Knights of
the Altar
One of the great joys of being a Catholic boy is the
privilege of serving at the altar. To
help the boys value this opportunity, the Knights of the Altar was organized.
Knights
of the Altar 1962
1st
row: Michael True, Don Davis, John Frerman, Harry Heintzman, Larry Lanham, Fr.
Lally, Joe Gross, Elmer Dries, Robert Mattingly, John Malick, Joe French.
2nd
row: Joe Mattingly, George Cronen, Michael Fouts, Michael Gosnell, Steve
Pfuelb, Dan Seng, Robert Gillion, Wayne Roberts, Don Aberli, Dennis
Recktenwald, Bill Neuling, Richard Hourigan.
3rd
row: Leon Amos, Larry Hill, Howard Johnson, Richard Davis, John Langnehs, Tony
Embry, Michael Shawler, Eugene Ande, Michael Wallace, William Gillion, Steve
Weber.
4th
row: Walter Aberli, Kenneth Harris, John Ziegler, William Bowman, Gary Powell,
Roy Weller, David Myers, Richard Carpenter, Joe Kessinger, John Veasey, John
Brady.
5th
row: Dennis Thompson, William Daily, Tony Pfuelb, Charles Lanham, Pat Gross,
Terry Luckett, Mike Hallahan, Keith Wright, James Frerman, Jack Carroll, Dan
Heintzman.
6th
row: Tommy Nicholas, Terry Carroll, Bob Lyons, John Hourigan, Joe Heil, Mike
Welscher, Jack Luckett, Tim Hallahan.
Vesting service for
Knights of the Altar 1962
First Communion class early 1960s
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First
Communion class late 1960s |
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Parent Teacher Association
Shortly after the opening of the new school
building, Fr. Lehmann call together a meeting of three ladies: Mrs. Charles
Mattingly, Mrs. Frank McCrory and Mrs. George Cronen. The result of this meeting was a decision to
reorganize the PTA, which at one time, had been very active.
The first step was to hold a meeting for all the
ladies of the parish on January 19, 1951.
Then, Fr. Felix Pitt And the president of the Catholic League of the
PTA, both explained what a PTA could do.
The three ladies previously named became the nominations committee and
those who attended this second meeting voted to reorganize the PTA and obtain a
charter in the League. The nominations
committee did a thorough job and so, on the first Wednesday, February, 1951,
the first regular meeting was held and the following were elected: Mrs. B. A.
Gilhooly, president; Mrs. Louis Krekel, vice president; Mrs. B. A. McGuire,
secretary and Mrs. William Ross, treasurer.
The first year’s membership was 58 and there were six executive
committees: Ways and Means, Membership, Hospitality and Entertainment, Health
and Safety, Publicity and the Lunchroom.
The Lunchroom Committee faced the task of organizing
lunchroom facilities which became effective in the following school year. By April 10, the Health and Safety Committee
had completed weighing, measuring and testing the eyes of all the school
children. Two days later, the School Boy
Patrol of ten boys began operations.
The Ways and Means Committee Held its first social
and fundraising event, a card party on May 23, 1951. Just before that on May 16, B. A. Gilhooly
had submitted a report at the Catholic League Convention. She pointed out that although the PTA was
only four months old, it was very active and thriving. The following is an account of the PTA’s
history up through the 125th anniversary:
·
1951–52
Membership increased to 68. Annual dues of $1 were charged and monthly
meetings were on the first Wednesday. An
average of 40 members attended. Besides
the regular business meeting, the PTA invited guest speakers and demonstrations
by various classes added to the program.
This year’s great achievement was the opening of the school lunch room
under the school lunch program of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Hot lunches were served to an average of 180
of the 203 schoolchildren daily. Mr. and
Mrs. C. C. Coy donated the kitchen stove and steam table. Health and Safety Committee women continue
their work. Halloween and Christmas
parties were given to the children and there was also a luncheon and style
show, plus the second annual card party.
A family school picnic ended a successful year.
·
1952–53
Membership temporarily declined slightly despite
increased school enrollment. Activities
include an expansion of the health program by holding physical examinations for
children from the first through the seventh grades. Safety patrol membership climbed to
sixteen. The Ways and Means Committee
conducted a free bingo social plus the annual spring card party, but the year’s
high spot was a ‘tacky’ party for the members.
The lunchroom program continued to prosper with one paid worker, Mrs.
Bonita Deyen, and the rest for volunteers.
Parties at Halloween and Christmas were given the children and the
family school picnic was the final activity.
·
1953–54
Membership climbed to 83 and school enrollment to
252. Two more committees were added: a
Sunshine Committee and League Representative.
The year’s activities added dental examinations to the health services,
sponsorship of the drive for Polio shots, and the increase of safety patrol
boys to eighteen. Besides the now
traditional Christmas and Halloween parties, breakfasts were served to the
first communicants and graduates. The
sisters were given the pantry shower and a $10 Yellow Cab gift
certificate. The annual spring card
party closed the year.
·
1954–55
Membership reached 92. A Purchasing Committee was added to the other
eight. Our PTA also took part in the
mother’s march on Polio. Monthly
meetings continued to close contact between teachers and parents. This year also continued the same social
activities and breakfasts and the card party was the final event.
·
1955–56
The events were much the same as those in previous
years, except a luncheon for the volunteer cafeteria workers.
·
1956–57
Membership climbed to 101 and the PTA sponsored the
major social event of the year – the Silver Jubilee of Fr. Lehmann. Besides the
usual activities, there was a special safety demonstration and the mothers
helped with preschool registration, art classes, and transporting the children
for Polio shots.
·
1957–58
The PTA began a ‘Dad’s Nite’ to encourage male
interest. Other activities were held as
usual and enjoyed success. By 1958–59,
progress continued and PTA took a major part in community fundraising
drives. The unit’s ninth anniversary was
celebrated on February fourth by a very special ‘Minnie Pearl’ Style Show in
which twelve members were the latest creations from ‘Gravel Switch.’ This year was saddened by a Fr. Lehmann’s
death.
·
1959–60
The PTA purchased a freezer and draw drapes for the
cafeteria and continued its usual activities.
It added the role of conditioning books for book rental.
·
1960–61
This year featured a hat style show which proved
very enjoyable for all present. To
encourage attendance at meetings, door prizes were given away. The normal activities were successfully carried
on.
·
1962–63
The first dads were elected to office: Mike
Recktenwald, president and John Jamison, VP.
·
1963–64
Mike Recktenwald was reelected and Joe Lanham came
in as VP. The membership reached 104 and
average attendance at monthly meetings was 45.
The PTA’s many busy committees help the officers carry out the
successful round of activities.
PTA officers since reorganization are as follows:
1952–53 Mrs.
William J. Fichteman, Pres. Mrs.
Charles Mattingly, VP
Mrs.
C. C. Coy, Sec. Miss
Helen Murta, Treas.
1953–54 Mrs.
Thomas Grass, Pres. ?
VP
Mrs.
Mike Recktenwald, Sec. Miss
Helen Murta, Treas.
1954–55 Mrs.
Louis Craven, Pres. ?
VP
Mrs.
Stanley Schultz, Sec. Mrs.
George Cronen, Tres.
1955–56 Mrs.
John Crocker, Pres. Mrs.
Jesse Joyce, VP
Joan
Gibbons, Sec. Virginia
Frerman, Treas.
1956–57 Mrs.
Louis Krekel, Pres. Mrs.
Henry Zwicker, VP
Mrs.
John Carroll, Sec. Mrs.
Tyler Veasey, Treas.
1957–58 Mrs.
Louis Krekel, Pres. Drucilla
Dietz, VP
Mrs.
John Carroll, Sec. Mrs.
Tyler Veasey, Treas.
1958–59 Mrs.
Charles Mattingly, Pres. Margaret
Thompson
Mrs.
George Cronen, Sec. Mrs.
Leon Amos, Tres.
1959–60 Mrs.
Charles Mattingly, Pres. Margaret
Thompson
Catherine
Welsh, Sec. Mrs.
Leon Amos, Tres.
1960–61 Dorothy
Sheckler, Pres. Rose
Wimsett, VP
Catherine
Welsh, Sec. Sarah
Neuling, Tres.
1961–62 Mrs.
Charles Mattingly, Pres. Dorothy
Stemm, VP
Virginia
Frerman, Sec. Sarah
Neuling, Tres.
1962–63 Mr.
Mike Recktenwald, Pres. Mr.
Joe Lanham, VP
Pat
Lindeman, Sec. Catherine
Buecker, Tres.
Summer Picnic July 16, 1960
School
play May 26, 1960
6th grade dance
‘Laces & Graces’ – June 1961
Crowning of Mary
School Science Fair 1960s
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The Cursillo
In the spring of 1963, the men of the parish were
introduced to the Cursillo Movement.
Seven parishioners made the course at
Holy Thursday Mandatum
Jesus washed the feet of his disciples at the Last
Supper as a sign of the new commandment that Christians should love one
another: “Such as my love has been for you, so must your love be for each
other. This is how all will know you for
my disciples: by your love for one another” John 13: 34–35. For centuries the Church has imitated this
‘mandatum’ through the ritual enactment of the new commandment of Jesus Christ
in the washing of feet on Holy Thursday.
During the 1960s, the following men were chosen:
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1961 |
1962 |
1963 |
1964 |
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Robt. Ande Sr. Joe Burch Pat Bradford Sr. G. W.Craven W. J. Fichetman Joe Hillbrand Frank Jarboe Tom Kelty Frank Mattingly A. B. Recktewald Gilbert Thompson |
William Butner Ted Connor Louis Craven George Cronen Barrett Gillooly John Jamison Lewis Krekel C.J. O'Brien Joe Ricketts William Ross Sr. William True Tim Welsh |
John Carroll Jack Gross John Fritz Joe Lanham Joe McTighe Bob Morgan L. Musselman Gene Murta B. M. Recktenwald Jerry
Recktenwald Tom Shawler Tom Sutherland |
C. Alexander William Bowman William Buecker B. Campbell III Bryant Coons James Cronen Douglas Downs John Drury James E. Drury Charles Embry
Sr. John Hagan J. Lindeman |
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1965 |
1966 |
1967 |
1968 |
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Joe Bindner Frank Bindner Sr. Frank Bindner
Jr. Joe Cahill John Clausen James Dearing Gerald Downs Raymond End Donald French John Hourigan B. Kokajahn Michael
Mattingly Dennis McCrory |
Leon Amos James E. Bailey Thomas Becker
Sr. James Carroll Art Daus James Doolan Henry Fichteman J. W. Langnehs Sr. Lee Snyder Henry Fichteman Lee Schuchard Eli Westendorf |
C. V. Bere Val Bere Joseph Brady John Brady Marion D.
Cassady Bob Culver Thomas Kagan Sr. Thomas Kagan Jr. Richard Dearing Dennis Dearing James P.
Hallahan Tim Hallahan |
Steve Brown Leo Cissell Jr. Paul Culver John Gross Jr. Jerry Gulden R. W. Howard Sr. R. W. Howard Jr. Wishy Jones John Kaelin T. Patrick
Lampton Bob Rich Ed Shircliff |
Our Pillars
Our Lady’s parish is extremely proud of its many
‘pillars,’ those old timers whose entire lives have been spent within this
parish. Some have passed the ad mark and
age and a few have neared the century mark in their earthly existence. All are firm in their faith in their love for
the old church.
The oldest is Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Beaven who was 101
on July 11, 1964. She has lived here for
21 years and was a frequent attendant at daily Mass until July in 1960. And there is John Edward Bindner, who was born
on February 28, 1878. His father Fred
was born on the boat coming over from
On November 15, 1917, Virginia Elizabeth Kane
married Lawrence French. At that time,
the bride had lived at
Miss Elizabeth Doherty, sister of former pastor Fr.
Doherty, came with him to be housekeeper.
After Fr. Doherty’s death, Miss
Among those who were baptized and confirmed at Our
Lady and who have passed 74 more years of worship are: Mrs. Joe Ricketts, Frank
Mattingly, A. B. Recktenwald, Miss Rose Recktenwald, Miss Gertrude Becker,
Wallace Craven, J. J. Logan, Mrs. Louis Litzelswope and Mrs. Nellie Schaus,
Mrs. Everett Chamberlain, Charles Unclebach, Sr. and Miss Marie Villier. Most of these people were married in Our Lady
Church.
Two Great
Homecomings
As a forerunner to the 125th anniversary
celebration, Our Lady’s staged two notable reunions in the spring of 1964:
·
Class
On Sunday April 19, 1964, some 25 classes held a
reunion in the school cafeteria. The
years represented ran from 1939 to 1963.
Over 500 former students attended this gala event. It was ably handled by a committee whose
members included Mrs. Janie Becker, Skip Bendner and Mrs. Judith Werst.
·
Sisters of
Mercy
On Sunday April 26, 1964, Our Lady’s honored the
Sisters of Mercy, who taught here for the past 50 years. Representing Mother Provincial at this event
was her assistant, Mother Mary Thomas.
Of the original four who came, Sr. Benedict was able to attend the
Golden Jubilee celebration and she enjoyed a reunion with one of her very first
pupils, Eugene Murta. All the living
former principals were present except Sr. Dolores.
The Golden Jubilee began with a special 9am Mass,
attended by the largest number of sisters ever to assist at a
At the dinner, Fr. Brennan brought down the house
with his remark that it was the first time he had eaten a meal with his sister
since she left for the convent 30 years ago.
A reception followed in the afternoon. Fr. Lyons brought his movies of the
centennial anniversary which showed the teachers and students in 1939. Each sister received a special souvenir holy
card of Our Lady of the Port. The
following sisters attended the event:
Sr. Alicia Sr.
Amelia Sr.
Avita Sr. Benedict
Sr. Borgia Sr. Calasanctius Sr. Catherine Sr. Charlene
Sr. Cletus Sr. Cletus Mary Sr. Columbia Sr. Concetta
Sr. Donald Sr. Eugenia Sr. Eulalia Sr. Felix
Sr. Fulgence Sr. Genesius Sr. Geralda Sr. Gerard
Sr. Gordian Sr. Gualbert Sr. Helena Sr. Jane
Sr. Jerome Sr. Julia Marie Sr. Laurita Sr. Leo
Sr. Lioba Sr. Loretto Sr. Marcella Sr. Patrice
Sr. Roberta Ann Sr. Rosamond Sr. Sabastian Sr. Thomas
Sr. Timothea Sr. Victoria Sr. Warren Sr. Zachary
Sr. Herman Huber, R.S.M., a former parishioner who
lived on the site of our present school, was also invited. But she had moved with her family to
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April 5, 1964 |
Sisters of Mercy 50th
Anniversary at Our Lady April 26, 1964 |
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Christmas 1964
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