Appendix 7 to Father Ponziglione's Memoir. A Letter to W. W. Graves.
To W. W. Graves Esq.
Editor of the Neosho County Journal
In reply to your favors of 18 Oct. 1898 I enclose with the present a historical abridgment of St. Francis Catholic Church at Osage Mission, now St. Paul, Neosho County Kansas.
It was in April of 1847 that the first Roman Catholic Church was opened by Father John Schoenmakers on one of the two log-houses the Indian Department had put up for the use of the Osage Mission School, then inaugurated by the same Father.
But, O how small a room it was! Indeed hardly capable to accommodate the domestics. Father Schoenmakers saw at once the necessity of building a larger one, not only for the use of the house, but also of the people forming our congregation. As in the woodland close by one could, at that time, find great many very large trees, so the needed logs having been cut down a building was very soon erected 30 x 35 feet wide arising 16 feet from the ground, having a roof with a pediment of 10 feet surmounted by a nice cross. The locality chosen for the church was the spot of ground now standing between the 2 stone houses, the residence of the Passionist Fathers, and the school house.
The size of this structure answered very well for a few years, the number of Catholics living at that time in our vicinity being rather small. But the partial opening of Kansas territory to the white settlers in 1853, soon called for some enlargement. The news that our mission was offering a great convenience for church and school privileges, soon spread all over the country, and through the Osage reservation had not yet been opened, many Catholic settlers came to squat along the Indian lands not very far from us, and the Osages were kind to them. Some of these would come regularly to Mass on Sundays, and others would send their children to our school. This state of affairs compelled Father Schoenmakers to make additions to the church, as well as our houses, for the accommodation of strangers. But the number of Catholic settlers being still increasing, more room was needed in the church and the Father returning to the work erected a large addition in front of it doubling all together its area which now became of 90 x 35 feet.
The best claims near us having all been taken up, the Catholic settlers began to spread in the adjoining counties, and thought these could not come to Mass on every Sunday, they would try to come once in a while, to attend to their religious duties, the result being that our congregation kept swelling, and frequently our log church could not afford room for all.
What was to be done? Father Schoenmakers saw that it was useless to make any more additions to it, and that the best (plan) would be to start the building of a large stone church. However, as it was evident it would take considerable time to realize this was a good idea, advisable to put up here and there small chapels or missionary stations, as we used to call them, in different districts which might be monthly attended by some of the fathers of the mission, for the convenience of those who on account of distance could but seldom come to us.
The excitement created by the news that the father was going to build a large church spreading around, brought in quite a number of Catholic settlers, especially of good mechanics, of whom we were very much in need. But whence was the money to come from? The only chance we had for getting any, was by applying the old system of making collections. The people had not much to spare, but they were of good will and contributed liberally.
Between what had been collected at home, and in the neighboring states, nay even in Europe, the amount was soon found to eb sufficient to justify Father Schoenmakers in setting hand to this great undertaking. The job was intrusted to Mr. Kavanough, an expert builder. He laid in deep and solid foundations, and in a short brought up the work to the water table showing that the areas of the church would be 140 x 70 feet. This done, Rt. Rev. Louis M. Finks D.D. O.S.B Bishop of Leavenworth Kansas, was invited to come to consecrate the corner stone, a thing which he did with great solemnity on the 23 of June 1872.
But now the treasury was empty, what was to be done? Some advised Father Schoenmakers to borrow about 60 thousand dollars, and finish the work, otherwise the mechanics would leave the country, and it would be difficult for us to find other of good when the building would be resumed! The father, after serious consideration concluded to suspend the work, rather than to overcharge the congregation with so heavy a debt, which would be a crushing tax on our poor people for years to come! Meanwhile the several chapels, or missionary stations erected in different districts began to improve, and in few years became the nucleus of large settlement, of which some by degrees developed in rich towns and cities. These small places of worship we attended by turn as regularly as circumstances would allow to the great convenience of our settlers, who in a pressing need knew where to apply for a priest.
Here I would be too long if I would give the names of all the Catholic settlements from 1853 to 1886 were gradually established by Catholic parties branching of them. All that I can state from old records is, that the fathers issuing from St. Francis Church to attend to the daily multiplying missionary stations had a very big task before them, and were kept travelling most all of the time under great difficulties. Their ling of excursions beginning from the south-east corner of Cherokee County, was going up as far north as to Miami County. From that point turning westward would extend as far as Fort Larned in Pawnee County, next coming down to the lower counties along the state line would lead them back to St. Francis Church. It was indeed a slow and laboring work, but full of courage they kept on, and deserved the great honor of having been the first priest that brought the good tidings of the gospel in 30 of the counties included in the territory just described. Besides they also now and then visited the Indian Territory laying south of Kansas, visiting the Indian agencies and military posts as far as to Fort Sill.
This being so I hope nobody will blame me if I claim for St. Francis Church the title of Metropolitan Church, because from the year 1847 to 1886 it has been the prolific Mother of Churches and missionary stations amounting all together to 108, of these 87 in southern Kansas and 21 in Indian Territory.
At last in 1883 under the direction of Mr. Louis Shider, the stone work of the new church was nearly finished to the roof, with the exception of the tower, which was stopped at a height of 100 feet from the ground.
It was the most ardent desire of every on that Father Schoenmakers, who had taken so much interest in promoting the good of Osage Mission, could see the completion of this last of his works. All wished to see him blessing the new church, and celebrate in it the first Mass. But it was the will of God to call him to his reward before the roof could be laid over it. He died at the age of 77, on the 28 of July 1883.
The finishing of the new church caused great joy amongst our Catholic settlers, who not satisfied of having liberally contributed to its building, now wanted to have an extra collection to be take up for the procuring of a memorial bell, that for many years to come, might with its sweet harmonious peals call to the mind of the people the dear memory of Father Schoenmakers. This collection was a financial success; no one, even Protestants, refusing. Yes, even the wild full blood Osage from the plains of Oklahoma send in their rich contribution. The bell which carries the name of the father on it was cast in St. Louis, Mo. Weighs about 2,100 pds. And $500.00 were paid for it.
Though every one can admire St. Francis Church, people are yet to be found, who will make objections to its size, saying that it is too large for the place. Well this same objection was made to the father himself just when he started the building. Now to those wo repeat it,, I can but give the answer the father then gave to the others. The good father smiling replied to them that time would answer their objection! And in fact the answer came on the 11 of May 1884 when Rt. Rev. John Hogan D.D. Bishop of Kansas City Mo. solemnly dedicated the church to God, under the invocation of St. Francis De Hieronymo. On that day, as well as on subsequent ones, the building was filled up to its utmost capacity, so as not to allow admission to many people.
This is in short the history of St. Francis Church at Osage Mission. I would not be surprised if here some might say what use to talks some much about Osage Mission since it does no longer exists, and St. Paul has taken its place? Yes I know it has, and in my opinion should be proud of it, for it has also taken as and inheritance a great glory that no other southern Kansas town can contest to Osage Mission, namely of being the pioneer tow in Southern Kansas, the first in which a church was erected in honor of God, and schools were opened for the education of youth. For as long at the memorial bell will stand in St. Francis tower, its inscription in clear bronze letters will show to all that Father Schoenmakers was, who built Osage Mission in A. D. 1847, proving by it that although he was a Jesuit, he by no means was an enemy to progress, on the contrary, was a strong promoter of civilization.
The present condition of St. Paul may not as yet be what some might wish – I know it, and wish many of my friends might say, that there is left room for many improvements. But the surrounding country being most excellent, the fertility of its soil being inexhaustible, the salubrity of its climate having few equal, there is no doubt that in the near future St. Paul will become of the the best towns in southern Kansas.
Long life therefor and prosperity may the Lord grant to this town which though bereaved of its primitive name is so dear to me this day as it was when it used to be called Osage Mission.
St. Ignatius College, Chicago, Ill.
October 28, 1898
Paul M. Ponziglione S. J.
Editor of the Neosho County Journal
In reply to your favors of 18 Oct. 1898 I enclose with the present a historical abridgment of St. Francis Catholic Church at Osage Mission, now St. Paul, Neosho County Kansas.
It was in April of 1847 that the first Roman Catholic Church was opened by Father John Schoenmakers on one of the two log-houses the Indian Department had put up for the use of the Osage Mission School, then inaugurated by the same Father.
But, O how small a room it was! Indeed hardly capable to accommodate the domestics. Father Schoenmakers saw at once the necessity of building a larger one, not only for the use of the house, but also of the people forming our congregation. As in the woodland close by one could, at that time, find great many very large trees, so the needed logs having been cut down a building was very soon erected 30 x 35 feet wide arising 16 feet from the ground, having a roof with a pediment of 10 feet surmounted by a nice cross. The locality chosen for the church was the spot of ground now standing between the 2 stone houses, the residence of the Passionist Fathers, and the school house.
The size of this structure answered very well for a few years, the number of Catholics living at that time in our vicinity being rather small. But the partial opening of Kansas territory to the white settlers in 1853, soon called for some enlargement. The news that our mission was offering a great convenience for church and school privileges, soon spread all over the country, and through the Osage reservation had not yet been opened, many Catholic settlers came to squat along the Indian lands not very far from us, and the Osages were kind to them. Some of these would come regularly to Mass on Sundays, and others would send their children to our school. This state of affairs compelled Father Schoenmakers to make additions to the church, as well as our houses, for the accommodation of strangers. But the number of Catholic settlers being still increasing, more room was needed in the church and the Father returning to the work erected a large addition in front of it doubling all together its area which now became of 90 x 35 feet.
The best claims near us having all been taken up, the Catholic settlers began to spread in the adjoining counties, and thought these could not come to Mass on every Sunday, they would try to come once in a while, to attend to their religious duties, the result being that our congregation kept swelling, and frequently our log church could not afford room for all.
What was to be done? Father Schoenmakers saw that it was useless to make any more additions to it, and that the best (plan) would be to start the building of a large stone church. However, as it was evident it would take considerable time to realize this was a good idea, advisable to put up here and there small chapels or missionary stations, as we used to call them, in different districts which might be monthly attended by some of the fathers of the mission, for the convenience of those who on account of distance could but seldom come to us.
The excitement created by the news that the father was going to build a large church spreading around, brought in quite a number of Catholic settlers, especially of good mechanics, of whom we were very much in need. But whence was the money to come from? The only chance we had for getting any, was by applying the old system of making collections. The people had not much to spare, but they were of good will and contributed liberally.
Between what had been collected at home, and in the neighboring states, nay even in Europe, the amount was soon found to eb sufficient to justify Father Schoenmakers in setting hand to this great undertaking. The job was intrusted to Mr. Kavanough, an expert builder. He laid in deep and solid foundations, and in a short brought up the work to the water table showing that the areas of the church would be 140 x 70 feet. This done, Rt. Rev. Louis M. Finks D.D. O.S.B Bishop of Leavenworth Kansas, was invited to come to consecrate the corner stone, a thing which he did with great solemnity on the 23 of June 1872.
But now the treasury was empty, what was to be done? Some advised Father Schoenmakers to borrow about 60 thousand dollars, and finish the work, otherwise the mechanics would leave the country, and it would be difficult for us to find other of good when the building would be resumed! The father, after serious consideration concluded to suspend the work, rather than to overcharge the congregation with so heavy a debt, which would be a crushing tax on our poor people for years to come! Meanwhile the several chapels, or missionary stations erected in different districts began to improve, and in few years became the nucleus of large settlement, of which some by degrees developed in rich towns and cities. These small places of worship we attended by turn as regularly as circumstances would allow to the great convenience of our settlers, who in a pressing need knew where to apply for a priest.
Here I would be too long if I would give the names of all the Catholic settlements from 1853 to 1886 were gradually established by Catholic parties branching of them. All that I can state from old records is, that the fathers issuing from St. Francis Church to attend to the daily multiplying missionary stations had a very big task before them, and were kept travelling most all of the time under great difficulties. Their ling of excursions beginning from the south-east corner of Cherokee County, was going up as far north as to Miami County. From that point turning westward would extend as far as Fort Larned in Pawnee County, next coming down to the lower counties along the state line would lead them back to St. Francis Church. It was indeed a slow and laboring work, but full of courage they kept on, and deserved the great honor of having been the first priest that brought the good tidings of the gospel in 30 of the counties included in the territory just described. Besides they also now and then visited the Indian Territory laying south of Kansas, visiting the Indian agencies and military posts as far as to Fort Sill.
This being so I hope nobody will blame me if I claim for St. Francis Church the title of Metropolitan Church, because from the year 1847 to 1886 it has been the prolific Mother of Churches and missionary stations amounting all together to 108, of these 87 in southern Kansas and 21 in Indian Territory.
At last in 1883 under the direction of Mr. Louis Shider, the stone work of the new church was nearly finished to the roof, with the exception of the tower, which was stopped at a height of 100 feet from the ground.
It was the most ardent desire of every on that Father Schoenmakers, who had taken so much interest in promoting the good of Osage Mission, could see the completion of this last of his works. All wished to see him blessing the new church, and celebrate in it the first Mass. But it was the will of God to call him to his reward before the roof could be laid over it. He died at the age of 77, on the 28 of July 1883.
The finishing of the new church caused great joy amongst our Catholic settlers, who not satisfied of having liberally contributed to its building, now wanted to have an extra collection to be take up for the procuring of a memorial bell, that for many years to come, might with its sweet harmonious peals call to the mind of the people the dear memory of Father Schoenmakers. This collection was a financial success; no one, even Protestants, refusing. Yes, even the wild full blood Osage from the plains of Oklahoma send in their rich contribution. The bell which carries the name of the father on it was cast in St. Louis, Mo. Weighs about 2,100 pds. And $500.00 were paid for it.
Though every one can admire St. Francis Church, people are yet to be found, who will make objections to its size, saying that it is too large for the place. Well this same objection was made to the father himself just when he started the building. Now to those wo repeat it,, I can but give the answer the father then gave to the others. The good father smiling replied to them that time would answer their objection! And in fact the answer came on the 11 of May 1884 when Rt. Rev. John Hogan D.D. Bishop of Kansas City Mo. solemnly dedicated the church to God, under the invocation of St. Francis De Hieronymo. On that day, as well as on subsequent ones, the building was filled up to its utmost capacity, so as not to allow admission to many people.
This is in short the history of St. Francis Church at Osage Mission. I would not be surprised if here some might say what use to talks some much about Osage Mission since it does no longer exists, and St. Paul has taken its place? Yes I know it has, and in my opinion should be proud of it, for it has also taken as and inheritance a great glory that no other southern Kansas town can contest to Osage Mission, namely of being the pioneer tow in Southern Kansas, the first in which a church was erected in honor of God, and schools were opened for the education of youth. For as long at the memorial bell will stand in St. Francis tower, its inscription in clear bronze letters will show to all that Father Schoenmakers was, who built Osage Mission in A. D. 1847, proving by it that although he was a Jesuit, he by no means was an enemy to progress, on the contrary, was a strong promoter of civilization.
The present condition of St. Paul may not as yet be what some might wish – I know it, and wish many of my friends might say, that there is left room for many improvements. But the surrounding country being most excellent, the fertility of its soil being inexhaustible, the salubrity of its climate having few equal, there is no doubt that in the near future St. Paul will become of the the best towns in southern Kansas.
Long life therefor and prosperity may the Lord grant to this town which though bereaved of its primitive name is so dear to me this day as it was when it used to be called Osage Mission.
St. Ignatius College, Chicago, Ill.
October 28, 1898
Paul M. Ponziglione S. J.
