The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1920-07-22
KENOSHA PRIEST
IN new CHURCH
The Rev. ]. w. Bot Dedi.
Gates st. Edwards
ISa at Racine.
CHAPLAIN IN FRANCE

81 like to think that men still work
under the inspiration of the, Pente-
costal blessing"
This was the statement made by the
Rev. ]. w. Bott more than year ago
IN connection with the ceremonies by
which he brought the papal blessing
from the Eternal City to the commun-
leants OF st. Georges Catholic church
in Kenosha. Apparently he has be-
come himself fulfillment of that hope
for Sunday morning witnessed the de-
dication of his new church, st. Edwards
at. the corner of Grove and Wright
streets, Racine. The growth of the con-
gregation under his ministry has been
such as to indicate that he, as the sky
pilots of whom he spoke year ago, is
working under the inspiration of the
Pentecostal blessing"
Racine papers say of his work in that
city:
"St. Edwards congregation was or
ganized by the Rev. J. w. Bott, the
present pastor, last fall after his re-
turn form service in the army. 1t is
small organization, but it is enjoy
ing rapid growth"
Archbishop Presides.
Impressive rites attended the dedica-
ton of the Rev. Father Bolts church
at ten o'clock Sunday morning. Follow
ing the first mass held at 700 a. M,
the Rt. Rev. Sebastian G. Messmer
presided at the inaugural services held
at 10000 a. m. Solemn high mass was
celebrated by the Rev. G. Kosterman of
Racine and the dedicatory sermon was
preached by the Rev. ]. Burbach of
West Allis Special music was con-
trib6ted by the Dominican Sisters of
St. GATHERINGS Academy. The services
concluded with the benediction and the
administration of the holy sacrament.
Catholic clergymen from all over Wis
consin were present at the services and
participated in its mn-liturgies.
Brings PapaI Blessing.
The Rev. FIR. Bott will bring to st.
Edwards the blessing of his Holt
ness, Pope Benedict the Fifteenth.
While serving as chaplain with the
American Expeditionary Forces in
france lie WSIiC " 1eOI1lS anu lilGAG AG-
ceived the holy communion from the
hands of the present-day successor of
st. Peter.
His new church, although frame
building, is attractive in design and
will prove adequate, it is thought, for
the needs of the congregation until a
larger building can be erected.
The Rev. Father Bott is widely known
in Kenosha by reason of his former
services as assistant pastor at st.
Georges Catholic church. From this
position he went abroad with the colors
and served as a Sky-Pilot in No Mans
land during the narrowing days of the
American drive in the ArgOnne Forest.
This experience, while gruelling and
even repulsive to remember, has made
it possible for him to appeal with pecul-
lar power to men who possess the
stuff heroes are made of; such men are
supporting him in his work at St. Ed
wards.
A large number of Kenoshans most Of
them former Pensioners of the Rev.
Father Bott, attended the dedicatory
rites Sunday morning.
In connection with the services the
former Kenoshan made a brief but elo-
quent address, explaining the circum
stances which had led to the building
of the new church and the ideals he
erpects to reach in advancing its sacred
mission. He spoke simply but eloquent
ly and with that mystic fervor which
has made him known as a pulpit orator
not only in Wisconsin but even in
France where he once ministered eff
fectively to men who were "going in"
never to come back again. His speech
was one of the outstanding memories Of
memorable. service and a memoir
able one.
eff St. Edwards carries on with as
much enthusiasm as it was consecrat-
ed" one Kenoshan said today, Father
Bolts church will soon be known as
one of the most flourishing and vital
agencies for good in lower Wisconsin"