Rev. Bernard Weber Biography


	This biography is from "Memorial and biographical record; an illustrated
 	compendium of biography, containing a compendium of local biography,
	including biographical sketches of prominent old settlers and 
	representative citizens of South Dakota..." Published by G. A. Ogle & 
	Co., Chicago, 1899. Pages 632-635

	Scan, OCR and editing by Maurice Krueger,mkrueger@iw.net, 1998. 

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REV. BERNARD WEBER. St. Mary's Catholic church of Salem was first 
dedicated November 11, 1887, by Bishop Marty, and this building, which 
was a wooden structure, is still standing. The congregation was formed, 
in 1885, with a membership of thirty families, and Father J. H. 
Juething was in charge. This man was succeeded, after his death, by 
Father Joseph Weixelberger, now deceased, and since his death Father 
Bernard Weber has been in charge. 

Father Weber was born in Westphalia, Germany, November 6, 1869. He 
began his studies for the priesthood in Germany, at the age of thirteen 
years. In 1888 he came to America, and completed his studies at St. 
Francis, Milwaukee, and was there ordained June 24, 1893. He was then 
sent to the Black Hills, South Dakota, in charge of the Rapid City 
missions, and from thence was sent to Deadwood, where he had charge of 
St. Ambrose's church. January 22, 1896, Father Weber was sent to Salem, 
South Dakota, and when he arrived there he found the members of the 
congregation desirous of building a new church, and he immediately 
coincided with their plans, and helped to carry them out. As a result 
of this, they now have a fine, large structure of jasper granite, 
48x108 feet, inside measure. The steeple, including the cross, reaches 
one hundred and twenty-six feet from the ground, and the whole 
structure makes one of the most magnificent churches in the state. 

The society is in a very prosperous condition, its membership 
comprising about one hundred families, mostly German, and a new 
sisters' school building will soon be erected. On another page we 
present a view of the church, together with a portrait of Father Weber.