[1853]



CHURCH STRUCK BY LIGHTNING.-During the severe thunderstorm 
on Sunday afternoon, the Episcopal Church in this town was 
struck by lighning. The fluid passed down the front and 
rear of the bellgable, tearing the boards and shingles and 
doing considerable injury.
The building was unoccupied at the time of the accident.
Manitowoc County Herald, Saturday, July 2, 1853 P.2


St. James	
The Rev. Mr. Thompson, formerly of Cincinnatti, Ohio, has accepted 
a call to the rectorship of St. James Church, Manitowoc, and has 
assumed the duties of his office. Mr. Thompson has had several years 
experience in the Ministry and comes among ??? ??? the most gratifying 
testimonials of th?se ???? which ???? a Clergyman.
Manitowoc County Herald, July 30, 1853


[1854]


Methodist
A barn attached to the premises of the parsonage of the Methodist 
denomination, was destroyed by fire, on Wednesday night. The 
exertions of Sheriff Van Valkenburgh, saved the horse and buggy, 
but the rest of the contents of the barn, were consumed. The horse 
was scorched, but was not seriously injured. The fire caught from 
an ash house in the immediate vicinity of the stable.

Manitowoc Tribune, Nov. 18, 1854


[1855]


Methodist
The Methodist Church is nearly completed and will be dedicated in 
about two weeks.-Rev. J.J. Alpin is the present pastor.
Manitowoc Tribune, Apr. 19, 1855


Episcopal
There is regular service at St. James (Episcopal) Church on the 
Sabbath Rev. M. Hoyt, Pastor.
Manitowoc Tribune, Apr. 19, 1855


St. James
Bishop Kemper administered the rite of confirmation to eight persons 
at St. James Church on Tuesday last.
Manitowoc Tribune, Apr. 19, 1855


Presbyterian
The new Presbyterian Church is rapidly approaching a state of completion. 
Mr. S. Hill has the contract, and will push the work with vigor. Manitowoc 
will now have four churches, all of which will be open for services 
previous to the first of November. The village shows a proportionate more 
use.
Manitowoc Tribune, Sept. 6, 1855


St. James
The rite of Confirmation was administered by Rt. Rev. Jackson Kemper at 
St. James Church in this village, on Sunday last.
Manitowoc Tribune, Sept. 20, 1855


Presbyterian
The Order of Odd Fellows in Manitowoc, will please accept the thanks of 
the Presbyterian Church, &c., (etc) for their kindness in opening their 
Hall for a Concert, recently given for the benefit of said Church, &c. 
Mead Holms, Pastor.
Manitowoc Tribune, Oct. 18, 1855


Presbyterian
Dedication.-The dedication of the house of worship, known as the Tabernacle, 
recently erected by the Presbyterian Society, will take place on Sunday, 
the 18th inst. An apppo???? ?????? may be expected from the Pastor. Services 
to commence at 10 1-2 o'clock A.M. The evangelical Churches of Manitowoc, 
Two Rivers, and Maple Grove, with their Pastors, are fraternally invited to 
join in the exercises of the occasion. The presence of the Contributors to 
the Tabernacle enterprise, is especially desired. In the evening, at 7 o'clock, 
an address may be expected to the Young People of Manitowoc. On Monday, at 
10 A.M., the Tabernacle will be opened for the purpose of renting slips. All 
wishing regular seats, are requested to meet the Trustee there, at that time.
Manitowoc Tribune, Nov. 8, 1855


[1856]


Presbyterian
Messrs, W.W. Deming, J.W. Thombs, Geo. Deming, A. Wittmand, Mrs. A.N. Baker, 
and Miss M.E. Oliver, will please accept the thanks of the Presbyterian Church, 
for an elegant set of heavy silver plated communion furniture. As they have 
thus aided in furnishing the table of the Lord, may they be abundant partakers 
of its benefits-may they be speedily prepared with melting hearts and bursting 
prayers to receive the symbols of the Savior's body broken and blood shed. The 
Editor of the Tribune will also accept thanks for gratuituous printing in 
connection with the Concert. 
Mead Holmes, Pastor. Manitowoc, Wis., Jan. 1, 1856
Manitowoc Tribune, Jan. 3, 1856


[1858]



Presbyterian
The resignation of Rev. M. Holmes, Pastor of the Presbyterian Church 
was to take effect last Sunday but owing to some misunderstanding the 
Minister appointed for the purpose, refused to declare the pulpit 
vacant. Mr. H. we learn intends to make an early application for an 
unqualified dismissal.
The Daily Tribune, July 8, 1858


St. John/St. James
Communicated. Fourth Of July At Maple Grove.-S.S. Pic Nic. The S.S. 
children in this flourishing town had a gala day on the Anniversary 
of our National independence. At an early hour a beautiful bower was 
constructed, above which floated the Stars and Eagle of the Union. At 
11 o'clock the children marched in procession, into the church, singing, 
"From the field victorious." The congregation were then addressed by 
Rev. Messrs. J.C. Holms, North, Ropper, and M. Holmes' singing by the 
juveniles interspersed. After the Benediction, the children marched out, 
singing "Crambambuli" a temperance song, and being the first invited 
gathered around tables richly spread under the Bower. In the Church and 
at the tables they observed the utmost decorum, a good example in the 
day of rudeness and Border Ruffianism. After the children, the heroes of 
the occasion were served, a luxuriant repast was prepared for the adults 
and they enjoyed it at their leisure. No sign of hard times appeared in 
the entertainment, rich and superabundant. The Congregation Church is a 
pleasant House of Worship, an ornament to the town, a monument of zeal 
resolution and liberality. May it ever be a centre of healthful, moral 
and religious influence. May the spirit of the 4th or rather the 5th 
always prevails in that locality. Intelligent, enterprising and united 
the people can but prosper, more and more.
The Daily Tribune, July 14, 1858


[1859]


CATHOLIC CHURCH.-
We understand that our Catholic fellow citizens have made arrangements 
for regular service in their Church every Sunday after and including 
October 2nd. Rev. Max DeBere is Pastor, who will also perform divine 
service at Manitowoc Rapids every Sabbath.
Manitowoc Pilot, Friday, September 23, 1859 P.3




[1875]


Catholic
The Catholic congregation of this village are putting up a building 
on Walnut street which they intend for a parish school when complete.
Manitowoc Co. Chronicle (Two Rivers), May 11, 1875


Rev. Father Seubert, formerly of Maple Grove, is now located in Menasha.
Manitowoc Co. Chronicle (Two Rivers), May 18, 1875


M.E. church	
Rev. H. Yarwood will deliver a temperance lecture at the M.E. Church, 
in Gibson, on tomorrow evening. Subject, "The Devil's Meal all Bran." 
Lecture to begin at 7 1-2 o'clock.
Manitowoc Co. Chronicle (Two Rivers), June 1, 1875


Lutheran
The town of Cato to have a new Lutheran church. The corner-stone was 
laid last Saturday.
Manitowoc Co. Chronicle (Two Rivers), June 8, 1875


Lutheran
The following officers were elected to the Two Rivers Bible Society: 
President F.W. REISLAND; Vice President Harry KAHRS; 
Secretary Rev. C.W. WILSON; Treas. Rev. Conrad YAGER
*******
The local agents appointed were: For the Lutheran Church, 
Fred HARTUNG; Evangelical Association: Wm. WAGNER; American: E.H. YOUNG
Manitowoc Co. Chronicle (Two Rivers), June 15, 1875



[1881]


Last Friday while four men were engaged in lathing the new church at 
Northeim the scaffolding suddenly gave way, the men falling a distance 
of thirty feet to the floor below. Three of them escaped with slight 
bruises, but the fourth had an arm broken and received other injuries.
Manitowoc Lake Shore Times, Tuesday, October 11, 1881 P. 1


Two Rivers news:
P.H. Hewitt, one of Manitowoc county's most enterprising and successful 
teachers, and for the last few years at the head of the Edwards "seminary," 
spent last Sabbath with your correspondent.
Manitowoc Lake Shore Times, Tuesday, October 25, 1881 P. 4



[1882]


Gibson news:
Rev. C. Jaeger, pastor of the German Lutheran church, preached his farewell 
sermon on New Year's day. Mr. Jaeger is a man of superior education and a 
minister of uncommon ability. His family will hereafter reside in Manitowoc.
Manitowoc Lake Shore Times, Tuesday, January 3, 1882 P. 4


Liberty news:
The people of Gjerpen and Valders congregations have invested in church 
bells, but which of the bells gives the best satisfaction it is difficult 
to determine.
Manitowoc Lake Shore Times, Tuesday, January 3, 1882 P. 4


The convent near the Silver Lake, which was destroyed by 
lightning last summer, will be rebuilt on the old site.
Manitowoc Lake Shore Times, Tuesday, February 7, 1882 P.1



[1884]


Presbyterian
The repairs on the Presbyterian church are about completed. A front 
entrance has been built which can hardly be considered as improving 
the appearance of the church however useful or convenient it may 
prove to be, a new furnace has been put in and the old ones repaired 
and there can be no doubt but the church will be comfortable now in 
the most severe weather. We are informed that there is a small debt 
still remaining on account ofthe (sic) repairs.
Lake Shore Times, Nov. 4, 1884


[1885]


Kellnersville news: 
Rev. Father Stern left his parrish at Francis Creek on Wednesday.
Manitowoc Lake Shore Times, Tuesday, February 3, 1885 P.6


Catholic
THE CORNER STONE LAID. 
The laying of the corner stone of the new St. Bonifacius church brought 
large crowds of people to the city yesterday. The day was beautiful. A 
little too warm perhaps, but on the whole most that could be desired. The 
procession was formed promptly on times and marched through the principal 
streets with Weinschenk's and the city bands discoursing music. Upon their 
return to the church the Rev. Father Wilmee delivered an excellent discourse 
in German which seemed to be highly appreciated by those understanding that 
language. Upon the conclusion of the discourse the corner stone was laid 
with the impressive ceremonies peculiar to the Roman Catholic Church, by 
the Rt. Rev. Monseigneur L. Batz of Milwaukee, assisted by the clergy in 
attendance. The circuit of the wall was then made and the walls blessed, 
after which the Rev. J.L. Cleary of Kenosha preached a powerful sermon from 
the gospel of St. John Chap. 13 V. 26. Father Cleary has the name of being 
a powerful pulpit orator and he certainly did justice to his reputation on 
this occasion. Within the Corner Stone was placed a scaled copper casket, 
containing the following documents. Copies of each of the city newspapers. 
Copies of the Columbia and Catholic Citizen of Milwaukee. Constitution of 
the United States. Constitution of the Catholic Knights of America. 
Constitution of the Catholic Knights of Wis., Constitution of the St. 
Bonifacius Society. Offices of the church. Consulters of the church. Building 
Committee. Name of the Architect. City Charter of Manitowoc and list of city 
officers. A parchment containing the names of the reigning Pope, the Archbishop 
of this diocese, of Monsigneur Batz officiating prelate, of the parish priest, 
Father Piel. The Pres. of the United States and the Governor of the State of 
Wisconsin. A portion of brick from one of the sacred edifices of the city of 
Treves. The following clergy from abroad were present and assisted in the 
services: Rt. Rev. Mong. L. Batz of Milwaukee. Rev. J.L. Cleary of Kenosha, 
Rev. H. Wilmes, Port Washington. Rev. J.J. Fox, of Marinette, Rev. M. Welbes 
of Two Rivers, Rev. P. Schweiger of Sheboygan, Rev. A. J. Gerhardt of Silver 
Lake, Rev. J.J. Smith of Meeme, Rev. Father Dudkaewitz of St. Mary's church 
in this city was also present.
Manitowoc Lake Shore Times, May 26, 1885


Kellnersville news: 
A new wire fence is to be built in front of St. Joseph's church.
Manitowoc Lake Shore Times, Tuesday, August 4, 1885 P.1




The Catholic church is making good progress. The roof being nearly 
all on. The workmen say the slate for the roof is the finest quality 
of slate they ever used.
Manitowoc Lake Shore Times, Tuesday, October 20, 1885 P.3
**********
Rev. Mr. Wills the new pastor of the Methodist church preached 
to his congregation, Sunday.
Manitowoc Lake Shore Times, Tuesday, October 20, 1885 P.3
**********
The Reformed Lutherans (German) have a private school in their 
new church his (sic) winter.
Manitowoc Lake Shore Times, Tuesday, November 24, 1885 P.3
**********
Gibson news:
The Lutheran Society have a German school in connection with 
their church taught by the pastor in charge.
Manitowoc Lake Shore Times, Tuesday, December 29, 1885 P.3


[1886]



The donation at the Methodist parsonage last Friday evening was a 
very pleasant affair, socially. A large number of friends congregated 
to show their appreciation of their pastor, Rev. Mr. Wills who has 
won the esteem of his entire congregation. The receipts-about $105-are 
considered satisfactory in these "hard times."
Manitowoc Lake Shore Times, Tuesday, February 23, 1886 P.2
________________

Gibson news: 
Rev. H. DeFord pastor of the M.E. church of Gibson, has 
removed to Gravesville to take charge of the work there 
and to attend school at Appleton. His place is filled 
every two weeks by Rev. Wills of Manitowoc.
Manitowoc Lake Shore Times, Tuesday, April 13, 1886 P.2
________________

Artists are now frescoing the new Catholic church. The work is very elaborate 
and although a number of artists are employed, will not be completed before the 
middle of October. One of the gentlemen who has the decoration in hand is Mr. 
Liebig formerley a druggist here.
Manitowoc Lake Shore Times, Tuesday, September 14, 1886 P.1
________________

CHURCH DEDICATION.
The dedication services of the new St. Boniface church will take place on
Thursday (Thanksgiving Day). Large delegations from Catholic congregations
and societies in the adjoining counties have responded to an invitation to
be present and the occasion (sic) will be a notable one.
The consecration will be performed by His Grace Most Rev. M. Heiss,
Archbishop of Milwaukee, assisted by a large number of clergy from abroad.
Services in the church will begin about 10 o'clock A.M.
Manitowoc Lake Shore Times, Tuesday, November 23, 1886 P. 3


[1891]



Rev. Mr. Pieper secured his relaease on Sunday last although his congregation 
was quite reluctant to part with him. He will probably leave for his new field 
the last of this month. He will be succeeded by the Rev. Machmuller of Lowell, 
a graduate of the university of Watertown.
Manitowoc Pilot, Thursday, February 12, 1891 P. 3


[1895]



NOTES FROM CENTERVILLE.
The bells for the Catholic church which is to be erected at St. Wendel, during 
the summer are ponderous affairs. They were donated by Mathias Schmidt and Mr. Nic Orth.
Manitowoc Pilot, April 11, 1895 P. 1


[1898]


Immaculate Conception
The parishowners of the Immaculate Conception congregation are again 
pushing the work on their new church edifice. The foundations were l
aid two or three years ago but the work dragged, owing to various 
difficulties, financial and otherwise. Some time ago the matter was 
taken in hand by Archbishop Katzer, of Milwaukee and the prospects now 
are that the church will be finished next season. Contractor Bartke 
is at work and is making good progress.
Manitowoc Daily Herald, Oct. 26, 1898


Presbyterian
A Union Thanksgiving service will be held at the Presbyterian Church 
on Thanksgiving Day. In place of the usual sermon, the (sic) will be 
addresses by Judge Baensch, Judge Kirwan, Lyman Mash and Mr. John 
Schuette, on questions pertaining to municipal and national government. 
Special music by the choirs and an interesting meeting is promised. 
Service will begin at 10:30 and a cordial invitation is extended to 
all to attend.
Manitowoc Daily Herald, Nov. 17, 1898


Lutheran
The Lutheran Band will give a concert in the school hall of the 
Lutheran church on Thursday evening Dec. 15. They will be assisted 
by the choir of the church and an exceptionally interesting program 
will be rendered. The Band is one of our best musical organization 
and no doubt will be accorded a hearty endorsement. Full particulars 
will be published later. 
Manitowoc Daily Herald, Nov. 17, 1898


[1899]


The second annual ball, by the congregation of the Polish church, 
will be given at Ig. Neidy's hall on the evening of Sunday, Jan. 22. 
The Marine orchestra will furnish the music and the public is 
cordially invited.
Manitowoc Daily Herald, Tuesday, January 17, 1899 P. 4



Norwegian Lutheran
ALMOST COMPLETED.
The New Norwegian Lutheran Church Will Soon Be Ready.
The new church buiding for the St. Paul's Norwegian Lutheran congregation 
is rapidly nearing completion, and will probably be ready for use in about 
two more weeks. The stained glass windows are all in but one. There is a 
large window besides several smaller ones on each of the sides, facing 
north, south and east. The glass for the windows was funished by the Tabitha 
society a woman's organization connected with the church. The decorations 
in the stained glas windows are very handsome and are real works of art. In 
the north window is a full figure picture of Christ with the word "Tabitha" 
under it. The south window has a picture of the Bible character Tabitha who 
is represented as being a beautiful young woman. In the east window is a 
bust picture of Martin Luther.
Manitowoc Daily Herald, Feb. 3, 1899


Catholic
The Sisters of St. Francis are preparing to give a fair on May 1 for 
the benefit of the new hospital. They have already rented Turner Hall 
for the occasion.
Manitowoc Daily Herald, Feb. 3, 1899


Norwegian Lutheran
Rev. Royne and family arrived in the city yesterday from Austin, Minn., 
and will take up their abode here. Mr. Royne is the pastor of the new 
norwegian (sic) Lutheran church. The edifice is almost completed and 
will soon be ready for dedication.
Manitowoc Daily Herald, Feb. 18, 1899


Catholic
The members of the Polish-Catholic congregation at Two Rivers have 
decided to build a new brick-veneer church. The church will be 45 feet 
wide and 85 feet long with a tower of solid brick. It will cost from 
$5,000 to $10,000.
Manitowoc Daily Herald, Mar. 11, 1899


Episcopal
Several plans for the new Episcopal church are on exhibition in G.W. 
Fechter's window on N. Eighth street and others are expected this week.
Manitowoc Daily Herald, Mar. 21, 1899


Lutheran
Rev. Hoyme, who came here to attend the dedication exercises of St. 
Paul's New (sic) Lutheran church, returned to his home at Eau Claire 
to-day.
Manitowoc Daily Herald, Mar. 22, 1899


Norwegian Lutheran
Rev. Michelson returned to Neenah this afternoon. He was here to assist 
in dedicating the new Norwegian church.
Manitowoc Daily Herald, Mar. 22, 1899


Catholic
The interior of the St. Mary's Polish church is being artistically 
decorated.
Manitowoc Daily Herald, Mar. 25, 1899


Catholic
The second and last edition of the Fest Blatt, being issued by the 
St. Boniface Benevolant society, was given to the public to-day. It 
is a 40 page book and is profusely illustrated. The cover is unque (sic) 
and attractive. The back page is devoted to an advertisement of Schuette 
Bros., and is worked in bronze to carry out the golden anniversary idea. 
The first page of the cover is worked in silver, emblematic of the silver 
anniversary of the organization of the St. Boniface Benevolent society. 
The book was issued from this office.
Manitowoc Daily Herald, Apr. 27, 1899


The corner stone of the new Polish church at Two Rivers will be laid 
next Sunday, May 14. The work on the basement has already been completed. 
Appropriate exercises will be held Sunday and many from this city will 
attend.
Manitowoc Daily Herald, May 8, 1899


Christian ScientistThe Christian Scientists in Manitowoc, as elsewhere, 
are growing rapidly in numbers. Their doctrine which was introduced here 
not very long ago has attracted much attention and many followers have 
been secured. Of late they have increased so rapidly that their old 
quarters have proven too small to accommodate those who desire to attend 
the meetings. New rooms have been leased in the Beers block and the 
Scientists will meet there hereafter every Wednesday evening and Sunday 
morning.
Manitowoc Daily Herald, May 8, 1899


[1901]


Catholic
A class of 160 were confirmed at St. Boniface Sunday. Archbishop 
Katzer of Milwaukee was present to administer the sacrament, being 
assisted by Fathers Fessler, Kzwonos, Mueller and Peil.
Manitowoc Daily Herald, July 2, 1901


[1904]



NOTICE.
FOR SALE.-The old Polish church building located on the corner of Twenty 
second and Marshall Sts. This building is a frame structure the material 
in which is still good. It occupies a site upon which the new Polish school 
house is to be built and for that reason the sale is made. Any one can call 
and investigate the building. Sealed bids will be received at the parsonage 
of Rev. Joseph Chylewski until and including Monday March 7, when they will 
be opened.
Committee.
Manitowoc Daily Herald, Friday, February 26, 1904 P. 1


[1907]

Silver Lake's Church Burned
Convent and Congregation Sustain Loss of $10,000; Two Tramps Suspected
FIRE CONFINED TO CHURCH
Fire, resultiing from causes unknown but thought to have started from an over-heated stove or a defective flue, completely destroyed the St. Joseph's Catholic church at the Silver Lake Franciscan Sister's Convent at day break this morning, occasioning a loss of from  $800 to $10,000 covered only by partial insurance of $2500.  The blaze was first seen by one of the men attendants at the institution who instantly gave the alarm but the fire had gained such headway that nothing could be done to save he church, the blaze being so hot that not even an entrance could be attempted to save any of the valuable church vestments and altar appurtenances. 
One theory advanced by the pastor, Rev. E. Goerlich, was that the fire might have been caused by tramps, two of them being seen in the vicinity last evening.  The men are believed by Rev. Goerlich to have forced an entrance to the school which was located in the basement and replenished the fuel in the stove, which he declares was not sufficient to start the fire to the building in the condition it was left in the evening. It was even suggested that the tramps who were said to have been intoxicated, have been cremated in the blaze. 
St. Joseph's church was the oldest Catholic Church I the county save one, the old building at Rapids, and was built in 1874 by Rev. George Fessler. It was a frame structure and the loss is augmented in that $1500 improvements were made during the past summer. A new steeple and roof had been placed on the building and just at this time it was being repainted and redecorated inside, the painters having just started the work. Many vestments of intrinsic value were lost in the flames but luckily, the chalices and other church service and plate had been removed to the pastor's house during the time the paining was being done.
That there was no wind is deemed a fortunate circumstance for the congregation because with this to fight the fire might have spread to the priest's house and the convent which are located on the east side of the church and immediately adjacent to it. Fire fighting facilities of the place are adequate to fight a small fire but would be insufficient to cope with a blaze of much magnitude. A call was sent into the city department for an engine but Chief Kratz, when he ascertained what a start had been made, refused to allow the engine to be sent out knowing the uselessness of the attempt. He advised the pastor and his assistants to confine the blaze to the church which was done. One small line of hose was attached to the pumping station in the boiler room of the convent but it was used only to keep the fire from spreading. The church will be rebuilt and a large structure will be erected in place of the burned building which  was too small to accommodate the congregation and sisters. This is the second fire on the premises, the convent being burned when struck by lightning several years ago.
Manitowoc Daily Herald - Sat., Mar. 9, 1907 


[1915]


Reedsville News Items
Gleanings from the Reedsville Reporter
St. Mary's congregation here is today celebrating its Golden Jubilee. The first Bohemian settler to arrive at Reedsville was Joseph Kabat who came in 1856 when this section was a wilderness. During the next nine years he was followed by thirty-two more Bohemian families who settled around here. Realizing the need of a place to worship of their own, twenty of these families built a little log church on the site of the present cemetery. Of those who built the church but four are left to atttend the jubilee. They are Frank Burich, Frank Vondrachek, Frank Hlavachek and Wenzel Satori. After the organization of the congregation it was a mission of Francis Creek, Cooperstown and Kellnersville. Father Joseh Maly then at Francis Creek was the first priest here. He was succeeded by Rev. G. Mazanek when it became a mission of Cooperstown. When it became a mission of Kellnersville, Rev. Father Maly was again given charge of this congregation. It was not until 1876 when Rev. John Stroelke was given charge of the parish that we had our first resident priest. He was succeeded by Revs. Th. Spunar, John Widenda (who died and was buried here in 1885), Wm. Kraemer, Alb. Cipin, Alb. Mergl and Rev. Fr. Kolar who came here from Kellnersville Sept. 1st, 1905 and who built the present church. Three churches have been built here, the first in 1865 which was replaced by a larger one in 1881 and the present church built in 1907-08.  The cost of the present church and running expenses for the past ten years has amounted to over $40,000 which speaks for the generosity of the parish. The congregation has the distinction of being out of debt and also the honor of having the oldest Bohemian church in the United States, Chicago has the second. Credit for all that has been accomplished, net to God, belongs to the generosity of the parishioners, the present pastor, Rev. Fr. Kolar ad the trustees, Jos. A. Vondrachek, F.J. Kubaale, Alb. Kubale, C.J. Nenahlo, Alb. Burich, Wenzel Kabat, Jos. Krizenesky, Chas. Kabat and John Nolan. For years, Brillion and Kasson were missions of Reedsville but since 1902 have had their own pastor. In 1883 the congregation consisted of 74 families, many of whom moved away until in 1905 only 56 families were left. There are now 89 families, 70 are Bohemian, 13 Irish, 5 German and 1 Polish. In 1886 the people desirous of giving the children the advantages of a sister's school built the first school which became inadequate and was replaced in 1895 by the present school. The first teachers were Sister Euphrasine, now Mother Superior of the Convent at Silver Lake, Sister Basitia and Sister Engelbarta. The first parsonage was built in 1876 and the present one in 1981.  The Society of St. Anna was founded in 1862, St. Joseph's Society in 1884, the Catholic Knights and Knights of St. George in 1886. In 1905 the Young Ladies Sodality was organized. To Chas. Kabat, Alb. Burich, Frank Kocourek and Wenzel Kabat belongs the honor of having held office the longest. The present officers are John Vondrachek, Sec., Jos. Krizenesky, Treas., and Trustees, Chas. Kabat and W.J. Wojta. 
Today also marks another happy event in the church's history for it has been chosen as the day upon the newly consecrated Bishop of Green Bay diocese, Rev. Paul B. Rhode, paid his first visit to St. Mary's and administered Confirmation to a large class of congregation members. 
Brillion News - Fri., Nov. 12, 1915 

[1916]


NEW CHURCH AT KIEL TO ORGANIZE, AXTELL OFFICIATES
A new church organization, Presbyterian denomination, will be launched at Kiel, 
this county, this evening, when Rev. M.S. Axtell, of this city, in his official 
capacity as moderator of the Milwaukee Presbytery with which the church will be 
affiliated, will formally approve the organization. Assisting Rev. Axtell will 
be Rev. Cutler of Milwaukee and Rev. Hencamp of Sheboygan.
A banquet will preceded the ceremonies of installation of the new church and Rev. 
Axtell will give an address on "The Duty of the Church to the Community."
Following the banquet an organization meeting will be held with reception of 
members, election of officers and other features carried out to launch the new 
church on its mission. Arrangements will be made for supplying the pulpit, securing 
quarters, etc., by local committee.
The church at Kiel was authorized at the recent meeting of the Presbytery held in 
this city and Revs. Axtell, Hencamp and Curtis were named a special committee to 
have charge of the organization.
It is said that a membership of thirty or more has been enrolled for the new church.
Manitowoc Daily Herald, Tuesday, May 23, 1916 P.4



Rev. F. Weertz, who has been in charge of the Lutheran church at Liberty 
for many years, has been tendered a call by a church at Wauwatosa and 
will probably accept and remove to that city. Rev. Weertz is well known 
throughout the county and has been located here for a long period.
Manitowoc Daily Herald, Wednesday, May 24, 1916 P.2




[1920]


Catholic
The Rev. Fr. Rausch of Tisch Mills as been transferred by order of 
Bishop Rhode, head of the Green Bay diocese to be in charge of St. 
Joseph's church at Kellnersville to succeed the Rev. Fr. Reindl, 
recently deceased. The Rev. Rausch is the third new priest at 
Kellnersville with in little more than a year, two vacancies having 
been caused by death at St. Joseph's church in that short time.
Manitowoc Herald News, Feb. 21, 1920