The journal. (Caldwell, Ohio) 1934-1961, 1946-07-25

The early 3OS of the past century
saw the beginning of prosperous
settlement in Noble county by
Catholic immigrants from Fulda,
Germany. When the little colony
had grown to be of some import
ance, it was named Fulda, because
its hills and valleys reminded the
inhabitants of their native land.
The spiritual wants of the early
settlers were cared for by occas-
ional visits from Fathers Reed, Nc
Gallon, Finley, and Murphy In
1847, the Rev. ]. G. Kraemer of
MiltonSburg organized a parish and
made semi-monthly visits to the
community. Erection of a parish
church was begun, and in 1853 the
Most Rev. John B. Purcell, Arch
bishop of Cincinnati, dedicated the
church under the patronage of the
Immaculate Conception of the
Blessed Virgin Mary.
In 1857 the Rev. J. w. Bruem-
mer was appointed first resident
pastor. He was succeeded in 1860
by the Rev. d. J. Kleuber A pc
riod of extraordinary activity en-
sued, extending over % years. A
school building was erected in
1863, and three years later, a pas
toral residence.
PariShiOnerS Made Brick
The original church edifice hav
ing proved inadequate for the
growing community, arrangements
were made for the construction of
the present building. The new
structure, with a seating capacity
of 600, was erected with brick
made locally by the parishioners.
It was dedicated in 1875 by the
Most Rev. S. H. Rosecrans, first
Bishop of Columbus.
Upon the death of Father Klue
ber, the pastorate was assumed by
the Rev. Ignatius Luetting. He was
an elderly man of fine attainments,
but failing health forced him to re-
linguish his post, being succeeded
by the Rev. E. L. Flading in 1884.
UnuGT dIIlGI L ldCllIlB dllSSh4OAA
the present rectory was built.
During the pastorate of the Rev.
B. H. Hansen, which extended from
1889 until 1899, hard times made
additional improvements imposs-
ible. In 1900, however, extensive
repairs on the exterior and interior
of the church were begun under
the direction of the Rev. Jacob
Engels and completed the follow
ing year under the pastorate of
the Rev. Joseph Pollman.
Served rs Years
The Rev. J. B. Oeink was ap-
pointed pastor in 1904. Eight years
later extensive improvements were
made on the parish cemetery. He
died in 1929, having served the
congregation for 25 years.
The Rev. Otto Trogus and the
Rev. Carl Heilman served tempor-
arily until 1880, when the present
pastor, the Very Rev. B. J. Mates
was appointed. During the past 10
years many notable improvements
have been made. A one-unit vapor
heating system was installed,
which serves the church, the rec
tory, and the convent. The rectory
was remodeled and a water system
added.
In 1887 a spacious parish hall
was erected on a two-floor plan, in
which social functions are held.
Soon afterward electricity was in
stalled in all of the buildings and
the south side of the church re-
rooted. In 1914 the interior of the
church was beautifully decorated
in gold leaf and color, and other
renovations made at cost of more
than $4,000. Of this total eXpend-
iture, $4,000 was donated by Felix
Gerst, a member of the parish.
Storm windows were installed this
year to protect the art glass Win
dows, which were imported from
Europe at the time the church was
built.
The parish at one time consisted
of 300 families, but migration to
the cities has now reduced the
number to 100
Unique ParOchial School
The local parochial school is