Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1885-11-09
THE POWER OF LOVE.

Sensational rumOrs, says a speclal dis
patch from Cleveland to the Cincinnati
Enquirer have been ahoat for the past few
weeks to the effect that priest of one of
the largest churches in the city had asked
to be assigned to new field of labor on
account of the attentions of a married
woman, a member of his congregation. 1t
now transpires that DR.. lillian Schloesser,
pastor of st. Josephs Roman Catholic
Church on Woodland avenue, is the person,
he having already left the church to take
charge of large congregation in Chicago.
The facts, as gathered by the correspon
dent, point the story out as in many re-
spects remarkable one.
DR.. Schloesser entered the Cleveland Do
cese about fourteen years ago, and was i'm
mediately assigned to st. Joseph's congre-
cation. He was 3 graduate of the first
schools of Germany, man of engaging
manners, of great eloquence and very fine
looking. He organized the congregation,
and in a few years had built one of the finest
church edifces in the city. About a year ago
| the young and handsome wife of u member
of his congregation began to visit him at his
study. Her visits were the result, as she
claimed, of deep religious sensibility. Her
visits became so frequent that other men,
bers of the congregation noticed them, and
in as delicate manner as possible the priest
discouraged them. This appeared only to
increase her infatuation, and in many ways
she showed her esteem and affection. Her
conduct at last became so conspicuous as to
meet the entire disapprobation of her hus-
band. This served to increase the flame,
and it soon became the common gossip of
all the members of the congregation that
she was desperately in love with the hand
some priest. DR.. Schloesser as last resort
laid the whole matter before the husband,
and asked his cooperation in protecting the
reputation of his wife. 1t was to no pur-
pose, however, and, with a mind fully alive
to the duties of his position, he determined
to leave his congregation.
After conference with Bishop Gilmour,
it:was considered advisable for him to leave
the State, and one of the finest churches in
Chicago opened its doors to him. He had
spoken to but few intimate friends and
members of his congregation of his having
been transferred, and q few Sundays ago,
just prior to his departure, he made his
farewell address. With deep emotion he
reviewed the history of his fourteen
years of prestly work among them, and
spoke with tenderness Of the faith that
the congregation had always had in his
| work and character. When at the close he
stated that he had asked aud already been
| assigned to a new field of labor and that it
| was the last sermon that would ever be
preached by him there, the congregation
was suddenly startled by d piercing scream.
1t caIne from the unfortunate woman who
so deeply loved him. She had taken a seat
| near the altar, and when she heard the an
| nouncement that he was to leave she uttered
shrek and fell forward upon the floor.
Several members of the congregation rushed
| u: once to her aid, and she was conveyed to
an adjoining room and physician sum-
moned. When he arrived she had revived,
but, to the CONSERVATION of her husband
and friends it was discovered that she had
lost her reason. She was Immediately taken
| to her home, and every attention possible
paid her, but she grew worse day by day
until few days ago, when she became so
violent that it was found necessary to send
her to the asylum at Newburg. The hus-
band is almost prostrated by grief. He had
been married but few years, and his home
was an exceptionally bright and happy one.
1t is thought that by careful nursing the
woman's reason can be restored.