of
Muscatine County Iowa
1911
| History of Muscatine County Iowa 1911 | |
Source: History of Muscatine County Iowa, Volume I, 1911, pages 323-329
ST. MATTHIAS' CONGREGATION.
(By Rev. John F. Kempker). While Father Laurent was visiting the Holy Father, at Rome, in 1885-6, Rev. John F. Kempker was in charge of this church and became familiar with its early history, and in 1894 wrote the following historic review for the Iowa Catholic Messenger. The article is a brief and lucid narrative of the salient events pertinent to this congregation and gives to the reader details concerning the church of value and interest. The old pastor writes:
"St. Matthias' is one of the early congregations in Iowa which presents many pleasant features for study. The location is charming, presenting many most eligible building sites on its hilly slopes and bold bluff spurs, with magnificent views of the surrounding country and the grand Mississippi river in either direction on account of the sweeping bend which it here makes. The location also gave the city a commercial advantage in the early days, since it was the nearest point of river traffic for a large and fertile country both west and north.
"The early name of Muscatine was Bloomington, and by this name it was known until 1849, when, on account of a similar name near by in Illinois, the Bloomington of Iowa was changed to Muscatine.
"The early settlers took up their residence here in 1833 or 1834 and their number was so rapidly augmented by new arrivals that by the year 1841 the new town numbered 800 inhabitants. Among these were comparatively few Catholic settlers. The first priest to visit these was Very Rev. Samuel Mazzuchelli, who on January 25, 1841, celebrated holy mass for them in the house of a Catholic, whose husband was a protestant. This first Catholic celebration was attended by ten members, eight of whom received holy communion. Father Mazzuchelli also preached a sermon in a school room used at that time by all the different denominations for their religious meetings. Afterward he repeatedly visited them until 1843. The interest of Bishop Loras was awakened in the promising and thrifty place, who instructed Father Mazzuchelli to purchase a church site, and the Bishop also caused a frame church to be joined at Prairie du Chien, rafted down stream, and had it erected on the acquired site on the northeast corner of Cedar and Second streets, in the summer of 1842, to the great joy and encouragement of the little congregation. The church measured 20x30 feet and was dedicated in honor of St. Matthias. In it the Bishop often took up his quarters when visiting Muscatine, for he placed special confidence in its future growth. When some of the Catholics contemplated removal to larger congregations, the Bishop encouraged them to remain.
"From 1843 until 1850 Father Pelamourgues visited Muscatine once a month. Other priests who held divine services here at different times were Rev. Fathers J. G. Alleman, A. Godfert, Henry Herzog, and B. M. Poyet, coming from Burlington or Iowa City.
"Among the Catholics of these early days were the families of John Theodor Becke, Truesdell, McCrow, H. Wilmering, L. Arnold, and his son George, Timothy Fahey, John Raven, Dohaney, J. McMenomy and John Knapp.
"In 1851 the congregation numbered about fifty families, almost equally divided as to nationality as immigrants from Ireland and from Germany, with a sprinkling of other races, and in this year Bishop Loras sent them as resident pastor, Rev. Francis P. McCormick, who guided the congregation until he left in October of the same year.
"November 7, 1851, Bishop Loras ordained to the priesthood, at Dubuque, Rev. P. Laurent and appointed him pastor of St. Matthias, Muscatine, where he remains in that capacity to the present day (1894), the beloved father of a polished and exemplary congregation, and a pioneer priest who is admired and revered by his fellow citizens.
"The old church was soon found too small and in 1853 Father Laurent enlarged it in the shape of an 'L' extension. At the same time, by the arrangement of folding doors, he was enabled to open a parochial school and also provided for his humble parochial quarters and studio.
"In 1854 he was invited by his Bishop to accompany him to the Missouri slope, where he installed Father Laurent as pastor of Council Bluffs. Having attended to his duties there for a few months, he was at the end of the year appointed as professor in Mt. St. Bernard's Seminary near Dubuque, while in the following spring he was sent on a tour to Winneshiek county and northern Iowa, to look up some new settlements. In the meantime the affairs of St. Matthias' were attended first by Rev. J. M. Flammang, from June until December, 1854, then by several other priests until Father Laurent was again welcomed as their pastor in 1855.
"When the growing demands of the congregation required a new site, Bishop Loras, February 29, 1856, gave Father Laurent power of attorney to sell the old and purchase a new site. The old hallowed spot was accordingly sold for $650 and with the proceeds the present adequate beautiful site was bought of Reece Hoopes, on Eighth, between Pine and Chestnut streets, and a new brick church, 40x80 feet and 27 feet high to the ceiling, was commenced the same year. During these years Father Laurent wisely directed the congregation and was very successful, not only through his piety, knowledge and zeal, but he was also aided by the fact of having a facile command of German as well as English, while in nationality he belonged to neither. His new church was enlarged in 1868 and finally the tower, chimes and clock were added about 1880.
"Father Laurent made several tours to European countries,--in 1857, when Rev. Peter Magne was attached to St. Matthias; on a similar occasion in 1861-62, when Rev. M. Kinsella had charge of this congregation; and again in 1885, the pastor was invited to accompany his Rt. Rev. Bishop Cosgrove on a journey through Europe and a visit to the Holy Father in Rome. During this time, from October, 1885, until May, 1886, Rev. John F. Kempker, the writer of this paper, was in charge of the parish.
"The pristine parochial school received an immense impetus, when in 1861-62 a Sisters' convent and school were built and placed under the direction of the Sisters of Charity B. V. M., speedily acquiring an amplitude of four rooms and a select school, directed by nine teachers and attended by an average of about three hundred students.
"In January, 1888, the old school building was destroyed by fire and replaced in the same year by an elegant, graceful brick school, at a cost of about $4,000.
"Father Laurent has constantly persevered in embellishing his various congregation buildings with the highest artistic skill, supplying the altars' with exquisite vestments and ornaments, and of procuring in chant and sacred liturgy the best offerings of his own and his people's soulful talents. His church work is most harmoniously organized in sodalities, societies and confraternities and his meritorious pastorate marks the history of his congregation and his home city."
Father Laurent continued in the pastorate of St. Matthias church until his death, which occurred at Dijon, France, October 30, 1903, having served the people of his church in Muscatine over a half century. The Golden Jubilee of his pastorate was fittingly and joyously celebrated, November 7, 1901. He left to his successor, Rev. J. F. Leonard, a prosperous, large and growing congregation and to posterity a record of piety and usefulness not often reached by mortals. At the bottom of this article will be found a sketch of his life.
ST. MATTHIAS FIRST CHURCH BUILDING. The first church building erected in this city by the St. Matthias' congregation was constructed in Prairie du Chien--that is, its various parts--which were placed on a raft in 1842 and sent down the river to this point, where the sections were put together upon the north end of the lot at the northeast corner of Second and Cedar, which was about eight feet higher than now, the grade then reaching to what is now the second story of the building still standing there. The present alley, where the church was erected, was not cut through at that time and the lot sloped down toward Second street. Cedar street was graded in 1856, which induced the church to sell the building and erect another structure on Eighth street, where a grade had been established. When the grading on Cedar street had been accomplished it left the old church building some eight or ten feet above the street. This necessitated the removal of the schoolhouse addition and a lower story was built under the old church, thus making a two-story building of it. The addition referred to was built in 1853, and according to George Knapp and others, who attended the school, it gave to the structure the shape of an "L." It was one story high and was attached at right angles to the back of the main building on the south side. It had a sloping roof like the main building and one small window. About a quarter of the distance back from the front, perched upon the roof, was a small belfry and bell. On the top of the belfry was a cross. The priest, Rev. Philip Laurent, lived in the rear end of the church in two small rooms. When the building was abandoned for church purposes it was purchased by the Turner society and occupied by that organization about three years. The cross above the belfry was replaced by a flag. In a few years' time the ranks of the Turners were rent asunder on the question of using intoxicating beverages in the building. In the '60s the building is said to have been converted into a German school, taught by Rev. Weisgerber and since that time it has been used for various purposes.
THE SECOND CHURCH BUILDING. The second church edifice was located on Eighth street, on the north side, between Chestnut and Pine, in 1856, and dedicated May 17, 1857, by Rev. J. A. M. Pelamourgues, who had organized the church at this place in 1842. A choir accompanied Father Pelamourgues from Davenport and was also present. This was a very pretentious brick building and had a tower, chime of bells and a clock, and from time to time received many improvements. It gave way to the present new magnificent house of worship in 1910.
THE EDIFICE OF 1911. The new St. Matthias church building as these pages go to press is about ready to be dedicated. It is the handsomest and largest structure of its kind and the most beautiful among the many fine churches of Muscatine. The structure is on the Romanesque order of architecture, with French details of a pleasing nature. It has a distinctive aspect all its own and appeals at once to the beauty loving eye. In the construction of the building a smooth surface pressed brick of light color and with a pinkish tint has been used, giving the exterior a most striking and attractive appearance. The extreme dimensions of the building are 160x80 feet, almost twice the size of its predecessor. It contains a chapel, two sacristies, many vestibules and special compartments. In size the auditorium is very capacious and will accommodate, with the arrangement of the vast hall, at least a thousand souls. The idea of spaciousness is enhanced by the great height of the ceiling, which is free from columns, the roof being supported by hammered beam trusses. There are six entrances, so situated that the auditorium can be vacated in a very few moments. The sanctuary is spiritually beautiful and attractive. The altar is high and spacious. The sanctuary proper is 28 feet wide and 26 feet in length, and the furniture and paraphernalia are harmonious with the general interior effects and of rich texture. The decorating of the interior was the work of A. W. Melliero, of Chicago, a student of the Florentine School of Painters and an Italian artist of note. Genuine gold leaf has been generously used in elaborating the group pictures adorning the walls. The windows, very elaborate and beautiful in design, were painted by Emil Frei, of St. Louis, a student of the Munich School. Antique glass has predominated and the windows of this beautiful building cost at least $5,000. The furniture, furnishings, altar rail and every little detail has been selected and perfected to harmonize with modern ideas of beauty and convenience. The cost of the building is placed at $75,000.
REV. PHILIP LAURENT. In 1886, a short time prior to his return from Rome, the beautiful character and life record of Father Laurent was portrayed by the facile pen of John Mahin, a life long friend of the priest, so well known to local fame. The sketch is here reproduced in its entirety:
The Rev. Philip Laurent was born at Dijon, France, the renowned capital of Old Burgundy, February 22, 1828, sharing with the Father of his adopted country in the honors of the same anniversary. The circumstances of his youth are unknown to us, except that he was reared in an affluent home of culture and refinement, in whose protection his habits of study and tastes for the graces of scholarship were given careful and liberal training. A portrait of his youth hangs over the door of his library and shows a wistful eyed lad of open countenance, beaming with spirit and indicating a childhood spent with books and teacher's and manly companionships. If we step outside the gentle home and cloistered school room into the streets of Dijon, we find not the most congenial place either for study or for promoting in a boy's breast an ambition to dedicate his life to the Prince of Peace. Every wall in old Dijon still echoes, to the thoughtful, with the deeds of the warlike dukes of Burgundy and their not less martial predecessors, the bishops of Langres. Going still farther back, the Romans found it a brave and obstinate city in their conquest of Gaul. For centuries it has been a coveted object and prize of war, and the lofty walls are still standing on and against which were fought the battles of defence and siege far back of the days of Charles the Bold, its last experience in the vicissitudes of war being its capture by the army of Moltke in the Franco-Prussian struggle of 1871. But old Dijon possessed counter associations and influences for the boyhood of the future priest. On his way to school young Philip passed under the spell of the great cathedral, six centuries old, and threaded a cluster of other noble fanes scarce less noted for their history and beauty, with chimes and organ and chants filling the air with solemn Te Deums; a university, college and theological seminary also assisted to moods of scholarly ambition and a public library of forty thousand volumes, presided over by a near member of the family, could have exerted no little influence in directing one's inclinations in the ways of learning. It would be a pleasure to follow this boyhood as it passed on from the grammar school through the college and university, for there were many interesting episodes in respect of periods spent in curious old places of learning in France and Switzerland, and of charming vacations enjoyed in some of the most delightful haunts of Europe, but the story as told in hours of reminiscence in years past, has lost much of its data and cannot be recited here with proper exactness. What fired the train that led to the young Frenchman's separation from home and country and his resolve to follow the footsteps of Father Marquette, or the wake of his canoe to distant Iowa? Was it the colossal globe, made by the Jesuit Fathers two hundred years ago, preserved in the care of his brother-in-law, the city librarian, and on which was traced the rivers and tribes of this western wilderness? Did the young student of nature, as we know him to have been, feel that he should find in the mysteries of this new world, the book of wonders and knowledge which he was eager to open? Whatever the spirit of the impulse, he bade farewell in 1851 to the old town and the vine clad hills of Burgundy, and in the same year we meet him as a member of the diocesan seminary at Dubuque, where in July he was ordained by Bishop Loras, and in the following November comes to Muscatine to take charge of the mission founded in this place in 1842. He continued a residence uninterruptedly here until 1854, when he was sent by the bishop on a pastoral visit to the missions at Council Bluffs and other western points in the state. In 1855 he had returned to Muscatine and was in charge of its little church when the writer first met him. The church edifice, which was floated down the river from Dubuque in 1842, still stands, but little changed, on its original site on Cedar street between Second and Third. In 1855 there had been no grading of Cedar and the building, without a basement as now, crowned the little hill that rose between the bend of Pappoose creek and the river, with humble prominence. Adjoining the rear of the church was the young priest's dwelling, consisting of two rooms, the principal pieces of furniture being a bookcase and melodeon, and the occupant was the happiest man in Muscatine. Associating him in those days with the storied ramparts of Dijon and Charles the Bold, and all that went to make up the famous capital of Burgundy, the sight of this young Dijonese student sitting by the open door at his melodeon, playing and singing from Mozart and Beethoven, used to strike the writer as one of the brightest and most charming prismatic bits in the whole kaleidoscopic combination of western life. He was not a little embarrassed in preaching, by his French tongue, in those early days, but the young scholar made his points with old Burgundian directness, and when his dreaded English sermon was over he could sit and rest and refresh himself in the singing of Miss Hannah Crow, and there was nothing sweeter to be heard in all the churches of Dijon. In 1856 Father Laurent carried out a long cherished plan of buying the present extensive grounds of St. Matthias and proceeded to erect the main part of the existing edifice and the removal of worship to this building was consummated the same year. It was a bold movement and witnessed to the faith of the young pastor in Mu:scatine. Since that year Father Laurent's life and work have been no secret to our citizens. In the long interval to the present day he has made several visits to Europe, in one of which his love for the old home and kindred held him with such indissoluble bonds that he resolved to pass the remainder of his days in France. It is not known to many of his Muscatine friends that in the execution of this resolve he placed himself under the orders of his patron, the then archbishop of Paris and was assigned to duty in the Church of the Madeline, that wonderful edifice designed by Napoleon I as a Temple of Glory and modeled after the celebrated temple of Augustus, still standing in Nismes. The Madeline is in some respects the grandest Christian temple in the world, the majesty of its noble exterior colonnade of columns, with niches of statued saints and sculptured freize and pediment being equaled by its interior magnificence. Father Laurent performed service in this splendid fane daily, about one Week, and every day his thoughts rose and set, morning and evening, upon the beautiful hill of St. Matthias in Muscatine, and the congregation and friends who had become a greater part of his life than he had imagined was possible. And then one day the Madeline lost its new abba and the archbishop got a letter stating that his friend was on his way back to America. And here he has since remained, caring for his flock, superintending the sisters' school and aiding to bring it to a standard second to none in Iowa; building his beautiful parsonage; terracing the noble grounds and ornamenting them with sculptured marble; adding to the architecture of his church by wing and tower and crowning all with the clock whose chimes will celebrate tomorrow's Easter morning with such peals of music and gladness.
The grand manifestations of delight witnessed in the illuminated church and grounds and joyous reception by congregation and friends on the occasion of his recent return from Europe, would seem to call for more than a passing allusion to this trans-Atlantic trip. Father Laurent by his seniority of service and other important relations to the church in Iowa, fills the distinguished office of consultor of the bishop. He is more than this to His Grace, Bishop Cosgrove. He is the bishop's intimate friend. When Bishop Cosgrove arranged for making his official visit to Pope Leo XIII, he issued his nolens volens to his friend to accompany him. Departing only last fall, the return was made the present month. Their tour had embraced a visit to Ireland, England, France and Italy, including a lengthy sojourn at Rome, where Father Laurent had the honor of sharing with his distinguished companion in the honor of an audience with the Pope and in the favors of the Papal Court. Leaving Rome, they spent some time at the sacred shrines of Loretto and Lourdes and amid the home scenes of Father Laurent. Refreshed from his long and restful vacation, and renewed in spirit, Father Laurent returns to us in the prime of a vigorous manhood, infused with new hopes and purposes for the happiness and prosperity of his church and welcomed to his home by a city which permits the name of no sect or creed to lessen its esteem or the cordiality of its greeting, and its best wishes for his future welfare.
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