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Celebrate Golden Jubilee of St. Bernard Parish

The Breda News, August 19, 1931, Vol. 26, No. 16

STAGE IS SET FOR GALA DAY THURSDAY

Arrangements are Completed to Observe fiftieth Anniversary - Mass Celebrated at 9:30 O'Clock

Priests and sisters; Many Former Resident as Well As Visitors From Various Places Will Be Here Tomorrow To Do Honor To The Occasion

Tomorrow marks an epoch in time when St. Bernard parish of Breda observes its Golden Jubilee. Fifty years have passed since the parish was organized by the sturdy pioneers who with the assistance of Msgr. W. A. Pape, now pastor of St. Joseph's Parish church at LeMars, completed the details necessary so that divine services could be conducted in Breda.

Right: St. Bernard's Church and School. Click image to enlarge

Since that time many pastors have labored faithfully to keep up the parish. Sisters of the Franciscan order at LaCross [sic] came to teach in the parochial school, and members of the parish have helped in various ways whenever possible so that the parish could continue and advance.

Not alone to the pastors and the Sisters must all the credit be given, for a great credit is also due to the pioneer settlers in this locality who, after laboring hard and possessed of but small means gave willingly so that improvements could be made; thereby setting an example of good will that has been followed by their children and grandchildren.

Improvements have been made from time to time until at present our church, schools, and home for pastors and Sisters rank well among the parishes in the Sioux City diocese, and the parish is one of the largest in the diocese.

       Left: St. Bernard Rectory

The News, in behalf of the residents of Breda and vicinity extends a heary [sic] welcome to all who have the opportunity of being here on this occasion.

A complete history of the parish as near as available is being printed in another part of this newspaper today, together with a number of illustrations and photos of former pastors and assistants.

 

History of St. Bernard Parish

The Breda News, August 19, 1931, Vol. 26, No. 16

The following history of St. Bernard parish of Breda has been taken from The Echo of 1931 [Yearbook of St. Bernard High School]. This history was prepared by the Echo staff, with the able assistance of many of the older residents and is as near correct as is possible to give it.

Before attempting to give a history of the parish, we must go back to 1869, about ten years before the founding of the congregation, to the time when the first settlers came from Galena, Illinois, and from Hazelgreen and Dickeyville, Wisconsin, to establish new homes for themselves on the prairie lands of western Iowa. Among the early pioneers who came here in 1869 and 1870 were the following: Richard and Henry Ricke, Martin Ludwig, John LeDuc, Matthew Snyder, William Lammerding, Henry Olerich, Ben and Clem Knobbe. These men purchased land from the railroad company for $4 an acre. In Kniest township land was sold through the agency of Mr. Kniest who founded the Mt. Carmel congregation. The later settlers paid from $5 to $10 an acre. It was indeed a barren country at this time. On these prairie lands not ever a piece of wood as thick as a finger was to be found. Not a tree was to be seen anywhere. Before many years had elapsed, however, these lands which were bit a short time ago the hunting ground of the Indian and the home of the wild beasts, were dotted with cabins and neatly planted groves of timber and the fruitless prairies were changed into fertile fields. It took men of nerve and perseverance to accomplish what these pioneers did. The breaking up of these new lands was no easy task. With persevering efforts a man could clear about ten to fifteen acres a season.

After the Chicago fire, in 1871, many people from Chicago and vicinity flocked to western Iowa and in a short time Wheatland township was well settled.

These early settlers were for the most part sturdy Germans and thrifty Hollanders - but all were strong adherents to the Catholic church. During the first years they found it necessary to go from seven to fourteen miles through the high grass, mud and sloughs - there were no reads laid out at that time - to attend Divine services at Mr. Carmel, where the first Catholic church in Carroll county was located. In spite of these hardships, many of the early settlers tell us that they seldom missed Holy Mass on Sunday, either during the heat of summer or the bitter cold of the winter. This is sufficient evidence of the sacrifices they were willing to make for their Faith in those early days. The children, likewise, had to walk to My. Carmel twice a week to attend First Holy Communion instructions. Often they were obliged to take off their shoes and stocking and wade through the water and mud to reach their destination.

It was not until the Maple River branch of the Chicago and North Western Railroad was built through Carroll county that the town of Breda was founded. Before this time marketing conditions were such that it did not pay to raise more on the farm than was needed for the household. Mr. Henry Venner, one of the few living pioneers, who came to Breda in 1874, tells how he bought potatoes at $1.05 a bushel and planted these. In the fall of the year he loaded his potatoes on a wagon, took them to Carroll - a whole day's journey - received 12c a bushel for them. It was the same with other crops. Mr. John LeDuc bought wheat at $1.10 a bushel and when he took his wheat to market he received 33c a bushel for it, after spending an entire day in hauling it all the way through mud and high grass from his farm to Carroll. We can readily understand how these pioneer farmers welcomed the founding of the town of Breda, for, it was not until then that the marketing conditions were improved and the farmers began to prosper.

The honor of naming the town was give to Mrs. J. LeDuc, who was among the pioneer settlers. Some suggested the name St. Clemens; others spoke of Artsville and New Holland, but finally it was decided to name the town Breda according to Mrs. Leduc's wish, who named it so on account of a town in Holland by that name. On October 30, 1877, an election for incorporation was held and carried by a vote of 36 for and 5 against it. The first town election was held soon after, which resulted in the election of the following officers: Frank Salmen, mayor; Joe Kempker, Clerk; F. J. Schelle, Henry Bruning, Clem Knobbe, Richard Ricke, and H. N. Lammerding councilmen.

These early Catholics remained affiliated with the Mt. Carmel parish until the year 1880. There were about sixty families living in Breda and vicinity at that time. Many of these good people began to consider the necessity of organizing a parish of their own. A dispute soon arose as to the location of a Catholic church. Some preferred to build a church four miles west of Breda, while others wished to have it in the town of Breda. Accordingly, Mr. C. Bruning and Mr. D. Fee went to Dubuque to see Rt. Rev. J. Hennessy about the matter and they also petitioned him for a resident priest as soon as the church would be ready for use. The bishop decided that the church should be built in town. Hence, in 1879, the people set to work, hauled the stone and lumber, helped to put up the frame structure, thus greatly reducing the actual cost of the first church building. In a very short time, the new church was ready for Divine Service.

Rev. W.A. Pape, then resident pastor of Carroll, who helped to organize the congregation side the first mass and held occasional service until a regular pastor was appointed. Mr. Anton Buchman served the first Mass, while Mr. August Bruning and Mr. William Wernimont gave their first Holy Communion candles to be used during the offering of the first mass. Mr. John Rauch played the organ belonging to Mr. Clemens Bruning. John J. Knobbe, son of Mr. and Mrs. Ben Knobbe, was the first child of the parish to be baptized on August 1, 1880. Mrs. Fred Guetz and Mrs. William Geier formed the first Communion class. Anton Stork and Theresa Lengeling were the first couple from the parish to be married in St. Bernard church, October 5, 1880. Mrs. William Lammerding, Sr. was the first known person who was laid to rest in St. Bernard cemetery on March 25, 1882.

Right: The first church

This new congregation, consisting of about 60 families, was organized under the patronage of St. Bernard and in 1880, Rev. J. Norton was placed in charge of this little flock. Father Norton had charge of the pastorates of Breda, Wall Lake, Odebolt, and Ida Grove and administered faithfully to their spiritual and wants, but he chose Breda as his place of residence. At the close of two years of faithful service he had placed the congregation on a firm footing. He laid out the first cemetery on the land purchased from Theodore Schulte. The first trustees of the parish were Mr. Venner and Mr. LeDuc. Mr. Venner continued to hold this office in St. Bernard parish for forty-five years and many were the sacrifices he made in behalf of the congregation.

In 1882, Rev. J. Norton was succeeded by Rev. Conrad Schulte, who continued to be the faithful pastor of St. Bernard parish until the time of his death, in 1897. Under his pastorate several noteworthy improvement were made. His first undertaking was the purchasing of a parish house. He was a very zealous and self-sacrificing priest and with his own hands built the first temporary school in which he instructed the children for two years.

In 1884, Father Schulte engaged three Franciscan Sisters for St. Rose Convent, LaCrosse, Wisconsin, to teach the school. These first teachers were Sister Mary, Sister Caroline and Sister Sabastiana. They were ready to make any sacrifice and to encounter any hardship they might meet with in their new field of labor. School opened September 1, 1884, with a large enrollment of pupils of various ages.

In 1886, Father C. Schulte proceeded to erect a parish house and paid for it himself. Later, during Father Anler's pastorate, the parish bought the house.

Next he purchased a house and lot for the Sister's residence.

During the first eight years of existence, St. Bernard parish had flourished to such an extent that the frame church building proved inadequate for the needs of the steadily increasing congregation. Under the able leadership of Father Schulte, assisted by his faithful trustees and with the confidence and hearty cooperation of the parishioners, plans were begun on the new church in the beginning of the year 1888, and on June 17, 1888, the corner stone was laid. On Christmas day of the same year the first High Mass was offered in the new church. The old frame structure was then remodeled into a parochial school with three class rooms, and a small chapel where the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass was offered during the winter months.

Upon the death of Father C. Schulte on September 27, 1897, the bishop appointed Rev. John Anler as the next pastor of St. Bernard parish. Father Anler resolutely took up the work in his new field of labor. He cherished a great love and devotion to the Mother of God and one of his first undertakings in Breda was the erection of a shrine in honor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help.

This little stone chapel is still much frequented and so many votive offerings of candles and vigil lights are made that this favorite shrine is never left in darkness. God and His Blessed Mother alone know all the favors obtained her through Mary's intercession. A few years ago the students of St. Bernard school donated a beautiful stature of the Little Flower of Jesus who is now also venerated in this chapel.

About this time the interior of the church was redecorated, a beautiful high altar was donated by a generous lady, Mrs. J. Ludwig, and an artistically carved communion railing was installed.

In the year 1902, it was evident that more room was needed to accommodate the ever increasing number of children. Rev. J. Anler was about to erect a spacious brick school building when he was transferred to the parish in Early, Iowa and Rev. G. H. Leuhrsman of Mt. Carmel assumed the duties as pastor of St. Bernard parish.

Father Leuhrsman carried out his predecessor's cherished plans and proceeded at once to the erection of the proposed building. He purchased the F. Van Erdewyk property west of church and through the hearty cooperation of his parishioners he was enabled to have the school completed by the fall of 1903. At that time this structure was one of the finest parochial school building in the state. It provided for eight spacious class rooms, a large winter chapel and an auditorium.

Next, Rev. Leuhrsman proceeded to have the old frame church building moved west of the new church, veneering it with brick and had it arranged as a convent for the Franciscan Sisters, then six in number.

Realizing that the church was getting too small to accommodate the congregation which had increased over two hundred families, some thought of building an entirely new church. Father Leuhrsman, however, conceived the plan of enlarging the present church by tearing out the west wall and building a cross shaped addition, giving the church its present appearance, with a capacity sufficient to accommodate the parishioners.

Father Leuhrsman died February 25, 1916, after a lingering illness and was the second priest to be laid to rest in St. Bernard cemetery. To his firm and wise administration is rightfully due the credit of building up the parish and of leaving it without a cent of debt. He labored faithfully in the vineyard of the Lord until the age of 79, making untold sacrifices and trusting to the help of Divine Providence for the success of all of his noble undertakings.

During Father Leuhrsman's pastorate of thirteen years, he was assisted in his parish work by a number of able and active young priests. Father Warzawa, now Chaplain of St. Anthony hospital, Carroll, Iowa, had the honor of being his first assistant. Rev. Warzawa was loved by the people and it was with deep regret that they learned of his appointment as pastor of another place. He was succeeded here by Rev. Bommenschenkel, whose health began to fail after ha had been here but a short time and he was compelled to seek another climate. Rev. J. Friedman was then appointed assistant pastor. At times he assisted the teachers in school and took over the algebra and the literature classes of the ninth grade. Rev. August Meyer, now pastor at maple River, came next to assist the aged pastor in his priestly duties. He will long be remembered by the people of Breda to whom he had endeared himself to his life of faithful service in behalf of their spiritual welfare. In 1908, he was given a pastorate of his own and was succeeded by Rev. Joseph Millinger who remained here from 1908 to 1909. Next came Rev. Marx who likewise remained for a year. He was succeeded by Rev. M. Stork, who was assistant for six brief months and was then transferred to another parish. In 1910 Rev. E.L. Schleyer was appointed as assistant priest of St. Bernard parish. He labored here faithfully for over four years. We shall say more about this energetic director of souls at a later period in the history of the parish. Rev. Leoffelholtz assisted the aged pastor during his last illness and remained here after his death to take charge of the parish until the appointment of a permanent pastor.

On August 1, 1916, Rev. Joseph Schulte, brother of the late Rev. Conrad Schulte, received the appointment as pastor of Breda. During his pastorate a number of important improvements were made on the church and school property. Among the things of prominence were the remodeling of the parsonage, the redecorating of the interior of the church, the erecting of new stations of the cross in oil painting, and accrediting St. Bernard High School by the State Board of Education, Des Moines, Iowa.

Father Schulte enjoyed the rare privilege of celebrating the golden jubilee of his ordanation [sic] to the priesthood. This solemn event took place on May 18, 1927. Fifty little girls and fifty alter boy in cassocks and surplices together with a large number of the neighboring clergy, with the Jubilarian, and Rt. Rev. Edmond Heelan proceeded in solemn procession from the school to the church where a solemn High Mass was offered with the Jubilarian as celebrant, Rev. M. Stork, deacon; Rev. G.F. Wessling, sub-deacon; and Rev. J. Neppl, master of ceremonies. An appropriate sermon was delivered by Rev. H.G. Hengel, PH.D. Dinner was served at St. Bernard School to the visiting clergy, the relative and friends of the Jubilarian, and to the members of the parish. At 3:00 p.m. a jubilee program was given in the Breda opera house by the pupils of St. Bernard school.

Father Schulte continued his labors for the salvation of souls for two more years and was called to his eternal reward on October 29, 1929.

During the years of his pastorate, he was assisted in his priestly duties by Rev. Joseph Neppl who is now pastor at Pomeroy; Rev. R. Graf, who faithfully performed his labors for souls her for four and a half years, after which time he was appointed pastor of Oto.

In 1924, Rev. O.A. Dentlinger was appointed to assist Father Schulte who had been his former pastor at Arcadia. He labored here zealously for over four years. Special credit is due to him for the never failing interest he took in the activities of the student of St. Bernard high school and in the spiritual welfare of the parish. In July 1928, Father Dentlinger received a promotion and was transferred to Sac City where he is laboring as the zealous pastor of the little flock entrusted to him.

Rev. W.F. Buchholz was here to comfort Father Schulte in his declining years and was appointed temporary pastor of St. Bernard parish after the death of Father Schulte until the appointment of a permanent pastor. Father Buchholz was a capable and tireless worker. He took and active interest in St. Bernard's mixed choir and was always ready to assist the teachers in the education and religious instructions of the pupils. He is at present assistant pastor at Remsen, Iowa.

Rev. E.L. Schleyer was born on June 23, 1883, in Chilton, Wisconsin. He received his early education in the parochial school of St. Joseph church in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. At the age of fourteen, he entered St. Francis Seminary and there completed his classical and philosophical course. After having taken a year of theology at St. Francis Seminary, he completed his theological studies abroad at the Royal University of Innsbruck, Tyrol, Austria. He was ordained to the priesthood on July 27, 1910. His first appointment was that of assistant in the Cathedral parish of Sioux City and after six months he was transferred to Breda, Iowa, where he remained the faithful assistant to Father Leuhrsman for four years. In 1914, he became pastor of the Moorland parish of Our Lady of Good Council. In the fall of 1916, he took charge of the parish of Maryhill near Cherokee, and after a brief stay of seven months, he was given the parish of St. Mary's at Danbury where he endeared himself to the parishioners during his pastorate of thirteen years. In December 1929, Rev. Bishop Heelan appointed Father Schleyer as pastor of St. Bernard parish in Breda.

In the brief time that Father Schleyer has been with us he has been very zealous and active in ministering to the spiritual and temporal needs of the flock entrusted to him. One of his first great undertakings was the redecorating of the altars in the church. During the summer of 1930 he began the erection of the parsonage, located south of the church. The money was subscribed for and practically paid before the building was completed which is a credit to Father Schleyer's financial ability and a testimony of the good will of his parishioners. The old parsonage was soon after remodeled into three class rooms for the grades and several apartments for boarders.

Father Schleyer likewise takes an active interest in the education of youth and has provided for the continuance of Catholic high school education in his parish. Daily he gives religious and ethical instructions to the high school students, thus leading them on to follow the path of virtue and righteousness.

Rev. B. Eischeid is Father Schleyer's faithful assistant at the present time. He is actively engaged in giving religious instructions in the grade school and church history in the high school. The high school students are likewise grateful to him for the active interest he has taken in their athletic sports. Due to Father Escheid's zealous efforts the school now has organized teams in basketball, baseball and tennis.

At the present time St. Bernard parish numbers 1100 souls, and is one of the largest country parishes in the Sioux City diocese. Perhaps the only means we have of judging of the spiritual progress in by the large numbers we see approaching the Communion railing every Sunday.

The town of Breda, too, is one of the finest towns of its size in the state of Iowa. It has a population of 481. Many of the resident are retired settlers who are now enjoying a quiet and peaceful life in town in order to be able to assist more frequently at Holy Mass on week days, and receive Holy Communion frequently, or daily, if possible.

The history of St. Bernard parish would be incomplete is we did not make mention of the many religious vocations that this parish has produced. Three young men are now zealous priests, namely: Rev. G.F. Wessling, pastor at Wesley, Iowa; Rev. M. Stork, pastor at Arcadia, Iowa; Rev. A. Wand, S.J., who is now librarian of the Jesuit Community in Rome, Italy. Zeno Reising is at present time making his theological studies at Kenrich Seminary in preparation for the holy priesthood.

Thirty-three young ladies from this parish have answered the call to a life of perfection in the religious state Those who jointed the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, LaCrosse, Wisconsin, are the following:

Sister M. Aegidia (Pauline Rust); Sister M. Humiliana (Anna Meinen); Sister M. Veridiana (Anna Wernimont); Sister M. Callista (Anna Bedel); Sister M Aquiline= (Henrietta Feldman); Sister M. Emma (Elizabeth Langeling); Sister M. Mildred (Clara Polking); Sister M. Philippine (Mary Knobbe); Sister M. Hendrina (Mary Venner); Sister M. Marcella (Catherine Bruggenkamp).

Sister M. Imeldis (Dorothy Tacke); Sister M. Sebastian (Clara Waltz); Sister M. Florina (Elizabeth Nieland); Sister M. Tarcisia (Catherine Determan); Sister M. Madeleine (Agnes Snyder); Sister M. Engratis (Emma Tacke); Sister M. Alphonsine (Anna Wand); Sister M. Sigmunda (Helena Nieland); Sister M. Lina (Mathilda Putz); Sister M. Benita (Bernadina Bruggenkamp).

Sister M. Mamerta (Theresa Wand); Sister M. Antona (Mary Wand); Sister M. Gabina (Josephine Schroeder); Sister M. Christiana (Mary Schroeder); Sister M. Dolora (Clara Dirkx); Sister M. Anthusa (Cecelia Nieland); Sister M. Myra (Christina Stork); Sister M. Emerentia (Cecelia Reising); Sister M. Angeline (Helen Van Erdewyk); Sister M, Imelda (Caroline Tacke).

Young ladies who have joined other communities are: Sister M. Merita, O.S.F., Dubuque, Iowa, (Theresa Wempe); Sister M. Adalrica, S.V.D., Techny, Illinois (Rose Wernimont); Sister M. Colette, B.V.M, Dubuque, Iowa, (Clara Feldman).

 

Many Attend Golden Jubilee Celebration

The Breda News, August 26, 1931, Vol. 26, No. 17

Mass At 9:30 O'clock By Rev. M. Stork - Impressive Sermon by Re. G. F. Wessling - Church Was Beautifully Decorated in Gold and White Streamers

FORMERS RESIDENTS HERE FROM MANY STATES - AN OUTSTANDING EVENT

Weather conditions were ideal, in fact no pleasanter day could have been selected for the celebration of the golden jubilee of St. Bernard parish, which was duly observed last Thursday.

The day's activities opened at 9:30 o'clock in the morning. A procession was formed at the school consisting of fifty small boys and girls dressed in white and carrying golden emblems, a number of altar boys with Orlin Klaus as cross bearer and Zeno Reising and Clemens Knobbe as acolytes, followed by members of the clergy entered the church. A solemn high mass was offered by Rev. M. Stork of Arcadia as celebrant; Rev. R. Graf of Alvord as deacon; Rev. Joseph Neppl of Pomeroy as sub-deacon; Rev. Cleo Ivis of Coon Rapids as master of ceremonies, and Rev. O.A. Dentlinger of Sac City as thurifier.

The church was artistically decorated with gold and white streamers which were hung from the ceiling to the various pillars of the church. The balcony, entrance and the pulpit were also gracefully adorned. The altars were a mass of beauty trimmed with yellow tea roses and gladiolas, and surrounded by a wealth of ferns.

Mass in G by Zangle was sung by St. Bernard mixed choir. Jubilate Deo by Wilkins was rendered during the offertory. Mass was followed by benediction. While St. Bernard's choir has often been highly compliments for their splendid singing and has been in demand on other occasions, it seems that they excelled all other occasions at this eventful time and they were highly complimented by many of those who had the good fortune to hear them.

The sermon was given by Rev. G.F. Wessling of Wesley, Iowa. Father Wessling is a former Breda boy of whom this community has a just reason to feel proud. He has developed into and excellent speaker and his text selection for this occasion was very appropriate. His sermon held the keenest interest of all who where within hearing distance and while the church was filled to overflowing and many were unable to gain entrance all entrances were crowded and his well trained voice could be plainly heard outside the church.

Following are the names of the other members of the clergy present on this occasion: Rt. Rev. Msgr. Wm. Pape, LeMars; Rt. Rev. J.D. Fish, Bancroft; Rev. M. Schemel, Alton; Rev. A Schaefer, Odebolt; Rev. P. Warzawa, Carroll; Rev. B.H. Leoffelholtz, St. Benedict; Rev. J. McAuliffe, Auburn; Rev. J.M. Mallinger, Grand Junction; Rev. M. Marx, Kingsley; Rev. D.K. Hurley, Anthon; Rev. M. Bradley, Carroll; Rev. J.J. Keane, Manning; Rev. L.F. Schoeppner, Granville; Rev. Jos. Cordes, Carroll; Rev. G.M. Cesua, Sioux City; Rev. W.F. Buchholz, Remsen; Rev. E.C. Meyers, Milford; Rev. O.J. Forester, Rock Valley; Rev. J. F. Achatz, Rockwell City; Rev. J. H. Schultes, Churdan; Rev. A.S. Poeckers, Carroll; Rev. H. F. Pick, Tempelton; Rev. L. A. Schenkelberg, Carroll; Rev. J. Howley, Fonda; Rev. J.J. Berger, Sioux City; Rev. John Meyers, Fulda, Minn.; Rev. D. J. Heelan, Fonda; Rev. C. Huelshorst, Dedham; Rev. B. Schillmoeller, Halbur; Rev. James Slattery, Wall Lake; Rev. M.C. Wendl, Spencer; Rev. L. B. Anthofer, Roselle; Rev. J. L. Fitzpatrich, Boone; Rev. P, M. Mattes, Scranton; Rev. Thos. M. Clare, Rev., J.J. Dalhoff, Early; Rev. J. P. McGuire, Ute; Rev. E. J. Jungblut, Danbury; Rev. J. A. Roder, Akron; Rev. Geo. O'Brien, Humbolt; Rev. D. A. Tewell, Rolfe; Rev. E.L. Schleyer, pastor of St Bernard parish, Breda; Rev. B. Eischeid, assistant pastor, Breda.

Sisters present who were formerly members of St. Bernard parish: Sister M. Aegidia (Pauline Rust), Sister M. Humiliana (Anna Meinen), Sister M. Veridiana (Anna Wernimont), Sister M. Callista (Anna Bedel), Sister M. Alicia (Anna Rust), Sister M. Emma (Elizabeth Langeling), Sister M. Mildred (Clara Polking), Sister M. Philippine (Mary Knobbe), Sister M. Hendrina (Mary Venner), Sister M. Marcella (Catherine Bruggenkamp), Sister M. Imeldis (Dorothy Tacke), Sister M. Sebastian (Clara Waltz), Sister M. Florina (Elizabeth Nieland), Sister M. Tarcisia (Catherine Determan), Sister M. Madeleine (Agnes Snyder); Sister M. Engratis (Emma Tacke), Sister M. Sigmunda (Helena Nieland), Sister M. Benita (Bernadina Bruggenkamp), ); Sister M. Gabina (Josephine Schroeder), Sister M. Christiana (Mary Schroeder), Sister M. Dolora (Clara Dirkx), Sister M. Anthusa (Cecelia Nieland), Sister M. Myra (Christina Stork), Sister M. Emerentia (Cecelia Reising), Sister M. Angeline (Helen Van Erdewyk), Sister M, Imelda (Caroline Tacke).

Sisters from the neighboring parishes who were here are: Sister M. Marcelina and Sister M. Bertildis of St. Benedict, Sister M. Cleopha, Sister M. Germaine, Sister M. Deodata, Sister M. Damiana, Sister M. Leonilla, Sister M. Augusta, Sister M. Clementine, Sister M. Winanda, Sister M. Florence, Sister M. Justiniana, Sister M. Theobalda, Sister M. Viatora, Sister M. Georgine, Sister M. Dola, Sister M. Eustace, Sister M. Magdalene, Sister M. DePadua, Sister M. Barbara, Sister M. Herbertine, Sister M. Ellen, Sister M. Adelphia, Sister M. Gratia, Sister M. Lumina, Sister M. Ludmilla, Sister M. Alvera, Sister M. Benildis, Sister M. Protase, Sister M. Dionysia, Sister M. Seraphia, Sister M. Magdella, Sister M. Gregory, Sister M. Albina, Sister M. Theolinda, Sister M. Laurentine, Sister M. Alverna, Sister M. Colleta, Sister M. Syra, Sister M. Eulalia, Sister M. Vita, Sister M. Priscilla, Sister M. Bonfilia, and thirteen home Sisters: Sister M. Baptista, Sister M. Henrietta, Sister M. Firma, Sister M. Clavera, Sister M. Freda, Sister M. Matilda, Sister M. Assisi, Sister M. Reginata, Sister M. Austina, Sister M. Annina, Sister M. Colletine, Sister M. Francilia, Sister M. Romilda.

Chicken dinner and supper was served by the ladies of the parish. It is estimated that about 1100 were served at both meals.

The afternoon and evening was spent by members of the congregation and many visitors in renewing acquaintances and enjoying the various forms of entertainment arranged by them.

Music both afternoon and evening was provided by the Breda Concert orchestra. This orchestra has been doing nicely under the direction of Chas. B Jones, Jr., who is a very good director and all members show a keen interest in the work. Many complimentary remarks were heard about the orchestra music, and this organization is deserving of the best cooperation of all.

The baseball game between Maple River and Breda which was one of the feature attractions, was won by Breda by the score of 15 to 1.

It was a pleasure to note that all plans and preparations were carried out in perfect order. There was not a hitch anywhere to mar the eventful day, and all present will long remember the event which they had the good fortune to take part in.

While it was hoped that Rt. Rev. Bishop Heelan could be present he was unable to come because of another important engagement.

This writeup would not be complete without making some mention of the pioneers who helped organize the parish. As near as we can learn there are only five men left who took an active part in organizing the parish and they are: F. J. Schelle, Henry Ahrling, Leo Fix, Henry Venner and Henry Nieland.

The gross proceeded of the day was about $2,400, and the net receipts were $1,664.55.

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