917. (now deceased). Miss Amelia Schillo, October, 1917, to date. Miss Myrtle Flowers, 1918; still teaching in July, 1919. Miss Bertha Pensalek, now Sister Rose Mary of the Franciscan Sisters of Millvale, Pa., July, 1919 till January, 1922. (1) Cyprian Gehrling in: St. Augustinus, June, 1922, p. 9. April, 1923, p. 53, May, 1923, p. 70. 72, January, 1924, p. 13, February, 1917, p. 16, July, 1919, p. 9. 1926. p. 115, 1927, pp. 116-117. On the Missionary Confraternity in general see: Silver Jubilee of the Missionary Confraternity of the Diocese of Pittsburgh, 1908-1933, pp. 32. And Two Distinct Confraternities, in: The Pittsburgh Catholic, March 22, 1934, p. 13, and April 12, 1934, p. 9. ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 171 Miss Clara Smolder, April, 1920 to date. Miss Irene Smolder, March, 1922 till April 1928. Miss Clara Marchelwitz, March, 1922 till June, 1927. Miss Catherine Kaiser, April, 1922 till December, 1922. Miss Bertha Hornickel, July, 1922 till? Miss Anna Becker, September, 1922 till May, 1923 and after. Miss Otilia Nickel, September, 1922 till October, 1927. Miss Aurelia Conrad, January, 1924 to date. Miss Meredith Murray, February, 1924 till? Miss Gertrude Milcovey, May, 1926 till August, 1927. Miss Monica Nickel, March, 1927 till December, 1927. Miss Edna Brown, now Sister Mary Annetta of the Franciscan Sisters of Millvale, Pa., ? till July, 1926. Mrs. Arnold Perzy, November, 1927 till February, 1928. Miss Mary Louise Arnold Lang, January, 1928 till May, 1936. Miss Clara Leisman, April, 1928 till September, 1936. Miss Matilda Adams, May, 1928 to date. Miss Gertrude Simon, October, 1928 till May, 1929. Miss Clara Hartung, November, 1928 to date. Miss Victoria Kaduck, February, 1933 till August, 1934. Miss Helen Vukmanic, now Sister Mary Catherine of the Ursuline Sisters of Pittsburgh, Pa., July, 1934 till August, 1935. Miss Anna Lakits, January, 1936 till December, 1936. Miss Margaret Haas, October, 1936 to date. Miss Margaret Hamilton, September, 1938 to date. Miss Susan Mclntyre, September, 1938 to date. Miss Gertrude Saar was teaching in July, 1919. Miss Anastasia Miller was teaching in July, 1919. Miss Mary Nickel was teaching in July, 1919. Miss Anna Holler acted as so-called Fisher, i.e., gathered the pupils and led them to church and school, from May, 1926 to December, 1927. Miss Mary Sullivan was teaching from May, 1928 till April, 1930. Miss Mary Przekop acted as Substitute Teacher in May, 1928. List of Children who were under Instruction by the Teachers of the Missionary Confraternity of Christian Doctrine at St. Augustine's Church in October, 1938. Balmer, Mary Thomas Barbate, Nicholas Baron, William Bauer, Mary L. Belansky, Ella, Albert Bigley, Robert, Richard Bossio, William Brosky, Vincent, Vera, Catherine Brunick. James Bruno, Philomena Bubanovich, Peter Byers, Gertrude, Mildred Carnes Theresa Calderone, August, Marie Carle, Anna M., Dorothy Chester, Leonard, Eugene Chester, John Ceciera, Richard, Bernice Civetus, Robert Conrad, Andrew Cubelic, Charles Delac, John, Jacob De More, John, Joseph, Matt De Vito, Lucille, Sylvia Dickson, James Domatrovic, Mildred, John, Rudolph Edowski, John Evankovich, Alberta, Dorothy Ewing Faas, Madeline Facetti, Lawrence, Robert Falvo, Samuel Ferguson, Irene Frankelewska, Alfreda, Dol, Loretta, Vic Gable, Harry, Helen Gajski, Dorothy Gibala, Anna Gilligan, William, Margaret Gizler, Jerome, Joseph, Dorothy Goekler, Shirley Gnewkowski, Walter, Florence Godziuski, Theodore, John Grimpe, Esther, Mary, Eliz. Haas, William Harenski, Jack Harkvay, Helen Hayden, Jos., Ralph, Ruth Hays, Wm., Mary, Evelyn Herney, Fred, Lillian ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 172 [image] image may be viewed at: http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/allegheny/church/staugustine-pittsburgh/172.jpg The Bells of St. Augustine's St. Raphael Bell, Rev. Raphael Mary Schwartz, O.M.Cap., Assistant (1900) St. Joseph Bell, Rev. Patrick Leinsle, O.M.Cap., Assistant (1900) St. Mary Bell, Rev. Charles Speckert, O.M.Cap., Pastor (1900 St. George Bell, Brother Ivo Litsch, O.M.Cap., Sacristan (1898-1907; 1915- 1935; 1937-) ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 173 Jakubowska, Helen, Stella Janikowski, Henry Juirege, Jesse, Thomas Jesiolowski, Frances Karlovits, Theresa Kazynski, John Kielb, Arthur Killian, Henrietta, Leonard Kirstein, Lois, Doris Kobe, Helen, Anna Kovach, Joseph, Marie Krieger, Walter, Frank Kriznik, Frank, Robt., Henry Kruzewska, Agnes, Joseph Kubiak, Marcella LaPinto, Joseph LeDonne, Edora, Verna Liberich. Rudolph Lipic, Jennie Luniewska, Joseph Mance, Jack Manchester, Dorothy Manuello, Rosetta Majetich, Dolores Matykiewiz, Robert Mauro, Louis Mikulan, Richard Mistarz, Walter Moran, Robert Muto, Nicholas, Norma Neumeister, Richard, James Neville, William Nicholas, Norman Ordakowska, Rita Orehorvich, Goldie Orlowski, Richard, Robt.. Virginia Ostraski, Frank Oswaut, Richard Otuich, Nicholas Palermo, Gloria, Thelma Palermo. Benj., Harry. Frank Pasquale, Carl Pelusi, Rachel Penkowska, Dorothy Perman, Robert. Genevieve Pesa, Francis Pesik, Marie Pesich, Stephen Plonska, Martha, Regina Premozic, Edward, Frank Pruszynska, Betty, Dorothy Ralcewiecz, Joseph, Mary Reeves, Irene Rem, Eleanor Renda, Lillian Reymond, Joseph Rhein, Marilyn, Joseph Rice, Dorothy, Robt. Rodgers, Lois Roski, Leonard Rutowska, Isabelle, Josephine, Rich. Runco, Esther, Eugene Schema, Geraldine, Lorain Sekely, Dennis, Wilma Senovich, Lena, Anna Sestrich, Eunice Shaginaw, Edw., Emily Snicka, Theresa, Marie Snicki, Norbert, Conrad Slazenska, Ray, John, Leo, Anna Stachowiak, Dorothy Strzlkowska, Lorain, Patricia Swiatkiewicz, Louise. Irene Tatarski, Chester Teese, Harry Viric, Sarah Vukelja, Frances Vanels, Jean, June Wacht, Raymond Walters, Anna Wasko, Evelyn Wassel, Florence Wiezorak, Chester, Henry Wisinski, Robert Wolawacka, Dorothy, Helen. Sophia Wozinak, Loretta, Richard, Jos. Yagatich, Jean Yakich, Anna Yaschuk, Lucille Zlacki, Joseph, Betty Ziolkowski, Rita, Theresa, Edward Zivic, Jacqueline The foregoing list has been compiled by the teacher, Miss Matilda Adams. The list is complete; curiously there are no children's names beginning with "A". SEWING SCHOOL AT ST. AUGUSTINE'S The Sewing School at St. Augustine's was started by Miss Mary Steinkirchner in 1916 with but one girl but it grew rapidly so that the class numbered before long as many as 50 girls. Certainly the number fluctuated at various times. The teachers who worked in this school are the following: Miss Mary Steinkirchner, the Foundress Miss Mary Lewis Miss Anastasia Miller Miss Emma Bracht Miss Clara Roeser Miss Teresia Hufnagel, now Sister Mary Boniface, of the Franciscan Sisters of Stella Niagara, N.Y. Miss Alma Merdian, now Sister Mary Ernesta, of the Franciscan Sisters of Stella Niagara. Miss Bertha Lattner, now Sister Mary Thecla, of the Franciscan Sisters of Stella Niagara. Miss Alice Bridgeman also put in her appearance now and then. Miss Gertrude Conrad taught in the Sewing School from 1921 to 1928. The school is still in existence and does efficient work. ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 174 Chapter 12 ST. AUGUSTINE'S PARISH LIBRARY ST. AUGUSTINE'S PARISH LIBRARY was formed in 1917 by collecting the libraries of the various societies into one large library. The St. Raphael's society under the presidency of the scholarly Mr. Titus Berger set the pace by establishing a library for the benefit of the members of the society and the parishioners in September, 1877. This library was located in a room on the upper floor of the school, where the members kept their meetings. In 1894 the library contained 326 books, naturally mostly in German. The other societies of the Christian Mothers, the German and English Branch of the Third Order, the Sodality of Young Ladies, the Men's Conference and lastly the parish school since February, 1907, established libraries in their various meeting rooms and in the school rooms for their members. They appointed librarians who had charge of the library, loaned out books and proposed lists for eventual buying of new ones. Their libraries were opened after the monthly meetings on Sundays. In 1917 Fr. Angelus Seikel, director of the Third Order at St. Augustine's, was a zealous promoter of Catholic library work. Through the courtesy of the Branch Librarian of the Lawrenceville Branch of the Carneeie Library at Pittsburgh, Miss Grace Winsor, he had placed twenty Catholic periodicals in English, German, and Polish into that branch on Fisk Street. In the St. Augustinus of November, 1917, he announced to the parishioners that those twenty periodicals are now at the perusal of the public at the reading rooms of that branch. "We would urge", he wrote, "especially the local Catholic patrons of the library to read them and recommend them to their friends. Also we recommend to call for books by Catholic authors and to ask for the catalogue of books by Catholic authors and the graded list for parochial schools". At the same time Fr. Angelus Seikel established at St. Augustine's Parish Library a Tertiary Mission Bureau from among members of the Third Order whose purpose was to gather used Catholic papers and periodicals for distribution on the home and foreign mission fields. This mission bureau collected also cancelled stamps, waste- paper, lead and tinfoil to sell them for the benefit of the missions. "We counsel Tertiaries and friends", he wrote in the St. Augustinus (November, 1917, p. 4), "never to destroy such articles but forward them to us for the benefit of the Missions". When in July, 1918, Fr. Angelus Seikel was transferred to Munjor, Kansas the zeal of the members of the Mission Bureau began to flag till after some time the organization was a thing of the past'. Yet Fr. Angelus had better luck with the parish library he had established in 1917 by having the three libraries of the Third Order, the Young Ladies Sodality and the Parish School Foundations collected into one large library. The library was organized and properly indexed and shelved by the experienced librarian of Duquesne University, Miss M. Gertrude Blanchard. It was and still is a free library for all parishioners and members of societies affiliated with St. Augustine's. Library hours are all Sundays from 2 to 5 P.M. The time of loans of books is extended to one month with the privilege of renewal for a second month. Later the library was enlarged by purchases and collection of the books owned by the Men's Conference and the Casino. "The aim of the parish library", wrote Fr. Cyprian Gehrling in the St. Augustinus of July, 1921, "is to place at the use of our parishioners the best Catholic books on Religious instruction, lives of the saints, novels, educational, historical and poetical writings. The main ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 175 stock, however, are juveniles for the pupils of the parish school and spiritual books for the guidance of pious persons". From February to April, 1935, the library room was remodeled to provide space for the office of the Seraphic Mass Association. The library is located on the parish premises at the entrance to St. Augustine's, Monastery and has the dimensions of thirty-four by thirty-eight feet. The old book-cases were replaced by a set of uniform bookshelves divided into twenty-two sections, each containing eight shelves, so that more than two thousand books can be shelved. The library at present treasures at least 1,800 volumes all English with a small collection of German books. A larger collection of German books was taken out to make room for English ones and these books about 500 are treasured now in the archives room in the monastery. The parish library serves at times also as a convenient meeting room for some societies and for extraordinary gatherings. At times the room is placed at the use of the Missonary Confraternty, and the rehearsals of the boys' choir are held there regularly during the week-days. At any rate St. Augustine's possesses a model parish library as few other parishes of the city might boast of having. [image] image may be viewed at: http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/allegheny/church/staugustine-pittsburgh/175.jpg Communion Railing, St. Augustine Church ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 176 [image] image may be viewed at: http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/allegheny/church/staugustine-pittsburgh/176.jpg St. Augustine's School, Grade 1, May 20, 1892 ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 177 Chapter 13 Saint Augustine's Parochial School (Continued from page 125) From the opening of the house in 1876 until the present year, the following Sisters held the office of Superior and were principal of the school: 1876-1879 Sister M. Agnes Rose 1879-1882 Sister M. Dolores Lennon Died Oct. 23. 1920 1882-1884 Sister M. Paschala Kiefer Died July 31. 1888 1884-1886 Sister M. Juliana Rose 1886-1892 Sister M. Cleopha Etzel Died April 10, 1914 1892-1895 Sister M. Juliana Rose Died Nov. 10, 1930 1895-1901 Sister M. Liguori Lawton 1901-1904 Sister M. Ambrosia Hottowitz Died Sept. 11, 1907 1904-1907 Sister M. Anthony Kiefer Died March 10, 1917 1907-1910 Sister M. Gertrude Peitz 1910-1912 Sister M. Teresita Friedel 1912-1913 Sister M. Celestine Ziefel 1913-1915 Mother M. Agnes Rose 1915-1916 Sister M. Liguori Died Jan. 16. 1916 1916-1918 Sister M. Aurelia Arenth 1918-1924 Sister M. Callista Steggert Died Feb. 27. 1930 1924-1930 Sister M. Gertrude Peitz 1930-1935 Sister M. Antoinette Ruffenach 1935- Sister M. Victorine Jacobs COMMUNITY SUPERVISORS OF SCHOOLS 1911-1922 Sister M. Clarissa Popp 1922-1934 Sister M. Gonzaga Niederberger Sister M. Marcelline Laaks, Assistant 1927-1931 Sister M. Aloysia Bauman, Assistant 1932-1934 1934-1937 Sister M. Aloysia Bauman Sister M. Hildegarde Laaks, Assistant 1937- Sister M. Lucina Appel, Sister M. Hildegarde Laaks, Assistant In regard to the total number of Sisters who have taught at St. Augustine's School from November 9, 1871, to September, 1938, no exact figures can be given. Yet a very conservative estimate places the total number at six hundred forty-three (643). This high number evinces a great change in the teaching staff year by year, so that the average term of a Franciscan Sister at St. Augustine's School was from nine to ten years. The best known Sister among the present generation of men of St. Augustine's parish undoubtedly SISTER M. AMBROSIA HOTTOWITZ. She was born in Prussia of Lutheran parents March 18, 1850. With her family she emigrated to the United States in her youth and settled at Pittsburgh. When she became acquainted with the Catholic Faith, she resolved to join the Church. As soon as she reached the legal age, she carried out her resolve sacrificing the love of home and relatives. On March 19, 1875, she entered the Community, received the habit September 2, 1875, taking the name of Sister M. Ambrosia. Two years later, on September 30, 1877, she pronounced her temporal vows and on October 3, 1879, she was admitted to perpetual vows. As a Religious, she spent her time in the class room until she became incapacitated in 1904 and retired to the Motherhouse in Millvale, where she died September 11, 1907. Sister Ambrosia taught at St. Augustine's for twenty years from 1884 till 1904, and during that time she taught the boys in the upper grades. When she left St. Augustine's in 1904, she could say of almost every young man of the parish: "He is one of my boys." (St. Augustinus, September, 1904, p. 6.) Sister M. BONAVENTURA SPINNEWEBER was very well liked by the girls at St. Augustine's. When she celebrated on December, 1903, her Silver Jubilee, the girls of Grade IX. and of the Academy gave her a reception and made appropriate presents to her. Such academic acts remained rather rare at St. Augustine's up to our times. (St. Augustinus, December 25, 1903, p. 6.) Sister M. LIGUORI LAWTON, Superioress of St. Anthony's Convent on Thirty- seventh Street, and teacher of the Senior Commercial at St. Augustine's School, is the only Sister Superioress who died in office at St. Anthony's Convent. Death claimed her on January 16, 1916, cutting short a long and useful career. She was born in Pittsburgh, May 1, 1862, entered the Franciscan Community March 19, 1882, received the habit August 14, 1882, pronounced her final vows Septem- ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 178 ber 23, 1886. Her Religious life was spent in a successful career as teacher in many schools, where thousands of Catholic children have learned to love her and to profit of her salutary counsels. (St. Augustinus, January, 1916, p. 10.) Public examinations were introduced into St. Augustine's School in 1876 and on June 25, 1876, the parents of the pupils were invited by public announcement in church to attend these examinations on Friday, June 30th, 1876. A similar announcement was made on June 23, 1878. How long these public examinations were continued, cannot be ascertained. On June, 1909, an exhibit of the school work of St. Augustine's School was opened in the school hall for public inspection: drawings, paintings, and compositions made by the pupils were to be seen. At the same time the pupils gave musical recitals to exhibit their mastery in vocal culture. This exhibit proved a great attraction not only to the parishioners but also to outsiders. Sisters of various parochial schools led their pupils to this exhibit; teachers of the public schools came with their pupils to inspect the work done at St. Augustine's; some of them were amazed at the skillful work done and expressed their sentiments candidly that they never would have thought Catholic children capable of such achievements. The Rev. Father Superintendent of the Diocesan parochial schools and a superintendent of a neighboring public school and some pastors were also numbered among the visitors on the day of opening. Similar crowds of teachers and pupils of the public and parochial schools were to be seen at the exhibit during the following days, and they were no less lavish in their praise of the work which was exhibited. Overjoyed the pastor wrote in the St. Augustinus: "Our children have worked hard during the past year and as a reward have shed lustre on the parish and the school."(12) St. Augustine's School took part in the Diocesan Spelling Contest instituted in May, 1928, by various parochial schools of the diocese of Pittsburgh. One hundred and twenty schools had registered for the opening test with 240 contestants. After hours of spelling the majority stood yet in a solid phalanx. To eliminate the greater number of contestants, district contests were arranged. This reduced the number to 65 contestants. On May 4, 1928, the final test was made and 54 children stood the test. One of these lucky 54 winners was Ralph Lucko of St. Augustine's School (eighth grade). The other contestant, Barbara Grimm, also of the eighth grade of St. Augustine's School, stood her ground in the first general contest, but failed later in the district contest. The pupils and teachers of St. Augustine's School felt highly elated over this success. In the national contest which followed immediately after the final Diocesan Contest, Ralph Lusko stumbled over the word "cauliflower" and Barbara Grimm over the word "tyrant." The three months of preparation for the final contest were certainly days of excitement and spelling had been in style all the while.(13) Extra-curricular exercises were also the regularly recurring dramatic plays staged by the pupils of St. Augustine's School. One of the means of raising funds for the school. church and other charitable purposes was the staging of plays by the pupils. On December 26, 1867, a Christmas Festival was held for the benefit of the school and the church which netted $176. The pupils of St. Augustine's School undoubtedly had a part in the program. Another venture into theatricals took place on July 1, 1868, when a play was staged for the benefit of the school under the direction of teacher Stephen Schmidt. It was repeated the following day but proved a financial failure owing to the unreasonable demands of the director Schmidt. On July 1, 1878, the pupils of St. Augustine's School staged six short plays, four German and two English, with musical interludes. Among the girls who took part in the first English play, entitled The Rainbow, we find Miss Bertha Fuehrer who found her vocation in these theatrical attempts and today is still teaching vocal culture with youthful zeal. Another star player who took part in this dramatic practice was Miss Netty Vilsack, now Mrs. Edward Frauenheim of 5881 Marlborough Avenue. These girls were to appear on the stage at St. Augustine's for many years later (12) St. Augustinus, June, 1909, p. 9, and August, 1923, p. 123, December, 1923, p. 197. (13) St. Augustinus, May, 1928, p. 95. ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 179 during their girlhood and maidenhood days. The second English play was staged by the boys Elmer McCaffrey, W. McGrady and Dav. Fuhrer, and the girl Bertha Fuhrer. Elmer McCaffrey became later a successful businessman and died lately, on May 19, 1938. In the Dramatic Entertainment given by the pupils of St. Augustine's School on June 26, 1879, we find again the Misses Bertha Fuhrer and Netty Vilsack acting in a German play entitled: Die Arme Maien Koenigin. Miss Bertha Fuhrer's sister Susie played a role in an English play entitled: The Winds. The following year on June 30, 1880, the pupils of St. Augustine's School gave a dramatic entertainment. Again Miss Bertha Fuhrer and Netty Vilsack played leading roles in a German play, entitled: Der Schutzgeist and Miss Clementine Frauenheim, the late Mrs. Will. Epping, played a duet with E. Washington. In the plays staged on February 17, 1881, by the pupils of St. Augustine's School recited the prologue and sang a song. In the entertainment given later by the same pupils on June 30, 1881, Miss Bertha Fuhrer recited the prologue in German and played a part in the German play: Das Maifest. New names appear of boys who to-day are leading gentlemen as Will. Berger, Philip Zeus, K. Liebler, others disappeared, like S. Fitzsimons. The program of the entertainment given by the pupils of St. Augustine's School on June 28, 1883, carries the names of Clementine Frauenheim, Leopold Vilsack, Jr., S. Limpert, A. Schohn and others who in later life became prominent in various walks of life. Thus year after year the pupils staged Dramatic Plays in St. Augustine's Hall. Sons and daughters of the earlier players appeared upon the stage in amateurish roles. German plays became gradually rarer till they disappeared completely. On the average two plays were staged by the pupils of St. Augustine's; of late two long and three or four short ones are staged annually. From 1867 till 1938 at least 130 dramatic plays were staged by the pupils of St. Augustine's School and $13,000 were netted by those dramatic performances. Certainly these estimates are very low and 200 plays and $20,000 proceeds are perhaps nearer the truth.(14) A Dramatic Play at St. Augustine's School was a great social affair in pre- movie times and caused no little flutter of excitement in the homes of the boys and girls who were to take part in it. Sister Mary Hieronyma, the former Catherine Estella McCaffrey, describes her joyful experiences of those days well. She writes: "I began to attend St. Augustine's School in September, 1886. I have recollections of having been a fairy dancer in a play, donned up in pink tarlatan all spangled with stars, pink stockings and gold slippers; a tinsel wreath crowned my head of curly hair. My mother was so careful to her fairy actress child that I walked on a sheet while getting dressed for the play, and I was wrapped in a sheet and sat on a sheet in the barouche which my father drove from our home 3509 Butler Street to the Exhibition Hall (the present Casino). A frame building (the old school) was on the site of the present Convent garden. And in my memory I see my good father and mother seated in the audience looking up at me trip the legs fantastic. Bessie Heyl. now Mrs. Frank McKenna, was a classmate: she taught me the German A B C."(15) The pupils of the upper grades had some of their compositions printed in the parish bulletin, called St. Augustinus, since November, 1901. Yet this venture into literature remained always a sporadic effort at fitful moments, so that years passed by without any of their numerous compositions having been put into print. Yet a more auspicious venture was the foundation of the class magazine of the Senior Commercial, called Senco (abbreviation of Senior Commercial), which appeared first in December, 1925 and then monthly from February to June, 1926 and from September, 1926 to March, 1927 and the last number in June, 1927. In 1935 a class publication was begun by the pupils of St. Augustine's School bearing the illuminating title of Torch. Up to September, 1938, ten numbers were issued besides an Extra-Number and a Year Book for 1935. The happy spirit of youthful nonchalance is best typified by the fact that the numbers are undated, so that the shrewdest bibliographer with all the apparaus of modern science is a a loss to give an accurate date of their appearance before the public. The (14) St. Augustinus, July, 1922, p. 1, 1923, pp. 14, 39, 74, 127, 193-194. (15) Letter dated September 1, 1938. ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 180 [image] image may be viewed at: http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/allegheny/church/staugustine-pittsburgh/180.jpg St. Augustine Casino Building Erected in 1879; used as Parish Hall, School Room and Sisters' Convent till ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 181 Senior Class of 1936 ventured into the field of literature with a publication carrying the defiant title of Target. Two numbers appeared in print in December, 1935 and June, 1936 (wrongly dated 1935) and the combative power of the Target was spent.(16) An annual picnic has been the greatest attraction for the pupils of St. Augustine's School since 1895. The parish picnics of former days were abolished and the one annual picnic is a picnic for the children; the parish defrays the expenses and repeatedly it was announced that provisions for over one thousand children were consumed, although the school counted hardly seven hundred pupils. Now the pupils get a number of tickets free and can get what they want this way. Since June, 1896, the Sisters go to the picnic to keep order among the lively crowds. Fr. Charles Speckert introduced the Christmas Treat for the children in December, 1901, and it became a standing affair in St. Augustine's School. In the course of time some of the societies would give an extra Christmas Treat to the pupils.(17) The terms of the school year were extended to a longer span of time formerly than nowadays. In 1873 and in 1874 School was begun on August 18, in 1875 it was begun on August 9, in 1876 on August 16. The school closed generally from 14th to 21st of June, so that the vacation lasted exactly two months. By 1895 the school was closed on July 2, and re-opened on September 2. In 1904 the vacation lasted already nine weeks, closing on June 20 and reopening on August 29. These dates were kept with great variations till about 1916 the vacation days were lengthened to ten weeks, from about June 24 to September 6. This remained m general the rule up to the present time.(18) St. Augustine's School is a free institution since August, 1906. From the very beginning the pupils of St. Augustine's School were charged fifty cents a month for tuition. This money was collected by the teachers and placed into a separate fund from which the expenses for the maintenance of the school were defrayed and the salary of the teachers was paid. We still have the records from 1862 to 1868; they show that a great number of children did not pay anything for years; their parents were mostly poor people. In case three children of the same family attended school, only one dollar a month was charged for the three. Naturally the four children of teacher John Kraus were exempt from all contributions. Besides a number of children paid only part of their tuition. In case of prolonged sickness payment of the school money was suspended for the time of absence from school. The school money was collected by the teachers and to this arrangement we owe the preservation of the earliest school records kept by the secular teachers. The Sisters continued to collect the school money but the records they kept have not come down to us. From the money paid by the children and collected by the teachers the salary of the teachers was paid and the expenses of the school were defrayed. Since many children whose parents were able to pay did neglect to bring in any contribution, the school was not always self-supporting and the church had to come to its aid. On May 21, 1876, it was announced in church that "there are at present 400 children in school and the income should be $200 monthly, yet actually not even $83 are received monthly to pay the salary of the Sisters." On December 5, 1886, it was announced in church that the school money is not properly paid and that last year the church had to pay over into the school fund more than $300 owing to the delinquency of many parents. However, on April 1, 1889, a new arrangement was introduced in regard to the collection of the school money. On March 24, 1889, the announcement in church said "that the children moved into the new school during the past week. The building is excellent and spacious. But since the tax collectors ap- (16) St. Augustinus, November, 1901, pp. 5-6, etc., May, 1917, pp. 9-10, etc., etc. (17) St. Augustinus, December, 1901, p. 1, January, 1902. p. 4, July, 1904, p. 4, May, 1905, p. 5, June, 1905. p. 1, July, 1905. p. 10, May. 1906, p. 5. etc. December, 1922, p. 8, March, 1923, p. 34, June, 1923 pp. 88, 108, October, 1927, p. 207, etc. (18) St. Augustinus, August, 1900, p. 4. September, 1901, p. 4, September, 1903, p. 1, September, 1904, p. 5, etc., June, 1911, p. 8, May, 1916, p. 8, etc., etc. ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 182 praised the building at a value of $50,000, we would have to find means and ways to pay annually from $600 to $700 in taxes. The only way to escape taxation according to the judgment of several lawyers is to make the school a free institution by not collecting any school money. A number of plans had been under consideration, to find ways to make up for the loss of the school money; finally the following plan was adopted: The 9 o'clock Mass on Sundays is reserved exclusively for the school children. The latter shall pay then a monthly pew-rent of fifty cents beginning with April 1st. Parents will not be burdened more than before by this arrangement, because no school money will be charged nor even accepted, if offered voluntarily. Details of this method will be imparted to the pupils. Parents who still owe some school money, may send back payments to the Sisters' house and not to the school." With this new arrangement the separate school fund was abolished and the teachers were freed from the burden of collecting the school money; the men serving on the church committee had to look after this affair. On September 8, 1889, the following regulations were announced in church: "In order to maintain our school properly, every child who attends our school is expected to pay a monthly pew-rent of fifty cents. In case that three or more children of the same family attend our school, every third child is free of pew-rent or school money. Children of the poorer class who were exempted last year from paying pew-rent, are no longer exempt till the parents report their inability of paying such pew-rent or school money. We have all possible indulgence with families who are really poor. But there are too many parents who try to escape this burden of paying their dues. There are still $343.75 overdue from the old school and $173.25 from the new school, i.e. a total of $517." The number of poor children who were exempt from paying school money were always considerable and such poor children received also the school-books gratis. The new method of collecting school money from the pupils was as ineffective as the old one. On January 5, 1896, the pastor announced in church that only 380 out of the 630 to 640 pupils pay their pew-rent or school money. To make up the deficits of the school money the pastors resorted to various methods of rousing the interest of parishioners who had no children at school in the noble work of supporting the parochial school. In the St. Augustinus of March, 1906, the pastor, Joseph Anthony Ziegelmayer, wrote these words: "The late Mrs. Catherine Happ (died February 11, 1900) willed two hundred dollars to use the interest for buying books for the poor school children. The St. Augustine's Casino pays every month the school money for ten poor children. Since January 1, 1906, a parishioner, father of a family, pays every month the school money for a poor child This man is the only person who knows his duty to contribute towards the maintenance of the parochial school. If every other family would contribute only fifty cents every month towards that purpose, our parochial school could be made a free institution and could, moreover, supply poor children with the necessary books. At least the ball is rolling and the free parochial school will soon be a reality. With this number the St. Augustinus will begin to have a list of all donations to the school printed every month. May this list grow with every month, then 'good-bye' monthly collection and three cheers on the Free Parochial School." The first list of contributions lists only $5.50. In April the contributions increased to $9.00 and in May decreased to $6.00; in June the collection amounted to $18.50, and in July and August to $5.50. Finally the incoming pastor, Agatho Rolfe, announced on August 26, 1906, in church that St. Augustine's School shall be in future a free school for all children of the parish. And in the St. Augustinus of September, 1906, Fr. Agatho wrote (p. 1-2): "The St. Augustinus since its existence has never carried a more pleasing message than the news of the Free School. The burden which the father of a large family had to shoulder up to now singly will be placed in future upon the shoulders of all parishioners. Every Catholic, he may have children or no children, he may be married or single, is obliged to contribute to the support of the Catholic school just as much as to the support of the church. The monthly collection in future will be taken up for the support of the school; if this collection should not cover expenses, the church must supply the deficit from her funds. With this new arrangement our parish is raised into the category of a First-Class Parish which supplies gratis everything which is necessary for the spiritual welfare of the parishioners. Just as everyone, he may be rich or poor, has free access to the church, in no other way the children of our parish shall have free access to the school, and every parishioner shall consider it an honor to contribute towards the maintenance of the school by liberal donation to the monthly collection. We need four hundred dollars every month to maintain the school. This is surely a small sum for such a large congregation. Almost all Catholic English schools are free institutions and some smaller and poorer German congregations like the parishes of Herman, Pa., Dover, Ohio, Charleston, W. Va.. and others conduct free Catholic schools. If these smaller and poorer congregations were able for the past years to keep free schools de- ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 183 spite heavy debts, the St. Augustine's parish can surely do likewise. We have to remove the pretext used by lukewarm and negligent parents to palliate sending their children to the public schools. 'I am not able to pay school money,' is one of the pretexts advanced oftenest and many times without reason. To avoid misunderstandings we remark here that the pupils of the academy have to pay in future just as well as in the past, that children of other parishes who want to attend our school have to pay school money, and that no free text- books can be introduced for the present." The monthly church collection for the support of the school never came up to the expectation of the pastors. Month after month the St. Augustinus carried the relatively few names of the donors. Finally on July 5, 1912, this collection was abolished, because the church was freed from all debts at that date. The pastor, Fr. Ignatius Weisbruch, wrote in the July number of the St. Augustinus of 1912 (p. 8) the following words to explain the reasonable step: "Since many parishioners did not contribute to the monthly collection, the burden lay upon the shoulders of a small number of parishioners and this inequality increased with the years, although by rights the parishioners should be more equally taxed. The fact that St. Augustine's Church is now free of all debts, does not free the parishioners from their obligation to contribute to the support of church and school, on Sundays by throwing a mite into the Sunday collection and otherwise by paying their pew-rent."(14) The pupils of the Academy and the Commercial Classes were never exempted from paying tuition. At first such pupils were charged one dollar a month. In July, 1922, the fees were raised so that children of pew-holders in St. Augustine's Church were charged $1.50 a month and children of others were charged $3.00 a month. However, the following year tuition for outsiders was raised to $4.00 a month. In the January number of the St. Augustinus of 1924 the Rev. Pastor Fr. Philip Knupfer wrote: "We have a Free School i.e. the children of pewholders are exempt from paying tuition; yet the revenue cleared from the school last year was $1,859.55, or more than half the salary paid to the twelve Sisters who teach in our school. This balance is obtained principally from the tuition fee paid by the large number of pupils of the Commercial School who come from other parishes and pay four dollars a month." Yet many of the applicants from other parishes had to be refused. In the September number of the St. Augustinus of 1923 the Rev. Pastor Philip Knupfer writes: "Our school is filled to its utmost seating capacity. A number of families of this district have affiliated with our parish principally for the purpose of sending their children to our school. We have repeatedly stated that our school is second to none in this territory and we have no reasons for changing our mind. This high rating is naturally due to the teaching Sisters who have charge of the school. By September 13 (1923) as many as 665 pupils were enrolled. We had to refuse 43 applicants for our Commercial Class due to a lack of accommodations." In the September number of the St. Augustinus of 1924 the Rev. Pastor Philip Knupfer published the following note: "On September 5th (1924) 635 pupils were enrolled in our school. Last year we employed three teachers and kept three rooms for the Commercial Classes, and nine Sisters and nine rooms for the grades. This year, however, we employ ten Sisters for ten rooms of the grades and only two for two rooms of the Commercial Department. We made this change, because the rooms of the grades were overcrowded. Many children from other parishes applied for admission to our Commercial Department and we admitted as many as we conveniently could accommodate. We feel sorry that we are constrained to refuse so many applicants; yet we cannot inconvenience the children of St. Augustine's Parish, in order to serve outsiders. Our motto is: St. Augustine's first and last." In September, 1926, the incoming pastor, Fr. Gilbert Stickelmeier, opened again three rooms of the Commercial Classes to provide "ample room for all"; he kept them open during the 1927-1928 terms. Yet in September, 1928, the two Commercial Classes were re-established and a "number of applicants were turned away for lack of rooms and teachers." This arrangement was kept up during the two following years. When in 1931 the Rt. Rev. Bishop Hugh Boyle commanded that the High School boys attending the Commercial Classes must in future attend the Central Catholic High School conducted by the Christian Brothers, St. Augustine's Commercial School had to be closed. (14) St. Augustinus, March, 1906, p. 8, April, 1906, p. 8, May, 1906, p. 16, June, 1906, p. 16, July, 1906, p. 16, August, 1906 p. 16, September, 1906. pp. 1-2. 8, October, 1906, pp. 5. 12, November, 1908, p. 8, July, 1912, p. 8, 1923, pp. 123, 129, 1925, pp. 34, 66, 172, 175, 1926, p. 73, 1927, p. 224. See: February, 1922, p. 11, March, 1922, p. 10, 1925, pp. 130-131. ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 184 Yet on June 20, 1931, the Rt. Rev. Bishop granted permission to open a regular Four Years' High School Course for the girls. This course is still kept up (1938).(15) The principal teacher of St. Augustine's School received $30 monthly as salary from 1862 to 1868 and later. Besides he received a salary as organist and sexton. In 1860 the teacher received free lodgings and part of his board was paid by the Congregation. The monthly salary of the organist was fixed at $13 monthly in 1862 but was raised gradually to $16.16 monthly, $21 monthly and finally to $25 monthly. In January, 1864, the annual salary of the teacher was fixed at $40 per annum. Apparently some of the teachers had besides also free rent. The principal teachers who received the salary of $30 monthly besides the salary of organist and sexton were John Kraus, Joseph Nigel and Karl Spiro. The next teacher, Joseph Zimmerman, drew a monthly salary of $33.66 as teacher- principal teacher in 1865. In 1864 the first assistant teachers were engaged: Mr. Joseph Nigel and Miss Elizabeth Fillinger, the first with a monthly salary of $21.67 and the latter with a monthly salary of $16.66. When Mr. Kraus left in October, 1864, Mr. Joseph Nigel succeeded him with the monthly salary of $30.00. In February, 1865, the assistant teacher, Leopold Nigel, was engaged with a monthly salary of $25, and in May following the salary of the assistant teacher, Miss Elizabeth Fillinger, was raised to $17.00 monthly and in August of the same year to $20 monthly. In April, 1866, the salary of the assistant teacher, Miss Fillinger, was again raised to $22.00 monthly and in August of the same year to $25 monthly. She was placed on equal footing with the principal teacher, Leopold Nigel, who never received more than $25 as principal teacher in 1866 and up to June of 1867. In April, 1867, Miss Fillinger became the principal with a salary of $30.00; her two assistant teachers, Mr. Leopold Nigel and Mr. J. Boegle, received a monthly salary of $25.00. In October, 1867, teacher Stephen Schmidt was hired with a salary of $28 monthly. His successor teacher, John Trimberger, received a salary of $25 as principal from 1871 to 1874. The first three Franciscan Sisters received in 1874 a monthly salary of $50.00, i.e. $16.66 each.(16) The revenues of the school were slender during the first years. The collection of the monthly fifty cents of school money amounted from January 1, 1863 till January 1, 1864 (not including that of October, 1863) to the sum of $480.59; the expenses amounted to the sum of $478.09. Besides a few small items as coal, etc., the by far largest expense item was the salary of the teacher. The pupils contributed also voluntary offerings to the school fund besides their tuition, from November, 1862, till September, 1863, these voluntary contributions amounted to $28.17, i.e. on average, $2.56 a month. These small offerings were entered separately; usually these contributions consisted of one or two cents. This custom was apparently introduced for the purpose to teach the children from their very youth the obligation of supporting the church and school. In January, 1864, Mr. Nicholas Winter made a donation of five dollars to the school fund. Yet the most liberal donor has always been the church. On January 29, 1864, the church paid into the school fund $8.33, in March, 1864, again $66.66, and in May, 1864, again $3.33. In 1874 the church paid $20.00 into the school fund. These are only a few stray items which are recorded in the first school record; complete financial records have not come down to us.(17) The school records from 1869 to 1889 have not come down to us. The five and six dollars annual school money collected from the pupils paid the salary of the teachers and incidental expenses in 1878-1881, 1883-1885, 1887 and 1888, so that sometimes a notable balance was left over. From 1874 till 1888 the church paid into the school fund $801.40, and received from the school, $1,424.31. Certainly the expenses for purchase of property, building and repairs of (15) St. Augustinus, July, 1922, p. 8, 1923, p. 145, 1924, pp. 9, 196-197, 1926. p. 1S2, 1927, p. 176, 1928, p. 168, 1929, p. 168, 1930, p. 165. 1931, p. 107. (16) St. Augustinus, June, 1922, p. 4, July, 1922, p. 3, August, 1922, p. 3, September, 1922, p. 3, November, 1922, p. 2, April, 1923 p. 50. (17) St. Augustinus, March, 1922, p. 10, May, 1923, p. 65. First School Record, 1862-1868. MS. ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 185 the school building and Sisters' residence or convent are not counted in those figures. The children's pew rent introduced on April 1, 1889, paid the salary of the teachers. From April 1, 1899, to December 31, 1899, the children's pew rent amounted to $1,157, falling to $183 short of the actual amount of the teachers' salary for that period. With the year 1890 the children's pew rent began to exceed the teachers' salary somewhat. The children's pew rent in 1890 amounted to $2,058 and the salary to $2,000. In 1905 the children's pew rent amounted to $2,471, an excess of $71 over the salary paid to the teaching Sisters. In 1906 the children's pew rent up to August 26th, when it was abolished, amounted to $1,804, i.e. $596 less than the full salary of the teaching Sisters ($2,400).(18) Up to the year 1888 the financial reports of the church exclude the revenues of the school and the expenses for the maintenance of the school. The teachers' salary is mentioned only three times when the church paid part of it from the church funds (in 1822, $136.50; in 1886, $235; in 1887, $345). Accordingly we have to add to the sum total of church revenues also at least $35,000 revenues from the school fund from 1862 to 1888. St. Augustine's school has kept it's high level of efficiency in the past and it is grounded hope that this standard will not be lowered in the future. The rooms have been filled to their utmost capacity and we may presuppose that similar crowds will succeed them in years to come. We append the list of the pupils who had been enrolled into St. Augustine's School in September, 1938. LIST OF NAMES OF CHILDREN WHO ATTENDED ST. AUGUSTINE'S SCHOOL IN 1938 - 1939 Adrian, Caroline Adrian, Helen Altenbaugh, Corinne Altenbaugh, Dorothy Andrzywski, Donald Andrzywski, Joseph Angel, Joseph Arasin, Bernice Arasin, Joan Arasin, John Arbanas, Marcelline Aschenbrenner, Joseph Aschenbrenner, Mary Ashton, Ida Ashton, William Bach, Dorothy Baj, John Baj, Joseph Baj, Pearl Balaski, Clara Balaski Robert Barbati Frances Barbour Earl Barbour Thomas Barkovich Frances Bartolick, Helen Bartolick, Margaret Besal, Josephine Bevilacqua, Helen Bevilacqua, Ralph Bevilacqua, Richard Bich, George Bich, Mary Bich, Robert Billisits, Andrew Blacksmith, Shirley Blaszkiewicz, Dolores Blaszkiewicz, Stella Blaszkiewicz, William Bobel, Cecelia Bobitsky, Leonard Borczyk, Leon Brosky, Eleanor Brosky, Mary Ann Brown, Bernice Brown, Florence Brown, Joan Brown, Josephine Brown, Lillian Brown, Ralph Bruckner, Joseph Brunasky, Richard Brune, Helen Bruno, Bruno Bruno, Dominic Buechel, Lois Burkhart, William Burlett, Eileen Burns, Rosemary Bushee, Ramon Buskia, Betty Butler. Betty Byers, Joan Byers, Mary Bdziak, Anthony Campbell, John Campbell, Irene Campbell, Marion Cappellano. Virginia Carle, Thelma Carr, James Carr, Joseph Carr, Patricia Cassidy, Dorothy Cassidy, Mary Elizabeth Catanzaro, Ninfa Catanzaro, Philip Celender, Dolores Celender, Lawrence Celender, Robert Charneicki, Helen Charzanowski, Rose Chepponis, Peter Chess, Joseph Chuderewicz, Esther (18) St. Augustinus, 1923, pp. 83, 107, 118, 153-154, 194; 1924, pp. 15, 49, 80, 127, 152, 153, 195, 242-243; 1925, p. 46, 65, 146, 192, 213; 1926, p. 47, 1906, January, p. 1, 1907, January, p. 1. ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 186 Clark, Walter Coghe, Helen Conway, Bernadette Cserer, Mary Cwiklinski, Anna Cwiklinski, Rita Cwiklinski, Walter Czachowski, Dolores Czachowski, Vincent Dalak, Fred Dalak, Marie Dedig, Alberta Dedig, Marie Dedig, Robert Dedig, William Dedig. Dolores Delaney, Ellen Delaney, Richard Dempsey, Catherine Dischner, Ellen Dixon, Dolores Dixon, Robert Dobrowolski, Norbert Doemling, Joseph Dombroski, Rose Domyslowski, Edward Doran, Paul Doran, Rosemary Draskovich, Frances Draskovich, Mildred Drobish, Dorothy Drost, Dolores Drost, Joseph Drzmiecki, Florence Dubas, Edward Dubas, Mary Ann Dubas, Richard Dufner, Donald Dufner, Regina Dunay, Evelyn Eckel, Mary Edge, Dolores Edge, Laverne Ekrut, Josephine Elsesser, Mary Engel, Grace Erra, Henrietta Erra, Loretta Erra, Marian Erra, Samuel Felich, Robert Fellinger, Dolores Fellinger, Lillian Fey, Betty Fey, Eugene Fidell, Margaret Fischer, George Fitzpatrick, Dolores Fitzpatrick, Edward Fitzpatrick, La Verne Fitzpatrick, Shirley Flaherty, John Flajnik Anna Fleming Mercedes Forquer, Joanne Fowler, Gertrude Fowler, Rita Francis, Irene Fritzges, Irene Frueh, Agnes Frueh, Joseph Fuchs, Edward Fulton, Irene Fulton, Raymond Fulton, Viola Funovits, Helen Funovits, Irma Funovits, Margaret Gapsky, Joan Gapsky, Mary Gapsky, Regis Geigus, Joseph Gerlock. Victoria Goetz, Dolores Goetz, Herbert Goetz, Paul Golebeski, Phyllis Goralski, Stanley Goralski, Thelma Gorse, Evelyn Gottschalk, Robert Grebiner, Catherine Grebiner, Dorothy Grebiner, Margaret Grebiner, Thomas Greegis, Catherine Gresky, Edwin Gresky, Helen Gresky, Natalie Gribas, Anna Gribas, Helen Gribben, John Gribben, Richard Grubbs, John Grubbs, Richard Gruber, Dorothy Gulanda, Anna Gulanda, Helen Gulaski, Jean Gusdonevich, John Haas, William Habajec, Mary Haber, James Haber, John Haber, Magdalena Haber, Teresa Hanley, Marie Hanna, Bernadette Hanna, John Hanna, Mary Hanna, William Heastings, James Heidkamp, August Heinricher, Agnes Hendler, Ruth Hensch, John Herbert, Lois Herbert, Robert Herbert, Rose Marie Herbert. Dolores Hirshell, Elizabeth Holliday, Helen Holliday, James Holliday, Roberta Hook, Bruce Hripko, Anna Hue, Mathilda Hulse, Marie Hulse, Michael Ignosh, John Paul Ignost, Raymond Irlbacher, Richard Ivaneck, Stella Janc, Edith Jankowski, Frances Jankowski, Henry Jankowski, Jane Jankowski, Lillian Jankowski, Margaret Jankowski, Robert Jankowski, Walter Jans, Francis Janusz, Theodore Jesiolowski, Helen Jesiolowski, Norbert Jesiolowski, Norma Jesiolowski, Regina Jones, Dorothea Jordan, Lorraine Jordan, Margaret Jorganic, Dorothy Kaduck, Dolores Kaduck, Jeanne Kaduck, Veronica Kaminski, Eleanor Kaminski, Katherine Kaminski, Martha Karoleski, Loretta Kassalen, Francis Kennedy, Joyce Kerstein, Helen Killian, Bernard Killian, Rose M. Killinger, Samuel King, Dorothy King, William Kleiber, Sylvia Klein, Elizabeth Kluckowski, Frances Kober, Thelma Kohler, Frank Kohler, Geraldine Kolesar, Margaret Kolling, Ralph Korzypska. Anna May Kosinski, Camilla Kosinski, Raymond ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 187 Kosuda, Helen Kosuda, Catherine Kotz, Frank Kowalewski, Florence Kowalewski, Michael Kowalski, Eleanor Kowalski, Elizabeth Kowalski, Walter Kowalski, Genevieve Kozlowski Regina Kozlowski, Elizabeth Kozlowski, Ruth Kozlowski, Loretta Kozlowski, Irene Kozub, John Krakovsky, Robert Krakovsky, Edward Krakovsky, Stephen Krakovsky, Joseph Krakovsky, Irene Krebs, La Verne Krebs, Audrey Krebs, Gerard Krupa, John Krupa, Teresa Krzeminski, Richard Kuban, Olga Kuban, Betty Kuban, Joseph Kuban. Margaret Kubicsek, Mary Kukieza, Louis Kulinski, Henry Kuntz, Donald Kuras, Gertrude Kutscher, Catherine Kuzmic, Robert Kuzmic, Margaret Kwiatek, Stella Kwiecinski, Dolores Lako, Margaret Lankemeyer, Inez Laskowski, Joseph Law, Charles Law, Eileen Law, Geraldine Leonarski, Edwin Livenspire, Richard Likavec, Magdalen Lipinski, Donald Lipinski, Edward Lipinski, Eugenia Lipinski, Richard Lomanzo, Elizabeth Lucas, Arthur Lupenach, Gloria Lyman, Lorraine Lyons, Thomas Lysakowski, Irene Mackowski, Audrey Mackowski, Florence Madjerac, Anna Madjarec, Joseph Maier, John Maier, Patricia Maiscl, Barbara Maloney, Mary Jane Manske, Evelyn Maranowski, Bernardine Maranowski, Virginia Marchitello, Isabel Marinack, Martin Marinack, Norbert Marino, Nicholas Marino, Richard Marino, William Markowski, Henry Masiak, Lillian McAleer, Margaret McAleer, Robert McAleer, Thomas McAleer, Mary McDonough, Margaret McGregor, Virginia McGregor, William Mielcuszny, Hedwig Miksic, Markus Mikszan, Anna Mae Mikszan, Donald Mikszan, Helen Mikszan, Richard Mikszan, Russell Milankovic, Margaret Milewski, Edward Milewski, Raymond Miller, Bertha Miller, Charles Miller, Harold Miller, Mary Miller, Robert Miller, Rose Marie Miller, Thomas Milly, Lawrence Milly, Michael Milly, Raymond Milkowski, Richard Mizgorski, Bernard Moffat, Grace Monroe, Dolores Moran, Robert Morch, William Morth, Mary Mosakowski, Josephine Mosakowski, Raymond Mull, Dorothy Mae Mull, Roy Mulholland, Charles Mulholland, Henry Naylor, Joseph Neske, Dolores Neske, Rose Neski, Joseph Newport, Loretta Nieman, Richard Ninehouser, John Ninehouser, Joseph Novosel, Katherine Oberc, Eileen Olszewski, Joan Olszewski, Emeline Olszewski, Stanley O'Malley, Anne Omasits, George O'Neil, Elmer Orban, John Orban, Joseph Orga, Jeanne Orga, Julianne Ostrowski, Leonard Ostrowski, Raymond Palermo, Anna Parolski, Lorraine Paul, Christ Paulokin, Clara Pawlak, Dolores Pawlak, Walter Pelusic, Samuel Penkowski, Frank Penkowski, Johanna Peoples, Barbara Peoples, Mary Perello, Frank Perello, Irene Petrakovits, John Petrakovits, Frank Petrich, Grace Petrich, Irene Petti, Helen Petti, John Piotrowski, Frances Platz, George Podoski, Raymond Pottmeyer, William Prascovits, Stephen Pricer Robert Pruszynski, Irene Pruszynski, Jean Pruszynski, Stefana Prymas, Helen Pupinski, Chester Purnell, Hazel Quering, Leonard Radecki, Jeanne Randol, Dorothy Randol, Elizabeth Randolph, James Rattay, Joseph Reeves, Elizabeth Regan, Iris Reith, Robert Reitz, Dolores Remke, Joseph Repas, Dorothy Rinscheid. Regina Rinscheid, Richard Rinschied, Joseph Riott, Margaret Rotella, Michael Rotella, William ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 188 Rotella, Rose Marie Rudzke, Elmer Rudzke, Ralph Runco, Dorothy Rygielski, Elizabeth Rygielski, Mary Santella. Anna Santor, Genevieve Sasse, Aurelia Sasse, Catherine Sasse, Regis Sauer, John Sauer. Patricia Scarola, Rose M. Scarola, Thelma Schackmar, Margaret Schackmar, Betty Schackmar, Norbert Scheeser, Dolores Scheeser, Mary Schiller, Anthony Schiller, Francis Schivins, Joseph Schmeck, Anthony Schmidt. Rose M. Schneider, Bernard Schneider, John Schneider, William Schoenberger, Anna Schultz, Betty Jane Schultz, Charles Sciullo, Anna Seger. Frederick Segriff, Francis Senge, Edward Senge, Joseph Shannon, Thomas Sholes, Barbara Sholes, Dorothy Sholes, Genevieve Siegle, Donald Siegle, Elmer Slazenski, Florence Slozak, Helen Smith, Dorothy Smithhammer, Catherine Smithhammer, Virginia Smithhammer. Mary Smithhammer. Richard Smolinski, Edward Sonick, Gilbert Sonick, Hubert Sonick, Joseph Spilecki. Bernard Spotti, Jean Spotti, Margaret Stachowicz, Frances Stadelman, Mary L. Stadelman, Roland Stajduhar, Antoinette Stajduhar, Marie Stajduhar, Peter Stanick, Irene Stanick, Joseph Staresmic, Caroline Staudt, Gerard Staudt, Rita Staudt, Rose M. Stehle, Earl Stehle, George Steigerwald, Bernadette Steigerwald, John Stein, Joseph Steinkirchner, Lorraine Stierer, Josephine Stierer, Mary R. Stiglich, Antoinette Stivers, Philip Straznick, Anna Straznick, Frances Straznick, John Stuparits, Catherine Styles, Cecilia Styles, Rose Sufak, Agnes Sufak, George Sufak, Louis Sufak, William Susa, Richard Swift, Robert Szily, Margaret Tambellini, Natalina Target, Eleanor Tedesco, Joseph Tedesco. Antoinette Tenure, Elmer Tersak, Joseph Tersak, Mary Tkac, Elizabeth Tkac, Mary Anna Treu, Dorothy Treu, Henry Trojanowski, Howard Trojanowski. Frank Truxell, Leroy Truxell, Lorraine Uhrin, Dolores Uranker, Edward Uranker, Louise Uranker, Peter Urbanic, Rita Vallo, John Varas. Mary Varasse, Charles Varasse, La Verne Voge, Gilbert Vukmanic, Walter Vuljanic, Frank Vuljanic, Joseph Vuljanic, Peter Walters, Mary Walters, Helen Walters, William Wasielewski, Dorothy Wasielewski, Regina Weber, Lois Weisner, irielen Wietrzykowski, Florence Wietrzykowski, Leonard Wilson, Esther Wilson, Jane Wilson, Joseph Wilson, Shirley Winterhalter, Arthur Winterhalter. Clarence Wirth, Marie Witkowski, Norman Witkowski. Edward Wizykowski, Robert Wojdyla, Henry Wolff , William Wyzkowski, Dolores Wyzkowski, Ruth Yagatich, Louise Yaman Lois Yaman, Joan Yeschke Eleanor Yeschke, Corinne Yeschke, Rudolph Zaborowski, Agnes Zaborowski, Henry Zaborowski, Thomas Zaborowski, William Zalagens, Edward Zalewski, Dolores Zalewski, Walter Zeske, Richard Zeske. Rosemary Zgeb, Dolores Zgeb, Irene Zgeb, Martha Ziecina, Theresa Ziecina. Marion Zielinski, Floyd Zielinski, Bernice Zielinski, Thomas Zinsser, Ruth Zukowski, William Zurawski, Frank ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 189 GIRLS FROM SAINT AUGUSTINE'S WHO HAVE ENTERED SISTERHOODS LIST OF NAMES OF YOUNG LADIES OF ST. AUGUSTINE'S PARISH, PITTSBURGH, PA., WHO JOINED THE COMMUNITY OF SISTERS OF ST. FRANCIS OF THE DIOCESE OF PITTSBURGH, PA., AT THE MOTHERHOUSE AT MlLLVALE, PA. Sister M. Paul (Miss Catherine Becker) entered March 25, 1884, died December 13, 1904. Sister M. Georgiana (Miss Rose Raab) entered March 19, 1890. Sister M. Mathilda (Miss Cunigunda Zeus) entered October 4, 1890. Sister M. Gonzaga (Miss Frances Young) entered November 1, 1891, died November 26, 1902. (Miss Elizabeth Becker) entered October 4, 1892, died as Postulant March 9, 1893. Sister M. Euphrosina (Miss Margaret Hufnagel) entered October 4, 1893. Sister M. Pauline (Miss Josephine Hufnagel) entered October 4, 1893, died May 22, 1907. Sister M. Rosine (Miss Catherine Glauber) entered January 6, 1895, died December 5, 1903. Sister M. Ernestine (Miss Sophia Luebbe) entered March 19, 1895, died March 21, 1903. Sister M. Clotilda (Miss Anna Fischer) entered December 8, 1896. Sister M. Beata (Miss Mary Kempen) entered January 6, 1898. Sister M. Aurelia (Miss Magdalen Arenth) entered September 8, 1898. Sister M. Mildred (Miss Anna Helbling) entered October 4, 1898. Sister M. Inez (Miss Amelia Orth) entered October 4, 1898, died as Novice August 8, 1900. Sister M. Domitilla (Miss Louise Schwartz) entered December 8, 1900 (a convert). Sister M. De Lelis (Miss Margaret Litz) entered December 8, 1902. Sister M. Seraphica (Miss Elizabeth Hess) entered December 8, 1903. Sister M. Clement (Miss Alary Schmitt) entered January 1, 1908, died September 10, 1912. Sister M. Aquin (Miss Clementine Steinkirchner) entered August 15, 1909. Sister M. Clement (Miss Clara Fey) entered March 25, 1912. Sister M. Demetria (Miss Frances Leufoel) entered December 8, 1912. Sister M. Irma (Miss Margaret Koeber) entered June 7, 1918. Sister M. Cecilia Agnes (Miss Hilda Koebert) entered January 9. 1920. Sister M. Bertram (Miss Hilda Freund) entered September 8, 1921. Sister Rose Mary (Miss Bertha Pensaleck) entered January 20, 1922. Sister M. Neri (Miss Helen Andresco) entered December 8, 1922, died January 8, 1931. Sister M. Ernestine (Miss Theresa Nemeth) entered December 8, 1922. Sister M. Salesia (Miss Ludmilla Jalovecky) entered July 2, 1924. Sister M. Floretta (Miss Frances Fuchs) entered August 15, 1924. Sister M. Claudia (Miss Mercedes Freund) entered September 8, 1924. Sister M. Elfreda (Miss Sabina Jalovecky) entered January 6, 1926. Sister M. Gilbert (Miss Frances Stagner) entered July 16, 1926. Sister M. Annetta (Miss Edna Brown) entered July 16, 1926. Sister M. Lorraine (Miss Phyllis Jalovecky) entered September 7, 1930. Sister M. Howard (Miss Edna F. Kalchthaler) entered September 7, 1930. Sister Barbara Mary (Miss Catherine Habovsek) entered September 8, 1931. SISTERS OF DIVINE PROVIDENCE FROM ST. AUGUSTINE'S PARISH Sister M. Vincent (Miss Mathilda Noullet) entered September 8, 1893. Sister M. Julitta (Miss Martha Noullet) entered July 2, 1900. Sister M. Hedwig (Miss Agnes Hausschmidt) entered October 15, 1901. ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 190 Sister M. Melania (Miss Minnie Heil) entered March 19, 1904. SISTERS OF CHARITY (Greensburg, Pa.) FROM ST. AUGUSTINE'S PARISH Sister M. Hildegard (Miss Clementine Eichenlaub) entered January 1, 1903. Sister Marie Baptista (Miss Olive Vandergrift) entered March 25, 1917. Sister M. Teresita (Miss Irene Coleman) entered December 8, 1918. SISTERS OF NOTRE DAME (Baltimore) FROM ST. AUGUSTINE'S PARISH Sister M. Evangelists Meyer, entered July 6, 1860, elected Mother September 8, 1898, died August 13, 1909. She did not belong to St. Augustine's Parish but her father Joseph Meyer lived in St. Augustine's Parish from about 1868 to his death on November 4, 1881, and her sister Mrs. Edward Frauenheim lived in St. Augustine's Parish from about 1868 till her death on November 22, 1904. Sister M. Leonardine (Miss Bertha Saenge) entered August 21, 1888 and died April 8, 1925. Sister M. Theodolinda (Miss Theresa Greenewald) entered May 16, 1912. SISTERS OF ST. FRANCIS (Stella Niagara, N.Y.) FROM ST. AUGUSTINE'S PARISH Sister M. Boniface (Aliss Theresa Hufnagel) entered May 6, 1916. Sister M. Benecita (Miss Amanda Fasel) entered September 29, 1917. Sister M. Narcissa (Miss Caroline Evrard) entered September 29, 1917, died December 21, 1918. Sister M. Raymond (Miss Stella Helbling) probably of St. Augustine's. Sister M. Ernesta (Miss Alma S. Meridan) probably of St. Augustine's. SISTERS OF THE POOR OF ST. FRANCIS (Hartwell, 0.) FROM ST. AUGUSTINE'S PARISH Sister M. Arimathea (Miss Philomena Klein) entered May 6, 1878, died March 1, 1928. Sister M. Gaudentia (Miss Barbara Vogel) entered August 29, 1879, died August 2, 1931. Sister M. Ivo (Miss Margaret Dietrich) entered November 12, 1880, died April 20, 1886. Sister M. Dosithea (Miss Magdalen Klein) entered October 28, 1881, died April 10, 1919. Sister M. Generosa (Miss Mary Vogel) entered May 11, 1881. Sister Juliana (Miss Marcella Vogel) entered February 3, 1920. SISTERS OF MERCY (Pittsburgh, Pa.) FROM ST. AUGUSTINE'S PARISH Sister M. Hieronyma (Miss Catherine Estella McCaffrey) entered December 8, 1901. SISTERS OF ST. FRANCIS (Glen Riddle, Pa.) FROM ST. AUGUSTINE'S PARISH Sister M. Zacharia (Miss Margaret Dietz) now stationed at Towson, Md. Sister M. Claretta (Miss Bertha Christ) now stationed at 1850 North Croskey St., Philadelphia. URSULINE SISTERS (at Winebiddle Ave., Pittsburgh, Pa.) FROM ST. AUGUSTINE'S PARISH Sister M. Catherine (Miss Helen Vulmanic) entered August 15, 1935. Miss Rose Jacobs who taught in 1863-1864 two full terms in St. Augustine's school joined the Charity Sisters in Cincinnati receiving the name of Sister M. Augustine. No particulars could be had about her. On July 10, 1877 a Requiem High Mass was celebrated in St. Augustine's Church for the repose of Sister M. Aloysia Winter who apparently was also a child of St. Augustine's parish. On December 11, 1878, a Requiem High Mass was chanted in St. Augustine's Church for the repose of Sister Mary Stanislaus, formerly Miss Catherine Kloetzle, who shortly before had died in St. Louis, Mo. Apparently this Sister was also at one time a parishioner of St. Augustine's but unfortunately no particulars could be obtained about her. ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 191 Chapter 14 Notable Parishioners We append short biographical notes of some parishioners who have a particular claim to special mention. We would have gladly extended the list to greater length but we did not get a response from the children and grandchildren of those worthies; in some cases cooperation was rudely denied. Therefore, we are constrained to limit our survey to rather limited groups of parishioners. First in time come the three organizers of St. Augustine's congregation Augustus Hoeveler, Louis Unverzagt and Alexander Wirth. Augustus Hoeveler born in 1820 at Ankumm Hannover, Germany, immigrated in 1837, located in Lawrenceville about 1855. As related in the general history of the parish he with the Messrs. Unverzagt and Wirth bought the present church property in 1860. From 1860 to 1865 he served on every committee appointed to promote the interests of the church and school. Reading the dry minutes of the different meetings of the committees you gain the impression that he was always taking the part of the priest and smoothed any friction over with consummate tact. To keep those sturdy Germans with their excessive spirit of independence within proper bounds required more than ordinary skill. That Fr. Kircher succeeded with such marvelous skill in organizing the German parish in Lawrenceville is mostly the result of the refining influence of the genial Mr. August Hoeveler. He served also on the council of the Borough of Lawrenceville, and after the borough was annexed to the city of Pittsburgh (January 11, 1867) he was elected to the city council but his death occurred (December 20, 1868) before he could take his seat. His project of opening more convenient approaches to the Arsenal Park died with him: none of the long line of succeeding councilmen entered into the plans of this Catholic public-spirited man. Louis Unverzagt was likewise a native of Germany; he was born February 18, 1821, at Biedenkopf in Hesse-Nassau, Germany, located at Pittsburgh in 1846, married about 1855 a Catholic lady, Hyacinth Trapp, and became a convert to the Catholic Faith. He was baptized and taken up into the Church at Old St. Philomena's Church by Fr. F. C. Stiessberger, C.SS.R. on April 16, 1859 receiving the name George Louis Alphonsus. He kept the Faith and his descendants still worship in the Catholic Church. From 1860 to 1864 he served likewise on every committee displaying great zeal in behalf of the struggling congregation. In 1864 he moved to Allegheny and died on December 18, 1895; his remains were interred in Most Holy Name Cemetery. His son William attended St. Augustine's school in 1862. Four of his grand-daughters are still living, Mrs. Stella L. Loch, Mrs. Elsie Storer, and Mrs. William Weir of Pittsburgh, and Mrs. Th. McCaig of Chicago. Alexander Wirth was a native of Bavaria who had settled in Pittsburgh about 1856. He was sponsor to Louis Unverzagt, when the latter was baptized at Old St. Philomena's on April 16, 1859. He served on all church committees from 1860 to 1867. He died on October 11, 1874. He left five daughters who were educated in St. Augustine's school. The parishioners of St. Augustine's who became internationally known are only the two Kloman Brothers. The elder Andrew Kloman was one of the greatest metallurgists of his age. He laid the foundations of the gigantic Carnegie Steel Trust and died December 19, 1880 at the age of 53 or 55 years in the present Stephen C. Foster Home at 3600 Penn Ave. and was buried from St. Augustine's Church in St. Mary's Cemetery. The younger of the two brothers, Anthony, died February 13, 1897 at the age of 70 years and was likewise buried from St. Augustine's. Anthony's daughter Mary Kloman Schmidt (died October 11, 1937), was the last of the Klomans to keep up the relations with St. Augustine's. After the death of her husband, Henry Schmidt (died March 22, 1885) she moved out of the parish but she continued to remain a member of the purgatorial society till her death. She is still remembered by old parishioners on account of the extravagantly costly wedding ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 192 festivities arranged by her family, when on February 7, 1878, she married Henry Schmidt. The greatest benefactors of the St. Augustine's parish were undoubtedly the members of the FRAUENHEIM FAMILY. The founder of that family, Mr. Edward Frauenheim, Sr. located in Lawrenceville about the year 1865. He served on the church committee 'from 1868 till 1873 and again from 1879 till 1882. On June 16, 1891, he died. The business he had established prospered greatly under the management of his son Aloysius, so that his wife and his children were fortunate to make royal gifts to the church they loved so much. When Mrs. Edward Frauenheim died on November 22, 1904, she had established the reputation of being one of the leaders in philanthropic works in the city of Pittsburgh. Mr. Aloysius Frauenheim succeeded his father on the church committee in 1882 and was continued in that office from 1882 till 1886 and from 1890 till his death in 1900. His services and benefactions to St. Augustine's have been related in detail in the history. Miss Rose Frauenheim surpassed even her brother Aloysius and her mother Mary Regina in her benefactions to St. Augustine's Church. She enjoys the unique distinction of being the most liberal benefactor to St. Augustine's Church and the future apparently will not rob her of this distinction. Miss Rose Frauenheim was born in Pittsburgh on October 2, 1859 and attended St. Augustine's school in 1867 and 1868 and maybe even later. She contributed $40,000 to the $100,000 gift of the Frauenheim Family and besides several thousand dollars to the church for the purchase of pulpit and other furniture, (for Communion Railing and Candelabra $5,160, for pulpit $1,500 etc., etc.) When she later had moved out of parish limits, she did not fail to contribute to St. Augustine's Church in various ways. Up to 1912 she sent her monthly contributions and even after these collections were discontinued, she made liberal donations to the church. In her old age she still has the welfare of St. Augustine's Church at heart. Mrs. Clementine Frauenheim Epping, the youngest sister of Miss Rose Frauenheim, was likewise distinguished by her liberal donations to St. Augustine's Church. To the original $100,000 Frauenheim Family donation she did not contribute anything but she donated $5,000 in 1899 and $300 for a window and gave liberally to furnish the church with sacred vessels, vestments and statues. Moreover, she rendered personal services in behalf of the church even as a girl by taking part in raising funds by numerous dramatic plays staged in the hall for the purpose of obtaining some money for church or school. She became known for her artistic singing in which she excelled in more than an ordinary degree. She took part also in some dramatic plays. For twenty years she was singing in the church choir, where she was one of the leading soprano voices. In the Grand Sacred Concert given in the new St. Augustine's Church on April 14, 1901, she took part as one of the eight soprano singers. Her musical activity came to an end, when on Sunday, March 5, 1905 the mixed choir was allowed to sing in St. Augustine's Church for the last time. Later she moved out of the parish joining the English Sacred Heart parish. Mrs. Clementine Frauenheim Epping was born in St. Augustine's parish on January 9, 1871, was baptized and married in St. Augustine's Church and died on November 16, 1934 being buried from Sacred Heart Church. Miss Clementine Frauenheim was married in St. Augustine's Church to Mr. William Epping, a successful businessman, President of the Epping Carpenter Company. Mr. Epping was born December 29, 1868, graduated from St. Augustine's School, received his First Holy Communion likewise in St. Augustine's and had his five children baptized in St. Augustine's, viz., Mary Regina, Nov. 8, 1897, Inez Eliz, October 8, 1899, Will. Edw., July 20, 1902, Clementine Eliz., July 7, 1907, Vallette Josephine, March 26, 1911 (married to John Edw. McGrath on June 26, 1935). Mr. Will. Epping died February 15, 1912, and was buried from Sacred Heart Church by Fr. Joseph Anth. Ziegelmayer, O.M.Cap. Mrs. Claire Josephine Frauenheim O'Reilly, another sister of Miss Rose, was born November 12, 1860, graduated from St. Augustine's School, received her First Holy Communion in St. Augustine's Church, was married September 28, 1882 in St. Augustine's to John F. O'Reilly. She did not contribute to the $100,000 Frauenheim Family ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 193 donation, but gave an extraordinary donation of $1,000 in 1899 and $300 for a window in 1900. On the windows donated by the three sisters Rose, Clementine and Claire Josephine the names were inscribed and may be seen to this day. Besides Mrs. O'Reilly has made many donations to the chuch of St. Augustine's and still takes interest in the affairs of that church congregation. For many years she had been singing in St. Augustine's church choir, till the latter was disbanded. In her girlhood days she took also active part in the dramatic plays and concerts given in St. Augustine's hall for the benefit of the church and school. Mrs. Mary Frauenheim Heyl, older sister of the foregoing, was married in St. Augustine's Church on February 5, 1878, to Will. Alex. Heyl. She likewise did not contribute to the $100,000 Frauenheim Family donation, but on March 1, 1899, gave to St. Augustine's Church as an extraordinary gift $2,000 and in 1900 she added $300. At other times she had been also a liberal benefactor to St. Augustine's Church. William Alex. Heyl was like his wife, a graduate from St. Augustine's school and received his First Holy Communion in that church. He was a successful businessman. Later he moved out of the parish and died on July 8, 1916; he was buried from Sacred Heart Church. Mrs. Mary Frauenheim Heyl died November 16, 1927. Will. Alex. Heyl had the following children baptized at St. Augustine's: Anne Regina, December 13, 1878, Elizabeth Flor., November 28, 1880, Edw. Martin, December 31, 1882, Alex. Theodore, August 24, 1884, Mary Josepha, June 27, 1886 (married to Albert Jos. Loeffler on November 25, 1914, in Sacred Heart Church), Will. John, January 27, 1889, and Clementine Margaret, February 1, 1891 (married to Will. Bernard McKenna on January 21, 1915, in Sacred Heart Church). Edward Frauenheim, Jr., son of Edw. Frauenheim. Sr. and brother of the fore-mentioned Frauenheims, was born in Pittsburgh on February 13, 1865 and received his early education in St. Augustine's school and First Holy Communion in the church. On October 2, 1888, he was married to Antonetta Vilsack in St. Augustine's Church. Although he did not contribute to the $100,000 Frauenheim Family donation, he was alwavs a liberal benefactor of St. Augustine's and had, as his consort expressed it, "Always the interests of St. Augustine's at heart." Mr. Edward Frauenheim died June 28, 1905. He was largely interested in seven manufacturing and financial institutions and held the office of city treasurer for nine years. Since he settled from the very start of life outside the parish limits of St. Augustine's, none of his seven children was baptized in St. Augustine's. His estate was estimated to be worth eight millions of dollars. Mrs. Antonetta Vilsack Frauenheim, the relict of the foregoing, is the oldest daughter of the late Leopold Vilsack, Sr. and was born June 21, 1868. She received her early education in St. Augustine's school and First Holy Communion in church. In the numerous dramatic plays staged by the pupils of St. Augustine's School she took always leading parts both in the German and English performances with Bertha and Susie Fuhrer and Mary Kloman. Naturally she took interest in the church, where her father had served for so many years on the church committee and where she was united with her most beloved husband. The lady is still interested in St. Augustine's and supplied some valuable information to the historian of that church. Mr. August A. Frauenheim, brother of Edw. Frauenheim, Jr. and the above mentioned Frauenheim Sisters, was born November 10, 1866, in Pittsburgh, was educated in St. Augustine's school, received his First Holy Communion in St. Augustine's Church and on September 11, 1890, was married there to Mary Margaret Dietrich. He likewise did not contribute to the $100,000 Frauenheim Family donation, although he gave liberal donations to St. Augustine's Church at other occasions. He also settled outside of the parish limits and died August 13, 1921. For many years he had been treasurer of the Epping Carpenter Company. Mrs. Catherine Heyl Frauenheim, wife of Aloysius Frauenheim and sister of Will. Alex. Heyl, was born in Pittsburgh in 1854, received her early education in St. Augustine's school and First Communion in St. Augustine's Church. On November 25, 1874, she was married in St; Augustine's Church to Aloysius Frauenheim who died January 18, 1900. Mrs. Catherine Frauen- ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 194 heim followed in the footsteps of her late husband and proved a great benefactor to St. Augustine's Church. Her seven children were baptized in St. Augustine's Church. The oldest son, Joseph Frauenheim, was born August 31, 1875, married to Mary Kerner on October 26, 1898, and died February 11, 1925. He is the only Frauenheim who was baptized and married in St. Augustine's and was also buried from that church. The youngest child of Mrs. Catherine Heyl Frauenheim was Anna Catherine, born June 6, 1898, married to John J. Moore, Jr. on April 14, 1920 and died September 26, 1938. The second oldest child, Amanda Camilla is married to Mr. Eugene S. Reilly and a younger child, Mary Forentina, is married to Mr. J. S. Miller. Three sons are still living also, Harry and Aloysius of Pittsburgh and Edward of Buffalo, N. Y. Mrs. Catherine Heyl Frauenheim died May 31, 1925; she is the last of the Frauenheims who was buried from St. Augustine's Church. Mr. Leopold Vilsack, who moved into St. Augustine's parish some time after 1866 and laid there the foundation of his great wealth, proved also a benefactor of St. Augustine's Church. He served on the church committee from 1876 to 1878 and 1882 to 1885. Shortly after he moved out of the limits of St. Augustine's parish but even then he continued to contribute liberal donations to that church. In 1899 he donated $1,000 to the new church and on January 31, 1901, he added $2,000. Two of his daughters and five of his sons received their early education in St. Augustine's school and their First Holy Communion in St. Augustine's Church. All these sons became leading businessmen and the girls, leaders in society; none of them however, settled in St. Augustine's parish or proved great benefactors like their father to the school and church of St. Augustine's. Leopold Vilsack died December 26, 1907. Martin Heyl was a prominent member of St. Augustine's Church and served in 1865 on the church committee. He was born in 1826 and died on October 11, 1886; he was buried from St. Augustine's three days later. His wife Anna Barbara, nee Schlosser, followed him in death on May 10, 1899, aged 67 years. They left eight children who had been educated in the parish school or baptized and educated in the parish church and school. The two oldest, Will. Alex, and Catherine Heyl Frauenheim, have been mentioned above. The son Theodore H. Heyl was born on April 18, 1856, and attended St. Augustine's school from 1863 to 1867. He became one of the leading young men in the St. George's Literary Association and for many years he was active in raising funds for the church and school by staging plays; his name appears on many programs from 1869 till 1876 (often as stage manager). In February, 1882, he married Mary Bentheim and settled outside of the parish limits. He became a sucessful businessman and established the firm Heyl & Patterson which is still flourishing. Mr. Theodore H. Heyl died November 15, 1930. Lawrence Heyl, born December 12, 1863, was married in St. Augustine's on January 23, 1889 to Flora Helbling and had two children baptized there: Hilda on May 18, 1890, and Clara Juanita on March 20, 1892; the latter died on February 23, 1893, and was buried from St. Augustine's Church. Mr. Lawrence Heyl became a businessman of note and died December 12, 1921. Mary Elizabeth, born August 30, 1860, was married on October 14, 1885, to Henry Averman in St. Augustine's Church; she died on January 5, 1938. Anne was married to Mr. Lanahan and died October 6, 1936. The two youngest sons were baptized and married in St. Augustine's. Edmund Wendelin, born July 30, 1865, was married on June 23, 1891 to Josephine O'Hanlon and Martin Jr., born on June 30, 1872, was married on April 26, 1898 to Stella Berger. Two other children, Camillus and Charles Jerome, were baptized in St. Augustine's, on July 7, 1868 and October 11, 1869, but both died in their infancy. After the death of the parents the Heyls moved out of the parish limits and lost interest in St. Augustine's. Titus Berger is one of the few parishioners of St. Augustine's who became nationally known. He was born at Risstissen near Ehingen in Wuerrtemberg, Germany, in 1843 and was educated by the Rev. Adolf Pfister, one of the foremost educators of Catholic Germany (see about him in the Catholic Encyclopedia vol. XI, p. 786.) With a solid education along ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 195 literary and artistic lines young Berger emigrated to America and settled in Lawrenceville. In 1865 he married Mary Philomena Helbling. Mr. Berger served on the church committee for eighteen years (1873-1878, 1882-1885, 1890-1891, 1893- 1898) and proved a most serviceable man to the various pastors. In 1876 he was commissioned to buy the property for the present Sisters' House and Casino. He acted also as teacher of English to Fr. Hyacinth Epp, O.M.Cap. and was his safe mentor on all business affairs. He possessed an extraordinary talent for organization of all parish affairs, may they have been a picnic or dramatic performance. The advertising business of parish activities could not' be dispatched by any man better than by Mr. Titus Berger. He was greeted with delight by the children on their picnic ground, because they knew no one would serve them as well as the genial Friend of the Little Ones, Mr. Titus Berger. The reports he wrote for the press show much tenderness as is rarely found among men of his age. Mr. Berger was a member of the literary and artistic clubs of Pittsburgh, the Pittsburgh Art Association and Pittsburger Lese- Verein. Yet more than by these rather local activities Mr. Titus Berger gained acclaim by the part he played in founding the First Catholic Historical Society of America on February 1, 1884. This society was constituted under the name of Ohio Valley Catholic Historical Society with Rev. Andrew Arnold Lambing, President; Charles F. McKenna, First Vice-President; Dr. George H. Keyser, Second Vice-President; John F. Molamphy, Third Vice-President; Prof. J. B. Sullivan, Recording Secretary, and Titus Berger, Secretary. As early as 1879, Rev. A. A. Lambing had tried unsuccessfully to found that Catholic historical society. The society existed for a little over two years and then disbanded. Regarding the failure of this first Catholic historical society Msgr. Peter Guilday wrote in January 1916: "The number of wealthy and influential Catholics who could have supported the society were too much engrossed in the industrial progress of Pittsburgh to take a very deep interest in historical studies. The clergy and the diocesan authorities were equally uninterested." (Catholic Historical Review, vol. I, p. 438). Mr. Titus Berger lent his support to the society to the last. Among others he interested also the Capuchins of St. Augustine's in the welfare of the society and it is due to his influence that the Capuchin monastery library of that place is the possessor of the otherwise rare collection of publications of that society. Msgr. Guilday deplores the fact that "this worthy attempt at organizing the forces of the Catholic Church of that date for the purpose of conserving the history of the Faith in Western Pennsylvania came to such a poor end". At any rate Titus Berger proved himself by the part taken in founding the historical society more enlightened and progressive than the captains of industry and the rank and file of the clergy who greeted this noble work with chilling apathy. Through the association with the founders of the historical society the name of Mr. Titus Berger will live forever in the annals of American Catholic historical scholarship. Mr. Titus Berger died March 11, 1909 and was buried from St. Augustine's Church. Mrs. Mary Philomena Helbling Berger was born in 1856 in the house no. 250 on Thirty- eighth Street, Pittsburgh, and died on October 29, 1924; she was the last charter member of Old St. Augustine's living in the district all her lifetime. The couple had issue leaving eight children who all received a good education. The Berger children took part in ever so many plays staged in St. Augustine's hall for the benefit of the church and school. There is hardly a program to be found on which the names of Berger children were missing. William, Edward, Stella and Philomena enjoyed the audiences time and again by their musical renditions. Besides the Berger children were first class timber in the church choir. Philomena sang in the church choir from 1883 to 1905, when the mixed choir was discontinued. Besides she played the organ in church during devotions for many years. William is one of the three server boys who served at Mass in the seventies and are still living. Mary Cecilia was married on April 28, 1909 to Mr. Thomas Francis Findlan in St. Augustine's Church. At any rate the Berger family were always loyal members of St. Augustine's parish. Mr. Peter Kerner was a most prominent member of St. Augustine's and deserves more than honorable mention in the history ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 196 of the parish. He was born in 1846 and married about 1868. For over twenty years (January, 1889-January, 1909) he served on the church committee and by his tact and zeal gained the hearts of the parishioners to such an extent that he was re-elected on fourteen successive elections to the honorable office of trust of committeeman. Naturally his name looms large on the old church records and the particular stamp which he impressed on the church, school buildings and congregation will not be effaced, as long as St. Augustine's parish will live as a unit. He had nine children baptized in St. Augustine's and two married. His oldest daughter Catherine, born February 4, 1870, was married to the late Joseph Frauenheim, son of Aloysius, on October 26, 1898. Mr. Anthony Leckner was another prominent man on the church committee. He was born in 1848 and married about 1871. In 1891 he was elected for the office of committeeman of St. Augustine's Church and continued in office in eighteen succeeding elections up to January, 1927, so that he held that office of trust for thirty-six consecutive years. In January, 1827, he begged to be relieved of this burden and his resignation was accepted with great regret. On January 9, 1916, the Twenty-fifth Jubilee of his tenure of the office of committeeman was celebrated in the congregation with great joy and solemnity. The pastor, Fr. Agatho Rolf, wrote in the St. Augustinus that "the celebration took the character of a joyful, friendly and hearty demonstration of feelings of respect and gratitude towards tihe Jubilarian". The congregation kept up these kind feelings for many years after, re-electing him to the office of trust. Mr. Anthony Leckner died June 3, 1937 at the ripe old age of 89 years. He had eight children baptized in St. Augustine's and one child married there. Mr. John Fink served likewise on the church committee for many years. He was first elected in January, 1894 and re-elected in thirteen succeeding elections up to his death (Dec. 9, 1921), so that he filled that office for twenty-seven years and eleven months. Mr. Fink was born in 1851 in Miffiin Township, Allegheny County, Pa., and on July 10, 1876, he was united in marriage to Mary Reinert in St. Augustine's Church. He was a successful businessman, founded a financial corporation and transacted several larger deals of real estate. Besides he was active in the interest of the Order of Knights of St. George. Death prevented him from publishing a valuable history of Branch 5 of that society. Mr. Fink had six children baptized in St. Augustine's Church, and was buried from that church. Mr. John Noullet is another committeeman of long standing; he served on the church committee for eighteen years from January, 1903 till December 26, 1920, when he resigned on account of protracted illness. Mr. Noullet laid St. Augustine's parish under a heavy debt of gratitude having served her so well, especially during a trying period. Although he was a "late caller" having moved with his family into the parish from Herman, Pa., he, nevertheless, promoted the welfare of the congregation with as much zeal and devotion as any of the members who were baptized in the church of St. Augustine's. His children were baptized in the church at Herman, Pa. and for this reason their name is not on the records of St. Augustine's Church. The two daughters Mathilda and Martha entered the Community of Sisters of Divine Providence; the one receiving the name of Sister M. Vincent and the other the name of Sister M. Julitta. Mr. Noullet was just as much conspicuous for his piety as for his business ability. Mr. John J. Noullet was born in 1848 and died at the age of seventy-five years on March 19, 1923. Mr. Robert Fey cannot be overlooked in a history of St. Augustine's Church, on account of his great services to that church. He served on the church committee well nigh twenty-four years (1893-1916) having been elected in fourteen succeeding elections to that office. He was born in Pittsburgh in 1842 and was married in St. Augustine's Church on April 30, 1874. In the course of time he established a solid business which placed him into rather prosperous circumstances and enabled him to be a dispenser of charity on no common scale. His business is carried on by his children with the same sterling honesty which had gained so many customers to their father. Mr. Robert Fey had eight children baptized in St. Augustine's. His son Lawrence J. Fey is serving on the church committee since 1921 and a daughter Claire joined the Sisterhood of the ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 197 Sisters of St. Francis at Millvale, Pa. Mr. Robert Fey died on April 18, 1916 at the age of 74 years and was buried from St. Augustine's Church. Mr. Francis Schneiderloechner or Schneiderlechner deserves some mention. He was elected to the office of committeeman for the first time in 1890 and continued in office at the elections of 1891 and 1892. In the latter year he moved out of the parish. The minutes of the meetings of the church committees detail at large his activity, whilst he served on the committee. Mr. Schneiderloechner was born in Pittsburgh on January 16, 1865, received his early education in St. Augustine's school, received his First Holy Communion in St. Augustine's Church. Later he worked in the Carnegie mill of the district and in 1891 was active in quelling the strike in the Frick mills at Homestead. The company rewarded him for his efforts in their behalf by giving him lucrative positions, so that he was fortunate to become quite wealthy. He settled later in Crafton Heights, Pa., where he became again a very serviceable committeeman of St. Philip's Church. He died at Crafton on April 21, 1922, and was buried by Fr. John M., O.M.Cap. in St. Augustine's Cemetery. Mr. Schneiderloechner abbreviated his long name to Schneider and his six children go by that name. One of his children, the Rev. Edwin J. Schneider, S.S., refused to give any information to the historian about his father and his family. Mr. Joseph Vogel, Sr. was a prominent member of St. Augustine's congregation in the early days. He was born March, 1819, settled in Lawrenceville, where he became a rather opulent businessman. He served on the church committee for eleven years (1875-1886) having been elected in eleven successive elections. His younger children attended St. Augustine's school. Mr. Joseph Vogel, Sr. died at the ripe old age of 81 years and 7 months on October 11, 1900. The popularity of the departed parishioner was demonstrated by the large concourse of people at the funeral services held in St. Augustine's Church on October 15. The Fathers Hyacinth Epp, O.M.Cap., Joseph Suehr, Herman Joseph Gosbel, and William Vogt were present in the sanctuary to pay a debt of gratitude to their departed friend. We mention of the children left by Mr. Joseph Vogel, Sr., his son, Joseph Vogel, Jr., who for many years was organist at Old St. Philomena's Church, and his daughter Mathilda who was united in marriage in St. Augustine's Church, on October 20, 1885, to Xaver 0. Werder who became a famous physician in Pittsburgh. Doctor Xaver O. Werder died November 21, 1919 leaving eleven children (6 boys and 5 girls.) Mrs. Mathilda Vogel Werder, was born March 6, 1863, attended St. Augustine's school from 1870 till 1874, received later a higher education in Germany and imparted not a small part of her superior education to her children. She died May 14, 1937 and was buried from St. Scholastica Church, Aspinwall, Pa. Mr. Peter Halli has served the congregation so well that a history of the parish without mention of his great services would be a flagrant injustice done to him. He was born January 30, 1856, at Kirchzell in Bavaria and on August 28, 1879, was married in SS. Peter & Paul's Church, East Liberty, to Margaret Ritter. He served on the church committee for thirty-five years (1892-December 26, 1926) having been elected in eighteen succeeding elections. On account of old age he declined re-election on December 26, 1926. His twenty-fifth jubilee as committeeman was celebrated with great solemnity on January 7, 1917. The jubilarian was escorted to church in procession, where a solemn high mass was chanted by the pastor, Fr. Agatho Rolf, in presence of a large crowd of parishioners who had gathered to pay their respects to the jubilarian. Fr. Agatho Rolf, who was noted for his oratorial powers far and wide, delivered one of his best orations expressing in chosen and forceful words the sentiments of joy and gratitude of the parishioners in regard to the veteran trustee of their church. The church choir had prepared a special musical program which was rendered with the perfect accuracy of masterful renditions. Mr. Halli had seven children baptized in St. Augustine's Church. He is still hale and hardy and has the interests of St. Augustine's as much at heart as in the days of his early manhood. May God grant him many more years of useful life. Mr. Simon Wald is a type of the hardworking pious parishioners who never gain much of the goods of this world but the more of the supercelestial treasures in Heav- ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 198 en. He was born in 1826 at Weiperz in Diocese Fulda in Hessia, Germany. This village is entirely Catholic to this day and has a population of 400 souls. Mr. Simon Wald was married in St. Mary's Church, Allegheny some time in 1858 and had four Children baptized in St. Augustine's and two in St. Mary's, Allegheny. Mrs. Simon Wald was Elizabeth Roth, a native of Strassbessenbach, a village of 710 souls in the diocese of Wuerzzburg in Bavaria. Mr. Simon Wald died at the age of 80 years on December 27, 1906, and Mrs. Elizabeth Wald died at the age of 80 years on May 13, 1915. Their oldest daughter Elizabeth Wald born November 23, 1859, attended St. Augustine's school from 1866 to 1871, received her First Communion in 1871, joined in 1875 the Sodality of the Blessed Virgin and is at present together with Miss Rose Frauenheim the oldest member of St. Augustine's Sodality. For well nigh forty years Miss Elizabeth Wald had been zealous in having the linens of the church cleaned. Mr. Simon Wald, although not blessed with riches, did always find means to pay his regular dues to the church and, moreover, to make some liberal donations to the church from time to time. In 1864 he donated $10.00 to the church and the Mrs. Simon Wald furnished an altar cloth valued $10.00. Many more men like Simon Wald had been living in St. Augustine's and had even been more liberal donors than Mr. Simon Wald; yet their descendants have been so indolent that they did not supply proper material to the historian and for this reason their deeds could not be written up for this history. Mr. Nicholas Schneider had been in his days a prominent member of St. Augustine's Church. He was born in February, 1818, and settled in the parish some time before 1862. In the latter year he built the house on Penn Ave. (3521) which is still inhabited by his descendants. Mr. Schneider had eleven children but none of them baptized in St. Augustine's. He was elected twice to the office of trustee of St. Augustine's Church, namely in 1865 and 1871. He established a lucrative business as boiler maker, when Pittsburgh was emerging as the city of "iron and steel". Mr. Schneider died on June 19, 1893 at the age of 75 years and 4 months. Of his numerous children one is still living, Mrs. Cecelia Schneider Mattox, (born January 12, 1864) who in her younger days had been an efficient teacher in the German Catholic parochial schools, till she was supplanted by the Sisters. The greatgrandchildren of Mr. Nicholas Schneider, (Steinkirchner), are still occupying his house and still retaining the Faith, things which are rather remarkable in this country. Miss Bertha Fuhrer deserves a well merited place in the history of St. Augustine's Church. She was baptized in that church on October 11, 1868, attended the parish school for six years, received her First Holy Communion also in St. Augustine's. As a pupil of the school she showed already a great dramatic talent and naturally she was selected for every play the pupils of St. Augustine's staged for the benefit of the school and church. Both her parents, Anthony Fuhrer and Theresa Schmidt, were born in this country and this explains the fact that Miss Bertha mastered also the English language to such a perfection as was uncommon among the pupils of German parentage. She was selected for both German and English plays and her names figures prominently on the printed programs which came down to us. Miss Bertha Fuhrer on graduating from St. Augustine's school pursued higher academic studies with special attention to languages and voice culture. Several tours to Europe broadened her culture. She joined the faculty of the Byron WT. King School of Oratory in Pittsburgh and is now Principal of that school. Besides she has been giving courses in voice culture in many Catholic schools and has been directing dramatic plays of pupils of many parochial schools, academies, Religious Communities and Catholic Dramatic Clubs. A future historian of the cultural life of the Catholics of this diocese must assign to her a prominent place among the educators of esthetic culture. Although Miss Fuhrer does not live anymore within the parish limit's, she still takes interest in the parish affairs and belongs to some parish societies. Time and again she thrilled the parishioners by her recitations in St. Augustine's parish hall. Miss Fuhrer is a cousin of Henry Kloman Schmidt, organist and choir master at the Holy Rosary Church, Pittsburgh. The latter is the son of Henry Schmidt and Mary Kloman and was born April 18, 1881, 4016 Butler Street and baptized in St. Augustine's ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 199 on April 24, 1881. The musical talent which he inherited from his mother was perfected by seven years of studies at the conservatories at Leipsic, Munich and Berlin. At Leipsic Mr. Schmidt was a pupil of Martin Krause. On his return to Pittsburgh Mr. Schmidt taught for many years at the Carnegie Institute of Technology; he still holds this position together with that of organist and choirmaster at the Holy Rosary Church. Mr. Schmidt was united in marriage to Mabel M. Grine at Beaver, Pa., on June 30, 1910. His father was a wel-to-do druggist on Butler Street and was mentioned above as President of St. George's Literary Association of Pittsburgh. Mr. Joseph Reiman, Past President of the Order of Catholic Knights of St. George, is nationally the best known member of St. Augustine's Church, in our days. He was born in Pittsburgh in 1869, was educated in St. Philomena's parochial school and in St. Vincent's College. With his father he came up to settle in St. Augustine's parish. Mr. Reiman assisted at first his father in his business on Penn Ave. and later took over the business. He was present, when the Order of Knights of St. George's was founded in January, 1881, and as a boy took interest in that organization which his genius was to tide over many a crisis and finally to establish upon such a solid foundation that it will outrun many a storm in times to come. The history of the mighty organization of the Knight's of St. George's is the history of the genius and masterful guidance of Mr. Joseph Reiman. His greatness is not yet grasped by the present generation of Knights but surely future generations will put it into proper milieu, and the historian of the American church cannot overlook him. Mr. Reiman is an orator of note in both German and English. Many of his speeches are printed in the official publication: Knights of St. George, and a collection of them would fill a large book full of sound Catholic philosophy and happy inspiration. The Past President of the national organization did always take a keen interest also in the affairs of St. Augustine's parish. Mr. Joseph Reiman serves on the church committee since 1906 and he proved too great an asset that his repeated resignation was set aside and that he was re-elected against his wish and will. The father, Andrew Leodekar Reiman, died January 20, 1901; he had been a great benefactor of St. Augustine's Church and in his will left a considerable sum to the church and the poor of the congregation. His younger brother, John Reiman, born November 15, 1879 and died April 15, 1936, was for many years a star on the theatre of St. Augustine's Church and besides he directed a score and more plays in the course of his career as an amateur player at St. Augustine's. His sister, Catherine, departed this life on December 29, 1936; she was afflicted with an incurable disease which she bore with Christian resignation. Mr. Joseph Reiman was never married, setting domestic and altruistic virtues above personal feelings. At present he is brother, friend, protector and business agent to his aged sister Mary. May he live long among us! Mr. Joseph George Steedle, Past Representative of the Twelfth District of Pennsylvania in the House at Harrisburg, Pa., was a pupil of St. Augustine's School from 1886 till 1892. He was born March 10, 1880, the son of Charles Steedle and Elizabeth Kirch, and lived in the neighborhood of St. Augustine's Church between 36th and 37th and Butler Street. On July 3, 1892, he received his First Holy Communion in St. Augustine's Church together with 37 boys and 72 girls. Later he received an academic education at Curry's College, Pittsburgh, entered the medical department of the Western University of Pennsylvania in 1898, from which he graduated in 1902, served in 1902 as interne in the Western Pennsylvania Hospital, Pittsburgh, and also in the City Hospital at Marshalsea, Pa. In 1904 he began the general practice of medicine at McKees Rocks and soon after he became surgeon at the Ohio Valley General Hospital at McKees Rocks. The medical and surgical practice could not fill his whole life; he entered politics and from 1909 till 1914 he served as Burgess of McKees Rocks and was elected to the House of Representatives from the Twelfth District of Pennsylvania in 1912 and re-elected in 1914, 1916, 1918, 1920, 1922, 1926, 1928, 1930, and 1932. Naturally he belonged to the Republican Party and in 1934 he was removed from this field of activity by the oncoming Democratic "land- ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 200 slide". Since that time he devotes more attention to his medical practice in McKees Rocks. Lack of material prevents the historian extending this list of prominent parishioners of St. Augustine's. Much of the foregoing chapter could not have been written without the collaboration of the old parishioners Philip Zeus, Philomena Berger(1) and a few others. Unfortunately, however, the greatest number of parishioners did not supply the least information and for this reason their parents and grand-parents could not have '"honorable" mention on these pages. THE EARLIEST SERVER-BOYS AT ST. AUGUSTINE'S CHURCH The server-boys are indispensable persons at every Catholic Church. Too often, however, these ministering "angels" are overlooked in parish histories. Fortunately a list of those boys who served from 1870 till 1874 has been preserved which we shall reprint here: This list of sixty names includes also the choir-boys and is to all appearances incomplete. (This list is reprinted from the St. Augustinus, October, 1922, p. 6). Atzihger, Hermann Becker, Dietz, Jacob Engel, George Elsesser, Conrad Fischer, Frauenheim, Florence Fuehrer, Joseph Fuehrer, William Gloeckler, Bernard Gloeckler, Francis Gschwender, George Grabbe, John Grabbe, William Haas, Anton Haas, August Haas, Boniface Happe, Anton Heil, Otto Helbling, Bernard Hengesberger, Heuring, William Heyd, William Hohmann, Kalchthaler, Albert Kalchthaler, Louis Kerstien, Knapp, Henry Koebert, John Kwoczaila, Louis Lamkemeyer, Frank Leimbach, George Leimbach, Jacob Limpert, Cornelius Limpert, Henry Maidhof, Jacob Radel, Robert Riot, Andrew Riot, August Schaefer, George Schiffhauer, August Schleicher, Schmitt, Theodore Schneider, Schoepf, John Schrankel, John Schuermann, Henry Seifried, Albert Thomas, Leopold Urban, August Voelker, August Voelker, Christian Voelker, Frederick Voelker, Nicholas Vogel, Michael Wachter, Winterhalter, Albert Wurzel, George Zimmer, Mr. Philip J. Zeus continues the list by submitting the following names: Wich, Joseph (now Benedict Wich, O.M.Cap.) ...... 1877 Berger, William ...................................................... 1878 Zeus, Philip J. ......................................................... 1879 Berger, Edmund (died) ........................................... 1879 Land, Philip ............................................................ 1879 Limpert, Benjamin (died) ........................................ 1879 Limpert, Sylvester .................................................. 1880 Hoffmann, Joseph .................................................. 1880 Land, Vincent ........................................................ 1880 SPIRITUAL FIRSTLINGS AT ST. AUGUSTINE'S CHURCH Mary Driesch, baptized February 15, 1863. First baptism in the Old Church. Eliz. Cath. Helbling, baptized November 2, 1873. First baptism by the Capuchin Fathers (Fr. Hyacinth Epp). Rosa Mary Frauenheim, baptized May 12, 1901. First baptism in the New Church. John Schmidt and Catherine Burghardt, married April 6, 1864. First wedding in the Old Church. Victor Halter and Paulina Lerch, married January 7, 1874. First wedding by the Capuchin Fathers, (Fr. Matthew Hau). Michael Grimm and Mathilda Bienemann, married May 14, 1901. First wedding in the New Church. Susanna Kraus (nee Klein) buried January 8, 1864. First funeral in the Old Church. Aloysius Henlein, buried January 11, 1874. First funeral by the Capuchin Fathers, (Fr. Matthew Hau). Regina Kress, buried May 27, 1901. First funeral in the New Church. CLERICS IN THE CAPUCHIN ORDER FROM ST. AUGUSTINE'S PARISH Frater Conrad (John Raffel) entered August 23, 1934. Frater Aidan (Raphael Lucko) entered August 23,. 1934. Frater Ervanus (George Charles Maisel) entered July 13, 1936. (1) Miss Philomena Berger kindly lent to the historian valuable documents left by her father and otherwise supplied desired information. The rare volume of publications of the defunct historical society which her father left to the family, she gratiously donated to the Capuchin Fathers who treasure it now in their study house in Washington, D.C. ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 201 PARISHIONERS AND PATRONS Adrian, Mr. & Mrs. Frank Alexander, Peter Alic, Mr. & Mrs. Frank Altenbaugh, Mr. & Mrs. Robert Ammerle, Catherine Andres, Mrs. Anna Andres, Leo Andres, Marie Andresco, Mr. & Mrs. George Andrewski, Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Angel, A'lr. & Mrs. John Angel, Mr. & Mrs. Peter Antonio, Mr. & Mrs. William Apel, Mrs. Elizabeth Arasin, Joseph Arbanas, Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Arbanas, Mrs. Rose Arbanas, Margaret Archer, Mrs. Alice Arnold, Mrs. Margaret Aschenbrenner, Mrs. Catherine Aschenbrenner, Mary Aschenbrenner, Francis Ashton, Mrs. Wm. & Family Astrauskas, Mrs. Louise Auth, Catherine Bader, Mr. & Mrs. Leo Baj, Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Baker, Mrs. Mary Ann Baker, Loretta Baker, Francis Balaska, Mrs. Cecilia Balaska, Pearl Balaska, Nellie Balzer, Mrs. Anna Balzer, Mr. & Mrs. Henry Banker, Mr. & Mrs. Walter Barbati, Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Barbour, Mrs. Earl Barkovich, Mrs. Mary Barone, Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Barone, Angeline Barowick, Mrs. Mary & Family Barrett, Mrs. James Barroskey, Mr. & Mrs. Gustav Bartolick, Mr. & Mrs. Frank Bartolick, Joseph Bauer, Anna Baumgartner, Mrs. Caroline Baumstimler, Mrs. Mary Baur, Mrs. Emma Baur, Elmer Becker, Anna & Irene Becker, Mr. Bernard & Family Bednarik, Sophie Begenwald, Mr. Joseph Begenwald, William Begenwald, Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Belanski, Albert Belanski, Louise Ann Belausky, Mr. & Mrs. Albert, Sr. Benz, Mr. & Mrs. Charles Benz, George Benz, Ladislaus Benz, Paul Benz, Mrs. Helen Berger, Minnie Bernhard, Margaret Bernot, Mrs. Agnes Berry, Mr. & Mrs. J. C. Besavitch, Mrs. Sophia Besavitch, Frank Besselman, Minnie Bevilacqua, Mr. & Mrs. Ralph Bevilacqua, Ruth Bich, Mr. & Mrs. George Bieneman, Mr. John & Family Bieneman, Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence Bigley, Mr. & Mrs. Robert Billisits, Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Binder, Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Blacksmith, Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Blaize, Mr. & Mrs. Alexander Blaskiewicz, William Bleichner, Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Bleichner, Cecilia Bliss, William Block, Mr. & Mrs. Edward Boebinger, Mrs. Julia Bogacz, Mr. & Mrs. John Bogaski, Mr. & Mrs. Frank Borecki, Anselm Borecki, Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Bork, Mrs. Mary & Family Bosacki, Mr. & Mrs. Harry Bosacki, Mrs. Victoria Bracht, Catherine & Emma Brajdic, Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Brajdic, Helen Brandner, Catherine Brandner, Joseph W. Brandner, Mrs. Theresa Brei, Mr. & Mrs. Jacob & Family Brenenborg, Aloysius Brenenborg, Mr. & Mrs. Henry & Family ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 202 PARISHIONERS AND PATRONS Brenenborg, Peter Brosky, Mr. & Mrs. Stanley Brosky, Genevieve Brown, Mr. & Mrs. Charles, Jr. Brown, Mr. & Mrs. Charles, Sr. Brown, Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Brown, Mr. & Mrs. Paul Brown, Mr. & Mrs. Ray Bruckner, Mr. & Mrs. Michael & Fam. Brueckner, Mr. & Mrs. Frank, Sr. & Fam. Brueckner, Louis Bruene, Mrs. Eleanor Brunasky, Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Brunick, Mrs. & Mrs. J. H. Brunner, Mr. Frank, Sr. Bruno, Mrs. Mary Bruno, Mr. & Mrs. Peter Bucholtz, Mrs. Amel Buckley, Mrs. Johanna Buechel, Mrs. Catherine Buechel, Sophia Bulger, Mrs. Nora Bulger, William Burger, Herman Burke, Edward Burkhart, Mr. & Mrs. A. Burkhart, Mr. & Mrs. Harold Burkhart, Mrs. Mary Burlett, Mr. & Mrs. John Sr. & Family Burlett, Mr. & Mrs. C. R. Burlett, Rose Marie Bursits, Mr. & Mrs. Paul Busch, Mr. & Mrs. George, Sr. Busch, George, Jr. Bush, Mrs. Theresa Buster, August Buster, Charles Buster, George Butler, Mr. & Mrs. J. Butz, Stanley Byers, Mr. & Mrs. David Bzdziak, Mr. & Mrs. John Bzdziak, Edmund Cadonic, Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Campbell, Mrs. Anna & Family Campbell, Mrs. Irene Cardwell, Isabelle Carle, Mr. & Mrs. Albert Carle, Joseph, Jr. Carle, Mr. & Mrs. Joseph, Sr. Carr, Mr. & Mrs. John Carr, Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Carter, John Cassidy, Mrs. Wm. Celender, Mr. & Mrs. Ralph Centner, Mark Ceponis, Mr. & Mrs. Michael & Family Charniecki, Mr. & Mrs. Stanley Chelkowski, Mr. & Mrs. C. & Family Chenot, Joseph, Jr. Chenot, Mr. & Mrs. Jos., Sr. Cherry, Mr. & Mrs. Frank Chester, Mary Chorherr, Emma Chrzanowski, Mr. & Mrs. Frank Chuderwicz, Anna Chuderwicz, Bernard Church, Catherine Church, Mrs. Elizabeth Churjak, Joseph Closs, Frank, Sr. Closs, Mary Collins, Mr. & Mrs. Timothy Conley, Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence Connell, Mrs. Anna Conrad, Mrs. Catherine & Family Cook, Mrs. Dorothy Cooper, Mrs. Mary Corinski, Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Craven, Mr. & Mrs. John Cserer, Mr. & Mrs. Victor Cupp, Catherine & Dolores Cwiklinski, Mr. & Mrs. Walter Czachowski, Mr. & Mrs. Julius Czachowski, Florence Czachowski, Mr. & Mrs. Walter Czachowski, Frank Czachowski, Genevieve Dadowski, Cecilia M. Dadowski, Mr. & Mrs. Louis, Jr. Dadowski, Louis, Sr. Dadowski, Mr. & Mrs. Ralph Dampf, Mrs. Damratoski, Mr. & Mrs. Jos. Damski, Mr. & Mrs. Theo. & Family Davidson, Gertrude Davidson, Mrs. Robert Davis, Mrs. George Dawson, Mrs. Susan Dedig, Mr. & Mrs. George Dedig, Vincent DeHaan, Mrs. Rose Delaney, Mr. & Mrs. T. Delong, Mrs. Mary & Family ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 203 PARISHIONERS AND PATRONS Delost, Jennie Delost, Julia Derda, Mrs. Marie Deutschbauer, Mr. & Mrs. Frank Dietz, E. E. Dischner, Mrs. Dorothy Dischner, Mr. & Mrs. John Dixon, Mrs. Florentine Dmitrzak, Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Dobrowolski, S. F. Doemling, Geo. & Family Doemling, Mr. & Mrs. Jos. Doering, Mr. & Mrs. A. Dombroski, Mr. Andrew Dombroski, Wanda Domyslowski, Mr. & Mrs. B. & Family Domyslowski, Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Donafris, Mrs. Virginia Dongweck, Mrs. Catherine Dongweck, Frances Dongweck, Leonard Donia, Mr. & Mrs. Dominic Donnellan, John Donnelly, Mrs. Josie Donnermeyer, Mrs. Eva Donnermeyer, Frank Donnermeyer, Joseph Dorn, Mrs. Gertrude Doyle, Mrs. Helen Draskovich, Mr. & Mrs. Frank Draskovich, Anna Draskovich, Matthew Drnich, Anna Drobish, Mr. & Mrs. Adolph Drost, Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Drost. Mr. & Mrs. Stanley Dubas, Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Dudas, Mr. & Mrs. Michael Dufner. Mr. & Mrs. Frank, Sr. Dufner, Frank, Jr. Dufner, Mr. & Mrs. Peter Dunbar, Mr. & Mrs. John Durler. Mary Durler, Rose Durler, William Durno, Mrs. George Dzialski. Mr. & Mrs. Matthew Dzierski, Mr. & Mrs. Eberlein, Margaret Eckert. Miss Anna Eichenlaub, Edward Eiseman, Margaret Eiseman, William Ekrut, Mr. & Mrs. Edward Eldridge, Bernadette Eldridge, Mrs. Clara Elsesser, Bertha Elsesser, Cecilia Elsesser, Mr. & Mrs. Jos., Jr. Elsesser, Joseph, Sr. Elsesser, William Elsner, Joseph Elsner, Mary Engel, Charles J. Engel, Elizabeth Engel, Mr. & Mrs. Harry & Family Engel, Mr. & Mrs. Peter & Family English, Mr. & Mrs. James Erben, Anna Erben, Helen Erra, Mr. & Mrs, Frank Erra, Mr. & Mrs. Samuel Evankovich, Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Evankovich, Mr. & Mrs. John Evankovich, Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Evankovich, Katherine, Evanoski, Felix Evans, Frank Ewing, Mrs. Wm. Faas, Mrs. Josephine Faas, Mrs. Madelene Faas, Madelene Fabic, Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Falvo Family Fanning, Mr. & Mrs. Charles Farrell, Edward Fasel, Anna May Fehl, Mrs. Hattie Fehl, William Feinaugle, Mrs. Caroline Felich, Mrs. Frances Felich, Lorain Felitsky, Mrs. Marie Fellinger, Bernard Fellinger, Mr. & Mrs. John Feret, Anna Feret, Frank Feret, Stanley Ferguson, Clyde Ferguson, Mrs. Mary Fey, Catherine Fey, Mr. & Mrs. Eugene Fey, Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence Fey, Mary Fey, Mary Mathilda Fischer, Charles ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 204 PARISHIONERS AND PATRONS Fischer, Mrs. Mary & Family Fischer, Mr. & Mrs. William Fitzgerald, Mr. & Mrs. Frank & Family Fitzpatrick, Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Flaherty, Mr. & Mrs. Hugh Flaherty, Mrs. Mary Fleitz, Etta Fleitz, Hilda Fleitz, Mrs. Olive Fleming, Mrs. Mercedes Fliegel, Mr. & Mrs. Jos. Fliegel, Mildred Flowers, Mr. & Mrs. Regis Flynn, Mrs. Rose Ford, Mrs. Lucy Forquer, Mr. & Mrs. Frank Fowler, Mrs. Charles Francis, Mr. & Mrs. John Franklin, Catherine Franklin, Elizabeth Franklin, Mrs. Mary Frankulewski, Mr. & Mrs. Victor & Fam Frauenheim, Mrs. August A. Fraunholz, Miss Mary Freker, Mr. & Mrs. Cyril Friedman, Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Fritsch, Clara Fritsch, Mr. & Mrs. Jas. Fritz, Mr. & Mrs. Herman Fritzges, Mrs. Marie Frlan, Mr. & Mrs. Frank, Sr. Froetschel, Mrs. Barbara Frueh, Mrs. Agnes Frueh, Mr. & Mrs. Frank & Family Fuchs, Mr. & Mrs. Charles Fuchs, Mr. & Mrs. Edward Fuchs, Mr. & Mrs. Frank Fuchs, Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Fuchs, Mr. & Mrs. Louis Fuhrer, Anthony Fuhrer, Cecilia Fulton, Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Fulton, Mrs. William J. Funovits, Mr. & Mrs. Frank, Jr. Funovits, Mr. & Mrs. Frank, Sr. Funovits, Mr. & Mrs. Frank & Family Funovits, Mr. & Mrs. Frank Funovits, Joseph Funovits, Mr. & Mrs. Michael & Family Funovits, Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Gable, Mrs. Mary & Family Gabler, Joseph & Family Gades, Mr. & Mrs. Leo Galinowski, Mrs. Louise Galliot, Mr. & Mrs. H. J. Ganster, Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Gapsky, Mrs. Frances & Family Gapsky, Mr. & Mrs. Ralph Garlach, Mrs. Elizabeth Gaus, Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence Gaus, Joseph Gauschemann, Anna Gauschemann, Clara Gauschemann, Elizabeth Gauschemann, Mr. & Mrs. Frank, Jr. Gauschemann, Mr. & Mrs. Frank, Sr. Gavlick, Alfred Gavlick, Irene Gavlick, Mrs. Mary Gawron, Stephanie Geis, Mr. & Mrs. Edward Geis, Marie Genco, Mr. & Mrs. Patrick Gerasinski, Mr. & Mrs. Alex. Gerasinski, Walter Gerda, Mr. Martin Gidas, Mary Gieder, Mr. & Mrs. John, Sr. Gieder, John, Jr. Gimber, Harry Gimber, Jacob Gizicki, Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Glasner, Harry Gloekler, Mr. & Mrs. Clarence Goetz, Mr. & Mrs. Frank Goetz, Edward Goetz, George Goetz, Mr. & Mrs. O. J. Goetz, Philomena Golacinski, Anthony Golatz, Mr. & Mrs. Frank Gold, Mr. & Mrs. I. Golebeski, Air. & Mrs. Joseph Golembeski, Mrs. Bernice & Family Golobic, John Golvich, Anna Goralski, Genevieve Goralski, Mr. & Mrs. John Gorseck, Mrs. Johanna Gorseck, Stephania Gorsky, Mr. & Mrs. Z. & Family Gottschalk, Gregory Gottschalk, Mrs. H. B. Gottschalk, Mr. & Mrs. Jos. & Family Gottschalk, John ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 205 PARISHIONERS AND PATRONS Grebiner, Mr. & Mrs. Jos. & Family Greegus, Mrs. Anna & Family Greenewald, Mrs. Anna Greenewald, Marie Gregonis, Mrs. Amelia & Family Gresky, Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Gretok, Albert Gretok, Marie Gribas, John, Jr. Gribas, Mr. & Mrs. John, Sr. Griffin, Lawrence Grill, Mrs. Anna Grimm, Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Grimm, Mr. & Mrs. Michael & Family Grimm, Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Gronau, Frank Gross, Mr. & Mrs. Charles Grubbs, Mr. & Mrs. Harry Gulawjski, Mr. & Mrs. Theodore Gurneck, Joseph Gurneck, Julia Gutendorf, Catherine Gutendorf, Joseph Gutt, Mr. & Mrs. John Haas, Anna Haas, Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Haas, Mrs. Frances Haas, Mrs. J. Haas, Mr. & Mrs. Jos. A. Haas, Mr. & Mrs. Jos. M. & Family Haas, Margaret Haas, Stella Haas, William Haber, Anthony, Jr. Haber, George Haber, Ralph, Jr. Haber, Ralph, Sr. Habovsek, Angeline Habovsek, Mrs. Mary Habovsek, Peter Haecker, Anna Haft, Mr. & Mrs. August Haley, Mr. & Mrs. John, Sr. & Family Halli, Peter Hanna, Mr. & Mrs. William Harenski, Mr. & Mrs. John Haeckler, Anna Harkavy, Mrs. Anna Hart, Ms. Barbara Hartle, M. A. Hartung, Clara Hartung, Mr. & Mrs. William, Jr. Hartung, Mr. & Mrs. William, Sr. Hartz, Mr. & Mrs. Peter Hauser, Mr. & Mrs. George Heidecamp, Mr. & Mrs. August Heil, Mr. & Mrs. Sylvester Helbling, Joseph Hendler, Mrs. Cornelia Hengelsberg, Mr. & Mrs. Mathias Henigan, Mr. & Mrs. William Henle, Mr. & Mrs. Frank Henning, Albert Henning, Mr. & Mrs. John Henninger, Mr. & Mrs. Albert Henninger, Charles Henninger, Mr. & Mrs. Otto Herbert, Mr. & Mrs. Herman Hershell, M. M. Hess, Agatha Hess, Philomena Heumiller, Christ Heumiller, John Higby, Mrs. Angelina Hinchcliff, Mrs. Mary & Family Hodos, Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Hoellerman, Mr. & Mrs. Edward Hoellerman, Mrs. Margaret Hofferbart, Mrs. William Hoffman, M. M. Hofscher, Gertrude Hogg, Clara Hogg, William Hohman, Anthony & Family Holiday, Mrs. Helen Holler, Anna Holler, Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence Holler, Mrs. Margaret Holler, Peter J. Holzapfel, Mrs. Sophie Hook, Mr. & Mrs. C. Hornickle, Louisa Howley, Bettie Hripko, Mrs. Amelia Huber, Mrs. Lena & Alice Hubstenberger, Mr. & Mrs. Benedict Huemmerich, Mrs. Fred. Huether, Mrs. Mary Huether, Mathilda Huff, Mrs. Hilda Hughes, Esther Hughes, Mr. & Mrs. John Hulfeld, Rupert Hungerman, Mr. & Mrs. Henry Hungerman, Mr. & Mrs. Jos., Sr. & Fam. ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 206 PARISHIONERS AND PATRONS Hupfer, Anna Hupfer, Frank Hupfer, Marie Ignatius, Mr. & Mrs. Stanley Ignosh, Mr. & Mrs. John Irlbacher, Mr. & Mrs. Jos. & Family Jackson, Mr. & Mrs. George Jacobs, August Jalovecky, Mr. & Mrs. Joseph & Family Janasura, Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Janc, Mary Janc, Mr. & Mrs. Stanislaus Janekowski, Mrs. Helen & Family Jankowski, Julius Jankowski, Mr. & Mrs. Walter Jans, Mr. & Mrs. Adolph Jantz, Mr. & Mrs. Martin Janusz, Mrs. Theodore Januszewski, Frank Januszewski, Mrs. Honurata Januszkiewicz, Mrs. Johanna Javens, Mrs. Nellie Jaworski, Mr. & Mrs. T. Jastrzebowski, Rose Jastrzebowski, Mr. & Mrs. Walter Jesiolowski, Joseph Jesiolowski, Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Jesko, Wanda Joganic, Mr. & Mrs. John Johnbreir, Mrs. Mary Ann Johnston, Mr. & Mrs. Frank Jones, Mr. & Mrs. Barton Joos, Mrs. Bertha Jordan, Irene Jordan, Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Jordan, Mr. & Mrs. Louis & Family Joyce, Howard Kaczmarek, Mr. & Mrs. Charles Kaduck, Mr. & Mrs. Stephen & Family Kaduck, Mr. & Mrs. William Kalchthaler Bertha Kalchthaler, Mrs. Frank Kalchthaler, Herman Kalchthaler, Mrs. Mathilda Kalchthaler, William Kalinowski, Constance Kalinowski, Mr. & Mrs. John Kaminski, Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Kaminski, Mrs. C. Karauski, Anna Karauski, Josephine Karauski, Peter Karauski, Wallace Karlovits, Mr. & Mrs. Frank, Jr. Karlovits, Mr. & Mrs. John Karlovits, Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Karoleski, Edward Karoleski, Francis Karoleski, Mrs. Victoria Kasiulin, Mr. & Mrs. Frank Kassalen, Mrs. Caroline Kassalen, Joseph Kassalen, Mary Kawalski, Anna Keane, John Keane, Mrs. Frances Kearns, Mrs. E. Keksz, Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Keksz, Mr. & Mrs. Paul & Family Kelecic, Mr. & Mrs. Frank Keller, Mr. & Mrs. John & Family Kelly, Mrs. Agnes Kelly, Mrs. Josephine Kelsch, Mr. & Mrs. John Keri, Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Kern, Mr. & Mrs. Frank Kern, William Kerner, A. A. Kerner, Harry Kerner, Peter, Jr. Kerstien, Mr. & Mrs. Albert Kerstien, Mr. & Mrs. Edward & Family Kerstien, Mr. & Mrs. George Kerstien, Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence & Fam. Kerstien, Mrs. Mary Killian, Mr. & Mrs. Bernard Kime, Mr. & Mrs. James Kims, Stanley King, Mrs. Anna King, Sara King, Mr. & Mrs. William Kins, Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Kins, Henry Klaas, Anna Klatman, Mrs. S. J. Klavon, Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Klayner, Mrs. Pauline & Family Kleiber, Mrs. Magdalen Kleiber, Mr. & Mrs. S. Klein, Mr. & Mrs. A. Klingaman, Mrs. Charles Klipp, Mr. & Mrs. Paul Klonowski, Mary ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 207 PARISHIONERS AND PATRONS Klonowski, Mrs. P. Klozek, Mrs. Nellie Kluczkowski, Mr. & Mrs. S. Kobe, Mr. & Mrs. S. Kober, Joseph Kobser, George Kobser, Mr. & Mrs. Michael Kobus, Mr. & Mrs. Stanley Koerner, Mrs. Emma Koerner, Hedwig Kohler, Mr. & Mrs. Frank Kohler, Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Kohler, Mary Kohler, Mildred Kolek, Mr. & Mrs. John Kolesar, Mr. & Mrs. George Kolesar, Susan Kolling, Anna May Kolling, Christ Kolling, Mr. & Mrs. Ralph Koncic, Genevieve Kopp, Mr. & Mrs. Benedict Koprowski, Mr. & Mrs. S. Korff, Mr. & Mrs. C. Korzywski, Mr. & Mrs. Walter Kosakowsky, Mrs. Emily Kosakowsky, Sabina Kosogovits, Mr. & Mrs. J. Koss, Joseph Kowalewski, Beatrice Kowalewski, Mr. & Mrs. M. Kowalski, Anna Kowalski, Mrs. G. Kotz, Mr. & Mrs. Frank Kovalick, Mr. & Mrs. Charles Kowalska, Mrs. Helen Kowalski, Stanley Kowalski, Mr. & Mrs. Z. Kozicziemski, Mr. & Mrs. Jos. Koziemski, Stanley Kozub, Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas Krakovsky, Mrs. Anna Krakovsky, Stephen Krakowsky, Mr. & Mrs. John & Family Kramer, Albert Kramer, Anna Kramer, Bertha Kramer, Mrs. Marie Kramm, Mr. & Mrs. Herman Kramm, Mathilda Kramm. Philip & Family Kramm. Rose Krebs, Mr. & Mrs. H. Kreckler, Antonia Kress, Bertha Kress, Mrs. Elizabeth Kress, Mr. & Mrs. Frank Kress, Marie Kress, Martha Kress, Mathilda Kress, Peter Kress, William Krupa, Charles Krupa, Mr. & Mrs. John Krupski, Mr. & Mrs. Leo, Sr. Krupski, Leo, Jr. Krusas, Jessie Ktuszewska, Stella Ktuszewska, Mrs. \Vm. Kuban, Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Kuban, Mary Kubicsek, Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Kuzmic, Mr. & Mrs. John Kukieza, Mrs. Anna Kulbacka, Mary Kulikowski, Mr. & Mrs. John Kulinski, Mr. & Mrs. Jos. Kunkel, Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Kunkel. Martha Kuntz, Mr. & Mrs. Jos. Kuntz, Mrs. Frances Kutosken, Edward Kuzmic, John Kuzmic, Mary Kuzmicki, Mr. & Mrs. Leo Kwech, Mrs. Marie Kwias, Mr. & Mrs. Walter Kwiatek, Mr. & Mrs. Charles Kwiatek, Mr. & Mrs. Walter & Family Kwiatkowski, Mrs. Catherine Kwiatkowski, Theodore Kwiecinski, Mrs. C. Labbe, Mr. & Mrs. Edward Lach, Mr. & Mrs. A. & Family Lackner, Margaret Lake, Dorothy Lake, Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Lakits, Mr. & Mrs. Paul & Family Lakits, Theresa Lako, Mr. & Mrs. George Lampert, Mr. & Mrs. Edward Lang, Mrs. Mary Lankemeyer, Mr. & Mrs. Leo Lankemeyer, Robert Lankiewicz, Mrs. Anna ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 208 PARISHIONERS AND PATRONS Larkin, David Laskowski, Mr. & Mrs. Jos. Lasky, Mr. & Mrs. John Lasky, Robert Lauber, Kate Law, Mr. & Mrs. John Leas, Mr. & Mrs. Paul Leber, C. C. Leber, Marcella Legath, Mary Leheny, Mrs. Mary Leisman, Clara Leisman, George Lelia, Mrs. Alexander Lelia, Eleanor Leonard, Mr. & Mrs. R. Leonarski, Mrs. Victoria Lewandowski, Mr. & Mrs. C. Lewicki, Helen Lewicki, Mrs. Mary Lienemann, Mrs. Mary Likavec, Mr. & Mrs. John & Family Limpert, Mr. & Mrs. Frank Limpert, Mr. & Mrs. Philip Lindenfelser, Joseph Lipinski, Sylvester Lipinski, Mr. & Mrs. V. Lippert, Mr. & Mrs. Carl Lison, Mr. & Mrs. Jos., Jr. Lison, Joseph, Sr. Lisivick, Edward Liverspire. Mr. & Mrs. W. Loebig, Mrs. Gertrude Lopinto, Mr. & Mrs. Frank Lopinto, Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Lopinto, Mrs. Josephine Lopinto, Rose Marie Los, Mr. & Mrs. John Lott, Mr. & Mrs. Chester Loucks, Mr. & Mrs. Harry Lowrie, Mr. & Mrs. W. Lucas, Catherine Lucas, James, Mr. & Mrs., Sr. Lucas, Virginia Lucko, Alma Lucko, Mr. & Mrs. John Luczak, Casimir Lutkowski, Anthony Lutkowski, Edmund Lutkowski, Mrs. Frances Lutz, Mr. & Mrs. Adolph, Jr. Lutz, Mr. & Mrs. Adolph, Sr. Lutz, Florian Lutz, Joseph Lutz, Ms. Magdalene Lydon, Paul Lyman, Mr. & Mrs. John & Family Lynch, William Lynd, Mr. & Mrs. Frank Lynd, Rita Lysakowski, Mr. & Mrs. A. McAleer, Mr. & Mrs. T. McCormick, Jos. McGinnis, Mr. & Mrs. John, Sr. McGinnis, John, Jr. McGinnis, Mr. & Mrs. Regis McGregor, James McGregor, Mrs. Pearl McGregor, William P. McKelvey, Joseph McKelvey, Laura McKelvey, Mrs. Sophia McKenzie, Mr. & Mrs. George McLaughlin, Mr. & Mrs. F. McLean, Mr. & Mrs. F. McNeill, S. McNulty, Mrs. Geo. McShane, Agnes Mack, Mrs. Dora Mackiewicz, Mr. & Mrs. A. Mackinowski, Florence Mackinowski, H. Mackowski, Mr. & Mrs. A. Madden, W. Madjerac, Mr. & Mrs. Jos. Maglich, Mrs. Anna Maglich, Eleanor Maglich, Ferdinand Maglich, Lillian Maguire, Mrs. Mary Maier, Mr. & Mrs. V. Maier, Grace Maisel, Mr. & Mrs. George & Family Makary, John, Jr. Makary, Mr. & Mrs. John, Sr. Makary, Patricia Manchester, Mr. & Mrs. B. Mangis, Mrs. Amelia Manski, Harry Manski, Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Manuel, Mr. & Mrs. A. Maranowski, Mrs. Bernard Marchitella, Mr. & Mrs. A. Marchitella, Angelina Marchitella, Peter ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 209 PARISHIONERS AND PATRONS Marchlewitz, Mr. & Mrs. H. Marchlewitz, Clara Marchlewitz, Helen Marchlewitz, Mrs. Mary Marinach, Mr. & Mrs. A. Marinack, Mr. & Mrs. John Marinick, Mr. & Mrs. Martin Markowski, Mr. & Mrs. E. Markowski, Leo Markowski, Mrs. Mary Markowski, Mildred Marlovits, Mr. & Mrs. Chas. Marlovits, Marie Marshelivits, Geo. Martin, Mrs. Eleanor Masterson, Mrs. Frank Masterson, Frank, Jr. Mattox, Mrs. Mary Matz, Mrs. Carl Mauro, Mr. & Mrs. Louis May, Mr. & Mrs. John & Family Meade, Mr. & Mrs. Frank Meade, Paul Meiss, Margaret Meiss, Mrs. Mary Meixner, Cecilia Melchert, August Melchior, Mrs. Margaret & Family Messner, John Messner, Mr. & Mrs. Jos. Meyers, Mrs. Chas. Meyers, Michael Miczak, Mr. & Mrs. Jos. Mikolajczyk, Mr. & Mrs. F. Miksic, Charles Miksic, Margaret Mikszan, Mr. & Mrs. A. Mikszan, Mrs. Helen Mikszan, Mr. & Mrs. Jos. Mikulan, Mr. & Mrs. George & Family Milewski, Mr. & Mrs. A. Milewski, Frank J. Milewski, Mrs. Helen Milewski, Mrs. Pauline Milheizler, Joseph Miller, Anna Miller, Mr. & Mrs. B. Miller, Mr. & Mrs. C. Miller, Constance Miller, Mr. & Mrs. Harry Miller, Mrs. Magdelene Miller, Mary Miller, Mr. & Mrs. Peter Miller, Ralph Miller, Mrs. Rose Miller, Mr. & Mrs. Wm. Milly, Mr. & Mrs. Paul Minahan, Mr. & Mrs. T. Misavage, Anna Missey, Joseph Mistorz, Mr. & Mrs. Walter & Family Mittereder, Regina Mizgorski, Mr. & Mrs. S. & Family Mocarski, Mr. & Mrs. V. Modzelewski, Mrs. R. Moffat, Mr. & Mrs. Charles Moffat, Florence Moffat, George Moffat, Grace Moffat, Mr. & Mrs. Jos., Jr. Moffat, Mrs. Jos., Sr. Moffat, Rose Moloney, Mrs. Anna Monroe, Mrs. Anna Moore, Mr. & Mrs. E. Moran, Mr. & Mrs. M. Morch, Albert Morch, Mary Morin, Mr. & Mrs. H. Morris, Peter Morth, Theresa Mosakowski, Mr. & Mrs. R. Motichak, Margaret Mudge, Mrs. T. Muesser, August, Jr. Muesser, August, Sr. Muesser, Mr. & Mrs. Harry Mulholland, Mrs. Bertha Murowski, Mr. & Mrs. S. Muszynski, Mr. & Mrs. J. Napierkowski, Frank Navolinski, Alphonse Navolinski, Mr. & Mrs. Jos. Naylor, Grace Needham, Mr. & Mrs. T. E. Nehring, Bernard Nehring, Paul Neinhouser, Mrs. Mary Neinhouser, Philomena Neinhouser, Wilfrid Nemth, Philomena Nemth, Mrs. Theresa Neppack, Mrs. Wm. Neske, Mr. & Mrs. Fred Neske, John ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 210 PARISHIONERS AND PATRONS Neubert, Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Neumeister, Mrs. Elizabeth Neumeister, Rosella Nevergold, Frank Nichols, Mrs. Marie Nichols, Ruth Nickel, Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Nickel, Mr. & Mrs. John Nickel, Mary Cecilia Nickel, Monica Nickel, Rose Marie Nieman, Mrs. Elizabeth & Family Nieman, Mr. & Mrs. J. Noble, Mr. & Mrs. William Noullet, Mrs. E. Noullet, Mrs. J. Noullett, Mr. & Mrs. Oscar Novak, Mr. & Mrs. John Novak, Mary Novara, Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Nowicki, John Nowicki, Mrs. Joseph Nye, Mr. & Mrs. F. Oberly, Mrs. May Oberz, Mr. & Mrs. John Ochsenhirt, Mrs. Mary Odowski, Mr. & Mrs. Frank Odowski, Herman Odowski, Mr. & Mrs. William Oft, Anthony O'Leary, Mr. & Mrs. Charles Olsen, Mrs. E. Olsen, Mary Olszewski, Mr. & Mrs. S. Olszewski, Mr. & Mrs. John Olszewski, Mr. & Mrs. Jos. Olzewski, Mrs. Frances Omasits, Mr. & Mrs. Frank Omasits, Mr. & Mrs. J. Omasits, Stephen O'Neil, Mrs. John O'Neil, Gertrude Orban, Mr. & Mrs. John Ordakowski, Mr. & Mrs. Frank & Fam. Orga, Mr. & Mrs. A. Orga, Mr. & Mrs. James & Family Osmanski, Mrs. Laura Osmanski, Sarah Ostrowski, Mr. & Mrs. J. Ostrowski, Josephine Ostrowski, Mary Ostrowski, Mr. & Mrs. Walter Overington, Alice Pachuca, Mr. & Mrs. Peter Pahucas, Mn & Mrs. T. Pahucas, Albina Pakowski, Mr. & Mrs. John Palmer, Mr. & Mrs. S. Papciak, Mr. & Mrs. Henry Papciak, Mrs. Mary Papciak, Raymond Paprocki, Mr. & Mrs. S. Parolski, Mr. & Mrs. Chas. Paul, Mrs. Robert Paulick, Mrs. Stephen Paulovkin, Mr. & Mrs. John Pavlkovic, Anna Pavlkovic, Rose Pawlak, Mr. & Mrs. Harry Pawlak, Mr. & Mrs. Walter Pazder, Madeline Pazder, Peter Pearman, Mr. & Mrs. Louis Pecuikas, Mr. & Mrs. John & Family Pelkofer, Mr. & Mrs. Fred Pelusi, Clare Penar, Mr. & Mrs. John Peoples, Mr. & Mrs. James Peoples, Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Perkoski, Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Perzy, Frank Petrinec, Mrs. Anna Petrokovich, Mr. & Mrs. Frank Petrokovich, Mr. & Mrs. Stephan Petti, Mr. & Mrs. John & Family Petti, Mr. & Mrs. Stephan & Family Pfeil, Jos., Sr. Pfohl, Harry Pfohl, Mr. & Mrs. Leo Piantkowski, Mr. & Mrs. Frank Piantkowski, Joseph Piantkowski, Wanda Piasecki, Mr. & Mrs. D. Pilgrim, Mr. & Mrs. Clarence Pilin, Mr. & Mrs. Alex. W. Piotrowski, Mr. & Mrs. Theodore Piotrowski, Frances Pischke, Jos. T. Plank, Mrs. Caroline & Family Platz, Mr. & Mrs. Frank Platz, Mr. & Mrs. George Podorski, Mrs. Anna Polk, Mr. & Mrs. Philip Pongrac, Mr. & Mrs. George & Family ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 211 PARISHIONERS AND PATRONS Popinski, Mr. & Mrs. John Popovitz, Mr. & Mrs. Frank, Jr. Popovitz, Mr. & Mrs. Frank, Sr. Popp, Mrs. Anna Mary Pottmeyer, Mrs. Ida & Family Pozeg, Stephen Prascovitz, Mr. & Mrs. S. Prascovitz, Anna Praxmaier, Mrs. Ida Predis, Stanley Pricer, Mrs. Mary Prikryl, Mr. & Mrs. Charles Probul, Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Pruszynski, Mr. & Mrs. Walter Prymas, Mrs. Frances Przybysz, Albert Puchka, Mrs. Veronica Puchka, Bernard Puchka, Lottie Puder, Mr. & Mrs. John & Family Puhl, Mr. & Mrs. Robert Purnell, Mr. & Mrs. Albert Pusateri, Mr. & Mrs. Charles Quering, Mr. & Mrs. Frank J. Rabel, Mr. & Mrs. Emil Radzawitz, Mrs. Cath. & Family Radziminska, Catherine Raffel, Mary Raible, Albert Raible, Elizabeth Raible, Leo Rakiecz, Anna Rakow, Mr. & Mrs. Albert Rakow, Fred Rakow, Paul Randol, Mr. & Mrs. Albert, Jr. Randol, Mr. & Mrs. Albert, Sr. & Fam. Rattay, Mr. & Mrs. John & Family Rau, Mr. & Mrs. Joseph & Family Reckhouse, Mrs. Mary & Family Redeker, Mrs. Philomena Redshaw, Mrs. Augusta Redshaw, William Regan, Mrs. Mary Reger, Mrs. Frances Reger, Mary Reiman, Joseph Reiman, Mary Reith, Mr. & Mrs. Herman Reith. Mr. & Mrs. Louis Reith, Mr. & Mrs. Paul Reitz, Mrs. Anna Remke, Mr. & Mrs. Jos. Repa, John Repas, Mrs. Victoria Reynolds, Frank Rhein, Mr. & Mrs. Aloysius Rhein, Anthony J. Rhein, Mr. & Mrs. Joseph & Family Rhein, Mrs. Louise Rhodes, Mr. & Mrs. Charles Rickets, Mr. & Mrs. Edward Ricketts, Mrs. Mary & Family Riedel, Mr. & Mrs. A. & Family Riegler, Mr. & Mrs. C. Rimkevic, Mr. & Mrs. P. Riott, Mr. & Mrs. Harry Riott, Frank Rixner, Mr. & Mrs. Jacob Rixner, Mr. & Mrs. Jos. Rixner, Mr. & Mrs. Michael Robic, Mrs. Barbara & Family Robinson, Mrs. Grace Rodgers, George & Family Romer, Mr. & Mrs. John Romer, Mr. & Mrs. M. Romer, Nellie Rose, Daniel Rose, Catherine Rose, Mr. & Mrs. Philip Rosek, Mrs. Mary & Family Ross, Mrs. James & Family Ross, Mr. & Mrs. John Roth, Catherine Roth, Mrs. Catherine Roth, Louis Rozniata, Mr. & Mrs. Chester Rozycki, Mr. & Mrs. Walter Rudzke, Mr. & Mrs. Bernard & Family Russell, Edward Russell, Mrs. Gertrude Rutondo, Joseph Rygielski, Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Saar, Albert Saar, Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence Sakach, Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Salac, Herbert Salac, Mr. & Mrs. M. Sasse, Mr. & Mrs. John Sasse, Valentine Sauer, Caroline Sauer, John Saxon, Mr. & Mrs. Paul ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 212 PARISHIONERS AND PATRONS Scarola, Mrs. Anna Schackmar, Mr. & Mrs. Leo Schaefers, Mr. & Mrs. Wm. & Family Schaffer, Mr. & Mrs. F. Schaffer, S. L. Schaffer, Mrs. Mary Schano, Chas. Scheeser, Mrs. Henrietta Scheeser, Mr. & Mrs. Herbert Scheeser, Mr. & Mrs. Michael Scheid, Mr. & Mrs. William Schelich, Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Scherm, Mr. & Mrs. Andrew, Jr. Scherm, Mr. & Mrs. Andrew, Sr. Schiegg, Mr. & Mrs. Leonard Schiller, Helen Schiller, Henry Schiller, William Schiller, Mary Schiller, Mr. & Mrs. Paul Schilling, Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Schilling, Mr. & Mrs. Jos. A. Schillo, Amelia Schillo, Mrs. Mary Schimph, Mrs. John, Sr. Schimph, John, Jr. Schivins, Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Schlotthauer, Mrs. Anna Schmeck, Mr. & Mrs. George Schmer, John Schmid, Frank Schmid, Minnie Schmidt, Mr. & Mrs. Frank Schmidt, Mr. & Mrs. Paul, Jr. Schmidt, Mr. & Mrs. Paul, Sr. & Family Schmieder, Mrs. Augustine Schmolder, Mrs. Pauline & Family Schmolder, Marie Schneider, Frank Schneider, Mr. & Mrs. William Scholl, Clementine Scholl, Olivia Scholl, Mary Scholl, Rose Schott, Clara Schramm, Mrs. Angeline Schranner, Mr. & Mrs. A. Schreiber, Theresa Schreider, Mr. & Mrs. Leo Schrode, Mr. & Mrs. R. Schultz, Mr. & Mrs. A. J. Schultz, Agnes Schultz, Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Schultz, Mr. & Mrs. Joseph, Sr. Schultz, Mr. & Mrs. Stephen & Family Schumacher, Mary Schumaker, Dorothy Schwartz, Mrs. Peter Schwer, Mr. & Mrs. Walter, Sr. & Fam. Scott, Mrs. Margaret Scott, Mr. & Mrs. Ralph Seemiller, Mr. Louis Seger, Charles Seger, Mr. & Mrs. John Seger, Mr. & Mrs. John L. Segreti, Magdaline Segriff, Mr. & Mrs. Francis Seifried, Mr. & Mrs. Clarence Seiler, Mr. & Mrs. Valentine Senge, Edward Senge, Mrs. Elizabeth Senge, Theresa Sengs, Mr. & Mrs. Michael Sepanski, Mr. & Mrs. C. Sestrich, Mr. & Mrs. T. Shafer, Mrs. Rosina Shalamunec, Mr. & Mrs. George Shannon, Mr. & Mrs. Oliver Shaul, Mrs. H. Siegel, Mr. & Mrs. Elmer Sieminski, Agnes Sieminski, John Sienko, Mr. & Mrs. Charles Silicki, Mr. & Mrs. Frank Simons, Helen Simons, Mrs. Marie Singer, Mr. & Mrs. John Sladic, Mr. N. Slazenski, Mr. & Mrs. B. Slazenski, Mr. & Mrs. Stephen & Fam. Smith, Mr. & Mrs. Charles Smith, Margaret Slean, Mr. & Mrs. J. A. Slinis, Ursula Smithhammer, Mr. & Mrs. George Smithhammer, K. Smolder, Mrs. Catherine & Family Snyder, Mrs. Barbara & Family Socks, Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Sollinger, Mr. & Mrs. M. & Family Somerfeld. Mrs. Lena Sonick, Mr. & Mrs. Joseph & Family Sonnefeld, Mr. & Mrs. Frank Sonnefeld, Rose Soska, Amelia Soska, John ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 213 PARISHIONERS AND PATRONS Speth, Mr. & Mrs. William & Family Spilecki, Mrs. Clara Splane, Mrs. Mary Stack, Mr. & Mrs. Edward Stadelman, Mr. & Mrs. Bernard & Fam. Stadelman, Robert Stadelman, Rose Stagner, Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Stagner, Anna Stagner, Edward Stajduhar, Mrs. A. Stajminger, Frances Stajminger, Thomas Stanick, Joseph Stanick, Mrs. Stephania Stanzck, Mrs. Agnes Stanzck, Paul Stapf, Adelaide Stapf, Mr. & Mrs. William Stapf, Mr. & Mrs. Ralph Stapushatis, Mr. & Mrs. A. Starczewski, Mr. & Mrs. W. Starr, Mr. & Mrs. Henry Starr, Mrs. Anna Starr, Bernard Starr, Mr. & Mrs. Leo Starr, Esther Starr, Herman Starr, Mr. & Mrs. Starr, Agnes Starr, George Starr, Lawrence Starr, Leonard Starr, John Starr, Raymond Stasiak, Mr. & Mrs. Paul & Family Staudt, Mr. & Mrs. Wm. & Family Steffel, Mr. & Mrs. Charles, Jr. Steffel, Charles, Sr. Stehle, Mr. & Mrs. F. & Family Steigerwald, Mr. & Mrs. John Steigner, Mrs. Fred Stein, Mr. & Mrs. Jacob Steinkirchner, Mr. & Mrs. Jos. & Fam. Steinkirchner, Edward Steinkirchner, Mrs. T. & Fam. Sterzinger, Mr. & Mrs. Fred Stierer, Mr. & Mrs. George Stiglich, Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Stiglich, Mr. & Mrs. Jacob & Family Stoltz, Mrs. Margaret Straka, Mr. & Mrs. G. A. Strathmann, Mr. & Mrs. Wm. Straznick, Mr. & Mrs. Jos. Stroebel, Mrs. Caroline Stroebel, Frances Strom, Mrs. Walter Stuparits, Mr. & Mrs. Alex. & Family Stutzmann, Mrs. Julia & Family Sudaz, Mrs. Marie Sudetic, Mr. & Mrs. John Sudetich, Mr. & Mrs. George Suewer, Elizabeth Sufak, Mr. & Mrs, Jos., Jr. Sufak, Mr. & Mrs. Jos., Sr. Sullivan, Mr. & Mrs. B. Suppert, Mrs. Anna Swaney, Mr. & Mrs. George & Family Swaney, Mrs. Magdalin Swarts, Mrs. Marie Sweeney, Mr. & Mrs. Charles Sweeny, Mrs. Margaret Szafran, Mr. & Mrs. Frank Szarmach, Mr. & Mrs. Walter Szazynski, Mrs. T. Szczepanski, Alice Szczepanski, Mr. & Mrs. M. Szily, Mr. & Mrs. A. J. Szolis, Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Szpita, Catherine Tamulinas, Mr. Frank Targacz, Mr. & Mrs. Peter Tedesco, Mrs. Anthony Tedesco, Charles Teese, Mr. & Mrs. Harry Temple, Mr. & Mrs. Eugene Tenure, Mrs. Elmer Tercsak, Mary Terczak, Mr. & Mrs. Jos. Terczak, Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Thiery, Mr. & Mrs. John Thompson, Mrs. Philomena & Family Tkac, Mrs. Mary Trabert, August Trabert, Joseph Trabert, Russell Trabert, Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Trakofler, Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Trakofler, Frank Trakofler, Gregory Trakofler, Mrs. Marie Traum, Mr. & Mrs. Frank, Sr. Trojanowski, Mrs. Helen Troy, Mr. & Mrs. Frank Truszkowski, Mr. & Mrs. F. ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 214 PARISHIONERS AND PATRONS Truxel, Mrs. Irene Tuke, Mr. & Mrs. Alfred Tumelty, Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Tysarczyk, Mr. & Mrs. Charles Uhrin, Mr. & Mrs. John, Jr. Uhrin, Mr. & Mrs. John, Sr. Uhrin, Mr. & Mrs. Joseph, Jr. Uhrin, Michael Uhrin, Stephen Ulewicz, Mr. & Mrs. Peter & Family Urban, Mr. & Mrs. Anthony, Sr. Urbaniak, Mr. & Mrs. Vincent Vajdetic, Mr. & Mrs. Mark Valentine, Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Vallo, Mr. & Mrs. Peter Vaniels, Mr. & Mrs. W. Varasse, Mr. & Mrs. Charles Veiders, Mrs. Sophia Veiders, Gertrude Vilsack, Mrs. Louisa Voelker, Mr. & Mrs. Benjamin Voelker, Joseph Voelker, Mr. & Mrs. Frank Vogel, Mr. & Mrs. F. A. & Family Vogel, Bertha Vogel, Edward J. Vogel, Mr. & Mrs. Gerald Vogel, Helen Vogel, Michael Vogel, Valentine Vonderhoe, Anna Vukelja, Mr. & Mrs. W. Vukmanic, Anna Vukmanic, Joseph Vukmanic, Jennie Vukmanic, Frank, Jr. Vukmanic, Peter Wahl, Mr. & Mrs. Andrew & Family Waibel, Mrs. Mary Walch, Mrs. Marie Wald, Anna Wald, Elizabeth Walter, Airs. Margaret Walters, Mrs. Edward Walters, Mrs. Wm. Walz, Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Warick, Mrs. Helen & Family Wassell, Mr. & Mrs. John Weber, Albert Wegert, John Wegert, Lawrence, Sr. Wegznek, Mr. & Mrs. S. Wegznek, Nellie Weisner, Mr. & Mrs. Bernard Weisner, Agnes Weissner, Mr. & Mrs. Leo Weissner, Ruth Weleditch, Mr. & Mrs. Peter Welsch, Mr. & Mrs. Charles Wendolowski, Mr. & Mrs. A. Wenger, Theresa Werries, Mr. & Mrs. Matthew N. & Fam. Wertz, Philomena Wesneski, Joseph West, Mrs. Margaret West, E. A. Westerman, Cecilia Wheatley, Mrs. Mary Wieczorek, Mr. & Mrs. Bruno Wieczorek, Rita Wierzbicka, Nellie Wietrzykowski, Mr. & Mrs. Al. Wiggert, Mrs. William, Ethel Wilson, Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Wirkowski, Mr. & Mrs. A. Wingert, Daniel Wirth, Mr. & Mrs. Edward, Jr. Wirth, Mr. & Mrs. Edward, Sr. Wiskowski, Mrs. Mary Wisnierski, Mrs. Joseph Wisnierski, Margaret Wisniewski, Mrs. Nellie Wisniewski, Mr. & Mrs. Steve Witanski, Mr. & Mrs. Albert & Family Witkowski, Mr. Theodore Wittig, Catherine Wittig, Mrs. Elizabeth Wittig, Louis Wojdyla, Mrs. Anna Wojdyla, Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Wojlowski, Mr. & Mrs. John Wolfersberger, Mrs. Eva Wolff, Geraldine Wolff, Mrs. Mary Wollowicz, Mrs. Frances Wollowicz, Mr. & Mrs. John Wolowic, Francis, Jr. Wright, Mr. & Mrs. Joseph & Family Wroblewski, Mr. & Mrs. John Wukitch, Mr. & Mrs. Frank, Sr. & Fam. Wyborski, Mr. & Mrs. Stanley Wyzkowski, Mr. & Mrs. Charles ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 215 PARISHIONERS AND PATRONS Yackovich, Mr. & Mrs. E. & Family Yaman, Mrs. Leslie Yeschke, Mr. & Mrs. Rudolph Yoos, Mrs. Regina Yost, Florentine Yost, Julius Zalagens, Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Zaleski, Mr. & Mrs. Edward Zalewski, Mr. & Mrs. W. & Family Zapalauski, Mr. & Mrs. J. Zaremba, Helen Zawart, John Zawart, John, Jr. Zawart, John, Sr. Zbikowski, Mrs. Mary Zelenzjak, Mr. & Mrs. Stanley & Family Zemaitis, Mr. & Mrs. George Zenk, Bertha Zerr, Mr. & Mrs. Frank Zeus, Barbara Zeus, Philip Zevinski, Jane Zgeb, Frank Ziecina, Mr. & Mrs. Stanley Ziecina, Mr. & Mrs. George, Jr. Ziecina, Mr. & Mrs. George, Sr. & Family Ziegler, Mr. & Mrs. Frank Zielinski, Mr. & Mrs. Jos., Sr. Zimmer, Frances M. Zimmerman, Mr. & Mrs. John Zinsser, Mr. & Mrs. Edward Zinsser, Charles Zinsser, Mrs. Tillie Zinsmeister, Helen Zinsmeister, Ida Zinsmeister, Louis Zinsmeister, Mary Ziolkowska, Rose Zmuda, Mr. & Mrs. John Zvaleny, Mrs. John ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 216 THE ARSENAL BANK OF PITTSBURGH 4300 Butler Street Pittsburgh, Pa. The Oldest Bank in Lawrenceville District Organized, March 20, 1872 (Member of Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation) UNDERWOOD Portable Typewriters A model for every purpose at a price for every purse. Portable Typewriter Division Underwood Elliott Fisher Co. ONE PARK AVENUE, NEW YORK, N. Y. Sales and Service Everywhere 1928 — 1938 PITTSBURGH'S LARGEST CHURCH CLEANING AND SCAFFOLDING CONTRACTORS For courtesies extended cleaning St. Augustine's Church SUPERIOR Building Maintenance Co. 1133 W. NORTH AVENUE, PITTSBURGH, PA. FA 7259 Established 1890 JOSEPH POLI CO. MANUFACTURERS OF Ecclesiastical Statuary MARBLE ALTARS, RAILINGS, FONTS, ETC Church Interior Decorating 1704-6-8 FIFTH AVENUE PITTSBURGH, PA. Office: ATlantic 9037 Res.: EVerglade 8187 ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 217 COMPLIMENTS OF ALBERT B. HENNINGER FUNERAL HOME 4721 BUTLER STREET Phone: SChenley 2420 Compliments of A FRIEND ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 218 The Edward O'Toole Co. Incorporated CHURCH GOODS 65 BARCLAY STREET NEW YORK, N. Y. Compiments of A FRIEND AT. 0892 Casimir J. Pellegrini Registered Architect 1304 KEENAN BLDG. PITTSBURGH, PA. Member of Pgh. City Planning Commission A. I. ROOT CO. MANUFACTURERS OF 100% Pure Beeswax, Hand Rolled Candles & Bottle Sanctuary Lights J. E. PURTELL, Representative PITTSBURGH, PA. ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 219 Winter Is Coming Be prepared by installing Iron Fireman Automatic Coal Burners American Radiators and Boilers Sunbeam Air Conditioning Units No Down Payment-3 Years to Pay Phone Court 3151 SULLIVAN ENGINEERING CO. 712 INVESTMENT BUILDING Office Phone—SChenley 5891 Home Phone—MOntrose 9106 JAS. A. SWEENEY PLUMBING CONTRACTOR 3808 BUTLER STREET PITTSBURGH, PA. ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 220 "Twenty-one Progressive Years in Pennsylvania" The Knights Life Insurance Company of America "FAITHFUL PROTECTOR OF YOUR FAMILY" The largest Company writing both Industrial and Ordinary insurance, confining its activities to a Single State. JOSEPH H. REIMAN, President HOME OFFICE—Corner Ridge Ave. and Galveston St, N. S., Pittsburgh, Pa. DISTRICT OFFICES Pittsburgh No. 1—Bessemer Bldg., Sixth St. and Duquesne Way Pittsburgh No. 2—Regent Bldg., Penn and Highland Ayes., E. E. Pittsburgh No 3—Republic Bldg., Sandusky & E. Ohio Sts., N. S. Compliments of ST. AUGUSTINE PARISH FEDERAL CREDIT UNION Supervised by Federal Government - Officered by Members of the Parish JOIN FOR CO-OPERATIVE THRIFT AND CREDIT Meets every Tuesday evening from 7 to 9 in Parish Library J. Z. Yoest, Radio and Electric Shop PHONE SCHENLEY 4907 Sales - Service All Makes of Radios Registered Electrician and Contractor SALES — R. C. A. SOUND — SERVICE THE SOUND SYSTEM IN THIS CHURCH IS ONE OF OUR INSTALLATIONS Compliments of THE CATHOLIC KNIGHTS OF ST. GEORGE BR. 5 OF ST. AUGUSTINE PARISH President: A. R. KOLLING Secy.-Treas.: JOHN J. RODGERS ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 221 Notary Public Phone—Schenley 7444 John J. McKenna, Jas. A. Gribbin, Jos. T. Peoples, Matt J. Werries GRIBBIN COMPANY REAL ESTATE—INSURANCE Renting and Collecting a Specialty Fire and Auto Insurance 3621 BUTLER STREET COMPLIMENTS OF O. J. GOETZ FUNERAL HOME Serving the Community for over Forty Years 3509 PENN AVENUE SChenley 5386 HIland 2215 ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 222 Compliments of ST. AUGUSTINE CASINO A CLUB FOR MEMBERS OF ST. AUGUSTINE PARISH 1904 — 1938 Congratulations from ST. RAPHAEL SOCIETY THE OLDEST SOCIETY IN THE PARISH 1869 — 1938 Churches, Schools, Banks, Residences E. J. RIHN INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR PAINTING AND DECORATING 452-44TH STREET, E. E. SC. 6643 Estimates Furnished MAyflower 4407 SChenley 7955 RIXNER BROS. ICE —:— COAL —:— COKE Leave Orders at 4215 CALVIN STREET - 5101 CORAL STREET - 4429 MILGATE STREET PITTSBURGH, PA. ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 223 1871 1938 COMPLIMENTS OF THE ARCH - CONFRATERNITY CHRISTIAN MOTHERS OF ST. AUGUSTINE PARISH "The Backbone of the Parish" ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 224 EDWARD F. KIRSCH HARRY J. KIRSCH Phone: ATlantic 6595 JACOB KIRSCH COMPANY Sheet Metal Workers ALL KINDS OF ROOFING AND SPOUTING Furnaces Vacuum Cleaned and Repaired 3234 PENN AVENUE PITTSBURGH, PA. THE PITTSBURGH BREWING COMPANY makers of IRON CITY LAGER DUTCH CLUB BEER TECH ICE CREAM IRON CITY PILSENER FOX HUNT ALE PRODUCTS extend congratulations to ST. AUGUSTINE'S CHURCH On your Seventy-fifth Jubilee Anniversary "Make your dollars have more cents" JUNCTION COAL AND COKE COMPANY MAIN OFFICE: 3410 PENN AVENUE YARDS: 33rd & LIBERTY AVENUE ALL GRADES OF DOMESTIC COAL AND COKE Telephone SChenley 7733 COMPLIMENTS OF NEUSER'S PHARMACY 3701 Butler Street - SChenley 2785 ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 225 IRON FIREMAN Heatmaker Installed in your present furnace on Special Easy Terms. Limited time only Here is your opportunity to have the finest, cheapest, most dependable automatic heating ever offered. Ask us about new low price and special terms in effect for limited time only. No obligation; inquire today. DRAVO CORPORATION GENERAL OFFICES DRAVO BUILDING EICHENLAUB FOR BETTER FURNITURE TWO STORES 3501-3503 BUTLER ST. 814-816 FEDERAL ST., N. S. M. N. WERRIES "Men' s Fixings" HATS AND FURNISHINGS 3629 BUTLER STREET CORNER THIRTY-SEVENTH ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 226 COMPLIMENTS OF BLESSED VIRGIN SODALITY OF ST. AUGUSTINE PARISH COMPLIMENTS OF HOLY NAME SOCIETY OF ST. AUGUSTINE PARISH A FRIEND COMPLIMENTS OF Ladies Auxiliary of Knights of St. John St. Mary's Auxiliary "86" ST. AUGUSTINE PARISH COMPLIMENTS OF HILLSIDE STONE & SUPPLY CO. PITTSBURGH, PA. 1888 1938 COMPLIMENTS OF ROBERT FEY The Old Reliable Grocer for Fifty Years 3601 PENN AVE. SChenley 5635 COMPLIMENTS OF CATHOLIC ORDER OF FORESTERS COURT No. 1201 of ST. AUGUSTINE PARISH COMPLIMENTS OF MAX C. SMITH CO. Hardware and Roofing 3611 BUTLER STREET PITTSBURGH, PA. FRANK J. DUFNER Optometrist Phone SChenley 6596 4142 MAIN ST.. PITTSBURGH, PA. COATES, GREGG & MILLAR, INC. LAW & FINANCE BUILDING PITTSBURGH. PA. Phone COurt 2290 Office Furniture GREETINGS from A FRIEND Compliments of RIECK'S SEALTEST DAIRY PRODUCTS ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 227 HUNGERMAN & WALTER Grocers Vegetables and Produce, Oysters and Game In Season 3354 PENN AVE., PITTSBURGH, PA. Phone SChenley 6245 FRANK X. FUCHS Old Reliable Meat Market 3621 PENN AVE., PITTSBURGH, PA. SC. 1409 THEODORE HOOVEN CONTRACTOR Brick and Stone Pointing and Waterproofing Leaks From Any Cause Positively Stopped STEEPLEJACKS 1435 EAST LYCOMNG ST., PHILADELPHIA, PA. Bell Phone, Jefferson 1810 Cleaning Caulking Compliments L. C. B. A. BRANCH 103 C. E. SNYDER Jeweler and Optometrist 3711 BUTLER ST., PITTSBURGH, PA. OUR 50TH ANNIVERSARY 1888 - 1938 Compliments of CATHOLIC WOMEN'S UNION (Frauenbund) ST. AUGUSTINE PARISH 1915 1938 FELICITATIONS from SMERBECK BROTHERS 5810 PENN AVE., E. E., PITTSBURGH MOntrose 1895 FERRY ELECTRIC SERVICE CO., Inc. Vacuum Cleaners - Washing Machines Electrical Appliances Repaired PARTS AND SUPPLIES FOR ALL MAKES OF MACHINES 108-110-4th Avenue., Pittsburgh, Pa. Compliments of BLUE RIBBON PAINT CO. 5452 PENN AVE., PITTSBURGH, PA. "Remember" "If you don't come in you're out" PHOTOGRAPHS AND REPRODUCTIONS IN SOUVENIR PROGRAM by KOCH STUDIO 904 Federal St., N. S., Pittsburgh. Pa. FA. 4219 C. A. PILGRIM Alco Food Store GROCERIES AND MEATS 3947 Mintwood St. - SC. 2587 FREE DELIVERY BRUCKNER 'S RESTAURANT German Home Cooking 3623 BUTLER STREET ************************************************************************* St. Augustine Church Diamond Jubilee Page 228 URSULINE ACADEMY S. WINEBIDDLE AVE., PITTSBURGH, PA. An Accredited Boarding and Day School for Girls Boys Accepted in the Lower Grades PRIMARY — GRAMMAR — COLLEGE PREPARATORY COMMERCIAL DEPARTMENT Auto Service Telephone EMerson 9392 Compliments of M. H HAGER RAIBLE & STADELMAN 4708 PENN AVE. Flowers For All Occasions MAyflower 3123 A FRIEND COMPLIMENTS OF KNAPP BROTHERS CO. Fish - Oysters - Sea Foods 115 - 117 Diamond Street NICKEL'S BAKERY 4428 PENN AVE SC. 6600 GRIME & BLAIR Funeral Service 4520 PENN AVENUE STEPHAN KADUCK Shoe Repairing 3722 PENN AVENUE A FRIEND ICE CREAM and SUNDAES YOST'S STORE 4617 Butler Street HIGGINS LUMBER CO. 3400 LIBERTY AVE. PITTSBURGH JERRY T. O'SHEA, Inc. Funeral Home 4064 PENN AVENUE THOS. McCAFFREY CO. 4106 Butler Street Real Estate & Insurance Since 1886 SC. 1139 A FRIEND ZELEZNJAK SHOE STORE 3505 BUTLER STREET PITTSBURGH, PA.