The Grange advance., 1874-11-11
The RUNAWAY PRIEST.

r1iss Wittig, the Pretty and Plump
Organtst, Missing With H1ina---
Likewise u Large Sum Of Money
Belonging to the Savings Fund Of
His Parish.
Philadelphia Telegram. Nov. 6, to the Chi
oago Times.]
The residents of the upper portion
of this city were startled this morning
by the announcement that the pastor
of St. Boniface Roman Catholic Church
at Hancock and Diamond streets, near
Morris Square, in the Nineteenth ward,
had fled. The pastor is named John
W. Gerdemann, and he is very able,
highly talented and educated man,
standing very high among his brethren.
His fight was first discovered yester-
day, and when search was instituted it
was discovered that Miss Maggie
Wittig was also missing, and it is be-
lieved, from the surroundings, that the
two have eloped. Miss Wittig was the
organist Of the church, and also sang,
and is described as very pretty and
plump, and of fine education and mu-
sical talent. The two have been
seen together considerably during
the last few months. and
it was the subject of remark among the
assistant priests. This announcement
was of itself of an extremely startling
character, but it was increased amaz.
ingly when it was found that al! the
church funds were gone. The church
is very large, and the congregation
numbers several thousands. It IS the
usage in most Of the Roman Catholic
churches to have a bank or treasury, in
which most of the poor people deposit
their savings for safety, the church is
suing receipt bearing 6 per cent. in
terest, and being responsible for the
debt. While thus affording complete
safety to the earnings Of the parishion-
ers, the church had the advantage of
being able to reimburse itselfin such a
way as to, pay the interest and afford q
handsome surplus. OF this fund of his
church Getdcmann was the treasurer;
and, while it is known that the deposits
were very heavy, yet. IS he has taken
all the papers, there is no method of ar
irving at the definite sum. Many indi-
vidual losses to heavy amounts
are known, but it will
be several days ere q list can
be completed. The sum is estimated at
from $35, 900 to $780, 600, but it is not
probable that it will reach the last
amount unless some transactions yet
unknown come to light. From what
can be learned, it is known now that
Gerdemann was heavy speculator in
real estate, railroad stocks, and bonds
of various descriptions; and he is be-
lieved to have made much money in
that way. He built two large, fine
houses, opposite the church, one Of
which he rented, and in the other lived
with his sister, and his three assistants.
The deeds OF these he transferred to
his sister a short time since. Where he
has gone is not known; but it is be-
lieved clue will be had, although the
detectives have not yet been notified of
Gerdemann was born in Colofine, Ger.
many, and was the principal assistant
Of Bishop Wood, and 50 great were his
abilities that he has been universally
epoken Of as successor of the Bishop
in case Of his death or his being raised
to an archbishopric. The announce
ment Of his fight creates
a profound sensation everywhere.
The Siege q Ir.a Asaa1oesa+rAe
ii. MaArid GovernaaentD Deasa0AS Ros-
SeS1i0a u O0Q CafiO0ami HIis a0fne.