The Father of the Order of the Most Precious Blood were the next pastors at Peru, from whence they attended St. Peter’s. About January 15th, 1844, Rev. Francis X. Brunner with a colony of

(p. 29)

assistants, came to Peru, and took pastoral charge. Father Brunner, who was the superior, came to St. Peter’s very seldom, but left it almost entirely to his assistants, who, however, came at very uncertain intervals. The first to come, in chronological order, was Rev. Peter Anton Capeder; and the others were Revs. Maria Anton Meyer, Jacob Ringele and John Wittmer.

   Eye witnesses relate that Rev. F.X. Brunner and his co-laborers in this vineyard of the Lord, came into Norwalk from the southeast, on what is now Woodlawn avenue. It was an open winter and the road were next to impassable. A farmer, with wagon drawn by a two-horse team, brought them as far as Norwalk. Arrived here he refused to go any farther because his team were worn out. They stored their trunks in Norwalk and started out afoot for Peru. It was nearly four o’clock in the afternoon. The weather was mild, and it had been drizzling all day, but just about the time they reached Norwalk a heavy thunderstorm had come on; they were completely drenched, and it was rapidly getting dark. They would not, however, remain here, but pressed forward to their journey’s end. It is stated on fairly good authority that two men of Peru met them in Norwalk, and escorted them to their destination. It was so dark that lanterns had to be procured before leaving Norwalk. Though the distance was only four miles, yet, because of the bad roads and the rain with fierce wind blowing, it took them over two hours to reach Peru. They repaired to the house of Mr. Hellmuth, where a warm fire awaited them, and made such change in their apparel as was rendered necessary, having for this purpose carried a considerable portion of their belongings with them from Norwalk, and what was still wanting was kindly furnished by their host.

   When the Fathers had arrived Mr. Hellmuth, who was teacher and sexton, rang the church bells to announce the glad tidings to parishioners. About a half dozen men assembled to greet the new pastors. After refreshments had been taken the assembly repaired to the church, where the priests sang the Litany of Loretto and the Te Deum in thanksgiving for their safe journey from Europe to their new home in America. They took lodging for the night at the house of Mr. Hellmuth, and on the following day took possession of the pastoral residence and girded their loins for the missionary work before them.

   The statement in some histories that the parishioners met the Fathers at a distance, escorted them to the church singing the Litany of Loretto on the way, is an unalloyed fiction.

   The Sanguinist Fathers encountered none of the hardships of their predecessors at Peru. They found there a well organized parish of

(p. 30)

more than one hundred families, having a large church, school, pastoral residence with all the necessary appurtenances, also well-equipped barns, and, best of all, there was no debt. At St. Peter’s there was a large and prosperous parish with only $300 debt on the new church.

   Surprise is frequently expressed that Father Brunner, coming to Norwalk in such bad weather, and passing in front of St. Peter’s church, did not put up with some Catholic family in town at least for the night. The explanation that is usually given is as follows: First, the date of his arrival to Peru was announced by letter, and he did not wish to disappoint his parishioners, especially not because of some of their number met him here, where they had waited for him since early morning. Second, St. Peter’s had again incurred the Bishop’s displeasure, almost his censure, by reason of the medly [sic] over the title, which had then reached an acute stage, and Father Brunner had in Cincinnati been warned to be on his guard against those “wily rebels,” as St. Peter’s parish was then alluded to.

   As soon as Father Brunner ascertained his bearings respecting St. Peter’s, he set to work with great earnestness to have everything put in order. By his direction the title was vested in the Bishop’s name, as heretofore explained, the debt was speedily liquidated, the school was continued, and was well attended. Joseph Fiesinger was retained as teacher. In January, 1845, there was a new election of councilmen, and Jacob Frey, Joseph Meyer, Jacob Keller, and Frank J. Hermann were declared elected.

  The two parishes soon renewed their quarrels. The pastoral arrangements suited neither party. The “Settlement” did not want the priests, who resided within their domain, to attend the “Town People,” and did all they possibly could to prevent them from doing so even threatening violence if they did not desist. The “Town People,” wanted to be independent of Peru, and on that score objected to the established order of things, and were often highly incensed that they had mass only at long and irregular intervals, and if in the interim they desired to attend divine services, they must walk to Peru, and would thus also, in a manner, be compelled to contribute towards the support of both parishes. They likewise argued that an injustice was done to them, because they, being by far the larger parish, had services but seldom, while the inferior parish had regular services both on Sundays and week days.

   The question of re-imbursement came up again with all its former acerbity of temper. Much acrimonious talk was indulged in between the members of two parishes, and much annoyance was given the pastors. The “Town People” finally proposed to relinquish their claim on the basis that the “Settlement” pay for a bell, which they contemplated

(p. 31)

buying. This was the tocsin of alarm that aroused all the slumbering animosities and national antipathies. Recrimination bordering on violence was started anew, and did not subside till after Father Brunner’s departure from the “Settlement.” It appears that during this wrangle both parishes had petitioned Bishop Purcell for another pastor that they might be independent of each other.

   In the Spring of 1846 Bishop Purcell visited St. Alphonsus’ and St. Peter’s for the last time. He spent one day at Peru, and on the following morning, which was Corpus Christi day, he came to St. Peter’s, dedicated the new church, which had just been decorated on the interior, preached a long sermon dealing principally with the contention going on between the two parishes, after mass he confirmed about fifty persons, blessed the cemetery, and with the promise to give them a

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


ST. PETER’S CEMETERY.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

resident pastor as soon as possible, imparted his benediction, and went away to return no more. The cemetery blessed at this visitation was directly in the rear of the church, and comprised about one-half of the plat, which had been obtained from Mr. Isaac Underhill. The first person buried here was the pioneer Joseph Adam Hettel, who died August 16th 1841, aged 67 years.

   Bishop Rappe came to the Diocese of Cleveland about the middle of October 1847. A month later he was already on a visitation to Norwalk

(p. 32)

and Peru. Two things attracted him hither so speedily; one was the reception of Rev. Peter A. Carabin, into the Cleveland Diocese; the other was the contention between the parishes. At Peru, he accepted Father Carabin, who although much improved, was still far from being well and at once stationed him at that place that he might be near the home of his parents; he also imparted Confirmation to about thirty children, - Nicholas Schriner being one of the number they confirmed. Thence he came to Norwalk, where he confirmed about forty-five children, and in his sermon announced the new arrangement that had just been made and that was expected to be the harbinger of glorious results. The invalid Father Carabin had charge of Peru, and the Sanguinist Fathers at Thompson were to take pastoral charge of St. Peter’s and thus, it was thought, peace, harmony and independence would rule supreme.

   The principle aim of Father Brunner was the founding of houses of his Order. His first attempt was made at Peru, where he had secured option on a magnificent location about three-fourth of a mile west of the present church, known as the highest point in that vicinity. But finding the people averse to the project he relinquished this place, and founded houses at Thompson and New Riegel where the prospects of success were much brighter than here.

   At Peru the Fathers had proven themselves to be zealous and hardworking missionaries. The efficiency of their work, however, was marred by a peevish disaffection among themselves, which sometimes led to recrimination in the pulpit.

   Alas! the new era that was thought to dawn upon St. Peter’s by this novel order was only the glimmer of the meteor’s flash. Thompson was more than sixteen miles away and nothing to reach it on but a mud road, which during a large portion of the year was next to impassable, and oftentimes no priest could reach Norwalk, so that those who desired to assist at mass must still tramp to Peru. Then, too, there were sick-calls, funerals and weddings for which the priest had to be brought sixteen miles from Thompson, while Peru was only four miles distant. Some died without the sacraments; others were buried without the ministration of a priest. Complaints became louder than ever. The Bishop was petitioned for a resident pastor, but he had none to give.

   The priests who attended St. Peter’s from Thompson most frequently while this arrangement lasted, were Rev. Matthias Kreusch from December, 1847, to about December, 1848 and Rev. F.X. Obermueller from the latter date till August 4th, 1851. The pews that are now in St. Peter’s were procured during this pastorate of Father Obermueller, he also had the church walls decorated, and the ceiling and other wood-work newly painted. The church

(p. 33)

was becoming too small and he had the gallery enlarged so as to accommodate a greater number of persons. The communion railing that is now there was also his work. To accomplish all this he made it a point of duty to remain in Norwalk for two or three weeks at a time, boarding the while at the house of Mr. John Saladin, and later on at the house of Mr. Sebastian Venus, who was a jeweler and resided where the Brugman Block now stands. The house of Mr. Venus was thenceforth the home of the pastor of St. Peter’s until August 3rd, 1854, when the cholera cut off his career of usefulness on earth.

  At the invitation of Father Obermueller, who was anxious to promote the spiritual welfare of his flock by all possible means, the Rev. F.X. Tschenhens, with another priest of his Order, (Redemptorist) came to St. Peter’s and gave a week’s mission in the autumn of 1849. This was the first mission that was ever held in the parish, and was productive of much good. It contributed largely towards bringing about the the peace and good will that from this time forth prevailed in the parish. The old animosities were buried; wrongs were forgiven and forgotten. People came from all quarters to see and hear their former pastor, whom in days gone by they had so often criticized and reviled.

   The school was continued throughout the regime of the Thompson Fathers. Michael Schaertzinger was in 1849 made teacher at a salary of $18.75 per month. He continued to teach till 1852. The number of pupils enrolled in the school is said to have been about seventy.

   On March 23rd, 1851, under the supervision of Father Obermuller, there was an election of councilmen, at which Joseph Brunner, Joseph Baer, Joseph Wonderley, Christian Dufner and Jacob Frey were elected. It was stipulated in the premises that they should serve for one year and no longer. Owing to his opposition of Father Evrard being made their pastor, Joseph Baer resigned in September of that same year. The other four served the time for which they were elected.

   On August 10th, 1851, Rev. Charles Evrard, then pastor of Peru, was appointed to the pastorate of St. Peter’s as a mission. Much opposition was at first raised against this arrangement, not because of any aversion to Father Evrard, but because it made St. Peter’s once more dependent on the “Settlement.” However, the change soon proved to be an agreeable one. Father Evrard was a secular priest, unhampered by the rules of a convent; he was full of energy and determined to do justice to St. Peter’s independent of what the “Settlement” though or said. At his first visit to St. Peter’s he announced that he would give them one mass and sermon every Sunday, and Holy Day, rain or shine, and that they need fear no disappointment while he was in charge. There is yet on record the contract which he made with the councilmen that

(p. 34)

they keep the accounts of moneys and pay him for his services $200 per year; just one-half the regular salary; the full salary at that time was $400 per annum. St. Peter’s was at this time the larger of the parishes, and had reason to expect that the pastor reside here; a petition to that effect was sent to the Rt. Rev. Bishop but failed to elicit a favorable reply.

   In January, 1852, Father Evrard organized the first young ladies’ Sodality. There were 57 members at the commencement, and the book containing their names is yet extant. Each member paid five cents dues per month. The title and object of the Sodality are not recorded. In 1855 the membership had decreased to 53, but increased again a few years later on.

   Prior to Father Evrard’s pastorate the church records and financial accounts were all kept in the parish, where the pastor resided. Hence from its beginning till December, 1847, they were kept in Peru, and from that date till August 4th, 1851, in Thompson. This had been the cause of much discontent and open complaint. This was now remedied. The councilmen were given charge of the finances, and a baptismal record was at once begun. The first leaf of this record is missing. The first entry, as it now appears, is the baptism of Charles Brunner, son of Blasius and Veronica Brunner, on September 7th, 1851. As an indication of the membership of St. Peter’s the baptismal record is the only source extant. From September 7th to December 31st, 1851, there were 18 baptisms; in the year 1852 there were 67 infants baptized; in 1853 there were 89 baptized, and this number gradually increased till in 1856 there were 112 infants baptized. The record stops with December, 1856, and seems not to have been continued till the arrival of Rev. Father Mauclerc, in September 1859. Father Ponchell’s records are, with few exceptions, entirely missing. The impression prevails that he kept the records faithfully, but that they were purloined. If this is true he must have used a different book than either his predecessor or successor. That of his predecessors was also for some time used by Father Ponchell, and the last entry was the baptism of Adelaid Ebner, daughter of Ferdinand and Mary Ebner, dated December 28, 1856. This book was no more used thereafter. The next item on record is the baptism of Ludovina, daughter of Wendolin Senn and Catharine Fuchs, September 2nd, 1859, by Rev. A.X. Mauclerc, who commenced and entirely new register, which was afterwards continued by his successors, and even by Father Ponchell himself, when in July, 1860, he again assumed charge of St. Peter’s. Father Ponchell was a sickly man, had the care of two large parishes, was building a brick church in one, and a brick school house in the other, and amidst

(p. 35)

the multiplicity of work and worry thus entailed, may easily have disregarded the keeping of records.

   True to the agreement made a year previous another election of councilmen was held in February, 1852, at which time Martin Sattig, Sebastian Venus, Blasius Book, Frank Joseph Hermann and John Saladin were declared elected for one year. Of these Martin Sattig was made treasurer, and Sebastian Venus secretary. The councilmen assumed control of the finances, collected the moneys and paid all the obligations, but soon discovered that without the pastor’s assistance they could not collect enough to defray the current expenses, much less pay the small debt incurred by the improvements made in the pastorate of the Thompson Father. The pastor was requested to come to the rescue, which he did so effectually that at his departure on June 1st, 1853, a cash balance of nearly $400 was on hand. The only account book of those days yet extant is a memorandum, or “blotter,” which is now of considerable interest.

   Father Evrard kept no register of marriages nor of interments but only of baptisms.

   In the month of October, 1852, Bishop Rappe paid Norwalk a visit. He put up for the night at the house of Sebastian Venus, and the next morning, in company with Mr. Laurence Brady walked all the way out to St. Peter’s, where he met the pastor and Father Machebeuf, who had, earlier in the morning, come in from Peru. High mass was celebrated by Father Machebeuf, and after mass more than one hundred were confirmed. The Bishop preached a remarkable sermon, dealing mostly with the evils of intemperance, which at that time was doing much harm among the people in this locality. That sermon, with its quaint illustrations, became an heir-loom in many households in the parish.

   When the church services were over the Rt. Rev. Bishop and attending clergy repaired to the house of Mr. Sebastian Venus, where dinner was served. At this place, later in the afternoon, a large committee of parishioners called on the Bishop, presented him with a roster of names showing that there were nearly 300 families, who attended mass at St. Peter’s; some of these coming from Milan, Monroeville, Berlin Heights, Huron and intervening country, and humbly petitioned for a resident pastor. Father Evrard, who was present, corroborated the truth of the committee’s report, and pleaded so strongly for the parish that the Bishop promised to send them a resident pastor at the earliest possible moment. This promise was verified a little more than half a year later by the advent of Father Roupp as first resident pastor, June 1st, 1853.

   The election of the councilmen, in which matter St. Peter’s always manifested

(p. 36)

a deep interest, in January, 1853, resulted in placing Martin Sattig, Sebastian Venus, John Book, and John Saladin in office, of whom Martin Sattig was again treasurer, and Sebastian Venus the secretary. At this election the number was reduced from five to four, but no reason is given for so doing.