The Catholic bulletin. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1911-1995, 1920-06-12
HISTORY OF THE SACRED HEART
PARISH, FRAZEE, MIMI.

Frazee is beautifully located on the
Ottertail river and Town Lake, mid
way between the hardwood forests Of
the South and the towering pine of
the North.
The surrounding country is inter
spersed with beautiful lakes, there
being no fewer than 81 miles within a
radius of ten miles. The land is
adapted for many purposes. Here is
an opportunity for progressive farm
er. The people of Frazee and the sur
rounding district have strong faith in
the most rapid development of this
city and the farming country.
The real history of the Frazee par
ish commenced with the Bunker Hill
building, 26X36 it., the first pastor be-,
ing the sanity old pioneer, Father
Tomasin The visits of the first
priests were once in a while. Rev. c.
V. Gamache, 1SS9-1893, was the first
resident priest at Detroit, and so be-
ing nearer to Frazee, was better able
to look out for the spiritual needs of
the Sacred Heart Church of Frazee.
He incorporated the church under the
title of Sacred Heart Church of Fra
zee, Becker Co.
Rev. Gamache remained pastor till
September, 1894, coming off and on
from Detroit. Father Mavalle took
his place, leaving in July, 1896. Then
Rev. Senger was pastor till Novem-
Der, 1896, when Rev. Laurette as
sumed charge, remaining about year.
new church in Neuner's addition
was built under the management of
Mr.. John Neuner and Mr.. William
Baer. 1t was commenced that Fall,
1897, and finished in the Spring A
neat building, 2Sx44, in correct gothic
style.
After the building of this church,
Rev. Mackey arrived and labored hard
and earnestly till November, 1900,
when Father Fidelis, 0. S. B., took
charge of Frazee, residing at Detroit.
On Oct. Is, 1906, Rev. Otto Weisser,
o. S. B., came to Frazee and found the
parishioners welcoming their FIRST
RESIDENT PASTOR with open arms
There were only $79 in the treasury,
not the first bit of furniture on hand,
no house to be gotten for love or
money, and the church too small; but
there was enthusiasm everywhere
Father Weisser's first attention was
turned to the spiritual needs of his
new, long-neglected flock. Owing to
his untiring zeal, spiritual dawn like
the sweet blossoms of Spring entered
into the hearts of the faithful, and
many an old sinner was recOnciled to
God There was a spiritual awaken
ing everywhere.
On the Goth of June the RI Rev.
James McGolrick, Bishop of Duluth,
to which diocese Frazee belonged,
(Since 1910 Frazee is in the Crooks
ton diocese under the apostolic-spir-
tied Bishop Timothy Corbett) came
for Confirmation. At this visit the
Rt Rev. Bishop also approved of the
place for the new church.
Everybody was pleased with the To-
cation-one block from the business
district and in the center of the town.
Contributions for the new church to
be erected Immediately came hard
and fast from Catholics, as we'll as
non-Catholic friends.
On May 10, 1908, Bishop McGol-
rick laid the cornerstone of the new
church. This church is a sixth cen
fury gothic. There is full basement
of II it. in clear concrete. The super
structure is solid brick.
A very commodious rectory was built
at the same time of the same material
as the church.
Too much praise cannot be be-
slowed upon Rev. Father Weisser for
giving all his energies and sacrificing
his health in organizing this parish
and erecting the present beautiful
church and rectory, an ornament to
the town, the pride of the citizens and
a Joy to the Christians.
In 1913 Rev. Edmund Basel, o. S. B.,
took charge of the now fourishing
parish. His efforts were concentrated
In establishing a solid financial sys-