Vilas County news. [volume] (Eagle River, Vilas County, Wis.) 1896-1927, 1923-05-23
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labOring all over the world, devote
their lives principally to the con-
version of the negroes in Africa,
in which country they have estab-
lished a number of Christian set
Elements. After taking another
preparatory course of three years
at the college Of Langonett, in
Brittany, during which time he
completed his literary studies, he
took a five years philosophical
and theological course at the Sem
mary Of the Society in Paris. He
was finally ordained to the priest
hood in 1866 by Prince Cardinal
Chigy, then Papal Nuncio, at the
Court of Napoleon the Third. Dur
ing the following year, his Super
Tor sent him to Rockwell College,
Cashel, Ireland, where he remained
for twenty-five years as Master of
Novices and Scholastics and pro-
fessor Of almost every branch Of
education. During the last ten
years of Father Goepfert's resi-
dence in Ireland, he held the posi-
ton of President Of Rockwell COL
lege, which institution is always
ranked among the foremost in the
country. Besides his numerous
other accomplishments, Father
Goepfert has obtained consider
able distinction as an author,
numbering among his numerous
publications the Life of the Ven
cradle Libermann, Founder of the
Society,"" He also, while in Ire
land, founded and edited for a
number of years, ''The Messenger
Of St. Joseph" a monthly maya
zine. Father Goepfert began his
pastorate at Eagle River, Three
Lakes, and other missions, Septem-
Der 10, 1894. On July 8, 1896, he
left Eagle River for Conway,
Faulkner County, Arkansas, but,
unable to endure the Southern eli
mate, returned to Eagle River in
the latter part Of January, 1897.
Father Ruessmann, who maintain
ed the pastorate during Father
Goepfert's absence, was upon his
return transferred to the missions
Of Aniwa. On September 22d of
the present year, Father Goepfert
celebrated the thirty-first anniver-
anniversary of his ordination,
which was made the occasion for
much rejoicing among the mem
bers of his congregation.
Rev. Father Goepfert remained
pastor Of the parish until 1899.
On August 25th of the same year
he left for Sharpsburg, Pa, where
he assumed new duties in the St.
Mary's parish. Father Goepfert
died on August 18th, 1915, in the
Holy Ghost College, Pittsburgh,
Pa. He was buried in Sharpsburg,
Pa.
Rev. F. J. Toplak next assumed
the duties of pastor. He guided
the destinies of the parish for
twenty years. He arrived in Eagle
River about August 18th, 1890.
Owing to advanced age and in
trinity he retired on October /,
1919. AT present he is residing in
the vicinity of Three Lakes.
In the early part of October,
1919, Rev. Bernard Geritzki ar
rived to succeed Father Toplak.
Seeing that the parish was too
large for the little church he i'm
mediately set about to enlarge the
church and thus afford better ac-
cancellations to the Pensioners
and tourists. With the generous
aid of all, he began the work in
the manner of 1920 and in a few
months the work was completed.
Through his untiring efforts he
received generous help from the
Catholic Extension Society of Am
erica. The High Altar was donat-
ed by this society. Owing to poor
health Father Gerlitzki resigned
his position and left Eagle River
in October, 1922. At present he is
chaplain of St. Mary's Hospital,
Rhinelander, Wis.
On October %, 1922, Rev. Arth-
ur F. Shank arrived to take up
the work of guiding the parish.
On October 25th he was formally
installed. The Men Foresters gave
a very fine reception for him on
this occasion. Having the future
welfare of the parish at heart, and
recognizing the need of new
church location, Father Shank,
with the consent and appreciation
OF 1T. Rev. J. G. Pinten, Bishop of
Sl11ANn.i ,>,-,.,l