CHAPTER 3

Church

The following is a copy of an authentic letter written by Rev. Archangelus Gstir who was Formosa's first resident Pastor, stationed here from 1861 to 1865. This letter was sent to the Central Direction of the Ludwig Missions-Verin in Munich. It was translated from German.

Formosa, April 16, 1864.

Most Venerable, Most respectful Directorium of the Ludwig Missions-Verin:

The debt of gratitude which I owe the Ludwig Missions-Verin would have demanded that I had transmitted this long while the report about the mission entrusted to me at this place. yet the thought that I had in view when I moved to this place was mainly to found here an eventual place of refuge, in case that there would be danger threatening our college students (in Cincinatti) during the Civil War. Besides the difficulties which I encountered here were so manifold that I could not give any positive information till the last winter. However, just then the winter's rigors caused me such suffering that it had become impossible for me to write up a report. I regretted very much that this happened at a time when His Majesty King Louis I. of Bavaria had sent me through the manager of the Ludwig Missions-Verin a considerable sum of money (2,000 Thalers).

Though I am not quite well, f have nevertheless so much strength, that I am able to redeem my promise and to compile the present report about my mission.

The mission entrusted to my care extends to a great part of Bruce County and into Grey County. It comprises eight Townships with an area of 2,000 square miles. However, the chief station of the mission is located in the two townships Carrick and Culross, what gave the whole mission the name of Carrick Mission. The settlement is quite recent, yet is progressing rapidly, especially among Catholics who move instinct-like near churches and schools. The Jesuit Fathers under the direction of their Mission-Superior John Holzer (native of Tyrol) residing in Guelph were the first priests who took care of these settlements. Since at that time no roads were opened and the swamps not bridged-over, they could minister only to a small number of settlements despite utmost exertions and dangers of life. They laid everywhere the foundation for future mission by erecting churches and schools.

When I first took charge of this mission, I received a true description of conditions and for this reason I devoted the whole time and especially the winter months, when for many months the swamps and morasses can be walked over, to the exploration of the mission territory. I went from house to house to visit the Catholics and to minister to them. In this way travelled every year more than one thousand miles in a cart in all kinds of weather and with all kinds of hardships encountered in such wild regions. Thanks to the Lord I never suffered a serious accident.

On these visits I received an ocular information about the wants and privations of the people living in the "bush" and I arranged to have them gathered on Sundays and Feast days at certain places for services. In this way I have achieved already that churches were built on three places and services on Sundays and Feast days are kept on them in rotation on fixed days of the month. It was only in this way that I was able to estimate the number of Catholics of this mission approximately. And only in this way I could undertake to exert an influence upon the Catholics, to abolish their truly pagan customs and to implant into their hearts true religion and virtuous life.

Since I touch this point, I find it necessary to mention the nationalities of the settlers. I will not speak of the Protestant sects which are here found in such varieties that they form a chaos of religious creeds. I will only mention the Catholic settlers who have come here from Bavaria, Suevia, Switzerland, Alsace-Lorraine, Wuerttemberg, Baden, Saxony, Prussia, German Poland, Bohemia, Italy, France and Ireland. The Italians and French speak also English. Most of them are born in America but educated in the secular schools.

The greatest problem is how to influence the young people, especially the young men, because they were only educated in secular schools, never received religious instruction and are now the most necessary hands for cutting down the forest trees and for this reason greatly fondled.

I had been contemplating to build a separate church to introduce there gradually Catholic services with instruction in Christian doctrine and lo, the Immaculate Virgin to whose honor the church was built assisted me in a signal way. The first venture was made with the introduction of the Corpus Christi procession. All the necessary articles were made by the people of this place according to the designs and directions given by me. Only a small monstrance, cope, velum and censer were not made by them. Though simple and plain, they made a great impression on people who had never before seen such. This procession made even on Orangemen such a deep impression that they could not help to take off their hats and to march in line with the Catholics, although the whole apparatus, except the field-altars, would have struck as mediocre anyone who had witnessed the splendor of such processions in Europe.

The second impetus was the introduction of Forty Hours Devotion. Although it was celebrated in the coldest winter month at Christmas, the people came from all directions for three days in succession and prayers and hymns resounded in the church without interruption. These throngs brought about that I had to enlarge the church within a short time by an addition half as large as the original length. I did so in the expectation that His Majesty King Louis I would come to the rescue. My expectations have not failed and now 1 am enabled to gratify a wish of long standing, namely procuring a bell for the church.

The enlarged church, the gift of King Louis, attracted a greater number of people to such an extent that the enlarged church has become inadequate to the concourse. This is surely a gratifying development and this the more, in view of the resolution of the people to build a new church of stone. The people are poor but they will do so trusting that His Majesty King Louis will again assist them in this venture. I promised them to do all I can do in this matter, if they on their part will do their own share of work.

The Bishop of Hamilton to whose diocese the parish belongs is rejoicing over the growth of this his mission and regards it as the most promising in the entire Upper-Canada. Within three years the number of communicants has increased from 1,100 to 2,500. He intends to build a settlement-church. The necessary material is found here as perhaps at no other place, yet the necessary funds are not yet available. God alone may help in time. I will attempt to carry out the plans of the Bishop as soon as I find that assistance can be expected to come from outside parties.

For this reason I am appealing most humbly to the Esteemed Directors to let me know, whether I will be favored for the next five years with an annual contribution from the Lugwig Missions-Verin (1 hope to finish the church within five years.) Upon reception of an affirmative answer 1 will forward the episcopal documents.

With this request remain,

Yours most grateful and most devoted Your Highly Esteemed Direction Most Humble P. Archangelus Gstir.

Pater Archangelus Gstir was born on May 12, 1819 at Starkenbach near lmst in Tyrol. He had quite a name as a preacher and professor. Arriving in America in 1858 at the Franciscan college in Cincinnati, he taught classical languages and later he taught theology. In August 1861 Father Gstir came to Formosa remaining until 1865 when he returned to Tyrol and died on April 14, 1870.

In the latter part of 1864 King Louis granted Father Gstir another 1,000 Thalers. The Thaler was reckoned equal to seventy-five cents. Always much money was lost on the exchange and thus Formosa might have received about two thousand dollars from King Louis I of Bavaria.

.….

The Mr. Schmidt who hauled the first load of gravel for the building . Exterior 1910 Ceiling above Sanctuary

of the new church.

CORPUS CHRISTI PROCESSIONS

The first resident pastor Angelus Gstir inaugurated this beautiful and deeply religious devotion as early as 1862. Save for inclement weather this outside profession of faith in the presence of our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament has been held annually even to this present day. Until about 1915 the procession route which now extends around the outside perimeter of the Church property was one mile in length. Christian Rich, who donated the original church lands and later his son Gregory, graciously provided a lane way through his farm lands and allowed three separate altar buildings to be erected. Formosa Union Band would lead the members of the parish and many others from neighbouring parishes who would come yearly to this special religious event. Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament was celebrated at each of the four special altars beautifully decorated with candles, cedar boughs and many bouquets of flowers.

CORPUS CHRISTI CHAPEL (one of four)

IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CHURCH,

FORMOSA 1880-1980

The first church in Formosa was a log building completed in 1857. It had to be enlarged twice prior to 1875 due to the growing number of parishioners.

The first resident priest was Rev. Archangelus Gstir, who came to Formosa in August 1861. He also attended the missions of Carlsruhe, Neustadt, and Deemerton. During his stay a parish rectory was built in 1862. he hoped to fulfill the ambitions of the parishioners to build a large church of stone, but it was not until Father Louis Elena C.R. became pastor in 1874 that the dream became a reality.

As early as 1872 Father Schmitz, in his farewell sermon, begged his parishioners to lead good Christian lives, to be peaceful with each other and to forget any quarrelsomeness. He ended by saying: "Go ahead with your plans to build a large permanent church, and above all, do not be stinting in this undertaking."

An architect from Toronto was engaged to draw up the plans for the huge cathedral-type building of Gothic lines, large enough to seat 12001500 people. Nowhere can be found any reference to outside tradesmen being employed. The new church was to be built on the same sight by building over and around the former church. By unanimous decision of the parish and their pastor no debt would be allowed to be placed against material or labour involved. When available funds were expended construction would cease, thus the project was protracted over a period of about ten years. It must be kept in mind that all labour and haulage was supplied on a gratuitous basis. The major components of hand-cut limestone from local rock, as well as the many thousands of feet of hewn timber required no outlay of money. Tons of lime, used in the construction of the walls, were burned in the many local stone kilns. Hundreds of yards of sand used in the mortar were hauled from local pits. Early stories revealed that one whole summer was taken up in building the six-foot wide foundation, including the many footings for the buttresses.

The sandstone facing around the windows and doors, all of the buttress material, and hundreds of running feet of lintels were purchased at the Guelph quarries, shipped by rail to Mildmay, and thence hauled to Formosa. No doubt oxen were used in the transfer of much of the building materials.

The new church, 160' by 60', one of the largest in the Hamilton Diocese, was, as planned, built over and around the old church, which remained standing, and continued to be used for services until the new structure was under roof. The old building was then taken down and carried out piece-meal through the doors of the new church.

The foundation for the present church was begun in 1875. A cornerstone laying ceremony was conducted by Bishop Crinnon D.D. on September 17th, 1876. Work continued intermittently as funds and contributions were received.

By the year 1880 the outer shell had been completed. To mark this occasion, a headstone dated 1880 was placed above the main entrance. One hundred years later we are celebrating the centennial of our church. Let us not forget the toil and sweat of our forebears, and foresight shown by them in providing us with this beautiful place of worship.

There had been $28,000. spent on the building, not including the free labour of the parishioners.

The next highlight occurred on September 13, 1885, when the church was solemnly consecrated by the Most Rev. Joseph Carberry, Bishop of Hamilton. Relics of St. Zenon, St. Felicissimus, and St. Digna were placed in the altar stone. To mark the consecration of this building, crosses were placed on the walls as shown here.

Interior of the church as it used to be. Note the Communion rail and, on
the left, the unique pulpit with its own roof. This pulpit ran on a track
from the side to the center of the church, for the delivery of the sermon.

The altars were built by Nicholas Duerrer, a native of Switzerland, (and grandfather of Mary Ditner) who lived on a farm north of Formosa. The beautifully-carved Gothic-style altar was built by Mr. Duerrer in his home, piece by piece, and thus transferred to the church. School children going home from school would be invited in to watch him at the carving. On the tabernacle door is the symbolic design of a pelican feeding its young with blood from the pierced breast. Some of the panels on the altar are covered with mirror glass, giving it a light and airy appearance, and accentuating the Gothic lines. To his credit also is the beautiful Communion rail and dozens of ornate carvings throughout the church.

Left hand side alter dedicated to the Close-up of high alter Close -up of the righe hand side alter

Sacred Heart. Statue of Mary and her dedicated to St. Joseph.

Son, Jesus to the right.

The three-dimensional carving of the The three-dimensional carving on the base of the high altar. This picture shows the floor joists under the

Annunciation on the base of the left side altar. Jesus, Lamb of God, will take away the sins of the world. main floor of the church.

The two large carillons for the bell tower, the gift of Clara Schmitt, were manufactured in West Troy, N.Y. by the Mennelly Bell Foundry. Raised letters on the largest bell, which is estimated to weigh 4.450 lbs., show the following:

In Honour of the Holy Family Jesus, Mary, Joseph, under the patronage of John Joseph. During the Glorious Reign 27th of the Infallible Pope P. 11 IX

Me and my sister

Clara Schmitt

A.D. 1872

A picture of the bell taken in the tower.

The second largest, or sister bell was manufactured by the same Company but is dated 1869, and was given in honour of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This bell's weight is given as 3,188 lbs.

The third bell located in the tower had formerly been installed in the Winter Chapel_ It was a gift of Louis Ditner, an early parishioner. His name is inscribed on the bell, as is the year 1894.

A collection of bells of this nature are rarely found, and the people of Formosa have been privileged to hear them peal out their melody daily for well over a hundred years.

Father Elena remained in Formosa until 1891. His assistant, Rev. Joseph Wey, took charge until the end of the year, when a new Pastor, Rev. George Brahman, took office.

Under his direction a new rectory, costing $3,000. (not including voluntary labour), was built, and the walls of the church were strapped, lathed and plastered.

In 1893 stained glass windows, donated by parishioners were installed.

These windows were donated by the following:

Gottfried Arnold Henry Montag

John Stroeder Bernard IIlig

Peter Kuntz Andrew Waechter

John Martin Joseph Zettel

Nicholas Durrer John Scheele

Peter Kuhri Engelbert Hauck

Ambrose Zettel Henry Olheiser

Rev. G. Brohman lgnatz Kieffer

Joseph Schumacher Catherina Brick

One of the tall arched stained-glass windows along the walls of the church.

In 1894 a winter chapel east of the rectory was built to be used on weekdays in the winter to avoid the cost of heating the large church. In 1895 the present pews were installed throughout the church.

Rev. John Gehl succeeded Father George Brohman in 1897.

In 1904 the church interior was decorated by M.E. Von Mach Co. of Detroit at a cost of $4500. The fine paintings were done by Joseph Barth who studied art in Munich. The Von Mach Co. had a studio in Windsor where these paintings were made on canvas, brought to Formosa and tacked and glued to the wall, where they are today.

The church also features many beautiful statues. Above are shown the statue of Michael the Archangel, and the sculpture of Mary with the body of Jesus.

Father Gehl died in June 1915, and is buried in Formosa. He was succeeded by Rev. Clement Brahman who was Pastor until 1933.

Father Clement Brohman took a deep interest in all his people, and was also interested in any new inventions. He bought a movie projector and showed silent films to the school children on Friday afternoon. Even children from the country schools were often brought in for this real treat. In the evening he showed the films to the adults. He also bought the first radio in Formosa, and lucky was the family to be invited to the rectory, don the ear-phones and enjoy music from, seemingly, another world.

In 1934 Rev. J.A. Lenhard, later Monsignor, was appointed Parish Priest and was Pastor until 1960. Father Lenhard had a great love of trees, shrubs and flowers. The Carpathian Walnut trees which he planted bear bushels of walnuts each year to this day.

In 1960 Rev. Anthony Haes became Pastor. In 1961 a new rectory was built and the old one demolished. A new roof was put on the church in 1963.

Father Jerome Meyer followed Father Haes in 1964. During his pastorate a major repair of the church's exterior was accomplished. The steeple was covered with copper sheeting and the walls were painted. A new lightning rod system was erected in 1968 and the church was insulated in 1969.

Father Meyer died suddenly on October 19, 1970, and was succeeded by Father Frank Dentinger C.R..

For many years a large pipe organ, played by members of the Gfroerer family furnished beautiful music at the Masses and special services. (There is a chapter on the Gfroerers in "Early Settlers". The pipe organ was replaced in 1940 by a Hammond Electric organ as a gift from the Heisz family in memory of their father, Frank A. Heisz, who had been a leading choir member for many years.

Our church was redecorated, beginning January 28, 1974 and completed in May 1975. The cost of decoration, new lighting and carpet ranged in the neighbourhood of $75,000. Sufficient monies were donated so that little or no debt remained. The generosity of the parishioners was beyond expectations, and they can truly feel proud of their beautiful church.

The sanctuary after redecoration. The rectory built in 1961. The mausoleum, a gift of parishioner Black vestments which used to be worn

Henry Kunkel at all funerals and requiems.

PIONEER PRIESTS

Rev. Gaspar Matoga, S.J. ……………………………………………….1852-1856

Rev. William Blettner, S.J.……………………………………………….1856-1859 Rev. P.George Laufhuber, S.J.………………………………………….. 1859-1861

PASTORS

Rev. Archangelus Gstir …………………………………………………1861-1865

V. Rev. John Joseph Schmitz, V.F. …………………………………. 1865-1873

Rev. J. Jos. Moubis …………………………………………………. …..1873-1874

V. Rev. Dr. Louis Elena, V.G. ................................................ 1874-1891

Rev. Geo. Brohman ……………………………………………………… 1891-1897

V. Rev. John J. Gehl, V.F. ……………………………………………. ….1897-1915

Rev. Clem. W. Brohman ..................................................... 1915-1933

Rt. Rev. Michael Halm, D.P. ................................................. 1933-1934

Rt. Rev. Jonas A. Lenhard, D.P.V F……………………………………… .1934-1960

Rev. Ant. J. Haes ………………………………………………………… 1960-1964

Rev. Jerome P. Meyer…………………………………………………….. 1964-1970

Rev. F.A. Dentinger C.R. ....................................................... 1970-

ASSISTANTS AT FORMOSA

Rev. P.S. Owens ......................................................................	1871-1872
Rev. J. Keough .......................................................................	1872-1873
Rev. Stephen Foerster .............................................................	1874-1877
Rev. Geo. Brohman .................................................................	1877-1878
Rev. R. Bergman ....................................................................	1880-1881
Rev. Jos. F. Wey ..............................................................................................	1881-1891
Rev. M. Halm ..........................................................................	1892
Rev. Edw. Glowacki, C.R. ........................................................	1892-1893
REV. F.A. Zettler ....................................................................	1898
Rev. C.W. Brohman .................................................................	1898-1900
Rev. J.P. Madigan ...................................................................	1900-1915
Rev. W. O'Shaughnessy ..........................................................	1923-1925
Rev. J. Egan .....................................................................................................	1925-1926
Rev. H. Brick ..........................................................................	1926-1928
Rev. W. Gleason ......................................................................	1929-1930
Rev. E. Hartleib .......................................................................	1931-1933
Rev. F. Swaine .......................................................................	1933-1936
Rev. J.P. Meyer.................................................................................................	1936-1938
Rev. T.G. Hill ..........................................................................	1938-1942
Rev. J.P. Meyer ................................................................................................	1942-1945
Rev. M.W. Strauss ...................................................................	1945-1948
Rev. J.H. Fischer .....................................................................	1948-1952
Rev. V. Skilandziunas ..............................................................	1952-1953
Rev. Edw. Moriarty, S.F M.........................................................	1953
Rev. L. Culluton ......................................................................	1953-1955
Rev. S. Stinson .......................................................................	1955-1958
Rev. P.T. Sherratt ....................................................................	1958-1959
Rev. W.A. Zettel ......................................................................	1959-1960

VOCATIONS TO THE HOLY PRIESTHOOD

Rev. Martin Fox (Fuchs) S.J.

Rev. Nich Lehman

Rt. Rev. John T. Kelly V.G.

Rev. Edw. Goetz (Messner)

V. Rev. William Benninger C.R.

Rev. Alb. Zinger C.R.

Rev. Francis Xavier Arnold C.R.

Rt. Rev. Magnus Schumacher

Rev. Frank Freiburger C.R.

Rev. Philip Hauck

Rev. Ant. Waechter C.R.

Rev. Edward Waechter C.A.

Rev. William Borho C.R.

Rev. Lawrence Kuntz C.R.

Rev. Henry Schmidt C.R.

Rev. C.L. Siegfried C.R.

Rev. Magnus Fedy C.R.

Rev. Norbert Dentinger C.R.

Rev. Leander Dentinger C.R.

Rev. Leo Dentinger C.R.

Rev. Edward Dentinger C.R.

Rev. William Zimmer

Rev. Harry Opperman C.R.

Rev. Leonard Oberle C.R.

Rev. Michael Kieffer C.R.

Rev. Gerald Rich C.R.

Rev. George Rich

Brother Oliver Rich

Many young ladies entered the religious life as Notre Dame Sisters, Sisters of St. Joseph and several other religious orders.

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