Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1904-05-12
FAITHFUL SERVICE NEW POTATOES Low
PROF. CHARLES KoETT HAS BEEN
ORGANISE OF ST. MARY's
CHURCH HALF CENTURY.
Came to ottumwa in 1854 - Is SO
Years Of Age First instrument
Was Small MeIodeon That Was
Carried Back and Forth Under Arm.

For half century strains Of music
played by the hands of Professor
Charles Koett. the veteran organist
has accompanied the masses and sac
red ceremonies at st. Marys Catho.
lie church Of this city, a record which
it is believed can be equalled by but
few organists and parishes in the
country. During the fifty years Prof.
Koett has missed but few Sundays and
these were when he was absent at
times from the city.
To the many Ottumwans who have
attended services at ST. Mary's church
and heard and admired the beautiful
strains from the magnificent pipe or
gan, which could only be produced by
the skillful manipulation of the keys
by a master hand, it seems hard to re-
alize that fifty years ago the same or
ganist was playing in the old st.
Mary's church on small melodeon
which he carried under his arm.
Noted for Punctuality.
But musical ability and skill of ex-
ecution are not the only attributes
that go to make a successful church
organist. OF Prof. Koett, it is said
that he was never late and not once
during the fifty years has a service
been delayed on his account, notwith-
standing the fact that for several years
he resided in the country and that
many times he was compelled to walk
five or six miles. in stormy weather to
keep his appointment at the church.
While living in the country, on ac-
count of the great inconvenience in
reaching the city, Prof. Koett announc-
ed his intention of resigning his posi-
ton as organist but through the influ-
ence of Father Kreckel, g. B. Van
Gent and Christian Auwerda, all Of
whom are now dead, he was persuaded
to reconsider his determination.
The fact that the faithful organist
was always at his post, his exception
al ability as musician and that he
has always cheerfully done his best,
believing it to be his duty, are few of
the reasons why the members Of St.
Mary's church believe that no organ
list could be secured who would fill
the position with as much credit as
Prof. Koett.
The Only organist.
St.Mary's church has never had any
other organist than Prof. Koett. He
came to Ottumwa soon after the Or
ganization of the church and at once
became the organist and has held the
position ever since. Twice he was alb
sent from the city for few months,
but on his return was requested to
again resume the duties of organist.
Prof. Koett also has the direction of
the male choir and the music at St.
Mary's church is one Of the enjoyable
features of the services.
Born in Germany.
Charles Koett was born in Saxony.
Weimar, Eisnach, Germany, in 1885,
and is now SO years of age. He came
to Indianapolis with his uncle when
he was Is years of age. The first
Catholic church in Wapello county was
of brick and stood where the parocial
residence Of Rev. Father F. w. Hopp.
mann now stands. In the winter of
1858 Rev. Father John Kreckel, who
had just been ordained, came to OF
tumwa and took charge Of the church.
Prof. Koett came to Ottumwa in May
of 1854 and at once became organist
of the church. The church then had
few members and Ottumwa was only
a small village. Today st. Mary's
church is one of the strongest religious
organizations in the country. The pres
ent stone church was built in 1861 and
Prof. Koett assisted in it's construction.
Have Male Choir.
AS the church grew the small melo.
deon gave way to a larger organ and
about twenty-five years ago a
fine pipe organ was installed
Prof. Koett received his must
cal education in Germany and
was a proficient performer on the
organ when he came to this country.
For the past three years only male
voices have been used in the choir at
st. Mary's church. This choir is the
only strictly male Catholic church in
the. state of Iowa, and is one of the
very few in the United States.
Mr.. Koett was married in the Cath
olic church to Miss Catherine Van
Gent in 1859. the late Dean Krecke
officiating. They have nine children
Mrs. Margaret Hess of Maryville, Tex
as, Andrew Koett of Burlington, ]. A
Koett, G. B. Koett, G. G. Koett Will
liam G. Koett, A. H. Koett, Misses
Mary and Agnes hoett of this city.
Special Services.
During the services last Sunday Rev
Father Hoppmann paved a glowing
tribute to the organist who had served
the church SO faithfully and well fol
the past half century Tomorrow morn
ing High Mass will be celebrated at st
Mary's church at 8 o'clock in honor Of
Prof. Koett and his family.