The Irish standard., 1907-11-16
DIOCESE OF FARGO
"Catholicity in North Dakota,
the Subject Of

the Subject Of
An Interesting Article by Rev.
j. B. Mcdonald.
The November number of Donahoe's
Magazine contains the following article
from the pen of Rev. J. B. Mcdonald
Of Grafton. N. D.:
In speaking Of the diocese Of Fargo.
which comprises all Of North Dakota,
we may say that 1t was born 'lucky but
not rich" Financially, at least. i: is
thoroughly self-made. Some time ago
q sectarian minister asked the writer
what assistance was given our churches
by the Home Mission Society,"" and
showed surprise when informed that
practically no external aid was re-
ceived.
Before eastern Catholic charity had
conceived the idea Of church exten-
sion," the ecclesiastical battle against
poverty and other adversities had been
fought on the western prairies, and
from that struggle the Church emerged
with almost incredible influence and
vigor.
Thirty years back there were few
white settlers on the plains. The ter
ritory was then considered the Siberia
Of America, the legitimate property of
outlaws and Indians, where few wished
to risk their lives or regulations. But
fate bestowed on it g. fairer name and
brighter days. It's broad and level
plains offered homes to many thou
sands, while the soil grew famous as a
wheat producer. That American cour-
age, which later braved the terrors Of
Alaskan winters In search of gald
overruled all prejudices. and turned a
steady stream Of Immigration to this
reputed land Of billiards.. Now 1t is
termed the "bread-basket" Of America,
or. the land Of the golden wheat held,"
The history Of tho Church in Da-
.kota. before the latter eighties, is not
very interesting from a progressive
standpoint, for there were neither
priests nor people in sufncient n,rm-
bsrs to give it activity or influence
But what 1t lacks In real progressive
ness is supplied by stories of apostolic
zeal and romantic adventure possible
only to a people deeply imbued With
Catholic faith. ,,.4, ,sar, -..,z+css,.
The early missionaries travelling over
the trackless prairie were generally not
circumscribed by any parochial bound
aries, but visited the scattered settlers
as best they could, or followed the
wandering bands Of hunters and IN
dians, who roamed about in the pursui:
Of buffalo and other game. While this
sort Of life demanded many sacrifices
and would not appeal to the majority
Of clergy in our days, aside from duty,
it must have had considerable fasctna-
tion for the early missionaries who
delighted in exploration, the heroic
conversion of Indian tribes, and the
boundless freedom Of the plains.
The first real work Of organization
began with the establishment of the
vicariate Of Dakota in 1879, when Rt
Rev. Martin Marty assumed spiritual
charge OF the territory which now COM
prises North and South Dakota.
. About this time and during the sue.
ceeding years, the fame OF North Da.
kota soil as a grain producer was af.
firmed, and immigration to the state
actually began, carrying with IT. the
usual percentage of Catholic people
This rapidity Of increase in population
soon necessitated closer spiritua, at
tention. and in 1889 the diocese of
jamestown was established. Rt. Rev.
John Stanley being consecrate'l its
first bishop. Later the episcopal, seat
and oficial name was changed to
Fargo
There were at that time thirty priests
and forty-four churches, with a Catho-
lie population Of 10000. Today more
than one hundred priests minister in
220 churches to a population Of $1,000
whites and 5000 Indians. This show
1pu would mt no % rama rLah hl> IL "a
land Of booms and sudden fortunes,
where men and money pour in by train
loads and cities are built in q single
night. But as agriculture is the slow
and only source Of income, 1t required
almost superhuman sacrifices and con.
slant vigilance on the part of the few
and faithful priests to come in touch
with their Catholic people and keep
alive the spirit Of faith in Catholic
homes.