Catholic Churches in Washington County, Wisconsin

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Known Catholic Churches and Missions

S.S. Peter and Paul's Congregation

Location: Nenno - Town of Addison

The Catholic settlers of the town of Addison, in the early '40's of the last century, were occasionally visited by missionaries who held service in private homes. One of those missionaries was Rev. Michael Heiss, who later succeeded to the archbishopric of Milwaukee. In 1848, Rev. Schraudenbach organized the congregation, and in the same year the first church was built. The first resident priest was Rev. Michael Heiss, a nephew of the archbishop. In 1865, under the administration of Rev. Mich. Wenker, a new church was built, and also a parsonage. The parochial school was established in 1845, three years before the congregation was organized. The school is taught by Sisters of St. Francis. Two societies exist, one for women and one for men. The present priest is Rev. Leo. Gabriels.

St. Anthony's Congregation

Location: Allentown

The first church of this congregation was built in 1855. Originally it was a mission of St. Lawrence's congregation, later, it was affiliated to S. S. Peter and Paul's. In 1873 a new stone church was built. The congregation also supports a parish school under the direction of the Sisters of St. Francis. The present priest is Rev. A. J. Lauer. St. Mathias's Congregation in the town of West Bend is a mission of St. Anthony's. It was organized in 1848 by Rev. Schraudenbach, and incorporated in 1883. The parochial school, established in 1889, is taught by Sisters of St. Agnes.

St. Matthias's

Location: West Bend

Source: History of Washington and Ozaukee Counties, Wisconsin; Western Historical Company; 1881; pg. 406

St. Matthias' Church (Catholic) is outside the village, but in the town of West Bend. It is on Section 18. It was built of logs in 1849. The first Pastor was Rev. Father Baeter. A new church was built on the site in 1867, in which the first services were held by Father Rehrl, who died September 3, 1881. The first members of the church were Nicholas Holrith, Matthias Weber, John Fox, Valentine Gonring, Nicholas Miller, Michael Deutsch, John Boden, Nicholas Paelne, Nic Brown, John Wilkomm and ------ Schemenhauer.

Immaculate Conception Congregation

Location: Barton

The organization of this congregation was effected September 12, 1857. For some time before this, and for a considerable time after, traveling missionaries, and also resident priests from the neighborhood, administered to the congregation. The first priest who said mass in the original church was Rev. Kaspar Rehrl. This building has since been razed. During the ministry of Rev. Michael Ruckengruber, which lasted for almost 19 years, a parochial school with dwelling rooms for the teachers who are Sisters of Notre Dame was built, costing $8,400, and also a parsonage at an expense of $3,500. The present fine brick church, costing $35,000, was erected during the ministry of Rev. August Rossbach. It was consecrated December 5, 1900, by Archbishop Katzer of Milwaukee. The congregation has two societies. The Ladies' Society was founded soon after the organization of the congregation and St. Joseph's Society was founded November 18, 1867. The present priest is Rev. F. Ruhmann.

St. Boniface's Congregation

Location: Town of Germantown

The town was sparsely settled when in 1845 this congregation was organized. The members were poor and could not afford to erect an expensive church. It was built of logs and divided into two parts, of which one part was used as a parsonage. The designer was Rev. Michael Heiss, later archbishop of Milwaukee. For some time missionaries read mass in this humble place of worship. The first resident priest was Rev. Joseph Salzmann who came in 1847. He was instrumental in the erection of a frame church which it took almost two years to complete. Under the administration of Rev. Foeckler the erection of the present stone church of classical design was begun. The building, 100x45 feet in dimensions, was completed under his successor. Rev. J. Camber. He also had a parsonage built. Rev. Karl Grobschmit had the interior walls adorned with fresco paintings. The parochial school was erected in 1889, during the ministry of Rev. H. Blum. The teachers are Sisters of St. Francis from Milwaukee. The congregation has three societies, the Men's Society, the Ladies' Society, and the Society of the Sacred Heart. The present priest is Rev. Jos. Wurm. Connected as a mission is St. Mary's congregation founded in the latter part of the '50's. The present church, costing $2,500, was built in 1895.

St. Kilian's Congregation

Location: Hartford

This congregation was organized in 1863 by Rev. Deisenreiter who at the time was stationed at St. Lawrence. In 1867 it numbered 56 German and 40 Irish families, but it has since been increased by numerous German families. The present imposing stone church was erected in 1876 under the direction of Rev. Michael Wenker who was stationed here from May, 1872 to September, 1883. He also otherwise improved the church property. His successor, Rev. Nic. M. Zimmer, had a parsonage built in 1884, and a parish schoolhouse in 1891. The school was started in 1864. Under the ministry of Rev. J. A. Bertram, who succeeded in 1893 the church received a splendid high altar and also a fine organ worth $1,200. The school is taught by Sisters of St. Francis. Five societies exist within the congregation. They are the St. Kilian's Benevolent Society, a branch of the Catholic Protective Association, Branch No. 61 of the Catholic Knights of Wisconsin, St. Elizabeth's Society, and St. Rose's Society for young ladies. The congregation is the largest in the county. The present priest of St. Kilian's is Rev. Jos. C. Hartmann.

St. Mary's Help Congregation

Location: Holy Hill

On the summit of Holy Hill, near the spot where the rude chapel of the hermit Franqois once stood, and on the site of a former small chapel, a neat brick church was completed in 1881. Its dimensions are 42x90 feet, and the spire is 80 feet high. On the site of the hermit's cave a parsonage has been built. Until the advent of the Carmelite monks in 1906 the congregation was in charge of priests from the neighborhood. The monks since have enlarged and improved the church property. The administering priest is Rev. Kilian Gutmann, O. C. D. St. Patrick's Mission in the town of Erin is attended to by the priest of Holy Hill. It numbers some 70 Irish families.

Immaculate Conception Congregation

Location: Town of Jackson

This parish is a mission in charge of the priest of St. Francis's church at Cedarburg, who at present is Rev. Geo. Loughney. There is no account of the organization in the records. Among the first members were the Riordans, Fagans, and Coughlins. The present church was built in 1860.

Holy Trinity's Congregation

Location: Kewaskum

Prior to 1861, the Catholics of Kewaskum had to go to neighboring churches to fulfill their religious duties. In that year they built a medium sized brick church on two lots presented to the congregation by Mathias Altenhofen. Until 1869 they were affiliated to the Barton congregation as a mission. The first resident priest was Rev. J. Mueller. He also said mass in St. Michael's mission in the town of Kewaskum. Rev. Grome who came in 1878 and held the ministry for 17 years had an addition built to the old church; he also had a school building and a parsonage erected which cost $3,000 each. Originally the parochial school was taught by secular teachers who later were supplanted by School Sisters of St. Agnes. The societies within the congregation are: The St. Francis's Benevolent Society, a branch of the Catholic Protective Association, the Ladies' Society, and the Young Ladies' Society. In July, 1895, the present priest. Rev. Phil. J. Vogt, took charge of the congregation. Under his ministry a fine and spacious brick church was erected in 1905. It has four bells in its lofty tower. The consecration by Archbishop S. G. Messmer of Milwaukee took place March 27, 1906. St. Bridget's in the town of Wayne is a mission in the care of the Kewaskum priest. As far back as 1848 the Catholics of that section were visited by Rev. Beittner of St. Lawrence, who said mass in private homes. Under his direction they built a log church in 1852. In 1856 the congregation was organized, and for many years Rev. Kaspar Rehrl of Barton attended to it. The parochial school of St. Bridget's is taught by Sisters of St. Agnes.

Holy Trinity's Congregation

Location: Newburg

In 1860, twelve years after the first white settler, that remarkable genius of a founder, Barton Salisbury, built his log house among the remnants of the former Indian population on the wildly beautiful bank of the swift running Milwaukee river, and harnessed its bumptious strength to run a sawmill, the Catholics of the community felt strong enough to start a congregation. It was the first German settler of the place, Nicholaus Schwinn, a blacksmith, who did the preliminary work of such an organization. He came in 1848, In his wretched log cabin, missionaries, who now and then happened to come that way found hospitality and shelter. In 1854 Bishop Henni of Milwaukee was his guest, and he picked out a place for him that in his opinion would be best suited for the site of a church. Eventually, on that spot the first church was built. In 1858 Dr. Jos. Salzmann of the Catholic Seminary in St. Francis, on a collection trip, visited this pioneer in the wilds, who accompanied him to the Catholic settlers of the neighborhood and took this chance to interest them in the foundation of a congregation. During a number of years services had been held in a hall by traveling priests who occasionally visited the settlement. The need of a church edifice was felt more with the advance of the pioneers and their increasing numbers. In March, 1850, the first meeting for the purpose of organizing a congregation was held. Trustees were elected and also a building committee; the former were Jacob Barth, Jr., Nicolaus Schwinn, Math. Wierschem, Peter Klein, Joseph Uetz and Dr. M. J. Leonard ; the building committee consisted of F. Waldkirch, Math. Welskiel, Johann Lauterbeck, George Kaiser, Ferd. Moersch, Jacob Spenner and Theodore Weinand. The first church was a rather sober-looking brick building, 75x40 feet in dimensions. Each side had four windows, the front had a rose-window, and near the front gable appeared a little turret with a steeple, and a cross on top. The building was completed in 1860, and the first service was held in it on Easter Monday by Rev. Kaspar Rehrl and Rev. B. Smeddink. The consecration by Bishop Henni took place December 8, 1861. Until 1861, the congregation was served by priests from the Barton and Port Washington parishes. For some time the church did not possess such a thing as a bell, and to call the faithful to mass or vespers, a steel hoop was used, which was struck with a hammer. The first bell was purchased in 1862. At the time of its organization, the congregation numbered 25 families, none of whom enjoyed material wealth. The first resident priest was Rev. Wilhelm Engeln. In 1882, under the administration of Rev. P. J. Stupfel, a parochial schoolhouse was built in which School Sisters of Notre Dame are teaching. Under the same administration a parsonage was built in 1887. In 1896 the present priest. Rev. B. Nuttmann, arrived. A new and magnificent church was erected during his ministry. It was consecrated October 5, 1899, by Archbishop F. X. Katzer of Milwaukee. In 1912 a new and commodious parsonage was built. The following societies exist within the congregation: St. Joseph's Society, Society of Christian Mothers,St. Agnes's Society,St. Alois's Society,Society of the Sacred Heart,a branch of the Catholic Knights.

St. Augustine's Mission is affiliated to the Newburg parish. This mission was founded in 1855, when Messrs. Weiss, Bach and Wollner donated 13 acres of land for church purposes. Missionaries held the first services in the log house of Mr. Bach. In 1857 a church was built.

St. Hubertus's Congregation

Location: Richfield

This parish was organized in 1846, and at once the erection of a log church was begun. It was a mission of St. Boniface's until 1854, when Rev. M. Pfeiffer took up his residence here. Under the ministry of Rev. Raess who came in 1875 the present church was built. A parochial school was added during the ministry of Rev. B. Weiher. Rev. P. Pape, who succeeded in 1892 had the tower built and the church fitted up in a more dignified way. Three societies, the Young Ladies' Society, the Ladies' Society, and the Young Men's Society exist within the congregation. The present priest is Rev. Ph. Wagner. St. Augustine's Congregation, also founded in 1846, is a mission of St. Hubertus's. The first church was built of logs, and was later replaced by a stone church.

St. Lawrence's Congregation

Location: St. Lawrence

In 1845 the Catholic pioneers in this section were for the first time visited by a priest; it was Rev. M. Heiss, who afterwards was consecrated archbishop of Milwaukee. It was Rev. Michael Obermueller who succeeded in having a church built, and Rev. F. X. Schraudenbach, the first resident priest, undertook the erection of a parochial school. Rev. Michael Deisenreiter who came in 1861 enlarged the church and provided it with an organ and two bells. During the administration of Rev. Martin Weiss, from 1865 to 1881, the present larger church, and also a parsonage, were built. His successor, Rev. N. Thill, had a new schoolhouse erected, and also provided the church with three bells. The school is taught by Sisters of St. Agnes of Fond du Lac. The societies of the congregation are: St. Lawrence's Benevolent Society for men, St. Mary's Society for married women, and St. Rose's Society for young ladies. The present priest is Rev. P. Burelbach.

St. Michael's Congregation

Location: St. Michaels

This congregation was founded in October, 1846, and the first church was erected in the year following under the direction of Rev. F. X. Schraudenbach. In 1853, Rev. M. Beittner had another church built. Around 1860 a parochial school was established. The present schoolhouse was built during the ministry of Rev. Karl Grobschmit who came in 1877. The teachers are Sisters of St. Francis. The present church edifice of solid brick, 45x100 feet, with a tower 130 feet high, was erected at an expense of $12,000 during the pastorate of Rev. Peter H. Welbes who succeeded in 1882. At present Rev. Jos. Beyer has charge of the congregation. In 1894 an elegant parsonage was built and in 1896 the interior of the church was decorated with fresco paintings. The societies are: St. Michael's Benevolent Society for men, the Altar Society for women and St. Rose's Society for young ladies.

The Congregation of St. John of God in the town of Farmington is a mission of St. Michael's. Until 1877 it was visited by priests from Barton and Schleisingerville [Slinger].

St. Peter's Congregation

Location: Schleisingerville [Slinger]

Prior to the organization of this congregation the Catholics of Schleisingerville and vicinity were occasionally visited by missionaries who happened to come their. way. The services were held in different private homes. When in 1856 a little log church had been built, the congregation was administered to by priests from St. Lawrence and Barton. These conditions lasted for nine years, until in 1865 Rev. Deisenreiter became the first resident priest. Rev. Peter Mutz who came in 1870 had the log church enlarged and a parsonage built. In 1892 under the ministry of Rev. Karl Grobschmit, the present church, a stately brick structure, 113x49 feet, was erected at a cost of $19,300. It was con0secrated May 1, 1893, by the late Archbishop Katzer of Milwaukee. The church has three finely carved altars, and fresco paintings. The basement contains a chapel. The tower rises to a height of 38 feet and has three bells. The schoolhouse was built during the pastorate of Rev. Paul Geyer who arrived in 1881 ; the parochial school is taught by Sisters of St. Francis. In 1912 an elegant parsonage costing over $7,000 was erected. The societies of the congregation are : St. Mary's Society, organized in 1894; the Ladies' Society, organized in 1892; and St. Peter's Benevolent Society. The present minister is Rev. W. B. Bruecker.

Holy Angel's Congregation

Location: West Bend

A remarkable thing about this congregation is that although it has been a mission for about forty-four years it is today the second largest parish in the county. As far back as 1849 the Catholics of West Bend and vicinity were visited by missionaries who said mass and administered the sacraments in private homes. In that year Rev. Beitter who was stationed at St. Lawrence began to attend to the mission at West Bend. In 1853 the first church, a frame building, was completed. It was but 24x34 feet in size, and stood a block south of the present church. In 1862 a bell was purchased. It was the first church bell that rang in the village, and inspired the editor of the local paper at the time to put this in type : "What a seeming change does the first bell give a place! Many of our generous citizens recently donated something towards paying for a bell for the Catholic church ; and last Saturday (Oct. 18) one from St. Louis, which cost $220 and weighs over 600 pounds, was placed in the belfry. It is rung at 6 in the morning, at noon, and at 6 in the evening ..." July 10, 1866, the corner stone of the present church was laid. It was completed in the following year, save the steeple. The material is brick, and standing high, it is a conspicuous edifice. It was consecrated October 20, 1882. For many years the old church was used for a parish school. From 1870 till 1888, Rev. M. Ruckengruber of St. Mary's in Barton was the missionary, and under his direction, in 1880, the present parochial schoolhouse with dwelling rooms for the teachers was built. It cost $7,000, and has four rooms. The school has eight grades, and four teachers who are Sisters of Notre Dame. In 1882 Rev. Ruckengruber had the church repaired and a fine steeple added, which is 125 feet high. The church cost close to $20,000. When in July, 1893, Rev. Peter J. Stupfel who from his charge in Barton had administered to the congregation since 1888 became the resident priest, it ceased to be a mission. In 1894 a commodious parsonage was built at an expense of $6,000. Six societies exist within the congregation, namely: St. Peter's Benevolent Society, a branch of the Cath. Aid Society, Holy Angel's Court, C. O. F., a Ladies' Court, C. O. F., St. Anne's Society for women, and the Young Ladies' Society. The first resident priest, Rev. Stupfel, is also the present priest of the congregation, having served continually since he took the charge.

Catholic Church (Holy Angels)

Location: West Bend

Source: History of Washington and Ozaukee Counties, Wisconsin; Western Historical Company; 1881; pg. 405

Catholics began to come in in 1847-48, and had services occasionally at private houses, performed by missionary priests, with an occasional service by such ministers as were sent to them by Bishop Henni, of Milwaukee. In 1849, there were some twelve to fifteen families in the towns, and the permanent establishment of the church was effected through the commencement of a church edifice. It was quite modest in its pretensions as to size and expense, being but 24x34 feet in size, and calculated to cost when finished $1,000. It was begun in 1849, but not finished till 1853. It was located on Lots 11 and 12, in Block 11, on the village plat. The congregation worshipped in this church till 1867, increasing in strength and numbers.

The new church was begun in 1866, and finished for occupancy in 1867. It is a large brick structure, and when the spire (not yet completed) is added, will be the most conspicuous and ornamental edifice in the village. Its cost will be not far from $14,000. It was consecrated October 20, 1867. On that day Cecilia Kirchner was christened — the first baptism solemnized in the new church.

The old church was appropriated to further use as a parish school, for which it was occupied till 1879, when it was removed from its site to give place to the fine brick school building, which was completed in 1880. It is still in existence, owned by John Knippel, and is used as a storehouse and granary.

The new school building is a two-story brick structure, 36x50 feet in size, with a side addition for the dwelling of the Sisters of Notre Dame having charge of the school, 28x30 feet in size.

The congregation now embraces 100 families, and the pupils of the school number eighty to one hundred. The officiating priest, prior to 1869, was Rev. John Rundle; since then, Rev. M. Renchengruber.