The Sodality Windows
The Ascension and Assumption windows, that flank the main Altar, are the most artistic and intricate in the church, consisting of both stained and painted glass. We do not know the actual cost but, at approximately 5' (W) x 9'2" (H), they were likely the most expensive. They were donated to the church by groups instead of by individuals or families.
The Ascension and Assumption windows, that flank the main Altar, are the most artistic and intricate in the church, consisting of both stained and painted glass. We do not know the actual cost but, at approximately 5' (W) x 9'2" (H), they were likely the most expensive. They were donated to the church by groups instead of by individuals or families.
Present-day photo of the church showing the Ascension Widow (Left) and Assumption Window (Right)
March 22, 1900 St. Paul Journal — "Quite a number of strangers were seen Sunday inspecting the beautiful stained glass window. Few churches in Kansas can compare with St. Francis now. The windows add a richness and a heavenly beauty that makes you feel that you are in a sacred place. The two large widows over the main altar are not in yet. One will represent the Ascension of our Lord and the other will be a reproduction on Murillo's famous Assumption. They are donated by the Married Men and Ladies and the Young Men and Ladies' Sodalities." [1]
A Sodality is an organized society or fellowship specifically, a devotional or charitable association of Roman Catholic laity. In the early 1900's the Sodalities were an important part of church life at Saint Francis and quite a few parishioners participated in Sodality meetings and activities. When donations were solicited for windows, Sodalities stepped up. Lists of the sodality members, that we have been able to find, are shown with their windows, below.
A Sodality is an organized society or fellowship specifically, a devotional or charitable association of Roman Catholic laity. In the early 1900's the Sodalities were an important part of church life at Saint Francis and quite a few parishioners participated in Sodality meetings and activities. When donations were solicited for windows, Sodalities stepped up. Lists of the sodality members, that we have been able to find, are shown with their windows, below.
The Ascension Window
The Ascension Window, Left of Altar. The names of the sodalities do not exactly match the banners at the bottom of the windows, but here are some of the members:
St. Francis Married Men Sodality - 1900:
St. Francis Married Men Sodality - 1900:
- Frank Barnes Prefect
- Simeon Smith 1st Assistant Prefect
- Marion Fowler 2nd Assistant Prefect
- Fred Coomes Secretary
- Fabian Abell Treasurer
- Joachim Linden Consulter
- James McNeill Consulter
- F.X. Fowler Consulter
- M. A. Munding Consulter
- C. P. Hentzen Consulter
- Joseph Volmer Consulter
- Peter B. George Consulter
- A. P. Gallett Consulter
- James Fisher Consulter
- John Balfay Consulter
The Ascension Window Lower Banner.
The Assumption Window
The Assumption Window, Right of Altar: As with the men's group, the women's sodality names do not exactly match the window banner. Here are some of the members:
St. Francis Married Ladies Sodality - 1900:
St. Francis Married Ladies Sodality - 1900:
- Mrs. E. Starkey - Sarah O'Bryan Prefect
- Mrs. K. Parrott - Margaret Hentzen 1st Assistant Prefect
- Mrs. M. Hentzen - Anna Ulbright 2nd Assistant Prefect
- Mrs. K. Bohrer Secretary
- Mrs. K. Fitzsimmons Treasurer
- Mrs. E. Devine Consulter
- Mrs. C. McDougall Consulter
- Mrs. P. Bonifas Consulter
- Mrs. J. Koenig Consulter
- Mrs. C. Coomes Consulter
- Mrs. M. Roycroft Consulter
- Mrs. Annie Wheat Consulter
- Mrs. Sallie Smith Consulter
- Mrs. Mary Coomes Consulter
|
St. Francis Young Ladies Sodality - 1900:
Lizzie Ferrick, Nellie Brogan Prefect Anna O'Bryan, Ella Cooney 1st Assistant Prefect Rose Ward, Anna Worland, 2nd Assistant Prefect Annie Bohrer Elizabeth Berry Treasurer Bettie Owens Librarian Susie Berry Secretary New Members: Kate Riney, Anna Becker, Gertrude Hentzen Lizzie Butler, Lula Smith, Cora Miller, Ida Worland, Agnes Coomes, Rose Bonifas Francis Parrot |
The Assumption Window Banner
Some Reference Information:
1. We believe, based on the actual window inscriptions, that the last sentence of the paragraph should read: "They are donated by the Married Men and Young Men's and Married Women's and Young Ladies Sodalities."
2. The information above was drawn from a draft of Randy Dunavan's upcoming book "Who's Behind the Window." The story and family names are only a sample of the names, news stories and other information contained in the 800+ draft. Collectively, the story of the people and families behind the St. Francis church windows is a story of the early settlers of Neosho County and Southeast Kansas. It is a Who's Who of our region. In addition to the windows, he also discusses the migration of Catholic families from the northeast United States through Kentucky and other areas as they came to Kansas. Who's Behind the Window will be a treasure trove for genealogists and Catholic history scholars or enthusiasts.
3. All of the photos on this page were taken by R. Brogan of A Catholic Mission.org.
1. We believe, based on the actual window inscriptions, that the last sentence of the paragraph should read: "They are donated by the Married Men and Young Men's and Married Women's and Young Ladies Sodalities."
2. The information above was drawn from a draft of Randy Dunavan's upcoming book "Who's Behind the Window." The story and family names are only a sample of the names, news stories and other information contained in the 800+ draft. Collectively, the story of the people and families behind the St. Francis church windows is a story of the early settlers of Neosho County and Southeast Kansas. It is a Who's Who of our region. In addition to the windows, he also discusses the migration of Catholic families from the northeast United States through Kentucky and other areas as they came to Kansas. Who's Behind the Window will be a treasure trove for genealogists and Catholic history scholars or enthusiasts.
3. All of the photos on this page were taken by R. Brogan of A Catholic Mission.org.
