History of Our Lady of the Rosary Church

1888 to 1939

Reminiscences of one of Our Lady of the Rosary's First Parishioners, Ninety Year Old Mr. Joseph Koerner

Already in the year 1886, conversation ran high about a Parish church of Texas, which at that time was a pet name for North Dayton. It was the constant topic of discussion for Mr. Joseph Koerner and Mr. Patrick Feil on their frequent journey to and from Sunday Mass at Holy Trinity Church. One Sunday a year or so later Pat said to Joe, "I think I'll write to the Franciscan Missionaries in St. Joe, Mo., my home town, and ask them to come here, buy land and build us a church." When Joe told Pat it was impossible to build a church without something in the purse, Pat replied that the Franciscan Fathers could help us finance the entire project. Mr. Joseph Koerner, however, did not fully favor that solution to the difficulty. So, Joe said, "I'll tell you Pat, we'll call on Professor Berberich, and ask him what will be the best thing to do. "

In the evening of the same day, Joe and Pat visited Mr. Berberich, who, when he heard of Pat's plan was obviously shocked. "What!" choked out Professor Berberich, "don't you know we belong to the diocese of Cincinnati, and must absolutely obtain the permission of His Grace, the Archbishop, to build a church before any action can be taken? It is best to form a committee and go to Father Goetz, Pastor of Holy Trinity Parish, for proper advice and direction."

Within twenty-four hours Mr. Joseph Koerner had the following committee raring to go: Messrs. Anton Grusenmeyer, Anton Hasenstab, Joseph Kuntz, H. Kroeger, A. Madlinger, Shlaman, and John Lukasewitz. These men proceeded to Father Goetz, who listened with sincere interest to their problem. "Today or tomorrow," said Father Goetz, "I'll send your request to His Grace, Archbishop Elder, for permission to build a new Church and Parish."

Three days later Professor Berberich called Mr. Joseph Koerner to him, and disclosed the happy news. Father Goetz received word from the Archbishop that permission was given to build a new church. And at the same time the Archbishop appointed a Pastor for the new congregation. Father Frohmiller was the Pastor.

Without any loss of time, Father Frohmiller and Mr. C. Ferneding sought and decided on a location, on which the new church, "Our Lady of the Rosary," was erected.

After the Mt. Rev. Archbishop Elder had graciously granted permission to form a new German parish in North Dayton, and appointed Father Frohmiller its pastor, the latter lost no time, but called Messrs. John Berberich, John Hefling and John Grave on October 20, 1887, to discuss ways and means. Father Frohmiller, Messrs. Clement Ferneding, John Berberich and Burns, were appointed a committee to select a suitable and reasonable site. The property of Adam Pritz, the present site of the church, seemed the most suitable and reasonable. An option on nine of these lots was obtained December 9, 1887. At a meeting on January 8, 1888, it was decided to take up the option and buy the property.

The consent of the other Dayton pastors, required by the Archbishop, was secured December 13, 1887, as is attested by the following document. "Whereas, the church known as Holy Trinity Church, Heilige Dreifaltigkeit Kirche, Dayton, Ohio, has been found too small to accommodate all the German Catholics who live in North Dayton, who have been and are now members of said Holy Trinity parish and, whereas, it is too hard, even very dangerous for the children of North Dayton and the country in that direction to cross several bridges and several railroad tracks in order to reach the Catholic school, and wher as, the people in that part of Dayton and in the country as mentioned, unanimously desire to have a German church for themselves in that part of Dayton; Therefore, we, the undersigned rectors of the Catholic congregation of Dayton, Ohio, heartily approve the plan of organizing a new congregation, with school and church as the times will permit, in that part of Dayton and the country as indicated, and we wish the Rev. John Baptist Frohmiller, the now assistant pastor of Holy Trinity church, who is the leader of the movement, God speed."

Dayton, Montgomery County, Ohio,

December 13, 1887.

Signed: F.J. Goetz, Rector of Holy Trinity church; Patrick Cusack, Pastor, St. Joseph church; Carl J. Hahne, Emmanuel church; H. Stukenborg, St. Mary's church; Roderic A. Finnerty, Pastor, Sacred Heart church.

With such a favorable document in hand, the Archbishop of Cincinnati gladly gave his blessing and final approval to the project. The first formal meeting of the representatives of the new congregation was held in Holy Trinity rectory. Those present on this occasion were Father Frohn-liller, Messrs. John Berberich, Frank Lukasewitz, Anton Hasenstab, John Hefling, Patrick Feil, Mathias Jackowski, Edward Ruh, Anton Grusenmeyer, John Grave and Herman Kroeger. The name of the new parish, "Our Lady of the Rosary," was selected. Messrs. John Berberich, Joseph Kuntz, Jr., Frank Lukasewitz, Mathias Jackowski and Henry Grave were chosen as the first wardens of the parish. The first recorded donation to the new church is that of Clarence Lukasewitz, a school boy, who gave his savings bank containing $6.20. A fervent God Bless You from Father Frohmiller was his reward. The deed for the property was executed February 1, 1888. The early part of April saw the plans received from the architect, and on the last day of April, Father Frohmiller solemnly consecrated the ground to God and His Blessed Mother. Archbishop Elder laid the cornerstone on June 24, 1888.

On Christmas Day, 1888, the new $18,000 church building was ready for services. In Father Frohmiller's notations for that day we find the following: "Today, the Feast of Our Lord, Christmas, the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass was offered for the first time in the Church of Our Lady of the Rosary, to God the Almighty and best Father, at 6:00 o'clock in the morning by me, unworthy one, 8:00 o'clock was the second Mass and at 10:00 o'clock Solemn High Mass with Father Frohmiller as celebrant, Father Roderic Finnerty as Deacon and Father George Meyer, S.M., subdeacon. The choir of Sacred Heart Church sang." After Mass, Benediction with the Blessed Sacrament was given. In the afternoon of the same day Father Frohmiller baptized Ulrich Spitiig, Charles Anton Madlinger and Elizabeth Geiger; the first baptisms administered in the new parish. Five days later Father Goetz blessed the new bell and Father Cusack preached the sermon.

The simplicity of the pastor and his poverty during the first years are attested by many incidents gleaned from the minutes. A bookcase was needed, Father asked Mr. Gilbert, the carpenter, to furnish the doors, while he would build the case itself. Certainly in the history of the parishes, no pastor could be found who underwent the trials of a new congregation so cheerfully as Father Frohmiller. Realizing that Divine Providence meant for him to work out the destiny of the church in North Dayton, he worked with dogged determination and left no stone unturned to benefit the Catholics of his district. In his later years, he studied the Polish, Lithuanian, and Slavic languages that he might help all his people. Even in the announcements there are words in Lithuanian, for strangers in a strange country. He did his best to give them a welcome and a priest who could minister to them. The first marriage ceremony was that of Adam Ballman and Mary Magdelene Kuntz, January 15, 1889. Barbara Nock was buried from the church January 6,1889, this being the first funeral. On February 4, 1889, two rooms for school were opened under the direction of Messrs. Timothy Wannamaker and John Berberich.

May 26, 1889, found all in readiness for the dedication ceremonies of the new church with Father Goetz acting as delegate for the Most Rev. Archbishop Elder. Father Stukenborg celebrated the field Mass on this day. Every pastor of the city was active in the ceremonies connected with the parish.

In August, 1889, the building of the Rectory was begun. It was finished the following year at an approximate cost of $5,600. It was remodeled in 1911 after the arrival of the first assistant in 1908, and still serves its original purpose.

The First Holy Communion class was permitted to approach the Holy table on June 16, 1889. The twenty members of the class were: Joseph V. Bir, William G. Colhowen, Harry G. Feldman, Henry Heilig, Eugene Kissling, Joseph Kleimeier, Walter J. Smith, Peter Waltz, Jacob J. Worner, Charlotte Henn, Agnes Jackowski, Catherine Kinzig, Amelia Koerner, Clara Kunkel, Clara Kuntz, Anna Logel, Nettie E. McTye, Mary C. Miller, Pauline Wannemacker and Magdelene Wassum. Confirmation was administered for the first time the following year to 79 children and adults.

In September, 1890, the Sisters of Notre Dame were given charge of a portion of the school. The first Superior was Sister Boniface. The standard she set is admirably maintained to the present day by our venerable Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur.

In 1893, Father J.C. Albrink, the Vicar General, blessed the second bell. The parish was growing so rapidly that. it was felt a new and larger bell was needed, to ring out a stronger plea for firm love and devotion to one's church and religion.

That Father Frohmiller purchased well and cautiously is evidenced by the fact that the Stations of the Cross, which he purchased in 1896, are still in service in the new Church, and are recognized as beautiful examples of the wood carver's art. In 1897 he bought the organ, which did yeoman service in the old and new church until it was destroyed by fire in 1930.

Growing pains were in evidence on every side. The school was fairly bulging with more children than it was ever intended to house. To build became imperative, so in the last year of the last century a new addition was attached to the school. The parish now could boast of an eight-room school, modern according to the times. The congestion in the church was relieved by adding a third to its seating capacity.

In 1902 the third bell added its tenor tones to the deep bassos of the other two. These same bells are in use in Our Lady of the Rosary Church today.

The brothers of Mary were assigned to the boys' division of the school in 1903. Brother Theodore Pleumer, S.M., the first Director was sent by the provincial, Father Meyer, to begin the work of the new school. In September of the same year, Father Frohmi1ler purchased the Brothers' house for $3,400. This house was remodeled in 1920.

The number of Polish families had increased to such an extent, that a separate parish, St. Adalbert, was established for them in 1903.

At the beginning of the year 1911, dissention arose among the Lithuanians, and near the end of the following year they succeeded in forming a congregation of their own. Archbishop Moeller had considered the problem patiently, and with Father Frohmiller had finally worked out a solution that secured their best interests in obtaining for them a Lithuanian speaking priest.

The year 1913 is memorable in the history of Dayton. This city and vicinity was buried beneath the destructive waters of Ohio's worst flood. Father Frohmiller was to see the wisdom of his choice of land, for it was the only section of North Dayton that was not afflicted with the scourge of water. When the raging terror came on, Father Frohmiller realized, that he was indeed to be the Father of the entire section of North Dayton, and consequently, threw open the doors of church and school to all sufferers. How many were housed, how many were fed, how many were given aid in sickness, must ever remain unknown, for there is no record to tell us at this late date. Suffice it to say that even his own house was invaded and the sick lay in his own parlor. It became truly an island of mercy. Everyone who has gone through that trying period, has only words of praise for the pastor who spent himself relentlessly in the hour of need. The Most Rev. Archbishop Moeller sent to the pastor of Our Lady of the Rosary the sum of $6,000, to be expended on the people of the section as best he saw fit. Father Frohmiller's just distribution of this sum was acclaimed by all.

In 1915 the school again had become overcrowded and St. Michael's Club House was purchased by the parish. Crowded conditions were temporarily relieved, but school yard space demanded the purchase of two lots north of the newly acquired property, and this was purchased in 1918.

The church could no longer cope with the growing numbers and in 1916 Father Frohmiller began work on the new permanent building. The cornerstone was laid in May, 1917, almost 31 years after the same ceremony for the original church. A year later, September, 1918 saw the dedication of this majestic structure, built under the direction of the architect, W.L. Jaeckle. Brother Thomas Poitras, S.M., was organist at the time. The organ from the old church was used for the dedication ceremonies.

This beautiful House of God, costing about $136,000, fulfilled the dreams of the priest who had spent himself in directing and guiding a parish that had grown far beyond his anticipations. Father Frohmiller spent days and nights in the new church after its completion, in close union with the Master, preparing for the end he knew could not be far away. It has been well said that Father Frohmiller spent the last seven years of his life in his dream church.

The day, May 24, 1925, witnessed one of those strange mixtures of joyful happiness and bewildering sorrow. In the morning the bells of Our Lady of the Rosary Church rang out the glorious jubilation of a newly ordained priest, Father Edward Vonderhaar, C. PP. S., celebrating his first Holy Mass; in the evening the same bells tolled the heart-rendering death of Father Frohmiller. One entered, one left the vineyard of Our Savior. The day before the solemn funeral Mass, where he lay in state in the church, flood sufferers of other days, parishioners and friends filed by the casket in endless procession to gaze for the last time on the face of the beloved priest. The Archdiocese still mourning the loss of the Ordinary, Rt. Rev. Monsignor Louis Nau, administrator of the Archdiocese celebrated the Mass. The body was laid to rest in Calvary, but his spirit still lives on within the walls of the church, calling to his people constantly to be true to God and His Blessed Mother for whom he labored for so many years.

Father Carl Lamott, Father Frohmiller's assistant, assumed charge of the parish, until he was relieved in September by Father Von Hagel, who was appointed administrator and remained with the parish until January, 1926. Father Sieber, in the capacity of Pastor, succeeded Father Von Hagel, but due to poor health resigned in April of the same year. In the month of May, the month of our Heavenly Queen, Father Taske was appointed Pastor. In June he took active leadership and charge of the parish. His immediate endeavor was the readjustment of the school, and the completion of the new church. In 1928 Father Taske installed the new Altar in memory of his revered predecessor. And it is a worthy memorial, imperishable as is the memory of the beloved founder of Our Lady of the Rosary parish, for whom it stands. In the same year the purchase of a Sister's house was made necessary in order to conform with the plans of the Most Rev. Archbishop, John T. McNicholas. The home of Henry Grave was bought, and afforded a residence for the teaching Sisters.

On December 25, 1930, at 4:00 a.m. a serious fire was discovered in the church; so arrangements were made at once to use the Auditorium, that is the Old Church, for the Christmas Masses, reminding the old parishioners of the scene on Christmas Day, 1888, when the first Mass was celebrated. Thirteen days later, services were again held in the new church. Under Father Taske the church was restored and became better and more beautiful, so that it stands as the most beautiful in the city.

In 1931 the new Wangerin organ was installed, and lends its majestic tones to the dignity of the Liturgy.

A number of Assistant Priests have served the parish during the years of its existence. Father George H. Meyer, the first Assistant, served from 1908 to 1910, when he was succeeded by Father Leonard Redelberger, who remained here at Our Lady of the Rosary for six years. His death occurred in 1932 and he was buried from the church. Father Henry Gramann came in 1916 and remained until 1921. Meanwhile Father Frohmiller had taken a much needed rest and Father Henry T. Lammers was in charge during this period. Father Ritter came in 1921, and though sickly, tried to remain at his duties, but it became too much of a task and he was forced to go west after a little more than a year of service. Father Carl Lamott came in 1922 and remained until November, 1926. He bore the brunt of changing times in the parish with the death of the pastor, and the consequent changes bringing many priests into the home. Father Cletus Rieger, Father Edward Macke and Father George Lamott served here each for a period of a few weeks. Father Carl Lamott administered to the needs of the parish during the three interims between the death of Father Frohmiller and the coming of Father Von Hagel; and again before the coming of Father Sieber and Father Taske. He began the collection of funds for the erection of the Altar Memorial, so nobly perfected by Father Taske. Father Edwin Richter, successor of Father Lamott, was assistant from November, 1926 until March 7, 1933, when Father Cletus Rieger was stationed at, Our Lady of the Rosary. In 1933 a second assistant was appointed in the person of Father Leo Weigel, C. PP. S from July, 1933, to February, 1936. His successor, Father Albert Frericks, C. PP. S., was with the parish for one year. In February, 1937, Father Richard Steinemann, C. PP. S., took up his duties.

Our Lady of the Rosary has been fruitful in vocations during the first fifty years of its existence. Available records show that 74 have dedicated themselves to the service of God. The children of the parish who became priests to minister at the Altar are Rt. Rev. Monsignor Robert Sherry, who is at present pastor of St. Andrew Church, Cincinnati; Very Rev. Eugene Omlor, C. PP. S., who is rector of the minor Seminary, Brunnerdale, Ohio; Rev. Henry Stich, deceased, was director at St. Joseph Mission for the poor, Dayton; Rev. Aloysius Seitz, S.M.

Rev. Humilis Zwiesler, 0. F. M., deceased, who was Guardian for the Franciscan House in Indianapolis, Ind.; Rev. Jereome Weinert, at present on sick leave at Denver, Colorado; Father Edward Vonderhaar, C. PP. S., who celebrated his First Holy Mass in this parish; Father Angelus Zwiegler, 0. F. M., Father Joseph Sherry, S.M., and Father Edwin Weber, S.M. who celebrated their First Masses here in 1937; Father Walter Roth, C. PP. S., raised to the priesthood this year, who celebrated his First Mass here, May 8th; Father Bernard Stueve, S.M., ordained in Switzerland this year and Rev. Vincent Robers, Sub-deacon.

The Society of Mary has been especially enriched by vocations from the boys of the parish. Besides the priests, Fathers Seitz, Joseph Sherry, Weber and Stueve, there are the following Brothers: Walter Hausfeld, Joseph Dangl, Louis and Aloysius Rose, Paul Omlor, Thomas Law, Leonard and Joseph Kuntz, Walter Bach, Louis Fortener, Vincent Plassenthal, Raymond and Joseph Streiff, Anthony Kuntz, Phillip Lake, Francis Mahle, Edward Nadalsky, Bernard Weitzman, Paul Boeckerman and Charles Zwiesler.

Among the students for the Brotherhood are Paul Mahle, Raymond Nartker, Louis Weber and Bernard Rose.

Brother Edmund Zwiesler, O.C.S.O. Order of Cistercians Strict Observance Trappist; Brother Ignatius Zwiesler, O.F.M.

Among the girls, vocations have likewise been many. Here the Sisters of Notre Dame have been especially fortunate. The daughters of the parish, who have enrolled with them are Sister Marie Billiart (Gebhart); Sister Margaret Julia (Grave); Sister Ann Cecilia (Hamaker), deceased; Sister Mary Julia (Heil); Sister Mary Felicitas (Huber); Sister Henry Louise (Kleimeier); Sister Mary Lawrence (Kosater); Sister Ann Magdalene (Kraft); Sister Francis Marie (Loges); Sister Juliene Marie (Roth); Sister Rita Dorothy (Roth); Sister Catherine Mary (Roth); Sister Ann Ignatius (Schweitzer); Sister Mary Felicitas (Sherry); Sister Roberta Marie (Sherry); Sister Teresa Loretta (Stachler); Sister St. Bernard (Stachler); Sister Louis Joseph (Stich), deceased; Sister Julia Agatha (Stich); Sister Agnes Elizabeth (Stoppleman); Sister Anageline (Wald); Sister Georgiana (Wilimitis); Sister Alice Theresa (Weber); Sister Martha (Loges).

Among the Sisters of the Poor of St. Francis, Sister Claudine (Bauer); Sister Cordula (Hummer); Sister Flaviana (Leyes), deceased; Sister Rosina (Thies); Sister Evarista (Seibert).

The Sisters of the Precious Blood are Sister Mary Generosa (Kuntz); Sister Mary Rosita (Poll); Sister M. Josepha (Seitz); Sister M. Rosanna (Seitz); Sister Francis Assisium (Hefling), deceased, a sister of Poor Clares; Sister Mary Pascal (Zwiesler); two sisters of St. Francis, Oldenburg, Ind., Sister Mary Regina (Goetz); Sister Mary Angelita (Zwiesler).

The history of the parish has been a glorious one. May it ever continue such to the honor and glory of God and His Blessed Mother. May it always be blessed with vocations. May it thrive spiritually and materially under the administration of the present and future pastors of Our Lady of the Rosary.