The congregation of St. Mary's was established nearly fifty years ago by the Rev. Fathers Hubert LAUFHUBER and GERNBAUER. They were succeeded by the Revs. M. DE BECKE, Francis Xavier SAILER, O.S. NORBERT, Michael OBERMUELLER, Michael DEISENRIEDER, F. FUSSEDER, A. RASCH, Father RIEF, P. FABIAN, BERMADINGER, O.M. Cap., J. FRIEDINGER, J. FIRBES, C. SCHAETTIN, T. METZGER, F.X. SAILER, Peter FRIEDEN, Anton LEINER, Anselm LAUTHNER, O.S. B., Henry STEMPER, Louis PESCHONG, and the present pastor, Father M. OBERLINKELS. During the pastorate of Father LAUTHNER, the church was struck by lightning (July 1884) and totally destroyed. He built a new church the same year, which was finished by his successor, who also built a school-house and Sisters' residence. Father Louis PESCHONG also made some valuable improvements and among other things erected a new parsonage. The congregation at present consists of a hundred and thirty-five families. The parochial school is conducted by three Sisters of St. Dominic, who have charge of some hundred and twenty scholars. Besides a Married Ladies' and Young Ladies' Sodality, a branch of the Catholic Knights is also represented in this congregation.
The Rev. M. OBERLINKELS was born at Hosingen, Grand-Duchy of Luxemburg, on February 24, 1845. Receiving his education in schools of his native country and in the American college, Louvain, Belgium, he came to America in October 1875 and was ordained to the priesthood on May 14, 1876. He has been pastor of his present charge at Belgium since November 16, 1892.
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