Article of IncorporationOf

The Roman Catholic Church of ST. Lawrence, in Milbank, County of Grant, Territory of Dakota.

Whereas, The undersigned, Martin Marty, Roman Catholic Bishop, Vicar Apostolic of the Vicariate of Dakota, deems it advisable to have created and organized a religious Corporation within this Territory, for the purpose and with the power specified in the Civil Code of this Territory, and the Laws amendatory thereof in such case made and provided, and has associated with him for that purpose, George L. Willard, Vicar General of Said Vicariate and John Hermling the Roman Catholic Pastor of the Parish of St. Lawrence in the County of Grant and Territory of Dakota, and whereas, the said Bishop, Vicar General and Pastor have in such case provided, selected and designated to be associated with them in the formation of said Corporation, Peter Riegelsberger and F.J. Kamps, two lay members of the Roman Catholic Church, both belonging to said parish and residents therein.

Therefore, Know all Men by these Presents, that we, Martin Marty, Bishop as aforesaid, George L. Willard, Vicar General as aforesaid, John Hermling, Pastor as aforesaid and Peter Riegelsberger and F.J. Kamps, lay members of said Church as aforesaid, do hereby associate ourselves together for the purpose of becoming incorporated under the name and for the purpose hereinafter stated, pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 3, Article 14, of the Civil Code of the Territory of Dakota, and the Laws amendatory thereof, and do not adopt and sign, in duplicate the following Articles of Incorporation, viz:

Article 1. The name of this Corporation shall be “Roman Catholic Church of Saint Lawrence, Dakota” and the place of its location shall be the aforesaid Milbank in the County of Grant and Territory of Dakota.

Article 2. The general purpose of this Corporation is to take charge of, and manage all the temporal affairs of the Roman Catholic Church in said Parish; to promote the spiritual, educational and other interests of the said Roman Catholic Church in said parish, including all Charitable, benevolent and eleemosynary [?] work of said church in said parish; to take charge of, hold and manage all property, personal and real, that may at any time, or in any manner, come to or vest in this Corporation for any purpose whatever, whether by purchase, gift, grant, devise or otherwise, and to mortgage the same sell and otherwise dispose of it as the necessities of the said Corporation may require.

Article 3. The members of said Corporation, vis: the said Bishop, Vicar General, Pastor and two Laymen, selected and chosed as aforesaid and their respective successors, shall constitute its Board of Directors, and as such shall have power to transact all the business of said Corporation.

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Article 4. The officers of said Corporation shall be a President, Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary. The Bishop, or person appointed in his place or stead, shall be ex officio President, and the Secretary and Treasurer shall be chosen from the members of said corporation. The term of office of the Secretary and Treasurer and the duties of each, except so far as the same are fixed by the Articles, may be prescribed by the By-laws. The Board of directors may at any time remove any secretary or Treasurer, if they shall deem that the best interests of the Corporation require such removal. In all cases the Treasurer shall be required to give bonds with sureties to this Corporation, conditioned that he will faithfully account for any pay over all moneys that may come into his hands as such Treasurer, and otherwise Faithfully discharge the duties of his office, which bonds shall, before he enters upon the duties of his office, be approved by the President, Vice President and Secretary of this Corporation by endorsement in writing to that effect made thereon.

Article 5. The Directors of Said Corporation may, by a majority vote, contact debts not exceeding in amount three hundred dollars, but debts in excess of that sum may be contracted by the vote and consent of all the Directors. No real estate belonging to said Corporation shall be sold, mortgaged, in cumbered, or disposed of in any way without the consent of all the Directors.

Article 6. The said Directors may, by a unanimous vote, adopt such By-laws, not contrary to the laws of this Territory, the Statutes of said Vicariate of Dakota and the discipline of the Roman Catholic Church, and these Articles, as may be deemed necessary for the proper government of this corporation and the management of the property and business thereof; and may, by a like vote, alter or amend the same, and when so adopted, such By-laws and all amendments thereof, shall, before they can take effect, be signed by each of said Directors and be recorded by the Secretary, in a book to be provided and kept for that purpose.

In Testimony Whereof, we have here unto set our hands and seals this Third day of October A.D. 1883.

Martin Marty Vic Ap. Dak.George L. Willard, V. G.John Hermling.Peter Rieselsberger.Everhard Kamps

Territory of Dakota,County of Yankton,

Personally appeared before me the above named Martin Marty to me known to be the Roman Catholic Bishop, vicar Apostolic of Dakota, and he acknowledged that the adopted and signed the foregoing Articles for the objects and purpose therein expressed.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this fourth day of October A.D. 1883

William P. Dewey, Notary Public.

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Territory of Dakota,County of Yankton,

Personally appeared before me the above named George L. Willard to me known to be the Vicar General of the Vicariate of Dakota, and he acknowledged that the adopted and signed the foregoing Articles for the objects and purpose therein expressed.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this fourth day of October A.D. 1883

William P. Dewey, Notary Public.

Territory of Dakota,County of Yankton,

Personally appeared before me the above named John Hermeling Pastor of St. Lawrence at Milbank, in County and Peter Riegelsberger and Everhard Kamps to me known to be the persons above named who signed the foregoing Articles of Incorporation, and they severally acknowledged that they signed and adopted the same for the objects and purpose therein expressed.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this Twenty-eight day of January A.D. 1884

A.J. Lewis, N.P.

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St. LAWRENCE CHURCHMILBANK, D.T. [Dakota Territory] 1884

Memory

Our “Dakota” as it lays the present day January 28th A.D. 1884, as a Territory, has been formerly populated by Indian Tribes. Dakota has been once a very large Territory, the eastern part of it was admitted by act of U.S. Congress in the year 1858 to a State under the name of “Minnesota.”

In the year 1868 in the month of July was at Fort Rice a Convention held in which appeared from side of the U.S. government amongst others particular: Wm. S. Harvey, Brevet General Mayor and Commissioner; John B. Sanborn, Commissioner and Alf. H. Terry, Brevet General Mayor ___ and from side of the Indians several Indian Chefs, about 20 in number, of which are to be noted: The black Moon and Sitting Bull __ and Reverend P. de Smet S.J. as Interpreter. They came to a Treaty in favor of the white man and the Indians pledged themselves to keep “Peace” with the Whites. From and since that time the white Race had not so much fear to set their feet on this ground.

Since then, the Congress of the United States passed in the year ___ the Homestead and Timber Culture Bill; under which every man of full age could obtain possession and tills of 320 acres of Land, for a very small turn of money, when he would actually settle on such land. Hence, the country was settled in a short time, and where before the Indian had put up his Tent and the wild Buffalo had his pasture __ there at once were growing large promising wheat fields and all over Dwelling places of Farmers be seen. Towns grown up with all Rapidity, in All to say Culture and Trade flourishing.

Missionaries were send out to look after the flock of our Lord. In the first years they had to serve God in all the poverty in private houses and only the most necessary things for the celebration of the holy Mass &c. until the means allowed them a little more solemnity in the Divine Service. The names of the Missionaries are so far as they could be obtained:

Rev. P. Chrisostomus O.S.B. stationed at Kranzburg.Rev. Chs Toner stationed at Big Stone City.Rev. Eugen O’Keefe stationed at Big Stone City.Rev. John Hermeling stationed at Big Stone City.

The first Sunday, that Rev. Hermeling officiated at Milbank, was on the 18th day of October 1882: Divine Service held in the Hall of the Courthouse; the Altar being a transportable one, who after Mass together with all the vestments were removed.

As soon as Rev. Hermeling came here, he tried to have a Roman Catholic Church builded. Mr. John R. Eastman and Alice M. Eastman his wife gave fore One Dollar the 3 Lots, numbered 48, 49, and 50, lying in John R. Eastman’s second Addition to the Town of Milbank, D.T. and deeded the above Estate to Martin Marty, Bishop of Dakota Territory, which Deed is recorded in the office of Register of Deeds of Grant County in Book 11 on Page 320.

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Promissory Notes were given from Members of the Congregation and other Citizens of Milbank in Aid of building funds, but no money was in Treasury when Rev. Hormeling arrived here, as Pastor. The Notes now got collected as far as possible could, but the amount so gathered was very small.

In the first days of the Month of May 1883 was a Fair held for the benefit of the Congregation, solely for Building purposes of the Church. The Proceed of this Fair amounted (after paying all Expenses) to the sum of $1200.

Now then at once, Lumber and other building Materials got bought for that Money and commenced to build the Church.

The board of Trustees who stood Rev. Hormeling aside, was composed out of the following gentlemen: P. Riegelsberger, M. Doyle, C. Poppelmann and J.W. Barnes.

Whilst the Building was going up under the Hands of Mr. Alexander Monoon of Big Stone City and his assistances in the Trade as Carpenters and the voluntary help of the Church members arrived a Order of his Lordship Rt. Rev. Martin Marty, Bishop of Dakota, dated August 1883, that 4 Trustees be elected, namely, one for Secretary, one for Treasurer and two for Councilors, to this End that the Congregation may become incorporated by the Legislature of the Dakota Territorial Government.

In the month of September of the same year was the Election held and resulted as follows:

Everhard Kamps as SecretaryPeter Riegelsberger as TreasurerJohn Wagner and Frank Kochs as Councilors

At the end of the month of October 1883 was the Church building on the before mentioned Site, the Lots of Mr. Eastman in Eastmans Addition, so near to completion (the rump of the building ready and plastered inside) that Divine Service would be holden in it. On the 4th day of November 1883, the Feast of St. Carolus Barroni, the holy Sacrifice of the Mass was celebrated the first time in this Church. Some Vestments and Ornaments, presents of Rev. Ferdinand Stern, Pastor in Francis Creek, Manitowee County, Wisconsin, were added to them, who were the property of the Congregation already owned.

Since August 1883 the Church building has been insured for $2000.00 with the St. Paul, Minn. Fire Insurance Co. for five years on the Premium Note System under which the Congregation every year has to pay $16.00.

Up from the Election in September 1883 to the 28 day of January 1884, the business of the Church Matters was taken care of in the old way; the Monies contributed to the Building fund being received by P. Riegelsberger and the Bills against the Congregation for building purposes &c paid, as far the funds permitted.

On the 28th day of January 1884 was the first meeting of the board of Trustees held in the Central Hotel in Milbank.

Present: Rev. John Hormeling, pastor, Everh. Kamps, P. Riegelsberger, John Wagner and Frank Kochs.

The Articles of Incorporation by which the Congregation is incorporated under the name and Style as the St. Lawrence Church of Milbank, Grant County, D.T., submitted by our Bishop Rt. Rev. Martin Marty and the General Vicar Rev. Geo. L. Willard, to our

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Pastor Rev. J. Hormeling came signed before A.H. Lewis, Notary public, by him and P. Riegelsberger and Everh. Kamps, two Laymen of said Congregation.

As request of several Creditors, for payment was made, and there upon a sum of $260.00 lend by interest for 90 days from the Milbank Bank on a joint Note and so signed by all the Trustees.

Immediately payments were made to:Lockhard & Fairley $175.00Husbey 20.00Smith 59.75Hietz 2.35

Total $257.10

On the same day give Peter Riegelsberger his Bond as Treasurer in the sum of One Thousand Dollars. The land signed as surelics: John Wagner and Frank Kochs in the usual and lawful manner.

Lockhard and Fairleys Bill amounted to $181.19 but their receipt is given in full when the Treasurer paid them $175.00.

In the days of the 28, 29 and 30th of April 1884 a Fair for the benefit of the St. Lawrence Church was held in the Borkins Hall at Milbank and the proceed of the same was, as far as could be as certained----------------- $574.54And afterwards added with: 1.30(last amount from Grab Bag and Candy Stand)

$575.84

On the morning of May 1st 1884, have I the undersigned by verbal expression resigned as Secretary of the St. Lawrence Church by reason of several Occurrences against my feelings. Everhard Kamps

Milbank, D.T. May 11th 1884.Copy of the Report of P. Riegelsberger, Treasurer, in a/c. with St. Lawrence Congregation.Receipts:

By cash, from Con. Haurikan $50.00Pet. Droitcoun 56.00P. Riegelsberger 50.00Pet. Hamling 20.00Funk 15.00Hiram Baxter 5.00Thos Sherin 25.00E & J Kamps 20.00David Shook 5.00E.D. Ely 25.00J. W. Sievert 25.00John Wagner 25.00Perry Hamling 5.00

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Henry Wagner 15.00John Carlin 25.00M. Rourk 25.00P.E. Skahan 25.00Aug. Mecky 20.00P.M. Kernican 20.00Ant. Wagner 15.00Fr. Kocks 25.00F. Hughes 15.00

Carried to next page $511.00

By amount br. Over $511.00Cash from Fenley 5.00

A.H. Owens 11.50H.A. Parker 10.00Fr. Timmermann 30.00Alphons Roden 15.00Hub. Humpfner 10.00J.W. Barnes 39.00A.H.L. Bartley 15.00Frank Vogt 12.50Henry Vogt 6.00Ant. Carter 15.00Victor J. Fonder 10.00W.P. McKillip 5.00John Vogt 12.50Z.E. Farley 10.00Attorney Keeler 10.00Frank Wolfman 10.00Mrs. Dove 17.00Gold Cane 33.50Kittie Barnes, Watch 595.85Nellie Abercombie 475.20Bryan, Doll 19.65Hutchinson 33.67Mrs. McNory 7.50Mrs. Doyle 50.00By Dance 40.00

Carried to next Page $2009.87

Amount brought over $2009.87By Bank 150.00Rebate of Fright on Lumber 164.84Rev. J. Hermeling, borrowed 60.00Bank 260.00Phelan 70.00

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John Wagner 24.00April 30 Mrs. Rooney 91.70

“ Lowe 191.98“ J. Wagner 88.25“ Phelan 143.80“ Seifert 5.18Miss. Roggenbock 26.88Mrs. Rynen 26.75“ Barnes 5.35M. Rourk, Tickets for Dance 16.87A.J. Bleser 10.00J. G. Burkhard, Tickets f. Dance 21.00Miss. Agnes Kamps, Candy Stand 1.30

What Riegelsberger made 1St Fair 1883 56.00By Discount of Fairly & Lockhard on their On their decrunt. Jan. 28th, 84 6.19Amount, overpaid by Treasurer Which stands to his Credit 20.74

$3450.70

Disbursements:To cash for Watch $70.62

Musicians 15.00Gold headed Cane 23.10Oil & Paper .40Receipt Book 1.50Printing Cards 1.50

Material & labour on Church:Lines & nails .50Work & board at laying foundation 17.00Henry Wagner 5.00Alex. Mungeon 254.25Ole Smith 218.75Peter Rabbitt 90.00Frank May 36.00Smith 3.00A.J. Hiltz 2.35Lockhard & Fairly 119.00Lockhard & Fairly 181.19I.H. Keller 13.00M. Hellgen 16.25A. Oley 33.68K.E. Husbey 21.00

Carried to the next Page $1123.09

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To amount brought over $1123.09Frank Link 20.00Ed. Downey 43.00Insurance 22.00Keller 5.00Miscellaneous Articles 16.00Fright for Lumber 333.85Brick fr. Scott & Daniels 12.25Interest & Expenses on Chattle mtg 9.75Riegelsberger Expenses 27.50Sieger for hauling Sand 9.00M.T. Clark 1039.00“ “ “ 36.75Dodge & Saunders, Bankers 157.60Mrs. Keller for Mungeons Board 17.00Landberg “Laborers” 5.25Druecker Brot. For Lime 1.75Rev. J. Hermeling 16.87“ “ “ 5.00Burckhard for Draying 15.00Soap & Coal 2.10Dodge & Saunders 100.00Fletcher for gold Watch & chain 75.00Druecker 50.00Rev. J. Hermeling 10.00Alex Mungeon 100.00J.W. Ochler for Brick 25.00

Carried to next Page $3278.26

To Amount brought over $3278.26Chs Betcher for Lumber 5.00Chs Welch 20.00Eldridge & Craig 50.00Mrs. Barnes 2.00“ Rynen for Supplies at Fair 5.59Musicians 10.00J.G. Burkhard for Draying 15.00John Newmann 8.85

Different articles, paid by Riegelsberg, Treasurer 56.00$3450.70

1884 May 11 To Amt. overpaid by P. RiegelsbergerTreasurer, Balance 20.74

The amount of $16.00 for insurance, being the 2d installment, on Police Nr 22398 of the St. Paul Fire & Marine Ins. Col was paid on the 8th day of August, 1884. – Said monies

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were raised by collection amongst the people, outside of the Church on Sunday the 6 th inst. before Mass.

On Sunday October 3th 1884 were the Seats on the benches now in Church, rented out for 1 year, namely from October 1884 to the final day of October 1885. The amount thereby raised is in first place, intended to pay the Priests salary with. But as not all the seats formed occupants on that day, a continuance of menting out the remainding seats will be as soon so inquiry is made.

On the 3th Sunday in October was a meeting held outside of the Church. Present: Rev. J. Hermeling, P. Riegelsberger, E. Kamps, J. Wagner and F. Kochs, besides quite a member of Church members.

Contract was verbally made with Rev. Hermeling that his Salary for the coming year was $300.00 what the Congregation has to pay him and Father Hermeling agreed, that he will be here in Milbank every other Sunday or 26 times on Sundays, in the year to hold Divine Service.

At the close of the meeting is further agreed that Rev. Hermeling shall have the Sunday Collection for paying his expenses whilst here, as long as there is no Priests House and usual accommodations in the house.

In the days of 27, 28 and 29th of October 1884 was again a Fair for the benefit of the Church held in Berkins Hall in Milbank. The gross amount of Income, the sum of ($408.10) Four Hundred and eight Dollars and ten Cents being rendered to the Treasurer P. Riegelsberger. He then went the next day, Oct 30, 1884 and paid

To J. Muller 3.00John Newmann 16.00E. Downey 100.00Geo. Dring 10.00J. Oelhafen 25.00

20.00J. H. Linck 20.00Lockhard & Fairley 15.00Bank on a/c of Note 100.00Riegelsberg, Interest on Chate. Mtg. 50.00

No. Balance of May 11, 84 20.74

To the balance on the Note due to the Bank ($179.55 with Interest up to date) is another Note to the amount of $79.55 given, which is undersigned by the Trustees of the St. Lawrence Church and falls due: 1 year after date.

By Novbr 1st 1884, the payment for the Melodeon is Church since Decbr 24th 1883 was demanded from Dyer & Howard St. Paul, Minn.

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Collection was made under the Members of the Congregation to pay off this debt, but only a small contribution could be obtained:

Kamps Brothers paid $ 2.00Jacobs, John 1.00Hamling, Peter 2.00

1.00Kosse, Gerhard 1.00Leydon, Thos 1.00Budde, Geo .50Vogt, Julius 1.00Doyle, M.E. 1.00Martin, J. .25Sanders, Peter .50Vogt, Tr. 1.50Funk, John 1.00Lennartz, Nick 1.00

Carried $14.75

Amount br. Over $14.75John Wagner paid 1.00Vogt, John .50Riegelsberger, P. 1.00Zimmermann, Frank .50Choninard, Joseph 1.00Carter 1.00

$19.75[N.B. M.S. Druecker gave credit on his a/c $2.00]

Dec 14th 1884, Rev. J. Hermeling loaned to the Congregation $25.00 at the rate of 6% on a Note, which matures one year after date.

In the month of September 1885 a subscription was submitted to the members of the congregation for the purpose of raising funds, to defray the pending Debts; whereby everyone could set the amount voluntarily and also the time when to be paid before the year 1885 closed.

But it must be remembered, that to the sorrow of the Directors not much interest was taken by the Members of the Corporation as the whole amount of this Subscription, only amounted to $282.00.

On the 4th day of November 1885 was a Fair for the benefit of the Congregation closed, and the sum of $685.40 handed to the Treasurer out of which amount is paid

John Oelhafen, Lumber bill $56.00Merchants Bank of Milbank, NoteDated Oct 30. 1884 with Interest $89.10

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Nov 7. Rev. Hermeling for balance on his salaryTwo Notes and advanced money $346.13

Then Rev. Hermeling offered to loan to the Congregation the sum of $250.00 on 7% interest which was accepted by the Directors.

Sunday, December 13th, 1885Rev. J. Hermeling read a Letter from our Bishop, RF. Rev. Martin Marty

before the Sermon in High Mass, in which his Lordship amongst other things required a Election of new Lay = Directors of the Congregation, as the Directors of the present time had carried long enough the burden of their office, and to relieve them. After High Mass was over the Election took peace and from about 12 candidates were the following gentlemen selected:

E.W. Phelan with 21 votesJos. G. Froonen with 21 votesM. Doyle with 14 votesTom. McKearnan with 15 votesAnd. Croal with 13 votesM. S. Druecker with 15 votes

The Result was published immediately and the time to take charge of their respective officer set at the first day of January 1886.

Copy.Receipts1884

Octbr. 30 Received on third Fair $441.52 “ for Coal 1.70

$443.22

Milbank, October 30th 1884.

This is to certify that Peter Regelsberger the Treasurer’s account of St. Lawrence Church, Milbank, Grant Co. Dakota is correct.

Sign: Rev. John Hermeling.

As the time comes near, that the new elected Trustees have to take possession of the property of the Congregation, especially the Books and the funds, therefore is it deemed necessary to record the Settlement of the Treasurer with rev. J. Hermeling as follows:

Disbursements1884 Oct. 30 Paid to Edward Downey 100.00

“ to P. Riegelsberger for interest 60.00“ to “ “ f. money advanced 20.25“ “ Merchants Bank 100.00“ “ F. Link 20.00“ “ G. Dring 10.00

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“ “ John Neumann 16.00“ “ J. Oelhafen 45.00“ “ Lockhard & Fairley 27.27“ “ J. Miller 3.00“ “ Eldredge & Craig 40.00“ “ Coal 1.70

$443.22

StatementPeter Riegelsberger, Treasurer,

Receipts1884

Novbr 1 By cash, pr. Collections for Organ $ 19.75Dec 14 “ “ Fr. Rev. Hermeling, Loan 25.00

1885 “ amts of pew rent collected during Year, see schedule “A” 204.10“ amts of Notes collected, see Schedule B. 247.00

Novbr. 4 “ cash, from late Fair, closed Nov. 4, 1885 687.40 6 “ “ of Rev. Hermeling, Loan 250.00

“ “ “ P. Riegelsberger, “ 71.36“ Credit on overpay of Chattel Mortgage & Interest of mistake 7.50“ Sale of Timber: 3 pieces 6x6 1.62

$1513.73

Dec. 18 By cash on hand in Treasury $167.68

Milbank, D. T. December 18th 1885.a/c with St. Lawrence Church of Milbank, D. T.

Disbursements1884

Dec. 12 bills paid1885

Novbr. 6 Cash on Hand $167.68$1513.73

Liabilities (see next Page.)

Liabilities:E. Downey’s a/c estimated at $ 50.00

Loan of Rev. Hermeling, Nov. 6, 85 @ 7% 250.00 “ “ P. Riegelsberger “ “ “ 71.36

Schedule “A” Pew Rent, from Oct 1st 1884 to Sep. 30th 1885

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Collected of: uncollected, but rented to:

Nov $204.10 $65.40

Schedule “B”: Notes in hand of Treasurer for Collection

Paid: not paid yet:

$247.00 $50.00

The foregoing Statement is signed by the Treasurer, Peter Riegelsberger, and after examination countersigned as:

To the correctness of the above we certifyPastor: John HermelingSecretary: Everhard Kamps

On Monday December 28th 1885, the corporation made the purchase of 3 acres of land for Cemetery grounds from Com. Honrichen for $100.00, paid cash down by the Treasurer on the delivery of a warranted Deed.

Milbank Sept 7 – 1890There being no minutes on record of any meeting of Trustees of St. Lawrence

Roman Catholic Church of Milbank S.D. from Dec. 18, 1885 up to this date (Sept 7, 1890) the writer cannot give a correct record of all business transactions (concerning this corporation) between paid dates.

Rev. John Hermeling having been appointed to fill vacancy at Zell, Faulk County, S.D., severed his connection with St. Lawrence Church here, on July 31st 1890, after having been its pastor for nearly eight years.

Rev. J. H. Gray was sent here temporarily to fill vacancy caused by Rev. John Hermeling going to Zell, and was with its from August 16th 1890 to Sept 1st 1890.

Rev. Joseph A. Stephan having received the appointment as resident pastor for this parish took charge on September 1st 1890.

On Sunday September 7th 1890 Rev. Joseph A. Stephan celebrated mass in St. Lawrence Roman Catholic Church and according to announcement made to the Congregation an election for Trustees was held after divine service.

The officers to be elected were: One Treasurer, One Secretary and Consulters.Rev. Joseph A. Stephen being Vice. President called the meeting to order.After discussion by the members of the Congregation, it was moved and

seconded that the officers to be elected be elected by a rising vote. Carried unanimously.

Levi Schnabel was placed in nomination for Treasurer of St. Lawrence Church, nomination seconded, there being no other nominations, the question was submitted to vote and nominee declared elected.

C.W. Martins was placed in nomination for Secretary of St. Lawrence Church, nomination seconded, there being no other nominations, the question was submitted to vote, and nominee declared elected.

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E.W. Phalen was placed in nomination as first Consulter of St. Lawrence Church, nomination seconded, there being no other nominations, the question was submitted to vote, and nominee declared elected.

Victor J. Fonder was placed in nomination as second Consulter of St. Lawrence Church, nomination seconded, there being no other nominations, the question was submitted to vote, and nominee declared elected.

A.M. Hagan was placed in nomination for Consulter of St. Lawrence Church nomination seconded, there being no other nominations, the question was submitted to vote, and nominee declared elected.

Frank Roder was placed in nomination for Consulter of St. Lawrence Church, nomination seconded, there being no other nominations, the question was submitted to vote, and nominee declared elected.

There being no further business before this meeting it was moved and seconded that meeting adjourn. Carried.

Meeting of Trustees announced to take place on Sunday afternoon Sept 7–1890.C.W. Martins

Milbank, S.Dak. Sept 7-1890At Convent.

Regular meeting of Trustees of St. Lawrence Catholic Church.

Present: Rev. Joseph A. Stephan, Vice President; Levi Schnabel, Treasurer; C.W. Martins, Secretary; E.W. Phalen and A.M. Hagan, Consulters.

The first business discussed was in relation to priest’s residence. After talking over the matter thoroughly it was unanimously decided to rent the A.W. Glenn house, rent being $10 per month, and also decided to contract for rent of said house for one year at the price of $120.00 for one year’s rent.

The first, third and fifth Sunday of each month service to be held in St. Lawrence Church.

Salary for priest was next considered. $400.00 being price agreed upon for one year’s salary, with the understanding that service is to be given on 1st, 3rd and 5th Sunday of each month for one year.

It was next decided to take up subscription in order to be able to meet the obligations due.

Furnishing pastors residence was brought before meeting and decided that cook stove must be purchased, also that Secy and Treas. Be instructed to purchase suitable furniture, and that a committee of ladies should see to furnishing house.

Mr. Schnabel stated that any goods purchased from him would have to be paid for this fall if possible. If unable to pay this fall he would wait until one year from this fall.

Secretary ordered to purchase Journal and Ledger for Church Corporation.It was also decided to have Catholic Cemetery surveyed and plotted; the cost of

surveying and plotted not to exceed $12.00.Adjourned, subject to call of Vice President

C.W. Martens, Secy

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Milbank Sept 7 – 1890

The following is a statement of the Resources and Liabilities as near as can be found from records, statements, and all other sources:

Resources and valuesSt. Lawrence Church (cost over $5000.00) 5000.00Convent (cost over 3000.00) 3000.00Cemetery (cost about 115.00) 115.00Estimated amount due church on accts & c (collectable) 100.00

$8215.00

Liabilities and debts(total estimated debt) $2002.38Net worth of St. Lawrence Church Incorporation over debts & c 6212.62

$8215.00

The above statement may vary some but is as near as can be got at this time, estimated that accounts will not vary to exceed $200.00 either way.

Milbank Oct 5th 1890, 4 PMRegular meeting of Trustees of St. Lawrence Church held at residence of Rev. J.A. Stephan.

Present Rev. Joseph A. Stephan, Levi Schnabel and C.W. Martens.

Minutes of last meeting read and approved.Moved and seconded that an Inventory of all Church and School property be taken in the near future. Carried.

The question of bonds for Treasurer and Secretary was next discussed and it was decided that the amount of bond be fixed at $2500.00 each, for the next ensuring year. This being considered as double the amount of money to be held or collected or on hand at any one time during year.

The following bills were filedThe following bills were ordered paid

Adjourned 6 PMAttest C.W. Martens Secy

Milbank, S.D. Oct 19 – 1890Special meeting of Trustees of St. Lawrence Church held at resident of Rev. Joseph A. Stephan.

Present Rev. Jos. A. Stephan, Levi Schnabel and C.W. Martens.

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It was decided to pay all small bills recently contracted in and around town.Adjourned.

Attest C.W. Martens Secy

Milbank, S.D. Oct 21 – 1890Special Meeting of Trustees of St. Lawrence Church held at residence of Rev. Joseph A. Stephan.

Present: Rev. Joseph A. Stephan, Levi Schnabel and C.W. Martens.

Moved and carried that $110.00 be paid on salary account of Rev. John Hermeling.

If balance of account (for which certificate of indebtedness was given) is paid by Feby 1st Rev. J. Hermeling to charge no interest on said account.

AdjournedC.W. Martens Secy

Milbank, S.D. Dec 8 – 1890Regular Meeting

Milbank, S.D. May 17 – 1891Regular Meeting

Milbank, S.D. May 18 – 1891Regular Meeting

…

The question of painting Church and school House and replacing old altars, with the altars donated to this church by the friends of Mr. E. Kamps, was discussed and on motion it was decided that immediate steps should be taken towards having the work done, but that inquiries should be made as to probable cost of said work before any decided action should be taken.

Adjourned.C.W. Martens Secy

Milbank, S.D. August 2 – 1891Meeting of the Congregation after High Mass.

Rev. Jos. A. Stephan, President or Chairman. The question was brought up: Do we want pew system or due system; A vote being taken there were 14 votes against the pew system and 10 votes for the pew system.

A vote being taken as to whether, a fair should be held. The vote was as follows: for fair 1 vote. Against fair 9 votes.

Motion made that the old trustees be for the term of one year from date; motion carried.

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Moved that E. Kamps and H.E. Pew be substituted in place of V.J. Fonder and F. Roder.

Wm. E. Rusch nominated for trustee and motion seconded question as to what salary of priest should be for the next ensuring year.

Motion made by E.W. Phalen and seconded that the penny collection from this date be part of priests salary. If not enough collected to pay for fuel the priest to have right to take special collections to pay any deficiency. Motion carried.

Salary for priest was fixed at $400.00 for next ensuring year (in addition to penny collection) for services two Sundays each month and if five Sundays in month, this congregation to have three Sundays. It is also agreed that the Holy days are to be at the priest’s disposal.

Adjourned.C.W. Martens Secretary

August 2 – 1891Meeting of Trustees held at the residence of Rev. Jos A. Stephan: Present Rev. Joseph A. Stephan, Levi Schnabel, E. W. Phalen and C.W. Martens.

Minutes of Meetings of Oct 5 – Oct 19, Oct 21 and Dec 18 – 1890 and May 17 and 18 – 1891 red and approved.

Moved and carried that the partition between the two west rooms in School house be taken out of said rooms and Treasurer instructed to see to having the work done.

Moved and carried that the Secretary be instructed to see about paint and oil necessary to paint Church and School buildings.

Adjourned. C.W. Martens Secy

Milbank, Sept 27 – 1891Meeting of Trustees held at residence of Rev. Jos. A. Stephan. Present Rev. Jos. A. Stephan, Levi Schnabel, E. Kamps and C.W. Martens.

No business transacted.Adjourned.

C.W. Martens Secy

The following is a list of the presents received through the efforts of E. Kamps.Received from Appleton St. Joseph’s Church, Rev. P. Laurentues Admin.One altar formerly used in that ChurchOne communion TableTwenty-four pews (12 whole & 12 in parts)From Sisters:

Four artificial flowers.

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From the Capuchin Convent in Milwaukee, vestments viz: cope, black vestments, 2 stoles and surplice.

Diocese of Green Bay from Miss Katie Jansen heiress of Church articles of Rev. A. Busche (deceased). One chalice, one Ablution cup, one Stole, Purificators and other Church linen.

The Wis. Const. R.R. made liberal freight rates for transportation of above goods and charged only $18.27 for same. This amount was also subscribed by certain people in Appleton, Wis. And freight was paid there.

Milbank, S.D. Dec 30 – 1891Regular Meeting of Trustees of St. Lawrence Church.Present: Rev. Joseph A. Stephan, Levi Schnabel, E. W. Phalen and C.W. Martens.

Accounts examined and compared.

Decided that ball should be held on February 22 – 1892 and Treasurer to sec to securing hall for same.

Also decided to borrow money on note to pay up a number of old bills.Adjourned.

C. W. Martens Secy

Milbank, S.D. Jany 3 – 1892Meeting of members of St. Lawrence Church.

The resignation of C.W. Martens as Secretary of St. Lawrence Church having been accepted.

Election called for this day. On first ballot the vote stood as follows:Peter Vandervoort received 11 votesE. Kamps “ 3 votesJames Hefferman “ 4 votesW. Martens “ 1 votesD. Kelleher “ 3 votes

Peter Vandervoort having received more votes than any other candidate refused the officer, and new vote ordered taken.

On second ballot the vote stood.James Hefferman received 7 votesDaniel Kelleher “ 5 votesJoseph Vandervoort “ 4 votesFrank Zimmerman “ 2 votese. Kamps “ 3 votes

On third ballot

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James Hefferman received 8 votesJos. Vandervoort “ 7 votesFrank Zimmerman “ 1 votesDaniel Kelleher “ 3 votesE.W. Phalen “ 2 votes

Joseph Vandervoort was nominated for Secretary and moved to elect by acclamation.

Motion and nomination seconded. On taking a vote Joseph Vandervoort received 19 votes. Declared elected.

Meeting Adjourned.C.W. Martens Secretary

Milbank, S.D. Jany 3 – 1892Meeting of Trustees held at residence of Rev. J.A. Stephan. Present: Rev. Joseph A. Stephan, Levi Schnabel, E.W. Phalen and C.W. Martens.

The following bills were allowed…Meeting Adjourned.

Milbank, S. Dak. Febr. 28th 1892Meeting of Trustees at office of Incorporation. Present: Rev. Jos. A. Stephan, Levi Schnabel and Jos. Vandervoort. Money collected turned over to Treasurer by Rev. Jos. A. Stephan and Jos. Vandervoort and regular business transacted.

Meeting adjourned 5 PMRev. Jos. A. Stephan Pastor

Milbank S. Dak Aug 14th 1892Regular Meeting of board of Directors at Residence of the Pastor. Present: Levi Schnabel, Joseph Vandervoort and the Pastor, Rev. Jos. A. Stephan.

Accounts looked over and statement made out for the Secretary of the Diocese of Sioux Falls.

Meeting adjourned at 8 PMRev. Jos. A. Stephan

Milbank, S. Dak. Sept 25th 1892Regular meeting of Trustees at Residence of Rev. Jos. A. Stephan. Present: Levi Schnabel & Jos. Vandervoort & Rev. Jos. A. Stephan.

Books closed. Bills presented: Mr. J.J. Westly one for $25.00. One of $20.00 and one of $3.00 total $48.00. The finitive were excepted. The latter was rejected while he gives _____ bill.

Meeting closed at 5 PMRev. Jos. A. Stephan

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Milbank, S. Dak Sept. 28th 1892On March the 8th the Trustees of St. Lawrence Catholic Church loaned six hundred dollars ($600.00). Three hundred of which are to be paid one year after date to the order of Mr. Martin Spoette at the Illinois National Bank of Springfield, Illinois and the other three hundred to be paid to the order of the Martin Spoette two years after date.

Both notes bear 6% interest, payable semiannually.

On March the 23rd the trustees loaned four hundred ($400.00) dollars from the same Martin Spoetle payable to the order of the Mr. Martin Spoetle after three years from date with 6% interest, payable semiannually.

Rev. Jos. A. Stephan

Rev. Father Browne was appointed Pastor of Milbank by Right Rev. Martin Marty as B. on the 4th day of December 1893[2].

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Milbank, S.D. Mar 12 – 1893

Meeting of Board of Trustees of St. Lawrence Church (sold lot) Sisters House – President Rev. C. Browne, Levi Schnabel, E.W. Phalen, Matt Rourk and C.W. Martens, acting as clerk.

Examined accounts from Oct 7 – 1890 to March 12 – 1893 and found correct and that the same be printed and distributed to the members of the congregation.

Motion made and seconded that E.W. Phalen or John Martens authorized to purchase a carload of maple wood. Motion carried.

Motion made by Mr. Phalen that the salary of Rev. C. Browne be at the rate of $800.00) eight hundred dollars per annum. Subject to approval of Bishop. Motion carried.

C.W. Martens Clerk

July 7th 1893Meeting of Board –Accounts of Pew Rent received by Rev. C. W. Browne. … $359 & 75 cents. Paid and for Church Bills $59 & 94 cents – Balance of pew Rent recorded him applied to salary of rectory 299.81 –

Due F. Browne today to salary. To balance of his account to date $165.00.

Motion made by S. Farley and seconded by Mr. Rusch to pay him by note for $165.00 at 10 percent. Carried. –

Motion made to accept chair from …..

Present Stanly Farley, Wm Rusch, Ch. Browne.Milbank, S.D. Nov 12 – 1893

Wm Rusch, Secy having removed from this parish and J.S. Farley treas. Having resigned his office of Treas. of St. Lawrence Church, an election was held to fill the vacancies caused by said removal and resignation. The following is the result: ….

Dr. James W. Ready and C.W. Martens having received the highest number of votes were declared elected to the offices of Treasurer and Secretary respectively.

Milbank, S.D. Nov 12 – 1893Meeting of Trustees held at residence of Pastor Rev. C. Browne. Present at meeting Rev C. Browne, Dr. James W. Ready and C.W. Martens.

Motion made by Dr. W. Ready that the note given to A.W. Glenn be paid. Motion seconded and carried.

Motion made that Treas. draw checks as follows: ….

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No further business, on motion, meeting adjourned subject to call of President.C.W. Martens Secretary

Milbank, S.D. Jany 29 – 1893[4]Meeting of Trustees held at residence of Rev. Father Browne. Present at meeting Rev. C. Browne, Dr. James O’Ready and C.W. Martens.

Estimated Expenses for the year 1894 as about $785.00 as follows: …

It was proposed to rent pews for year commencing Jany 1st 1894 to Jany 1st 1895, said pews to be rented to the highest bidder but not for less price than specified below. The find only 47 families in the parish able to pay the lowest rate of dues of $12.00 per year. This would only amount to $568.00 per year. This would leave a shortage of $214.34 for the year 1894 at the rate of $17.00 per family it would equal the expenses. Therefore be it resolved that the price of two seats be fixed at $15.00 for each family or at the rate of $7.50 for each individual. Where more than two seats are required for any family the rate to be $20.00 for one half pew.

Adjourned.C.W. Martens Secy

Meeting Febry 2 – 1893[4]Amount of the indebtedness as near as can be ascertained up to Dec 7 1892 …

Amount of indebtedness as near as can be ascertained up to Febry 1st 1894…

Notes and pew rent due St. Lawrence Church….Adjourned.

C.W. Martens Secy

Amount of Improvements from Dec 7th 1892 to Febry 1st 1894….

Milbank, S.D. July 16 – 1894Meeting of Trustees to settle books for 1893 and 1894 up to July 1 – 1894.

Present Rev. C.M. Browne, Dr. James O’Ready, and C.W. MartensC. W. Martens

Milbank, S.D. Sept 20 – 1894Meeting of Trustees to settle books for 1894 and to turn over books to the new officers. Present Rev. C.M. Browne, Dr. James O’Ready, and C.W. Martens, the old board and W.H. Gaynor clerk and Frank Zimmerman, Treasurer.

Book turned over to successors Frank Zimmerman, Treasurer and W.H. Gaynor, Secy.C.W. Martens Secy

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Milbank, S.D. Nov 7, 1894The first meeting of the trustees occurred upon the above date. Rev. C.M. Browne, F. Zimmerman & W.H. Gaynor, present. We find the following to be the indebtedness at the present time…

The source was turned over to the Sec. A motion made that a special effort be put forth to collect money on Sunday Nov. 11.

AdjournedW.H. Gaynor Sec.

Milbank Nov 11, 1894The second meeting of the trustees occurred Nov 11th 1894. Rev. C.M. Browne, F. Zimmerman & Sec present. A motion was made and carried that George Jungens be given $1.70 for setting the posts.

The Sec received $39.00 and it was turned over to the Treas.

No other business begin before the meeting it adjourned.W.H. Gaynor Sec.

Sunday 16th December 1894 –A meeting of the Congregation was held in St. Lawrence Church to day after Mass – all remained. The Trustees were absent. In the absence of the Secretary Rev. C. Browne acted as Secretary –

A motion was made by Mr. Schnabel to leave the financing of the 2012.96 debts to the trustees and giving them power to mortgages the promises for $2000 at 7 percent & pay off the debts – The motion was seconded by Will C. Martens and put to the …. It was carried unanimously.

No more business being bought up the meeting was closed. Rev. C.M. Browne….

Milbank Dec. 29, 1894A meeting of the trustees occurred upon the above date. Members present: Rev. Father Browne, Frank Zimmerman and W.H. Gaynor.

A motion was made and seconded that we borrow $2000 on the church property; which was carried.

No other business begin before the meeting. The meeting adjourned.W.H. Gaynor Sec.

Mch 3rd 1895Meeting of Trustees held members presents Rev. C.M. Browne and the Sec.

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Cash collected up to date by Rev. C.M. Browne $74.50 the same was charged to his acct. Cash expended by Father Browne $55.14. The same was credited to him.

No other business being before the meeting. The meeting adjourned.W.H. Gaynor Sec

July 12th 1895Meeting of Trustees called by pastor Rev. C. Browne and W. Gaynor present to make up Books. Gaynor refund to make up accounts as … in day. Book. Meeting dismissed by Fr. Browne as Mr. Zimmerman was absent.

Ch. M. Browne

July 14th

At meeting…..

Milbank Oct 6 1895Meeting of the Board of Trustees called for this …. There are present Rev. Fr. Browne, V. Pres. Edw. Phalan, E. Kamps Secretary. Settlement was made with Rev. C.M. Browne for his salary up to the 15th of October 1895 and allowed at $399.22. For this amount the directors gave him (3) three notes, namely One for $200.00, one for $100.00 and one for $99.22 to become due 90 days after date with Interest at 10%; payable at the Merchants Bank of Milbank. The notes so issued been signed by Everhard Kamps Secretary and also signed (a few days later) by John Carr, Treasurer of the Congregation. And also give one new Note for certain too. Notes dated July 30 th 1894 each for $100 being together $200 payable at the Merchants Bank of Milbank, due after 90 days and drawing interest at 10% p.a.

Resolved to buy 2 tons of hard coal and ½ ton of soft coal for the use in Priest House and in Church.

Adjourned …Everhard Kamps Sec

Special ActionFor the purpose of reasoning funds, to pay off the must necessary amount, that is to pay the Salary to Rev. C.M. Browne, undertaken by a portion of the members of the Parish, especially J.M. Carr Treas E. Kamps, Sec. L. Schnabel, C.W. Martens, Dr. Jas O’Ready, F. Roder & W.H. Gaynor to go on collecting as much money as possible and the rest necessary for this payment to borrow at a Bank.

The Collection went on and resulted on the evening of the 8th of November 1895 to the amount of $175.50.

A note was made out at the face amount of $500.00 payable 90 days after date at 12% interest p.a. at the Merchants Bank of Milbank and signed by J.M. Carr, E. Kamps, L. Schnabel, J.W. Martens, Jos O’Ready and F. Roder who secured payment personally. On these note the mentioned amount of $175.50 was endorsed as if paid there on leaving the net value at $324.50.

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With this amount in all $500.00 Mr. Levi Schnabel as appointed Deputy of the Treasurer, E. Kamps and F. Roder went to Rev. C.M. Browne and took up the following Notes….

Upon the Payment of $500.00 consisting in two checks payable at the Merchants Bank, Rev. C.M. Browne returned the above stated notes, signed in his handwriting as paid.

N.B. There is one Note of $100.00 in his hands yet, who falls due Jan 5 th 1896.

Milbank, S.D. November 8th, 1895Everhard Kamps, Sec.

On the 17th day of November 1895 after Mass, was a gathering of several persons belonging to the Parish who united themselves to nease at once the sum of money needed to pay Rev. C.M. Browne the amount of $100.00 on his not in question; and for 1 month the salary $33.33 in all $133.33 – Then Rev. Browne was asked to: how much he would drop of this amount, if paid this day. He then concluded to accept $80.00 cash provided that the Congregation pays his private accounts to…. The Treasurer J.M. Carr paid to him the above mentioned amount of $80.00 Rev. C.M. Browne returned the Note duly receipted.

On the Evening of the 19th day of November 1895. Rev. C.M. Browne left the Priests House; and in the morning of the 20th of November 1895 rev. J. L. Wulf arrived, accompanied by several Priests and the Administrator Very Rev. Mensing. The new Priest Rev. J. L. Wulf was solemnly installed by his superior, the mentioned Administration of the Diocese of South Dakota.

Everh. Kamps, Sec.

Meeting of the CongregationCalled by Rev. J.L. Wulf on Sunday January 12th 1896; to take place immediately after High Mass; Rev. J. L. Wulf presiding. The question was to decide whether the Pews should be rented out for the ensuring year 1896 or if every Family should be left to pay $12.00 per year and single Persons who is working for his own benefit at $6.00 p.a. In reply of this, the motion was made by Dr. James O’ Ready to rent the Pews, which was supported. Forthwith the Business commenced and a part of his Pews were rented out as for as Bidders were present; the balance or those not rented out this day, to be continued at the next occasion.

Everh. Kamps, Sec.

Regular quarterly Meeting, January 15th, 1896 in the Parsonage of the St. Lawrence Congregation.

Present were Very Rev. H. Mensing, Administrator of the Diocese, Rev. J.L. Wulf, Rector, J.M.Carr, Levi Schnabel, G.W. Gaynor and the Secretary.

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From G.W. Gaynor, former Secretary was announced that the Shimmer & Nelson Piano co. of Faribault, Minn. Sued him and the former Treasurer, Frank Zimmerman for the amount of 283- Dollars on a note dated ______________ and signed by him and Zimmerman in favor of Rev. C.M.Browne, which note Rev. Browne signed over to the said Piano Co. He sought redress by the Directors of the present term for the reason that they signed this note in and with the Intention to do such Act in the name of the Corporation; but the condition is not plainly expressed by their signature. There upon it was agreed that they should be relieved of this obligation of paying the amount themselves and Rev. Wulf give his promise to correspond with the Piano Company and tell them that this debt ever since had rested upon the Congregation, but the financial condition being in poor State and ask for extension. The next unpleasing News was that the Merchants Bank of Milbank demanded the Payment of a Note of $104. They Believe is that this Note is one given in renewal of a older Note, without destroying the original one.

The original Note dated Decbr. 3rd 1894 having been paid to Rev. C.M.Browne on Novbr. 8thh 1895. For the reason that Treasurer J. M.Carr is living far from Milbank and cannot tend at all times to official duties, therefore Very Rev. H. Mensing confirmed Mr. Levi Schnabel to act as Deputy Treasurer. Meeting then adjourned to January 28 th 1896.

Everh. Kamps Secretary

Adjourned Meeting. January 28th 1896Present: Rev. J.L. Wulf, Rector, J.M. Carr, Treas. and the Secretary --- Minutes of former Meetings quarterly and special read and approved.Transactions of these meeting were mostly to discuss financial matters of which the Congregation is apprised because the Report shows that there is always more Money needed as can be collected. Although having been collected since Octbr 5 th 1895 up to January 15th 1896 the sum of $359.00 it does not reach the requirements. Several bills have been send in but on account of being no means in Treasury, they had to be laid over to sometime when money will be in Treasury.

Meeting adjourned Sine die.Everh. Kamps Sec

Through accommodation, Mr. Chs S. Brown of Big Stone Town, Grant Co. negotiated for own Congregation from his brother-in-Law, Mr. Stephen most in Buffalo, N.Y. on 5 years’ time a Loan of $1500.00 at the rate of 7% interest per annum, for which security the property of the Congregation was mortgaged. The Property so mortgaged consists in the real Estate described as Lots 48, 49, & 50, Eastmans 2d Addition to the Town of Milbank Junction; and to the right to collect the amount aforesaid for the State Insurance Company in Des Moines, Iowa, if the Improvements (the Buildings) should be destroyed by fire. And when the Insurance Policy runs out, which will be on the 15 th day of August 1896, the Corporation makes themselves liable to re-insure the Property in this Ins. Co. or any other responsible Fire Insurance company.

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Further in verbally agreed to pay the annual Interest punctually and prompt and send the amount of Interest prior to April 1st each year. Mortgage and Note been made out on March 31, 96 by H.S. Volkman, Notary Public who done all his work for no charge whatever; solely as a accommodation.

Mortgage and Note being signed by:H. Mensing, Administrator of the Diocese of Sioux FallsJ.L. Wulf, rector of R.C. St. Lawrence Church of MilbankEverhard Kamps, SecretaryL. Schnabel, Treasury

N.B.Levi Schnabel having been now promoted by Very Rev. H. Mensing to Treasurer in place of J.M. Carr, and filed his Bond, with _______: James O’Ready and Walburga G. Fraener.

Everh. Kamps, Sec

Special Meeting, April 9th 1896 in Schnabels Furniture Store.Present Rev. J.L. Wulf Rector, Levi Schnabel Treasurer and the Secretary.

The money now on hand is to pay off old Debts as much as can be done to Creditors who are most pressing; and in first line to make settlement with Mr. Martin Spoettle in Springfield, Ill. For this purpose Rev. J. L. Wulf is willing to go there to him in person and try to obtain a Reduction on the Claim of Mr. Spoettle. For traveling Expenses the sum of Forty Dollars was put into his hands and he will start for Springfield next week. His journey goes at the expense of the Congregation. So it was unanimously agreed.

Everh. Kamps SecretaryN.B. the result of this Journey is to be found on Page 17 of Day book under date of April 27, 1896.

Sunday, June 28th 1896Meeting of the Congregation, for the purpose of electing new Trustees for the coming corporate year, from July 1st to June 30, 1897.

At the opening of the meeting the Secretary read the Report of all the Receipts in cash from Octbr 5th 1895 to the very date:

Rev. J.L. Wulf and Parishioners of St. Lawrence Church!

So as _______ any at the general Meeting of to-day, when also at the close of Incorporate year, at new the directors of the Congregation are to be elected; the outgoing officers have to make their annual Report of their doings; allow me the Secretary to state that from the 5th day of October 1895 till now there was

collected on Dues of 1895 the sum of $432.00 “ “ Pew Rent 1896 “ “ “ 79.25Borrowed from Merch Bank, Milbank 324.50 “ “ L. Schnabel 8.00Loan fr. St. Mast, on Mortgage 1500.00

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Total $2343.75Less amount of 13.00 pd to Rev. Wulf, not yet paid over to Treasurer

leaves $2330.75

The Pew Rent for the year 1896 figures up to the amount of $737.00. All the Books are laid open to the Inspection of All and every one, who is interested or their to be authorized to inspect them.

All of which respectfully is submitted by Everh. Kamps, Sec.

Thereupon the Notes were given in and resulted as follows:E. Kamps 14 votesL. Schnabel 12 votesE.W. Phelan 1 votesJ.M. Carr 1 votes

28 votes

E. Kamps, being declaimed elected SecretaryL. Schnabel “ “ “ Treasurer

After this was done was:Motion made by Mr. C.W. Martens to inquire into the Matter of the Payment of a certain $104.72 Note at the Merch Bank which Rev. C.M. Browne left unsettled, and to represent the same to Rt. Rev. O’Gorman to decide, if this amount is to be paid by the Congregation, of if it be private business of late Rev. C.M. Browne. Supported by A. M. Hagan.

A. Committee of 3 was elected:C.W. Martens, Chairman and And Croal and A. M. Hagan

Meeting then adjourned.E. Kamps Sec

Meeting on July 6th 1896 in Schnabels Furniture StorePresent: Rev. J. L. Wulf Rector, L. Schnabel and the Secretary E. Kamps.

The Transactions of this Meeting were limited as to the Stand of the Treasury at the date of June 28th 1896; and the Books of the Secretary and of the Treasurer compared and found correct as to be seen on Page 19 of Ledger. The amount in hands of the Treasurer being $204.10. Meeting then adjourned.

Everhard KampsSecretary

Meeting on Sunday, December 27th 1896

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At Mass, Rev. J. L. Wulf ordered a general meeting of the Congregation to be held immediately after Divine Service.

At the opening of the Meeting made Rev. Wulf the motion that every one Member of the Parish should pay extra according to his means towards paying the floating Debts of the Congregation and a List to be opened for that purpose.

This was done and responded by some Members though to be continued.E. Kamps, Secretary

Election of TrusteesOn Sunday July 25th 1897 the time appointed by Rev. J. L. Wulf two weeks ago the meeting of the Members of the Parish took place and there were by ballot chosen as follows:

E. Kamps by 1 votesL. Schabel “ 10 votesJ. O’Ready “ 1 votesC.W. Martens “ 2 “Jas Hefferman “ 8 “

Jas Hefferman to be the Secretary and L. Schnabel to be the Treasurer for the next term.

Meeting of Trustees January 19 – 1898E.W. Phalen and C.W. Martens having been appointed as Treasurer and Secretary of St. Lawrence Church, Milbank S.D. met at the Pastors residence present. Rev J.L. Wulf, Priest E.W.Phalen, Treas. and CW Martens, Secretary.

The accounts and indebtedness of the Congregation were looked over and the following was found to be the total amount of indebtedness.

To Wood Bros $10.04

The following accounts were ordered paid and warrants drawn for same: …..

Milbank S.D. Feby 20 – 1898Meeting of Trustees. Present – Rev. J.L. Wulf, E.W. Phalen and CW Martens

The following bills were ordered paid and warrants drawn for same. ….Adjourned

CW Martens

Milbank, S.D. June 23 – 1898Meeting of Trustees, Present – Rev. J.L. Wulf, and CW Martens. No business transacted.

Adjourned.CW Martens

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Milbank S.D. June 28 – 1898Meeting of Trustees held at residence of Pastor. Present Rev. J.L. Wulf, E.W. Phalen and CW Martens.

The following bills were allowed and warrants drawn for the same. ….

Milbank, S.D. Sept 28 – 98Meeting of Trustees. Present Rev. Jos. L. Wulf, EW Phalen and CW Martens.

Meeting held for the purpose of discussing the financial condition of the Congregation and also to talk over the matter of making permanent improvements to the Church.

After considering the matter it was decided to get subscription list, and if sufficient encouragement was offered to go ahead and buy bell and build steeple for St. Lawrence Church. The trustees to solicit bids for furnishing material and building said steeple.

No other business was transacted.

Adjourned to meet on October 10 – 1898CW Martens Secretary

Milbank S.D. Oct 10 – 1898Meeting of the Board of Trustees of St. Lawrence Church to take action as to building steeple and purchasing bell for St. Lawrence Church. Present Rev. Joseph L. Wulf, EW Phalen and CW Martens.

The subscriptions on list amounted to $336.00. It was decided that enough encouragement had been offered it was decided to build steeple for St. Lawrence Church and contract was left to Wm Cleveland and Son for $260.00 to be paid upon completion of said steeple contract was at once drawn with the understanding that the work was to commence in a short time and to be completed by Nov 1 – 98. Adjourned.

CW Martens Secretary

Milbank SD 1898Meeting of Trustees. Present Rev. Jos L. Wulf, EW Phalen CW Martens. Trustees met for purpose of comparing prices and from different firm of bell founders and also to select the bell most suitable for this Church.

It was decided to purchase from The Henry Stuck____ Bell Foundry Co of St. Louis Mo. The bell to weigh about 1500# at the price of 22 cents per pound delivered in Milbank S.D. The order was sent same day for said bell. Adjourned.

CW Martens Secretary

Milbank, S.D. Dec.7 – 98

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Meeting of Board of Trustees. Present, Rev. J.L. Wulf, EW Phalen and CW Martens. The following bills were ordered paid and warrants drawn for same ….

Adjourned. CW Martens Secretary

Milbank S.D. Jany 9 - 99Present Rev. J.L. Wulf, EW Phalen and CW Martens.Meeting of Trustees to close the year’s business. All transactions for 1898 were reviewed no further business transacted.

CW Martens Secretary

Milbank SD Jany 14 – 1899Meeting of Trustees, Present Rev. J.L. Wulf, EW Phalen and CW Martens.

Secretary ordered to draw warrants for all bills as same had been paid. The following is financially statement for year 1899. …..

Milbank Mar 4 – 1899Meeting of Trustees, Present Rev. J.L. Wulf, EW Phalen and CW Martens.

The proposition to paint and renovate church was considered and the offer of the Altar Society to help pay for this work was considered favorably. The Trustees expressed their willingness to have said work done if the Altar Society pay for same.

CW Martens Secy

Milbank, Mar 12 – 1900Meeting of Trustees. Present Rev. J.L. Wulf, EW Phalen and CW Martens.

Meeting for purpose of considering the proposition of K.J. Husby for painting and renovating Church. Mr. Husby was present and offered to paint, renovate and furnish material for same for the sum of $175.00 to be paid on or before Nov – 1- 1899. Secretary was instructed to draw contract as above.

Adjourned.CW Martens Secy

Milbank, SD Sept 17 – 1899Spec Meeting – Mr. Rank of Shogreen Rank and Co. inspected Church in connection with putting in furnace in Church. The Secretary was ordered to correspond with parties in paid business and get prices on furnaces.

CW Martens Secy

Milbank, SD Oct 1 – 1899

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Meeting of Trustees. Present Rev. Jos L. Wulf, EW Phalen and CW Martens.

Motion made that we purchase furnace for Church or condition that the money now in Treasury of Altar Society be turned over to Treasurer or applied on purchase price of furnace. Carried.

Motion made that the proposition of Shogreen Rank and Co. to paid in complete heating plant for $300.00 be accepted and contract ordered made with said company for said plant.

CW Martens Secy

Milbank S.D. Feby 2 – 1900Meeting of Trustees. Present Rev. J.L. Wulf, EW Phalen and CW Martens.

Secretary ordered to draw warrants for money paid out by Treasurer, accounts settled for year 1899 up to and including Jany 31 – 1900.

CW Martens Secy

Milbank, SD 3/18-1900Meeting of Trustees. Present – Rev. Jos. L. Wulf, EW Phalen, CW Martens. The Right Reverend Bishop O’Gorman having appointed EW Phalen, Treasurer and James O’Ready Secretary for insuring year, the business of the past year was occurred and satisfactory account of all money collected by Secretary was given and all money collected had been turned over to Treasurer. Dr. James O’Ready the new Secretary was duly installed in his office as Secretary. Adjourned.

CW Martens Secy

Meeting of trustees was held at parsonage on June 26, 1900 for purpose of O.K.ing bills & c. Present Fr. Wulf, Dr. O’Ready & EW Phalen.

J. O’Ready Sec

Milbank, S.D. Dec 17, 1900Meeting of Trustees. Present Fr. Wulf, EW Phalen, J. O’Ready. Books checked. Routine business ills oked & ordered paid. Question of having Sisters School agitated favorably. Adjourned.

JOR

Feb 14, 1901Meeting of trustees, all present. Business of past year received, found to be satisfactory so far as known all floated debts except the three notes at Merchants Bank were paid. Amt due bank was now put mtr one note of about $204.00 and all business closed. Dr. O’Ready & EW Phalen were reappointed ____ for the insuring year. Meeting adjourned.

James O’Ready, Sec.

Milbank, SD Sept 9, 1901

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At a meeting of Board of Trustees, it was resolved to admit non-Catholics to St. Lawrence Parochial School; first come just serve.

Vote, yes Fr. Wulf & EW Phalen Nays Dr. James O’Ready

Milbank, So Dak Dec 31, 1902Meeting of Trustees held at office of Dr. O’Ready. All business of past year, reviewed. Found to be quite satisfactory. All floated debts no wiped out for the first time in a decade, the Church debt is reduced down to about $1000.00 –

By a unanimous vote it was decided to lease for a price of 99 years, a portion of ground 8x8 put square on lot recently purchased from John Martens to cash parishioner paying a few of two dollars, for the purpose of building stable buildings thereon. The buildings to remain the property of the builder while the land held in fee & implements to Church whenever owner of building withdraws therefrom the matter of getting a new furnace for the Church was discussed, the present one carry altogether made _____ to heal the edifice. Present Fr. Wulf, O’Ready & Phelan. Board adjourned.

James O’Ready, Sec.

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Minute BookSt. Lawrence Catholic Church

Milbank, So. Dakota1907

Meeting of Board of Trustees held March 20, 1907The following members were present: J.L. Wulf Pres. J.S. Farley Treas. and H.A. Martens Secy.

The Board met for the purpose of organizing. The proxy of the Rt. Rev. Bishop was read and placed on file. The following is a copy of same.

Sioux Falls, So DakMar 19, 1907

We the undersigned members of the Corporation of the Church of St. Lawrence Milbank, So.Dak do hereby appoint John L. Wulf as our proxy to cast our votes at the next meeting of the Board of Directors of said Corporation, in favor of a motion to confirm the election of Henry A. Martens, and J. S. Farley as Trustees of said church.

Thos O’GormanThomas A. Flynn V.G.

Filed in this Secretary’s office this 20th day of Mar. 1907J.A. Martens Secy.

The above motion was read and adopted. J.S. Farley and Henry A. Martens were unanimously declared Treasurer and Secretary respectively.

The accounts of E.W. Phalen outgoing Secretary was checked up found correct and approved.

The following bills were presented and orders drawn for same. …

No more Business to be transacted.Board adjourned.

J.A. Martens, Secy

Sunday September 1907

A meeting of the Congregation was called by Rev. J.L. Wulf for Sunday Sept 1907 to consider the advisability of enlarging the church.

The meeting was called to order after service and a vote of the members present taken.

There was practically a unanimous vote against the proposition of enlarging the present structure. It being estimated that the cost for enlarging the church would be between $3500.00 and $4000.00.

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The question then was brought up to make improvements not to exceed $1500.00 this question was favorably looked upon but as the meeting had broken up and only a few people remained, it was decided to postpone the meeting until the following Sunday.

Meeting Adjourned.H.A. Martens, Secy

SundayMeeting called to order as per call of the former Sunday to decide as to the

amount of improvements to be made on the church. There was but very little interest taken in the matter, there was only twenty voters present. After discussing the matter of improving the church, the question was brought up if it would not be more advisable not to improve the church in its present location but to proceed and find a more desirable and central location nearer town, and to use the present church without improving same until such a time as they could build a new one, this brought for the considerable discussion and a vote was taken on the following motion.

Motion made and seconded that it be the sense of this meeting that no improvements be made on the present church property until further investigation, the general opinion being that it would be advisable to use the old church as it is and only make necessary improvements. Motion carried.

Motion was made and seconded that a church site be procured nearer town after considerable discussion a vote was taken with result as follows: there were eight votes for new site and nine votes against same. Motion lost.

As there was a misunderstanding regarding the last motion, a number of voters who voted against the new site declared it was their intention to vote for a better location.

A motion was made seconded and carried that a committee of two be appointed to look into the matter of procuring a new site for church and the approximate cost of same and report to the church officials. It being understood that a desirable location could be had for a nominal price, and possibly be donated.

No more business coming before the meeting. Meeting adjourned.H.A. Martens Secy

Meeting of the Board of Trustees held at Secretary’s office Jan. 18, 1908

The following members were present. Rev. J.L. Wulf, J.S. Farley Treas and H.A. Martens Secy.

The account of J.S. Farley Treas. was checked up and found correct.

The account of H.A. Martens Secy was checked over and found correct.

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The account of Rev. Wulf was checked over and found correct and the Secretary was instructed to issue warrant to balance his account in full to Jan. 1 – 1908.

For Warrants drawn and business transacted during year see large day book page 140. Warrants include 431 to 490 inclusive.

Board adjourned.H.A. Martens Secy

Jan 20, 1908Rev. J.L. Wulf resigned as pastor of St. Lawrence Church his resignation to take effect Jan 19, 1908.

Rev. Franz J. Feinler was appointed to take charge of this congregation made vacant by Rev. Wulf resignation his charge began Jan 25, 1908. Salary to begin Jan 1, 1908.

H.A. Martens Secy

Meeting held Apr 2, 1908The following members being present Rev. Franz J. Feinler, J. S. Farley Treas and H.A. Martens Secy.

Meeting was called to order the following business being transacted.

Bills……H.A. Martens Secy

Meeting of the Board of Directors held Jan 21, 1909The following members being present Rev. F.J. Feinler, J.S. Farley, H.A. Martens Secy.

The minutes of last meeting were read and approved.

The election of officers for the following two years was held in St. Lawrence Church and the six following names were sent to the bishop together with the number of votes each received.

H.A. Martens received 23 votesJ.S. Farley “ 18 votesC.W. MartensJames HeffermanLevi SchnabelPeschong

At the Election of Trustees held December 1908 the vote was as follows:Rt. Rev Bishop O’Gorman and Thomas A. Flynn Vicar General voting by Proxy. Rev. Feinler voting for himself and then proxy. As follows. The vote was unanimous in favor of J.S. Farley Treas and H.A. Martens Secy to act as trustees for the years 1909 and 1910.

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Copy of Proxy for election of Church trustees.Sioux Falls, S.D. Dec 19, 1908

We the undersigned members of the Corporation of the Church of St. Lawrence Milbank, do hereby appoint Rev. F.J. Feinler as our proxy to cast our votes at the next meeting of the Board of Directors of said Corporation in favor of a motion to elect as trustees H.A. Martens and J.S. Farley.

Thomas O’GormanThomas A. Flynn V.G.

The accounts of J.S. Farley Treas and H.A. Martens Secy were checked over and found correct.

The books were examined and bills approved.

No more business to be transacted board adjourned.H.A. Martens, Secy

Meeting of the Board of Directors held March 29, 1909

Meeting was called to order the following members being present. Rev. Franz J. Feinler, J.S. Farley and H.A. Martens.

The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved.

The following bills having been paid since last meeting are herewith approved…..

We have this day settled with Rev. Feinler and salary as pastor has been paid in full to Mar 31, 1909. All money collected by him having been turned over to the Secretary.

Singed by Fr. J. FeinlerJ.S. FarleyH.A. Martens, Secy

Rev. F.J. Feinley pastorate expired March 31, 1909. Rev. L.L. Brones having been appointed his successor and will have charge of the parish in a short time. Rev. Demourette of Woonsocket, S.D. having taken charge of the parish until Rev. L.L. Brones arrives.

H.A. Martens, Secy

The following bills having been paid as shown by Warrant Book…..

Milbank S.D. 1909Meeting of the congregation as per call of the pastor held in St. Lawrence Church after High Mass to elect a building committee to erect new church on new site in Milbank S.D.

There were to be six members selected to comprise building committee.

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The vote to be by ballot. Rev. Brones was Chairman of the meeting and H.A. Martens Secy.

There were twenty votes (20) cast the following received the highest number of votes and were declared elected.

E.W. Phalen 13 votesThos McKernan 13 votesN.J. Kelly 13 votesC.W. Martens 13 votesB. Peschong 13 votesL. Schnabel 7 votes

Meeting adjourned.H.A. Martens, Secy

The Building committee together with pastor and Board of trustees met to decide what steps should be taken to see what amount of money could be raised. It was decided to have conditional notes drawn up, and solicit subscriptions for new buildings.

The following is the form of notes drawn up and adopted. (copy of note)

The Committee solicited subscriptions from the following persons, on the above form of note. (pledges) [Pledges by individuals listed from $5.00 to $1000]

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CLASS OF 1910

Milbank S.D. Oct 27, 1910Meeting of the Building Committee of the St. Lawrence Catholic Church held in the parlors of the St. Hubert Hotel on above date.

The meeting was called to order by Rt. Rev. Thos O’Gorman, the following members being presents – Rt. Rev Thos O’Gorman, Rev L.L. Brones, Levi Schnabel, Thos McKerman, C.W. Martens, George Jungens, H.A. Martens, Secy, J.S. Farley Treas.

The matter of building a new church and school and parsonage on new site in said city was discussed at length.

A statement of the amount of money subscribed by notes was handed to the Bishop, according to the conditions of the notes the sum of $28000.00 must be secured by notes before building operation can begin, as the necessary sum has not been subscribed the Bishop advised that no further steps should be taken regarding the new building until his return in January 1911. The collecting of money however to proceed as fast as possible.

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As the building committee had not yet been organized it was advised that the building committee have a meeting in the near future for the purpose of organizing same. It is recommended that the Secretary and Treasurer of the building committee shall be other than Secretary and Treasurer of the St. Lawrence Church so that the different funds can be more easily kept separate.

The Treasurer and Secretary of said Building Committee to give Bonds for the probable amount of cash they may at any one time have on hand.

It was deemed advisable that separate buildings be erected for school and church purposes also that the basement of the church be made high enough so that the same can be used for hall and meeting purposes and that the basement be made of Granite, and the main floor in the church be made sloping, so as to give the congregation a better view of the priest and alter.

Rev. L.L. Brones was instructed to write Mr. Ries the Architect that if he drew a suitable set of plans, one that the building committee would approve they would allow him two per cent of the cost of building same.

Further recommend that a central heating plant be installed, but this to be taken up later and more fully discussed.

Any vacancies in the building committee to be filled by a vote of the remaining member. The persons receiving a majority of vote of said committee is to be declared elected.

H.A. Martens, Secy

Milbank S.D. Jan 8, 1911Notice of Election

The following notice of election of Trustees of St. Lawrence church Milbank S.D. to be held January 8, 1911 as per printed notices published in Grant Co. News, Grant Co Review and Herald Advance.

The following notice taken from Grant County news of Jan 6, 1911.

Catholic Church NoticeNext Sunday Jan 8th election of trustees will be held at St. Lawrence Church. Every male member over twenty-one years of age single or married, who is a practical Catholic has a right to vote and is also a candidate for said office.

L. Brones pastor

The meeting as per above call was held January 8, 1911 after high Mass.

The vote at said election was held by ballot. The following members were selected by Rev. Brones as Judges and tellers of said election.

W.W. Wilson, J.S. Farley and H.A. Martens

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There were thirty-three votes cast at said electionJ.S. Farley Treas received thirty one VotesH.A. Martens Sect “ twenty nine votesE.T. Germain thirty-one “John Tillman thirty one “Pew thirty one votesJohn Wagner thirty one votesGeo Jungens two votes

A number of other names were voted on who received one or two votes each.

The result of the election was announced by Rev. Brones after the votes were counted.

The result of election was sent to Rev. Thos O’Gorman by Rev. Brones and H.A. Martens Secy.

H.A. Martens, Secy

Milbank S.D. Apr 16, 1911Meeting of the building committee called by Rev. O’Neill at priest’s residence at 2:30 P.M.

The following members were present: Rev J.J. O’Neill, Thos McKernan, Levi Schnabel, C.W. Martens, N.F. Kelly and H.A. Martens.

The question of building a new church, school and parsonage was taken up, sketches of a church drawn by M.A. Hockman of Watertown were presented to the committee for consideration. It was unanimously decided that the Architect draw plans and make blue prints for a Brick church x feet according to the instructions of the building committee.

Rev O’Neill was instructed to call on the architect lay plans before him and was authorized to pay him one and one half 1½% per cent on the cost of the building for drawing plans, making specifications, and making blue prints for same unanimously carried.

It was decided that the Treasurer and Secretary furnish a Bond in the sum of $10000.00 each to the St. Lawrence Church for the faithful accounting of all money received by them.

It was unanimously decided that J.S. Farley and H.A. Martens be elected Treasurer & Secretary respectively of the building committee carried.

H.A. Martens, Secy

Milbank S.D. May 3, 1911Meeting of the Building committee held at parsonage called to order at 1:30 PM the following members being present:

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Rev. J.J. O’Neill, J.S. Farley, C.W. Martens, Geo Jurgens, Thos McKernan, E.W. Phalen, N.F. Kelly and H.A. Martens.

The selection of brick was the first item taken up. A representative of the Twin city Brick Co being present with samples of Brick.

The committee decided on brick #1561 at a price of $30.00 per thousand and gave order for #80000 brick more or less the same to be delivered as needed.

The following goods were also ordered 13000 wall ties at 2.50 per thousand. 6700 lbs chocolate Mortar color 1 3/4cts per lb all FOB cars Milbank.

The selection of school building church and parsonage was taken up. The architect having sketches for inspection, a plan for each building was selected and the architect was ordered to draw plans and specifications for same.

The next business was the location of the buildings to be erected, on this the committee was divided. It was decided to go and inspect the new site and decide by ballot.

The selection of church school and house then voted on there were seven ballots cast the President not voting.

There were four votes cast for to have the church building located on one of the inside or center lots, about halfway between North and South line.

There were three votes cast for to have church building erected on South lot being lot directly at East end of Second Avenue.

Motion to erect church in middle of block carried.

Rev. O’Neill brought up the matter of having a foreman to oversee the building operations of church school and house it was decided to have Rev O’Neill hire P.C. O’Neill to act as such foreman at a salary of Six Dollars per day.

No more business to be transacted. Board adjourned.H.A. Martens, Secy

Milbank S.D. May 7, 1911Meeting of Board of Trustees of St. Lawrence Church held at parsonage at 3:00PM the following members being present.

Rev. J.J. O’Neill, J.S. Farley and H.A. Martens.

The question of buying crushed rock to make foundation for new church and school was discussed, from information that could be obtained from experienced people it was their opinion that crushed rock would make a better foundation and no more expensive than

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if sand and gravel were used. Crushed rock can be bought at 85 cts per ton on cars at Ortonville, Minn. It was unanimously decided to use the crushed rock.

No more business to be transacted. Board adjourned.H.A. Martens, Secy

Milbank S.D. July 25, 1911Meeting of the Board of Trustees of the St. Lawrence Church called by Rev O’Neill for above date, at the Secretary office, the following members being present:

Rev. J.J. O’Neill Pres J.S. Farley Treas H.A. Martens Secy

The matter of raising money on the notes given to the Roman Catholic Church of St. Lawrence for the erection of church school and parsonage was taken up, as the money on said notes could not be raised really, the proposition of the Union Investment Company of Minneapolis Minn was considered.

The following resolution was unanimously adopted. The full Board being present.

Resolved that the Board of Trustees of the Roman Catholic Church of St. Lawrence of Milbank SoDakota, are, and each of them is hereby empowered to borrow on behalf of this Corporation from the Union Investment Co. of Minneapolis Minnesota from time to time such sums of money as such officers or either of them ready deem expedient and not to exceed in the aggregate at any one time the sum of Ten thousand Dollars ($10000.00) on such terms and conditions as such officers acting hereunder may approve, and to pledge as security for the repayment of each loans such securities or assets of this Corporation as may be required, and agreed up between such officer and the Union Investment Co. of Minneapolis, and to give to this Co’s obligation or obligations in evidence thereof, and from time to time when any obligations evidencing any of such loans natures, to renew the loan in whole or in part until the same in paid in full, and that each of such officers is also authorized to borrow money from the Union Investment Co. of Minneapolis on behalf of this Corporation from time to time, by rediscounting with said Union Investment Co of Minneapolis Minn any of the bills receivable held by this Co. not exceeding in the aggregate at anyone time the sum of Ten thousand Dollars ($10000.00) on such terms as such officers may approve; and the Union Investment Co. of Minneapolis may at any time apply any money or property in its hands belonging to this Corporation to the payment of any indebtedness of this Co. to it whether due or not.

Resolved further, that a certified copy of these resolutions be sent to said Union Investment Co. of Minneapolis, and that they shall remain in full force until written notice of their appeal shall have been received by the Union Investment Co. of Minneapolis and until all indebtedness which may have been incurred as aforesaid shall have been fully paid and satisfied.

The following is copy of Proxy received and voted by Rev. J.J. O’Neill in favor of the foregoing resolution.

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Sioux Falls SoDakJuly 21, 1911

We the undersigned members of the Corporation of the Roman Catholic Church of St. Lawrence Milbank S.D. do hereby appoint Rev. J.J. O’Neill as our proxy to cast our votes at the next meeting of the Board of Directors of said Corporation in favor of a motion to negotiate a Loan of $10000.00

Thos O’GormanThomas A. Flynn V.G.

The motion for the foregoing resolution was made by Rev. J.J. O’Neill seconded by J.S. Farley and was carried unanimously, all members voting for the adoption of the resolution. Rev. O’Neill voting the proxies for Thos O’Gorman and Thomas A. Flynn V.G. and also his own vote J.S. Farley and H.A. Martens all voting yes.

No more business to be transacted. Board adjourned.H.A. Martens, Secy

Milbank S.D. Aug 7, 1911Meeting of the Building Committee held in the office of Martens Bros as per call of Rev. J.J. O’Neill the following members being present.

Rev. J.J. O’Neill, L. Schnabel N.F. Kelly C.W. Martens, Thos McKernan, George Jurgens and H.A. Martens.

The meeting was called to order by Rev O’Neill. The building operations were fully discussed as to the progress made, and what prospects there were for completing the school building. Money matters having been arranged with the Union Investment Company of Minneapolis Minn.

The question of what kind of roof to put on the school was considered, as also what kind of heating plant to purchase for school these matters were laid over for further consideration.

The matter of selling the old parsonage recently vacated was taken up and considered.

There being an offer of $3500.00 for the house.

A motion make by Father O’Neill to sell same for said sum of Three thousand five hundred Dollars ($3500.00) motion was seconded and voted upon there being a unanimous vote for to sell same.

The Secretary was ordered to have necessary papers drawn and deed issued to purchaser upon payment of purchase price.

No more business to be transacted. Board adjourned.H.A. Martens, Secy

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Meeting of Board of DirectorsSept 5, 1911

Meeting of Board of Directors held at parsonage Sept 5 1911 full Board present as follows: Rev J.J. O’Neill, J.S. Farley and H.A. Martens

The matter of selling parsonage was taken up.

A motion made by Rev J.J. O’Neill that the parsonage recently vacated be sold for the sum of three thousand five hundred Dollars $3500.00) to Charles Schaffer, motion seconded by J.S. Farley was voted upon. All voting in favor of selling said property.

The following is the poll of the vote Rev O’Neill voting Rev O’Neill voting for Rt Rev Bishop Tho O’Gorman by proxy also casting the vote Rev Thomas A. Flynn V.G. and Rev J.J. O’Neill voting for himself. J.S. Farley and H.A. Martens all voting to sell property.

The Secretary was instructed to have the necessary papers drawn and deed issued to purchaser and deliver same upon payment of said term of Three thousand five hundred Dollars.

The following is a copy of proxy Sioux Falls S.D.Aug 10, 1911

We the undersigned members of the Corporation of the Church of St. Lawrence Milbank, do hereby appoint Rev. J.J. O’Neill as our proxy to cast our votes at the next meeting of the Board of Directors of said Corporation in favor of a motion to sell the Priest’s House in Milbank S.D. account of Church Building fund.

Thos O’GormanThomas A. Flynn V.G.

The Board of Trustees considered the completion of the school building and it was the unanimous opinion that the same shall be completed as soon as possible.

No more business to be transacted. Board adjourned.

H.A. Martens Secy

List of Warrants Drawn…..

FIRST ANNUALYEAR BOOK

1912

Roman CatholicChurch of St. Lawrence

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Milbank, S.D.

Meeting of the Board of TrusteesHeld Feb 7, 1913

Meeting to audit and allow bills and approve same the following member of the Board being present.

Rev. J.J. O’Neill, H.A. Martens Secy

The bills for the past year were looked over and approved being bills numbered 767 to 856 inclusive.

Milbank S.D.Feb 16, 1913

Notice was given by publicly announcement in church Sunday Feb 16, 1913 that there would be an election of Trustees on Sunday Feb 23, 1913, such election to take place immediately after High Mass.

H.A. Martens Secy

Milbank S.D. Feb 23, 193Meeting of the Congregation of the Roman Catholic Church of St. Lawrence was held in church after high mass as per notice of Feb 16, 1913, said meeting was called to order by Rev J.J. O’Neill pastor.

The name of J.S. Farley was submitted and voted on and was unanimously in his favor.

The name of H.A. Martens was then presented and voted upon, and received a unanimous vote in favor of trustee.

No more business to be transacted. Meeting adjourned.H.A. Martens Secy

Milbank S.D. March 24, 1913The following is a copy of proxy received for record by the secretary.

Sioux Falls, S.D.Mar 22, 1913

We the undersigned, members of the Corporation of the Roman Catholic Church of St. Lawrence, Milbank, So Dakota do hereby appoint Rev. J.J. O’Neill as our proxy to cast our votes at the next meeting of the Board of Directors of said corporation, in favor of a motion to elect as trustees, H.A. Martens J.S. Farley.

Tho’s O’GormanThomas A. Flynn

N.B. The above proxy appointment must be copied into the minute’s book of the meeting of the Board, at which the election takes place, as a part of said minutes.

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Milbank So DakMarch 28, 1913

Meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Roman Catholic Church of St. Lawrence was held in the Secretary’s office on March 28, 1913, for the purpose of electing trustees for a term of two years the following members being present:

Rev. J.J. O’Neill Vice Pres. Who also voted proxy Thos O’Gorman Bishop, and Thomas A. Flynn V.G. J.S. Farley Treasurer and H.A. Martens Secy.

The meeting was called to order by Rev J.J. O’Neill Vice Pres the full board being present in person or by proxy.

The election of officers was taken up and voted upon with the following result:The name of J.S. Farley was voted on for Treasurer of said Corporation for a term of two years, or until his successor was elected and qualified, all numbers voting yes. J.S. Farley was duly declared elected.

The named of H.A. Martens was then presented as Secretary for said corporation for a term of two years or until his successor be elected and qualified, all numbers voting yes. H.A. Martens was duly declared elected.

Rev. J.J. O’Neill voting proxy of Thos O’Gorman President and Thomas A. Flynn V.G. Proxy recorded on page 50 of this record Book.

No more business to be transacted. Board adjourned.H.A. Martens Secy

Milbank S.D. April 7, 1913Report of the Special Meeting of the board of Directors of the Roman Catholic Church of St. Lawrence, Milbank S.D. a religious corporation, held in the City of Milbank, State of South Dakota, on the Seventh day of April A.D. 1913 at two o’clock P.M. at the office of the Secretary of said church, Milbank S.D.

Rev. J.J. O’Neill Vice President of said Corporation occupied the chair in the absence of the President and called the meeting to order. Roll call showed three Directors present in person and two present by Proxies held by rev. J.J. O’Neill Vice Pres., a copy of which is recorded in the Minute Book of this corporation on page 55. The name and titles of Directors present, here follow:

Present in personRev J.J. O’Neill, Pastor, Vice President of the Roman Catholic Church of St. Lawrence Milbank S.D.H.A. Martens Secretary of the Roman Catholic Church of St. Lawrence Milbank S.D.J.S. Fairley Treasurer of the Roman Catholic Church of St. Lawrence, Milbank S.D.The addresses of the above Directors in Milbank So. Dakota

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Present by ProxyRt. Rev Tho’s O’Gorman of Sioux Falls S.D. Bishop, President of the Roman Catholic Church of St. Lawrence Milbank, S.D.Rev. Thos A. Flynn of Madison, S.D. Vicar General, Member of the Board of Directors of the Roman Catholic Church of St. Lawrence, Milbank S. D.

On Motion of Rev. J.J. O’Neill, the following preambles and resolutions were unanimously adopted:

Whereas article 5 of the Articles of Incorporation of the Roman Catholic Church of St. Lawrence, Milbank, South Dakota, the Directors of said Corporation may by a majority vote contract debts not exceeding in amount Three Hundred Dollars, but debts in excess of that sum may be contracted by the Vote and consent of all of the Directors, and no real estate belonging to said Corporation shall be sold, mortgaged or encumbered, or disposed of in any way without the consent of all of the Directors, and

Whereas, it is necessary in order that the debts incurred in the construction of improvements of the buildings located on Block 30 First Addition to the Town of Milbank Junction, the property of said church, be paid and that the existing loan on said property be taken up and a new loan in the sum of twelve thousand dollars $12000.00 be obtained on said property of said church corporation as security.

Therefore be it resolved; that it is the sense of all the Directors here assembled of the Roman Catholic Church of St. Lawrence, Milbank South Dakota, that they authorize a loan of twelve thousand dollars ($12000.00) to be made to said church from The Minnesota Mutual Life Insurance Company, a corporation of St. Paul, Ramsey County Minnesota, for a period of five years from 1913; that they do hereby further authorize that said loan be evidenced by note as follows:

One note for $12000.00 due 1918 with interest at the rate of six per cent per annun, payable semi-annually, on the day of __________ and ________ of each years; that a privilege in said note be reserved by said corporation to pay on the principal of said loan of $12000.00 the sum of $500.00 or any multiple thereof on said principal on any interest paying date.

That it is further hereby authorized that said loan be evidenced by said note be secured by mortgage on the property of said church situated in the County of Grant, South Dakota, and particularly described as follows:

Lots eight (8), nine (9) ten, (10), eleven (11), twelve (12) and thirteen 13 in Block thirty (30) in the First Addition to the town of Milbank Junction (now City of Milbank) according to the recorded plat thereof on file and of record in the office of the Register of Deeds within and for said Grant County, South Dakota.

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Be it also resolved that fire and tornado insurance policies covering the buildings on said property be, as collateral security deposited with the said The Minnesota Mutual Life Insurance Company for at least the sum of Twenty-thousand ($20000.00) Dollars said policies having a loss clause payable to The Minnesota Mutual Life Insurance Company Mortgage, as its interests may appear.

We also authorize that a security company mechanic’s lien bond in the sum of at least Twelve thousand ($12000.00) Dollars be furnished The Minnesota Mutual Life Insurance Company to secure said Company against the filing of possible mechanic’s liens on the building now being completed on said church property.

Be it further resolved, that the President and Security of said the Roman Catholic Church of St. Lawrence, Milbank South Dakota, be and they are hereby authorized to do and perform any and all things in and about the said loan as to then may seem just and proper.

On motion the said meeting adjourned.H.A. Martens Secretary.

Copy of Proxy – Sioux Falls S.D. Mar 19, 1913We, the undersigned members and Directors of the Corporation of the Roman Catholic Church of St. Lawrence Milbank SoDak do hereby appoint Rev. J.J. O’Neill as our proxy to cast our votes at the next meeting of the Board of Directors of said Corporation in favor of a motion to negotiate a loan secured by Mortgage in the amount of $12000.00

Thos O’Gorman, BishopThomas A. Flynn Vicar General

N.B. The above proxy appointment must be copied into the minutes of the meeting of the board, at which the voting takes place as a part of said minutes.

On motion meeting adjourned.H.A. Martens Secretary.

CARR-CULLEN CO.J.C. COLLIER, VICE PREST.

SUCCESSOR TOCARR-COLLIER CO.

October NineteenthNineteen-Fourteen

Father O’Neil,Milbank, S.D.

Reverend Father:-

Referring to your note given to Mr. Fuller, amounting to $669.31, which is signed by Mr. Martin, Secretary. We understand this should be on a corporation note.

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This information we have received from a priest who is a very good friend of ours, and we are therefore writing to ask that you kindly send us a corporation note properly signed and executed.

Yours very truly,

Carr-Cullen Co.WAC-EM

CHURCH AND SCHOOOL DEDICATIONSBishop O’Gorman Officiates at Solemn Blessing of St. Lawrence Church and Parochial School, Milbank, SD – Sermons by Fathers Duffey and Breen-Brief History of the Parish.

The new Church of St. Lawrence, Milbank, SD, which was informally opened for divine worship some months ago, was solemnly dedicated to the service of the Lord on Wednesday, May 19, by the Right Reverend Bishop O’Gorman of Sioux Falls. After the dedication ceremony Solemn High Mass was celebrated by Mgr. IL Mensing of Webster, assisted by the Rev. A.F. Amirault of Andover, as deacon, Rev. W.R. Lehecka of DeSmet, as subdeacon, and Rev. G.J. Walsh of Sioux Falls as master of ceremonies. The sermon was preached by the Rev. Joseph F. Duffey of Revillo. The service was attended by a large number of priests from different parts of the Diocese of Sioux Falls.

Immediately after Mass the women of the parish served dinner to the visiting clergy and members of the congregation in the dining room of the new parochial school.The program for the afternoon opened at half past three o’clock when the Right Reverend Bishop O’Gorman administered the Sacrament of Confirmation to a class of 300 children from Milbank, Big Stone, Wilmot, and Marvin parishes. After the ceremony the new school was blessed by the Bishop. The people then returned to the church where the Very Reverend M.J. Breen, C.S.V., President of Columbus College, Chamberlain, SD, delivered a sermon on education. The ceremonies of the day were

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brought to a close with Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament and the singing of “Holy God, We Praise Thy Name” by the choir and congregation. The regular church choir sang at the morning service and in the afternoon the music was rendered by the school children under the direction of Sister Catherine. The first Mass in what is now the parish of Milbank was celebrated by Father Ryan of Graceville, on November 29, 1879, in the home of John Martens. Father Ryan came in response to an invitation extended by a committee of four men representing a colony of about fifteen Catholic families which settled along the Whetstone Creek in Grant County in the spring of 1878. Two years later, Father Toner was sent to Big Stone City to take charge of the Catholics of Grant County and immediately planned the erection of a church at Big Stone with Milbank as a mission. On October 3, 1883, the parish at Milbank was incorporated under the name of Church of St. Lawrence and Father Hermeling was appointed pastor and began the erection of a church and school which served the congregation until 1911, when it became necessary to erect larger buildings. The old location was considered out of the way and the present site near the center of the city, comprising three acres, was donated by the citizens. In March, 1911, the Rev. J.J. O’Neill was appointed pastor and immediately began the erection of a church costing $30,000, a parochial school, costing $19,000, and a parish house costing $6,000. These are brick structures, commodious, well lighted well-arranged and equipped with all modern conveniences. The congregation now numbers about 125 families and 130 children attend the parochial school.

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Milbank S.D. March 18, 1915Report of Special Meeting of the Board of Directors of the Roman Catholic Church of St. Lawrence, Milbank So Dak a religious Corporation held in the city of Milbank, State of South Dakota on the 18th day of March 1915 at 2 o’clock P.M. at the office of the Secretary of said church, Milbank S.D.

Rev. J.J. O’Neill Vice President of said Corporation occupied the chair in absence of the President and called the meeting to order. Roll call showed three Directors present in person and two present by proxies held by Rev. J.J. O’Neill, Vice President, a copy of which is here to affixed, original seconded on page 60 of the Minute Book of said Corporation. The name and titles of Directors present, here follow:

Present in PersonRev. J.J. O’Neill, Pastor, Vice President of the Roman Catholic Church of St. Lawrence Milbank So Dak.H.A. Martens Secretary of the Roman Catholic Church of St. Lawrence Milbank S.D.J.S. Farley, Treasurer of the Roman Catholic Church of St. Lawrence Milbank S.D.The addresses of the above Directors is Milbank SoDak.

Present by ProxyRt. Rev Tho’s O’Gorman of Sioux Falls S.D. Bishop President of the Roman Catholic Church of St. Lawrence, Milbank S.D.Rev. Tho’s A. Flynn of Madison S.D. Vicar General of the Roman Catholic Church of St. Lawrence, Milbank S.D.

On motion of Rev. J.J. O’Neill, the following preambles and Resolutions were unanimously adopted:Whereas by Article 5 of the Articles of Incorporation of the Roman Catholic Church of St. Lawrence, Milbank So.Dakota, the Directors of said Corporation may by a majority vote contract debts not exceeding in amount Three Hundred Dollars but debts in excess of that sum may be contracted by the Vote and consent of all the Directors, and no real estate belonging to said Corporation shall be sold, mortgaged or encumbered, or disposed of in any way without the consent of all of the Directors, and

Whereas, it is necessary in order that the debts incurred in the construction and improvement of the Buildings located on Block (30) Thirty First Addition to the Town of Milbank Junction, the property of said Church, be paid and that the existing loan on said property be taken up and a new loan in the sum of $15000.00 be obtained on said property of said church corporation as security.

Therefore, be it resolved, that it is the sense of all the Directors her assembled of the Roman Catholic Church of St. Lawrence, Milbank SoDak that they authorize a loan of $15000.00 to be made to said Church from The Minnesota Mutual Life Insurance Company, a Corporation of St. Paul, Ramsey County, Minnesota, for a period of five

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years from the first day of April 1915. And that they do hereby further authorize that said loan be evidenced by notes as follows:

Two votes for $1000.00 each due respectively, on April 1st in the year 1918, not 1919, and one not for $13000.00 due April 1st 1920, with indirect at the rate of six per cent per annun payable semi-annually, on the first day of April and October of each year that a privilege in said notes be reserved by said Corporation to pay on the principal of said term of $15000.00 the sum of $500.00 or any multiple thereof of said principal on any interest paying date.

That it is further hereby authorized that the said loan evidenced by said notes be secured by mortgage on the property of said church situated in the County of Grant, South Dakota, and particularly described as follows:

Lots 8-9-10-11-12 and 13 in Block Thirty (30, in the First Addition to the Town of Milbank Junction (now City of Milbank), also that portion of the alley formerly adjacent to and in the rear of and to the East of sad Lots, which portion of said alley has reverted to the owners of said lots, and has become a part of the same by resolution of the City Council of Milbank, May 6, 1911. Also that portion of Linwood Street, now vacated by said resolution, which lies adjacent to and which reverted, when said street was vacated to the owner of said Lot 9, Block 30 First Addition to the City of Milbank, according to the recoded plat thereof on file and of record in the office of the Register of Deeds within and for said Grant County South Dakota.

Be it Resolved that fire and tornado insurance policies, covering the buildings on said property be as a collateral security deposited with the said The Minnesota Mutual Life Insurance Company for at least the sum of Forty Thousand Dollars ($40000.00) said Policies having a loss clause payable to the Minnesota Mutual Life Insurance Company Mortgage as its interest may appear.We also authorize that a surety company mechanic’s lien bond in the sum of at least Fifteen thousand ($15000.00) be furnished The Minnesota Mutual Life Insurance Company, to secure said company against the filing of possible mechanic’s liens, on the buildings now being completed on said church property.

Be it further resolved, that the President and Secretary of said Roman Catholic Church of St. Lawrence, Milbank So Dak. Be and they are hereby authorized to do and perform any and all things in and about the said loan as to them may sum just and proper.

On motion said meeting adjourned.H.A. Martens Secretary

Copy of Proxy used at Meeting held at Secretary’s office March 19, 1915.Sioux Falls, February 16, 1915

We the undersigned, member of the Corporation of the Roman Catholic Church of St. Lawrence Milbank S.D. do herby appoint Rev. J.J. O’Neill as our proxy to cast our votes at the next meeting of the Board of Directors of said Corporation in favor of a motion to

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negotiate a loan secured by mortgage in the property of said Corporation in the amount of ($15000.00) Fifteen thousand Dollars.

(signed) Thomas O’GormanThomas A. Flynn V.G.

N.B. The above proxy appointment must be copied into the minutes of the meeting of the Board at which the voting takes place as a part of said minutes.

Charles Betcher Lumber CompanyEstablished 1859 Incorporated 1889

Red Wings, Minn10/11/1915

Mr. H.A. Martens, SecretaryRoman Catholic Church of St. Lawrence,

Milbank, S.D.

Dear Sir:-

We have today sent your note of Aug. 11, 1915 for $565.93 interest at 7% to the Merchants’ National Bank of Milbank, for collection on Nov. 1st, 1915. Please arrange to pay same on or before that day.

We have also sent them the collateral notes of A. Manders and F.A. Kockx which are also due on Nov. 1st, with instructions to present them for payment on that day if payment of your note is not made at maturity.

Yours truly, CHARLES BETCHER LUMBER CO.

Per

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The Kellogg-Mackay CompanyManufacturers of

BOILERS, RADIATORS,HEATING AND PLUMBING SUPPLIES

824-828 S. FOURTH STREETMINNEAPOLIS

Jan. 25, 1916.Mr. H.A. Martens, Secy.Milbank, S.D.

Dear Sir:

We have your letter of Jan. 21st, together with check for $350 enclosed.

According to our records, this now leaves a balance on Rev. J.J. O’Neil’s account of $614.50. Now, the question is when will this be taken care of. We certainly are very much in need of our money, and want to hear from you with full particulars. We think it would be well to know how soon you can pay this, and take a short time note covering it. In this way we could get the use of our money, as we could discount the note at our bank.

Please let us hear from you at once, and greatly oblige,Yours truly,

THE KELLOGG-MACKAY COMPANY.J.H. BrummmondCredit Dept.

FHB/GH

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Election of Trustees Feb 1917Held in church after high mass. Resulted as follows:

Joseph M. Salzle received 32 votesH.A. Martens received 37 votesLevi Schnabel received 5 votesA.E. Seitz “ 3 “

The names were sent in to Rt. Rev Bishop by the Pastor and on March 1st 1917 the following Proxy was issued.

Sioux Falls S.D. March 1 -1917We the undersigned members of the Corporation of the Church of St. Lawrence Milbank S.D. do herby appoint Rev. J.J. O’Neill, Pastor as our proxy to cast our votes at the next meeting of Board of Directors of said Corporation in favor of a motion to elect H.A. Martens and Jos. M. Salzle trustees of said corporation.

Thomas O’Gorman Bp Sioux FallsThomas A. Flynn V.G.

March 15 – 1917Meeting of Board of Trustees held at Pastors residence this 15th day of March 1917, the following members were present. Rev J.J. O’Neill, J.S. Farley Treas and H.A. Martins Secy the meeting was called to order and motion made by him and seconded by J.S. Farley, that Jos. M. Salzle be elected Treasurer and H.A. Martens Secretary. Motion carried unanimous Joseph M. Salzle and H.A. Martens were declared elected. No more business to be transacted. Board adjourned.

H.A. Martens Secy

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1918Meeting of Board of Trustees

Held Apr 2, 1918Present Rev. J.J. O’Neill Pres and Joe M. Salzle and H.A. Martens.

The Books of Secy & Treas were approved as audited for year 1917.

The following bills presented and allowed under the following numbers #1680 to 1686 Inclusive to 1691 Inclusive.

H.A. Martens Secy

Meeting Held May 6 – 1918President Rev. J.J. O’Neill – Pres Joe M. Salzle and H.A. Martens.

The following business was transacted.

The following bills were allowed and ordered paid:Bill No. 1692 to 1700 inclusive.

No further business to be transacted.Board adjourned.

H.A. Martens Secy

Meeting of the Board of TrusteesJuly 9th 1918

The following members were present: - Father O’Neill, Joe M. Salzle Treas and H.A. Martens Secy.

The following bills were audited and allowed and paid by the following warrants.

Bill No 1701 to 1728 inclusive.No other business to be done. Board adjourned.

H.A. Martens Secy

Meeting of Board of Trustees held at Secy office Aug 12 – 1918Present Rev. J.J. O’Neill, Joe M. Salzle Treas H.A. Martens Secy

The meeting called to order, the following bills were allowed and paid by warrant No 1729 to inclusive 1745

No more Business to be transacted. Board Adjourned.H.A. Martens Secy

Feb 6 – 1921At a meeting of the Congregation of St. Lawrence Church Milbank S.D. held on Sunday Feb 6 – 1921 after High Mass the following names were unanimously nominated as Trustees for said church. P.L. Gannon and H.A. Martens.

H.A. Martens Secy

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Feb 10 – 1921The Secretary sent names of the above named H.A.Martens & P.L. Gannon to the Rt. Rev Thomas O’Gorman, Bishop of Sioux Falls and the following Proxy was sent for record in the office of Secretary of said Church.

Sioux Falls S.D. Feb 16 – 1921We the undersigned members of the Corporation of the Church of St. Lawrence Milbank S.D. do hereby appoint Rev. J.J. O’Neill Pastor as our proxy to cast our votes at the next meeting of the Board of Directors of said Corporation in favor of a motion to elect Mr. P.L. Gannon and Mr. H.A. Martens Trustees of said Corporation.

Thomas O’GormanThomas A. Flynn V.G.

H.A. Martens Secy

Milbank SD Aug 23 – 1921Meeting of the Board of Trustees held at the parsonage Aug 23 the following members were present: - Fr. O’Neill, P.L. Gannon and H.A. Martens.

The following business was transacted.

The matter of repairing and improving the school house was discussed and it was unanimous by decided to have Roy McAdams order the necessary articles and install same.

The Secretary was instructed to draw Warrants as follows:To Presentation Sisters to apply on Salary 100.00

Fr. O’Neill Salary (40.00) 40.00Martens Bros on Ins 50.00John Tillerman Janitor 40.00

Unanimously decided that month, meetings are to be held at the Parsonage the third Monday of each month.

H.A. Martens Secy

Sept. 12 – 21Meeting held at Parsonage at above date. Present Father O’Neill and H.A. Martens.

The following business was transacted and bills allowed said.…

No business to be transacted. Meeting adjourned.H.A. Martens Secy

Oct 3 – 1921Meeting of the Board of Trustees was held at parsonage, the following members were present. Father O’Neill, P.L. Gannon and H.A. Martens.

The following bill allowed and ordered paid. –

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Presentation Sisters Salary 150.00….

Secretary was instructed to pay light bill – water bill and telephone bill as they become due.

No more business to be transacted. Board adjourned.H.A. Martens Secy

Nov 1 – 1921Board of Trustees met at Father O’Neill and H.A. Martens.

The following bills were passed upon and ordered paid…

No more business to be transacted. Board adjourned.H.A. Martens Secy

Milbank Nov 15 – 1921Board of Trustees met at Treasurers office full Board present.

Whereas the Mortgage on Church property is now past due and Minnesota Mutual Life Insurance Company ___________ payment of same. Board of Trustees has appointed Father O’Neill to proceed to procure a new loan on said buildings and instructed him to call on Massachusetts Life Ins Co to procure lowest rate possible, and expense of trip to Minneapolis to consult said Company to be paid out of church funds.

Also agreed that Fr. O’Neill be allowed the sum of Two hundred fifty dollars to defray expense for upkeep and gasoline for use of his automobile.

No Business to be transacted. Board adjourned.H.A. Martens Secy

Meeting of Board of Trustees heldDec 27 – 1921 full board present

Rev J.J. O’Neill Vice PresP.L. Gammon Treasurer and H.A. Martens, Secy

As for instruction of Meeting of Nov 15, 1921 at which Father O’Neill was instructed to call on the Massachusetts Mutual Life Ins Co. at Minneapolis to make arrangements for Loan of $18000.00 on church property in Milbank arrangements having been satisfactory made, the Secretary was instructed to procure proxy from Mgr. T.A. Flynn Administrator of Diocese of Sioux Falls, SD authorizing Father O’Neill to cast his vote in favor of placing a loan (renewal of Mtg) of $18000.00 on church property. Also to procure proxy for transfer of Lots 48-49-50 Eastman’s Addition to Milbank.

No more business to be transacted. Board adjourned.

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H.A. Martens, Secy

Milbank Jan 24, 1922The following copy of Proxies received from Mgr. T.A. Flynn Administrator of Diocese of Sioux Falls received.

Madison S.D. Jan 18 – 1922

To Rev. J.J. O’Neill. Dear Father:I hereby authorize you to cast my vote as proxy as proxy in transfer of the

following described property. Lots 48-49-50 Eastman’s Addition to Milbank. (Proxy for transfer of Old School property)

Thomas A. FlynnAdministrator Diocese of

Sioux Falls

Madison S.D. Jan 18, 1922

Rev. J.J. O’Neill, Dear Father –I hereby authorize the placing of a loan of $18000.00 on the property held by St.

Lawrence’s Church of Milbank S.D. and hereby give you power to cast my vote as proxy for the same.

Thomas A. FlynnAdministrator Diocese of

Sioux Falls

Milbank S.D. Feb 10 – 1922

Special Meeting of the Board of Directors of the Roman Catholic Church of St. Lawrence Milbank S.D. held in office of P.L. Gannon Treasurer, in the City of Milbank S.D. on the 10th day of Feb 1922 at 10:00 A.M. the following members being present:

Rev. J.J. O’Neill Vice Pres of said religious Corporation, P.L. Gannon Treasurer and H.A. Martins Secy.

Vice President called the meeting to order with P.L.Gannon Treasurer and H.A. Martens Secretary present, and proxy held by Father O’Neill, which proxy is recorded Minute Book of said Corporation on page 71. The name and ___ of Director present follows:

Present in person Rev. J.J. O’Neill, Pastor Vice President of the Roman Catholic Church of St. Lawrence Milbank S.D.

H.A. Martens Secretary of the Roman Catholic Church of St. Lawrence Milbank S.D.

P.L. Gammon Treasurer of the Roman Catholic Church of St. Lawrence MilbankPresent by Proxy

Rt. Rev. Mgr Thos. A. Flynn, Administrator, Diocese of Sioux Falls

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On motion of Rev. J.J. O’Neill Vice President the following preambles and resolutions were unanimously adopted.

Whereas by Article 5 of the Articles of Incorporation of the Roman Catholic Church of Sat. Lawrence Milbank So Dak, the Directors of said Corporation may by a majority vote contract debts not exceeding in amount Three hundred dollars but debts in excess of that sum may be contracted by the Vote and consent of all the Directors, and no real estate belonging to said Corporation shall be sold, mortgaged, or encumbered or disposed of in any way without the consent of all the Directors and whereas it is necessary to pay the present indebtedness on the Church property in Milbank of $15000.00 and interest on same and that the existing loan be taken up and a new loan of $18000.00 be obtained on said property of said Church Corporation as security.

Therefore be it resolved, that it is the sense of all of the Directors here assembled of the Roman Catholic Church of St. Lawrence Milbank S.D. that they authorize a loan of $18000.00 to be made to the said church from the Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company of Springfield Massachusetts for a period of five years from _____________ and they further authorize that said loan be evidenced by notes and Mortgage, with interest at the rate of ____________

_________ on the following property Lots 8-9-10-11-12-13 in Block 30 First Addition to Milbank, also vacated alley and street adjacent thereto.

Be it further resolved that the President and Secretary of said Roman Catholic Church of St. Lawrence, be and they are hereby authorized to do and perform any and all things in and about said loan as to them may seem just and proper.

Further resolved that President and Secretary be authorized to sell and transfer the property formerly occupied by said Corporation for church and school and known and described as Lots 48-49 and 50 of Eastman’s Addition to Milbank So Dak for the best sum obtainable, or what to they may seem just and proper.

On motion meeting adjourned.H.A. Martens, Secy

Sioux Falls, Nov. 5th. 1922We, the undersigned, members of the Corporation of the Church of St. Lawrence Church, Milbank, S.D. do hereby appoint Rev. J.J. O’Neill, pastor, as our proxy to cast our votes at the next meeting of the Board of Directors of said Corporation, in favor of a motion to purchase house and lot located at corner of church property.

+Bernard J. MahoneyThomas A. Flynn, V.G.

N.B. == The above proxy appointment must be copied into the minutes of the meeting of the Board, at which the election takes place, as a part of said minutes.

Milbank S.D. Nov 11 – 1922

Meeting of the Board of Trustees held at Secretary’s office Nov 11 – 1922

Following members being present Rev. J.J. O’Neill, Pastor, P.L. Gannon Treas, H.A. Martens, Secy.

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The matter of purchasing Lot Seven in Block Thirty Milbank, being lot immediately north of parsonage and known as the Mrs. Carl property this property was offered the church for the sum of Twelve hundred and fifty dollars ($1250.00) for vacant lot, the same to be paid as follows: $250.00 at purchase and balance in installations.

Father O’Neill presented proxy from the Bishop regarding same.The members voted as follows:

Fr. O’Neill voted proxy of Rt. Rev. Bishop Bernard J. Mahoney and Thomas A. Flynn V.G. in favor of purchasing same.

Father O’Neill voted in favor of sameP.L. Gannon voted in favor of sameH.A. Martens voted in favor of same voted was unanimous in favor of

purchased the property, and Father O’Neill was instructed to have necessary papers drawn up.

The following is a copy of proxy sent by Bishop ___ Sioux Falls Nov 5 1922

We the undersigned members of the Corporation of the Church of St. Lawrence Church Milbank S.D. do hereby appoint Rev. J.J. O’Neill Pastor, as our proxy to cast our votes at the next meeting of the Board of Directors of said Corporation, in favor of a motion to purchase house and lot located at corner of Church property.

Signed x Bernard J. MahoneyThomas A. Flynn, V.G.

No more business to be transactedBoard adjourned

H.A. Martens, Secy

Milbank S.D. Feb 1923

An Election for selection of Trustees for St. Lawrence Church was held Sunday _____ 1923. Election was by ballot each votes requested to place four names on ballot, one of whom is to be selected as Treasurer one as Secretary and two as Consulters. The following is result of ballot as per tellers report:

P.L. Gannon receiving highest number of votesH.A. Martens next highestPete Hublou 3rd

A.L. Fleck 4th

Geo. G. Jurgens 5th

There were number of votes scattering vote cast.P.L. Gannon refusing to accept nomination the Secretary was instructed to send in the following names to the Right Rev. Bishop.

Peter Hublou, H.A. Martens, A.L. Fleck and Geo. Jurgens.H.A. Martens, Secy

Mar 2nd 1923

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Meeting of Board of Trustees held at parsonage Mar 2nd. The following members were present. P.L. Gannon Treas. H.A. Martens Secy, Peter Hublou and A. L. Fleck.

The following is a Copy of Proxy received from Bishop of Sioux Falls S.D. the same was acted upon and approved.

(copy) Sioux Falls Feb 23 – 1923We the undersigned members of the Corporation of the Church of St. Lawrence Milbank S.D. do hereby appoint Rev. J.J. O’Neill as our proxy to cast our votes at the next meeting of the Board of Directors of said Corporation in favor of a motion to name Peter Hublou Treasurer and H.A. Martens Secy of said parish for a term of two years 1923-1924.

Signed x Bernard J. MahoneyBishop of Sioux Falls

Thomas A. Flynn. V.G.3/5/23The following members declared elected:

Peter Hublou Treas and H.A. Martens Secy

The following bills were audited and allowed……..

H.A. Martens, SecyMeeting held at Parsonage Apr 3 – 1923

The following members were present Ed. Hublou Treas. H. A. Martens, Secy and Father O’Neill and A.L. Fleck and Geo Jurgens Consulters.

The following bills were audited and allowed … inclusive.H.A. Martens, Secy

Meeting held at Parsonage Apr 12 – 23

The following members were present Father O’Neill, P. Hublou Treas Geo Jurgens and H.A. Martens.The following bills were audited and allowed…No more business to be transacted.Board adjourned.

H.A. Martens, Secy

Meeting held at Parsonage Apr 24 – 1923

The following members being present full board and consulters being present.

The following bill were audited and allowed and paid by the following number …No more business to be transacted.Board adjourned.

H.A. Martens, Secy

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Meeting held May 3 – 1923 at parsonage full board and consulters being present.

The following bills were audited and allowed….

The interest on Mortgage on church being past due the Mortgagee demanded payment of same, there being no available funds on hand, the matter of placing a larger loan on the church property was discussed and the Secretary was instructed to find out a larger loan could be secured to pay interest and others indebtedness.

No more business to be transacted.Board adjourned.

H.A. Martens, Secy

Report of the Special Meeting of the Board of Directors of the Roman Catholic Church of Saint Lawrence, Dakota. A Religious corporation held in the City of Milbank, South Dakota on the 20th day June 1923 at the Rectory of said church.

Rev. J.J. O’Neill, Vice-President of said Corporation occupied the chair in the absence of the President and called the meeting to order. Roll call showed three Directors present in person, and two present by proxies held by Rev. J.J. O’Neill Vice President, a copy of which is hereto affixed, Original being recorded on Page 80-81 of the Minute Book of said Corporation. The names and titles of the Directors present, here follow:

Present in person:Rev. J.J. O’Neill, Pastor, Vice President of the Roman Catholic Church of Saint

Lawrence, Milbank S. D.H.A. Martens, Secretary of the Roman Catholic Church of Saint Lawrence,

Milbank, S.D.Peter Hublou, Treasurer of the Roman Catholic Church of Saint Lawrence,

Milbank, S.D.

The addresses of the above Directors is Milbank S.D.

Present by Proxy Bernard J. Mahoney rt. Rev. Bishop of Sioux Falls, President of Roman Catholic Church of St. Lawrence Milbank S. Dak.

Rev. T.A. Flynn, of Madison S.D. Vicar-General Member of the Board of Directors of the Roman Catholic Church of St. Lawrence, Milbank, S.Dak.

On motion of Rev. J.J. O’Neill the following preambles and resolutions were unanimously adopted.

Whereas by Article 5 of the Articles of Incorporation of the Roman Catholic Church of Saint Lawrence, Dakota, the Directors of said Corporation may by a majority vote contract debts not exceeding in amount Three hundred dollars, but debts in excess of that sum may be contracted by the vote and consent of all the Directors, and no real

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estate belonging to said Corporation shall be sold, mortgaged or encumbered, or disposed of in any way without the consent of all the Directors, and Whereas, it is necessary in order that the debts incurred in the construction and improvement of the buildings located on block Thirty (30) First Addition to Town of Milbank Junction, the property of said church, be paid and that the existing loan on said property by taken up, and a new loan in the sum of $25000.00 be obtained on said property of said church corporation as security.

Therefore, be it resolved, that it is the sense of all the Board of Directors here assembled of the Roman Catholic Church of Saint Lawrence, Milbank S. Dak., that they authorize a loan of $25000.00 to be made to said church from John A. Schmidt, of the City of Chicago and State of Illinois as Trustee, for a period of five years from the 22nd day of June 1923, and they do hereby further authorize that said loan be evidenced by notes as follows:

Notes numbered from One to Fifteen, both inclusive for $1000.00 each Notes numbered from 16 to 35 both inclusive for $500.00 eachBearing interest at the rate of six per cent per annum, interest payable on the

22nd day of December and June of each year, until the maturity of said principal promissory notes, these notes being secured by first mortgage on said church property.

The said mortgage contain the following reservation to-wit:The party of the first part herein reserves the privilege of paying $1000.00

or any multiple thereof on any interest date after three years, by giving 30 days’ notice of such intention to pay.

Be it also resolved that fire and tornado Insurance Policies covering the buildings on said property be, as collateral security, deposited with the said John a. Schmidt as Trustee for at least the sum of $25000.00.

Be it further resolved, that the President and Secretary of said the Roman Catholic Church of Saint Lawrence, Dakota, be and they are hereby authorized to do and perform any and all things in and about the said loan as to them may seem just and proper.

On motion the said meeting adjourned.H.A. Martens, Secretary

State of South DakotaCounty of GrantOn this 20 day of June 1923, personally appeared before me, P.L. Gannon, a Notary Public within and for said County, H.A. Martens, who, being first duly sworn did depose and say that he is the Secretary of the Roman Catholic Church of Saint Lawrence, Dakota, that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of the preamble and resolutions passed by said Board of Directors as stated in the above Certificate; that all of the said Directors mentioned in the foregoing report of said meeting were present at said meeting and that said foregoing report states the facts as to the proceedings of said meeting.

P.L. GannonNotary Public, Grant Co. S.D.

My commission expires Jan 23, 1926

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Copy of Proxy used at Meeting held at the Catholic RectoryMilbank So. Dak June 1923

Sioux Falls S. Dak. June 1923

We the undersigned, members and Directors of the Corporation of the Roman Catholic Church of St. Lawrence Dakota, do hereby appoint Rev. J.J. O’Neill as our proxy to cast our vote at the next meeting of the Directors of said Corporation, in favor of a motion to negotiate a loan on the property of said Corporation to the amount of $25000.00.

Signed Bernard J. Mahoney, BishopThomas A. Flynn, Vicar-General

The above is an exact copy of the proxy of Bernard J. Mahoney – Bishop and Thomas A. Flynn V.G. held by Rev J.J. O’Neill at the meeting held at the Catholic Rectory at Milbank S.D. June

H.A. Martens, Secretary

Meeting of Board of TrusteesHeld at Parsonage July 11 – 1923

The following members being present: Rev. J.J. O’Neill, Pastor, Peter Hublou, Treasurer, A.L. Flock, Consulter and H.A. Martens Secy.

The Secretary was instructed to complete the papers relative to a new loan, place the Mortgage on record and forward same to John A. Schmidt and Co. when completed.

The following bills were audited and allowed and ordered paid…..

No more business to be transacted.Board adjourned.

H.A. Martens, Secy

Meeting of Trustees Sept 13 – 1924Held at Parsonage the following members being present.

Father O’Neill, Peter Hublou, Treas and H.A. Martens, Secy

The pastorate of Father O’Neill having come to close the Trustees ordered his Salary paid in full. The same being paid by the following warrants.

9/13-24 #593 Salary $275.00#594 Bal of Salary 69.23

Milbank 9/15 -24Meeting of the Board of Trustees held at the Parsonage. The following members being present.

The new Pastor Father Grabig called the meeting to order. Present: Peter Hublou Treasurer, George Jurgens and A.L. flock Auditors and H.A. Martens, Secretary.

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Business of the parish was discussed and the following business was transacted.

There were three applicants for position of Janitor as follows:H.B. Englert, John Tobin and Floyd W. Lambert.

H.B. Englert was selected as Janitor at a Salary of $75.00 per month for the winter months ending May 30.

The following bills were audited and allowed and ordered paid.

Floyd W. Lambert labor on grounds #596 $11.40…..

No more business to be transacted.Board adjourned.

H.A. Martens, Secy

Meeting of Board of Trustees at Parsonage held Sept 30 – 1924 the following members being present:

Father Grabig President, Peter Hublou Treas, Geo H. Jurgens and A.L. Flock, Consulters and H.A. Martens, Secy The following business being transacted.

Motion made by Geo H. Jurgens and Seconded by A.L. Flock that the necessary repairs be made on the Church school and parsonage, that the ceiling in boiler room be repaired, that doors and windows on all buildings be painted and cement walks be repaired. Carried.

Motion made by Peter Hublou and Seconded by H.A. Martens that the following bills be paid. Carried. …..

No more business to be transacted.Board adjourned.

H.A. Martens, Secy

Special Meeting to Elect officers held Dec 22 – 1924 in Church Parlors, as per announcement and to transact other business.

The meeting called to order by Father Grabig the following members being present, Peter Hublou Treas, Geo H. Jurgens Consulter and H.A. Martens Secy.Resolved that the Board of Trustees meet regularly once per month to transact the necessary business. Carried unanimously.

Motion made seconded and carried, that the Treasurer, Secretary including Secretary and Treasurer of Cemetery Fund furnish a personal Bond to the Roman Catholic Church of St. Lawrence for the faithful performance and turning over all money coming into their hands as such Secretary or Treasurer.

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Motion by Geo H. Jurgens, seconded and carried that all transactions concerning church finances be given full publicity.

Motion made by C.W. Martens, seconded and carried that no money shall be paid out by any members of the Board unless the same has been acted upon and allowed by the Board. Excepting from the above all fixed salaries such as Priest and Assistant Salaries, Teachers and Janitor Salary which may be paid by Warrant and Treasures check without regular meetings. Other bills that become due monthly such as Electric Light bill, Telephone, and Water rents may also be paid when due without a meeting of the Board.

Motion made by Henry Hermans, seconded and carried, that no one member of the Committee be allowed to act or decide on anything financially without a vote by the Committee.

On motion Peter Hublou was appointed to consult Martin Konshak with a view of appointing him caretaker of the Cemetery and the general upkeep of the same. Carried.

Motion made by C.W. Martens, seconded and carried that the Treasurer and Secretary be paid a Salary of On Dollar per year. Carried.

Motion by R.L. Plorif, seconded and carried that the officers and the Consulter of the Corporation be given a vote of thanks for their efforts and work in behalf of the welfare of the Congregation. Carried.

The election of officers now took place. R.L. Plorif nominated H.A. Martens as Secretary, seconded by Geo. H. Jurgens Vote by acclimation.

H.A. Martens was unanimously declared elected.

Motion by H.A. Martens, seconded by Geo Jurgens that Peter Hublou be named Treasurer.

Vote by acclimation. Peter Hublou was duly elected as Treasurer bring like unanimous choice of the meeting.

Motion by C.W. Martens, seconded and carried that Geo. H. Jurgens be elected as Consulter. Carried.

Motion made seconded and carried that the following be selected as consulters:Jos. Van de Voort, E.T. Germain, Henry Hermans, and Frank Metzel

unanimously carried.

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The following members were selected to act as Committee to collect church dues for the Church.

Sebastian Schaell Joseph Van de VoortPaul Preisinger Leo PlorifE.T. Germain Ambrose GarveyH.A. Martens Thomas BonitaPeter Hublou Henry DerksJ.E. McKenna A.L. FlockJohn Blem J.M. CarrFrank Metzel Mike FlynnHenry Hermans John GiessingerAndrew Giessinger Gerhard KossiLeo Lawless A.F. HighfillJos Loehrer Chas McGeeAlfred Pew Jos SalzleJohn Thyne Elmer SchliesmanMike Garvey Earl FarleyW.W. Watson John HeerbinF.J. Zoback Geo Jurgens

Signed H.A. Martens, Secy

Meeting of Board of Trustees held at Secretary’s office Jan 10 – 1925

The following members being present Rev. Fr. Grabig President, Peter Hublou Treas and H.A. Martens, Secy.

Meeting called to audit bills, the following bills were allowed and ordered paid. The bills for Priest Salary and Assistants salary, Janitor, Sisters, Organists having been previously paid.

Record Book was sent C.O.D. was paid when received…….

Next meeting was called for Feb 26 – 1925

Some of the member being unable to be present meeting was postponed to call of the Clerk.

H.A. Martens, SecyMilbank, S.D. Jan 15/25

The following notice of acceptance by the Rt. Rev Bishop Bernard J. Mahoney was received.

Sioux Falls, S.D. Jan 12 – 1925

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We the undersigned members of the Corporation of the Church of St. Lawrence Milbank, South Dakota do hereby appoint Rev. F.P. Grabig as our proxy to cast our votes at the next meeting of the Board of Directs of said Corporation in favor of a motion to name Henry A. Martens as Secretary, and Peter Hublou as Treasurer of St. Lawrence’s parish for the ensuing two years.

Signed Bernard J. MahoneyThomas A. Flynn V.G.

Signed H.A. Martens, Secy

Milbank 4/3/25

Meeting of the Board of Trustees held at Secy office Apr 3 – 1924[5] the following members being present

Fr. Grabig Pres, Peter Hublou Treas, and H. A. Martens, Secy

The following bill were audited and allowed and paid by the following warrants …….

No more business to be transacted.Board adjourned.

H.A. Martens, Secy

Milbank S.D. May 16 – 1925

Meeting held at Secretary’s office, the following members being present.Peter Hublou Treas and H.A. Martens Secy. Father Grabig not being present.

The following bills were audited and allowed and ordered paid…….

No more business to be transacted.Board adjourned.

H.A. Martens, Secy

5/18 Fr. Grabig left for Rome for an absence of about three months, during his absence Fr. Williams Cafferty will have charge of Parish.

H.A. Martens, Secy

Milbank, S.D. Aug 25/1925Meeting of Board of Trustees at call of the Pastor held at Secretary’s office Tuesday Aug 25 – 1925.

The following members being present: Rev. Fr. Grabig Pastor; Fr. Williams, Peter Hublou Treas and H.A. Martens, Secy.

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The following Consulters also being present: Geo H. Jurgens and Frank Metzel.

The following bills that had been paid since approved……

The various Church matters were discussed and it was unanimously decided that a strong effort be made to collect outstanding Church dues.

On motion board adjourned.H.A. Martens, Secy

Meeting as per call of Pastor for Oct 14 – 1925

Meeting in Church parlors as per call of pastor was opened with prayer, there being about sixty members present.

Meeting called to order by the pastor the object of the meeting being to establish some system whereby all members of the parish will be compelled to contribute their just share towards the support of the church. After discussing the matter of collecting outstanding church dues at length the following motion was made by Earl Farley and seconded by George Jurgens that committee of twelve people be appointed for this purpose and to be known as the “Go Get It Committee” this committee to work in harmony with the trustees, and to become effective at once.

The duties of this committee being to collect money at the Church entrance each Sunday before and after each Mass, and also and also in other places and at all times. This committee to remain in force until revoked.

The Committee to be named by Father Grabig.

Father Grabig with the Assistance of Earl Farley and Leo Ploriff named the following members for this committee.

Louis Van de Voort, M.P. Garvey, Ed Lynch, Vincent Hublou, W.W. Wilson, Leo Ploriff, John Jurgens, Francis Hermans, Frank Metzel, Leo Lawless, Earl Farley, and A. M. Highfill. Motion carried by acclimation.

It was agreed and understood that all money should be paid at the church premises only, the church books to be kept there, and all payments made to be entered in the books before leaving church, the same to be reported to the pastor each Sunday, and a monthly statement be made of the financial standing of the Congregation be made and delivered to the pastor monthly.

Motion made by Earl Farley and seconded by C.W. Martens that the Secretary be compensated for his services at the rate of Fifty Dollars per year and also a free pew in church. Motion carried unanimously.

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H.A. Martens requested to be relieved from the duties of Secretary, his resignation to take place at once or as soon as new Secretary be appointed and qualified. His resignation being accepted, the following names being placed in nomination for the office of Secretary: Leo Ploriff, W.W. Wilson, both these parties asked that their name be withdrawn.

The name of J.J. Eisenmenger was then placed up for nomination and seconded by C. W. Martens and voted upon by acclimation, and was carried unanimously. J.J. Eisenmenger was declared elected.

On account of the Services rendered in the in the year past by H.A. Martens, Secretary for which he had received no compensation whatever, and to show our appreciation of this work the following motion was made by W.W. Wilson and Seconded by Earl Farley that H.A. Martens be given the free use of the Pew now occupied by him as long as he remains a member of this Congregation.

Motion carried by a raising vote.

No more business to be transacted at this time, meeting closed with prayer. The next meeting to be held in the Church parlors in one month at the call of the Pastor.

H.A. Martens, Secy

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MINUTE BOOK OF SAINT LAWRENCE CHURCH, MILBANK, S. DAK.

Meeting called to order by the pastor on this first Sunday in October, 1924 – A prayer was offered and the minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. All officers were present. The bills presented were allowed. Grand Bazaar was planned – collections were intensified. Black soil has been hauled in church year and debris removed.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned._____________________Secretary (mostly Ray Tillman)

Similar minutes given for each month thru May 1940.

December, 1927 –Old Coal bill of $1010.40 paid. Old floating debt of $426.86 paid. Investiture of Pastor as Msgr.

Seventeenth Year Book andFinancial Statement

1927St. Lawrence Parish

Milbank, South Dakota----------------

MSGR. GRABIG, PastorREV. J.J. HYLAND, Assistant

FOREWORD

At the close of a year the business man – we all are businessmen – is careful to examine the record of the twelve months that are gone and to survey the possible opportunities of the months ahead. He is determined to avoid old blunders and to make greater gains. Money is at stake. His resolutions are practical and uncompromising.

But in fifty years – probably much sooner – the businessman will be dead. Unappreciative heirs will be enjoying his money, while he, stripped to the soul, will realize that only eternal things count.

Our Most Important Business

Sensible people are businessmen in eternal things first. In a businesslike way they make practical and uncompromising resolutions about their spiritual affairs. The mistakes – sins and carelessness – of the past year are to be avoided. Opportunities for spiritual gain are to be used at all costs.

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A number of those who have this year’s financial report in their hands will die this year.

Let us make, and keep, good resolutions. Eternity is at stake. It is, you will concede, an earnest thought.

Some people draw up a budget of expenditure for the year. It would be interesting to see how much the budget allows for amusements and luxuries and how little for religious purposes.

It would seem almost an insult to God to ask for religious needs only as much as is spent on luxuries. Yet that amount would mean an immense increase over the sum contributed at present.

Twenty per cent of the average American income is spent on luxuries. May be you are doing the same. I hope not.

Those who are scandalized by this insistence on money offerings for the cause of God should read their Bible carefully. They would see that under the Old Law a tenth of a man’s earthly goods were offered to God. They would read of Barnabas who had land and sold it and brought the price and laid it at the feet of the Apostles. They would see that St. Paul collected money for the poor Christians of Jerusalem. They would read: “Remember the word of the Lord Jesus, how He said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

LET US MAKE OF THE YEAR 1928 A BANNER YEAR!- YOUR PASTOR.

VITAL STATISTICSBaptisms, 33. Marriages, 7. Burials, 14. Communions, 17,448. Attendance at High and Sister’s school, 289.

IMPROVEMENTS DESIRED1. More Hl. Communions.2. Larger attendance at the week day Masses.3. All children of school age should attend the Sisters’ school. Our school has the

same standing as the best of any State School plus the religious feature, which makes it, necessarily, a better school, because Religion is the foundation of REAL education.

KINDLY PERMIT YOUR PASTOR TO SAY, THAT:a. Every member of this parish, if of age, must contribute toward the support of

parish and school. We can’t use passive members. No society can. Therefore, every member of this parish of the requisite age (21 and after) must pay PEW RENT.

b. The officials of your parish will tell you, and not you them, what or how much you are to pay.

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c. Not those who talk poverty but those who REALLY ARE POOR, will be exempted. It is no disgrace to be poor. The Holy Family of Nazareth was poor. But it is dishonest and a disgrace to tell the church officials that you are poor and cannot pay, when you do have money for everything excepting the church.

d. All Pew Rentals are due each quarter in advance. That means January first, April first, July first, and October first. Unless you comply with that universal law in the Catholic Church, you may find yourself without a pew the following Sunday.

e. The last pews of the center rows in our church must be left vacant for the USHERS. The ushers are NOT PERMITTED to place members of the parish into these sittings but ONLY visitors. NEITHER DO the USHERS of our church HAVE FREE SITTINGS on that account. The ushers of our church do pay – and must pay – pew rentals like everyone else.

f. Only those who actually sing in the choir and are there EVERY Sunday and Holy Day of Obligation as well as also for practice, may pass without pew rent. However, it is hoped that they will sing for the honor and glory of God and, in addition, pay their rentals. No strangers will ever be allowed on the balcony of the church. The Choir, Sisters and Children only. Again permit me to say, that no one may sing in our choir who does not attend the regular rehearsals.

g. All young people of Grade School age must go upstairs during Divine Services. The good Sisters will watch over them.

h. Each lot holder in St. Lawrence Cemetery must pay $2.00 per year to M.P. Garvey, the financial secretary of the Cemetery Association, toward the upkeep of the cemetery. For that amount, if paid each year, lots will be kept in order and mowed.

i. The Rt. Revd. Bishop ordains that every Catholic family of the diocese as well as every single, self-supporting person pay each year $5.00 toward Columbus College. (The amount is to be paid into our parish treasury.)

j. The “Sunday Visitor” should be read in every Catholic home each week and then turned over to some Non-Catholics for perusal.

k. Every member of the parish should receive Hl. Communion at least once each month.

l. The St. Vincent de Paul Society of our parish is bestowing untold benefits on the poor. Kindly address your gifts to Mrs. George Phelan, who is at the head of the organization.

FUNERALS………

Those who have failed to make their Easter duty or those who belong to forbidden secret societies and die without having first been reconciled to the church have positively NO right to Christian burial. Catholics will spare themselves and their Pastor pain and time by not asking for compromises or exceptions to this law. Those who live in defiance of the law of God and His church must bear the consequences.

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No flowers will be allowed on the caskets of married or grown-up people, since the church does not wish it. Neither must caskets ever be opened in church to view remains. The top of a casket should always bear a crucifix.

SICK CALLS……

The sick person out to be kept clean, and the room he or she is in should be properly ventilated. Kindly meet the priest carrying the Blessed Sacrament at the door of the house with a burning candle and escort him to the sick person. The other members of the family must be on their knees. Please, remember, God has come to your home.

You should call for the priest with your auto and return him. Going out the priest is carrying Our Lord, hence do not talk to him. Remember it is not proper that the priest who carries the Blessed Sacrament, guide or run a car at the same time. Hence always provide a vehicle for the priest.

NEW ARRIVALS

Should call at the parish house and present themselves and their credentials to the Pastor. He, and he ONLY, is the proper party to see, should one desire admittance to the parish. A letter of recommendation from the former Pastor will be required.

November, 1928 – Reduce mortgage on property. Planted evergreens in church yard and on cemetery.

Nineteenth Yearbook and Financial Statement1929

THE triumph of the Catholic Church is her confident assurance that continued time will mean continued victory, the uplift of the oppressed, real freedom of thought with proper guidance, fidelity to God and Country. In her uncompromising stand for the truths of Christianity, in her unwavering defense of the code of Christian morals, in her fearless upholding of authority, in her spiritual dominion over the hearts and conscience of her people, she is without a peer and without a rival.

Be proud of your faith!YOUR PASTOR

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St. Lawrence ParishMilbank, South Dakota

--MSGR. GRABIG, Pastor

REV. W.L. SCHMITT, AssistantFOREWORD

My Dear Parishioners:

The benefits of our Holy Religion you enjoy so easily; they are offered to you in the confessional, at the Communion railing, from the tabernacle, and particularly at the altar of our parish church during the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.

This reminds me that some of you have perhaps not even paid the annual tax for the reserved seat you hold in church, the treasure house of God. People pay fabulous sums to have a seat at the Board of Trade; they secure season tickets in advance for baseball, football games and prize fights. Often there is a scramble for seats at 50 cents, at a $1.00, $2.00, even $3.00 each for some ordinary evening entertainment. Just imagine how absurdly daring one would be who’d undertake to attend the theatre each week, with the expectation of paying at the end of the year. Or imagine what would happen in case he failed to even pay them. Do you suppose he would be given a chance to try it benefits week after week and then make your offering with a sour face and begrudgingly at the end of the year or perhaps not at all. Sure, there are some people in our parish from whom the pastor, the trustees, or the finance committee would not take a penny because they are poor, but even they should have the good will. I am referring to persons who actually bargain in the House of God for sittings and then see nothing dishonest in neglecting to pay their church dues. We have a goodly number of such persons in our parish. NOW, LISTEN, FRIEND! If you dislike the mentioning of money in church, square up at the beginning of the year instead of at the end. This will prove a great help to Pastor and Assistant, and will greatly delight their hearts. NO PRIEST CARES TO “TALK MONEY” IN CHURCH AND WILL NOT DO SO UNLESS HE BE DRIVEN TO IT. Don’t blame the priest, but rather yourself.

Our regular monthly expenses are as follows:

The Ven. Sisters …………………………………………………………………… $166.66The Revd. Pastor ………………………………………………………………….. 125.00The Revd. Assistant ………………………………………………………………. 80.00The Janitor …………………………………………………………………………. 75.00

-----------Total ………………………………………………………………………… 446.66

Besides the above we have to pay for coal, light, water and necessary repair. Sacristan, organist, music, interest, debts, etc., etc.

Now, after a careful perusal of the above you will, I trust, fully realize, why the good men, who function as your trustees, as well as your Pastor, live in constant worry

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and anxiety as to the future. THEREFORE, IF YOU PLEASE, do you share and do it cheerfully and thus help build up your parish. Your trustees are paying pew rent and at the same time – without any special pay excepting abuse – ask you to pay your’s. Why not help the good men instead of piling abuse on them? They are doing the work you refuse to do. Hence help them.

LET US MAKE OF 1930 A BANNER YEAR!

Our character is our will; for what we will we are!Yours in Jesus’ Heart,

F.P. GRABIG, Pastor.

VITAL STATISTICSBaptisms, 41. Marriages, 4. Burials, 5. Communions, 19,856. Attendance at Milbank High and Sisters’ school 287.Six of our young ladies have joined Sisterhoods, whilst 15 of our young men are at Universities and Colleges.

November, 1931 –Repaired stations – electrified tower crass and rebuilt church steps.

December, 1932 –Painted church inside – contract price 412.17

FOURTY HOURS DEVOTION conducted at ST. LAWRENCE CHURCH Milbank, S.D. on March 11, 12,13, 1934 by Rev. Peter Minwegen, O.M.I.

November, 1934 –Had hauled additional soil for yard and graveled school yard, that is hauled on additional gravel.

December, 1935 –Renewed loan at five per cent with COF

No. 104534 CERTIFICATE

“WHEREAS, ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH OF SAINT LAWRENCE, DAKOTA, located in the City of Milbank and State of South Dakota, is indebted to the CATHOLIC ORDER OF FORESTERS of Chicago, Illinois in the sum of Fourteen Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($14,500.00);

NOW, THEREFORE, to evidence said indebtedness and to secure the payment thereof by a real estate mortgage upon real estate of said corporation located in said City of Milbank and State of South Dakota;

RESOLVED that this corporation, by BERNARD J. MAHONEY, its President, be and hereby is authorized to execute in the name of said corporation, and for and on its

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behalf, any and all promissory notes, whether of principal or interest, that may be deemed requisite and necessary to evidence said indebtedness to the said CATHOLIC ORDER OF FORESTERS.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that said BERNARD J. MAHONEY, as such President and Ray Tillman as Secretary of said corporation, be and they hereby are authorized and directed in the name of said corporation, and for and on its behalf, to execute and deliver to said CATHOLIC ORDER OF FORESTERS any and all mortgages trust deeds or other deeds in nature thereof which may be deemed requisite and necessary to secure the payment of said indebtedness, and to convey thereby the following described real estate, to-wit:

Lots 8-9-10-11-12-13 in Block 30, City of Milbank, S.D. and also that portion of the alley formerly and adjacent to and in the rear of and to the east of said lots, which portion of said Alley has reverted to the owners of said Lots and has become a part of the same by Resolution of the City Council of Milbank, S.D. May 6th 1911; and also that portion of Linwood Street now vacated by said Resolution, which lies adjacent to and which reverted when said street was vacated, to the owner of said Lot 9 Block 30 City of Milbank, South Dakota.”

I, Ray Tillman, Secretary of ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH OF SAINT LAWRENCE, Dakota, a religious corporation, do hereby certify that a special meeting of the directors of said corporation at which all the directors were present was held at Parish House, in the City of Milbank and State of South Dakota, at the hour of two P.M. on the 15 th day of June, 1935, and that the above and foregoing resolution was unanimously adopted by said directors; all of the directors voting in favor of the resolution and none against it.

I do further certify that the above and foregoing is a true and correct copy of said resolution, the original of which appears of record in the records of said corporation.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto subscribed my name and caused the seal of said corporation to be affixed, this 15th day of June, 1935.

Ray Tillman SECRETARYState of S. Dak. }County of Grant }SS.

On this 15th day of June in the year 1935, before me personally appeared Ray Tillman known to me to be the person who is described in and who executed the within instrument, and acknowledged to me that he executed the same.

J.J. EisenmengerCounty Judge Grant Co. S.Dak.My Term expires Dec. 31st. 1936.

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No. 104536 AFFIDAVIT

STATE OF ILLINOIS }COUNTY OF COOK } SS. AFFIDAVIT

CARL A. SCHMIDT, being first duly sworn on oath deposes and says that he is of lawful age and resides in the City of Naperville, County of DuPage and State of Illinois and is a member of the firm of John A. Schmidt Investment Company who have offices at 111 W. Washington Street, Chicago, Illinois;

Affiant further says that he is a son of John A. Schmidt and a brother of Bernard J. Schmidt, the said John A. Schmidt being the Trustee and said Bernard J. Schmidt being the successor-in-trust to sid John A. Schmidt, Trustee in a certain Trust Deed of roman Catholic Church of St. Lawrence, Milbank, South Dakota to John A. Schmidt, Trustee and Bernard J. Schmidt, Successor-in-trust, dated June 22, 1928 conveying real-estate therein described to secure payment of indebtedness of $19,000.00 as evidenced by promissory notes therein described and recorded in office of Registrar of Titles of County of Grant and State of South Dakota in Book 115 of Mortgages on Pages 172 and 173;

Affiant further says that the said John A. Schmidt died on the 26th day of September, 1931 and the said Bernard J. Schmidt died on the 6th day of March, 1934 and that this affiant was present at the funerals of each of said persons;

Affiant further says that the indebtedness secured by said Trust Deed has been paid in full and that this affidavit is made for the purpose of authorizing the acting Recorder of Deeds of Grant County, South Dakota, as second successor-in-trust in said Trust Deed to release the lien of the Trust Deed from the real-estate described in said Trust Deed from

Lots Eight (8), Nine (9), Ten (10), Eleven (11), Twelve (12), Thirteen (13) in Block Thirty (30) City of Milbank, South Dakota, and also that portion of the alley formerly and adjacent to and in the rear of and to the East of said lots, which portion of sid alley has reverted to the owners of said Lots and has become a part of the same by Resolution of the City Council of Milbank, South Dakota, May 6th, 1911; and also that portion of Linwood Street now vacated by said Resolution, which lies adjacent to and which reverted when said street was vacated, to the owner of said Lot Nine (9) Block Thirty (30) City of Milbank, South Dakota,

Being real-estate conveyed by said Trust Deed.

Further affiant sayeth not.Carl A. Schmidt

Subscribed and sworn to before me this FIFTEENTH day of JULY, A.D. 1935.

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Frances M. KenneyNotary Public

Office of Register of Deeds )State of South Dakota ) SS.County of Grant )

Filed for record this 26th day of July 1935, at 3:15 o’clock P.M., and recorded in Book 125 of Miscellaneous on page 288

Zaro D. StephensonRegister of Deeds

December, 1936 -Marvin church funds were placed in P.O. --- amount $400.00 – this was obtained by sale of church.

FOURTY HOURS DEVOTION conducted at ST. LAWRENCE CHURCH Milbank, S.D. on March 27, 28, 29, 1938 by Very Rev. Prov. F. Hullweg, O.M.I.

28th AnnualStatement

1938St. Lawrence Parish

Milbank, S. Dak.

My dear Parishioner:

An annual appeal for funds would prove a tiresome affair both to the one making the appeal and to the one to whom it is addressed were it not that the appeal vitally affects the life and the hopes of the whole parish. The parish of St. Lawrence, as an accredited spokesman of American Catholicism, enjoys a privileged position in making this appeal to the Catholic population of Milbank and vicinity. Its charge is to lead a weary world back to the source of all life, to renew courage in the hearts of men and, as the late Pope Pius XI says so well, “to enshrine life’s purpose on the altar of their souls”.

The meet these many challenges to its service and to maintain its present high standard, the management of St. Lawrence parish needs financial resources. The present fund of the parish is woefully insufficient to meet the demands made upon it.

There is no doubt but that you are proud of your membership in our parish. You may go quite a distance and not find a congregation where Divine Services are kept at a higher standard, spiritually and materially, than here.

Examine your conscience and see if you have actually done your duty in the past. I believe that your clergy have done their share. You may discover that you should do somewhat better in helping your church along by bringing a real sacrifice, whether you are married or single. Once you begin to realize what the Church means

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to you and to our beloved country, and comparing conditions here with those in Mexico, Germany, Russia, and Spain, you will, I am certain, be ready to do all you can for your Church and School.

Just now we retired an obligation of $500.00 on our indebtedness. We must retire another $500.00 on or before June 15, 1939. In addition we will have to pay, on the same day, the semi-annual interest of $350.00. Bear in mind that the money we have to pay on interest is simply thrown away.

Straightened out your accounts at once, and then keep them as they should be. This Annual Statement shows all the financial wrinkles in the parish. Also it show every individual’s standing and good will. Again let me repeat that the church does not care for notes. Notes in the church statement do not look very well.

The persistent activities of the Ladies’ Altar Society well deserve praise. The good ladies, through their weekly meetings and activities, and especially through the annual bazaar, have made it possible to improve all parish buildings and to reduce our burden of indebtedness. Also the Choir, its Organist and Director, deserve our hearty thanks. Nor can the parish ushers be forgotten. Thanks!

Your sincere and loving Pastor,F.P. Grabig

******IMPORTANT:

The Reverend Dominican Fathers of Minneapolis will open one week’s mission in our church on the Feast of St. Joseph, March 19th., the fourth Sunday of Lent. Please prepare for it. The members of the various Societies will kindly invite the lax and fallen-away Catholics and also their non-Catholic friends to attend.

********Let your speech and your actions, as also you omissions, be truly Catholic, always, no

matter where you may be.******

December, 1938 –Erected cemetery monument, etc. Paid on mortgage $500.00

ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTOf the

ST. LAWRENCE PARISHOf

Milbank, South DakotaFor

1939

Rt. Rev. Msgr. F.P. Grabig, Pastor

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Rev. Gerald Finan, Assistant---

A Few Words From Your Pastor.

My dear Parishioners:

The benefits of our Holy Religion you enjoy so easily; they are offered to you in the confessional, at the Communion railing, from the tabernacle, and particularly at the altar of our parish church during the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.

This reminds me that some of you have perhaps not even paid the annual tax for the reserved seat you hold in church, the treasure house of God. People pay fabulous sums to have a seat at the Board of Trade. They secure season tickets for baseball, football games and prize fights. Often there is a scramble for seats at 50 cents, at $1.00, $2.00, even much more for some ordinary evening’s entertainment. Just imagine how absurdly daring one would be who’d undertake to attend the theatre each week, with the expectation of paying at the end of the year, or, not at all. Do you suppose he would be given a chance to try it another year? Of course, you KNOW it is wrong to receive God’s graces and benefits week after week, and then make your offering with a sour face and begrudgingly at the end of the year or perhaps not at all. Sure, there are some people in our parish from whom the Pastor, the trustees, or the finance committee would not take a penny because they are poor, but even they should have the good will. I am referring to persons who actually bargain in the House of God for sittings, or occupy other people’s sittings and see nothing dishonest in neglecting to pay their church dues. We have a goodly number of such persons in our parish.

NOW, LISTEN, FRIEND! If you dislike the mentioning of money in church, square up at the beginning of the year instead of at the end! It will prove a great help to your Pastor and Assistant, and will delight their hearts. NO PRIEST CARES TO “TALK MONEY” IN CHURCH AND WILL NOT DO SO UNLESS HE BE DRIVEN TO IT. Don’t blame the priest; rather, blame yourself. You don’t hear such wrangling at the railway station, at ON bartering there.

Our monthly expenses are as follows:

The Ven. Sisters …………………………………………………………………… $140.00The Revd. Pastor ………………………………………………………………….. 125.00The Revd. Assistant ………………………………………………………………. 50.00The Rev. Assistant’s board ………………………………………………………. 30.00The Janitor …………………………………………………………………………. 75.00

-----------Total ………………………………………………………………………… 405.00

And, besides the above, we have to pay for coal, lights, water, insurance, and necessary repairs. (Also interest, debts, etc.)

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It will be well for you to remember that $250.00 of your Pastor’s salary goes to the support of the diocesan chancery.

Now, after a careful perusal of the above, you will, I trust, fully realize why your Pastor and the trustees live in constant worry as to the future. They are doing the work you refuse to do. Hence help them.

Our character is our will; for what we will, we are.Your Pastor.

--MONTHLY HOLY COMMUNION DAYS:

First Friday of each month ……………………………………………. Everybody.First Sunday of each month ……………………All men (married and unmarried.)Second Sunday of each month ……………………………………… Children.Third Sunday of each month ……………………………………. Young ladies.Fourth Sunday of each month …………………………………… Married women.

Of course, all members of the Holy Name Society will receive on the first Sunday of each month.The number of Holy Communions during the year 1939, climbed to 32,914.

Average Communions, per month, 2,743.

December, 1939 –Had laid sanctuary carpet and put up additional electric lights, etc.

May, 1940 –The cheque in sum of $100.00, given by the pastor to Bishop Brady as a courtesy for administering the Hl. Sacrament of Confirmation on May 2nd. (Ascension Thursday), had received the approval of the officers beforehand.

30th AnnualSTATEMENT

1940St. Lawrence Parish

Milbank, S.D.

Dear Parishioners:

With satisfaction, I believe, we may look back over the year 1940 because of our spiritual and financial accomplishments.

Spiritually, let me say, attendance at Divine Service has greatly improved. Besides, there is more harmony in the parish, a larger attendance at Mass on week days as also at Holy Hour on Thursday nights.

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Financially, our income was much better than during the year 1939. We very substantially improved our school edifice at an extra expense of $2,637.40 which the statement will show. These improvements become possible only through your kindness. In addition, furnishings for church, school, and house were obtained. We may safely say that we have one of the nicest, if not the nicest, of all school chapels in the diocese.

Now, some dislike to hear the clergy speak about money in church. It should not be difficult to realize that this is one of the most unpleasant tasks on the shoulders of any priest. Nothing gives a Pastor greater peace to pursue his spiritual work than to know that his parishioners fully realize their obligations without his having to speak to them. Usually those who are stingy and tight-fisted criticize most. Still it is within their power to silence these appeals. DO YOUR SHARE PROMPTLY AND NO PREIST WILL EVER “TALK MONEY.”

Use your envelopes and pay each week and you will find at the end of the year your obligations are all paid up without feeling the pinch of it. Thus you are a PRACTICAL church supporter. Nominal church supporters do NOT pay church bills.

Children receive envelopes as a training in church support. To foster their training, children should be urged and enabled to use their envelopes more in the future.

Your Pastor thanks you one and all for the many proofs of kindness during the past year and for your confidence. I give you the assurance that within a few years we’ll be free from debts provided each and everyone of you does his or her duty.

Your Pastor

1941Annual Statement

OfSt. Lawrence Parish

Milbank, So. Dak.

Dear Parishioners:

Because of our spiritual and financial attainments, we may, I dare believe, with satisfaction let the year 1941 pass in review.

From our point of vantage we claim to observe:

Spiritually: That… attendance at Divine Services has greatly improved. Also is there a far better relationship in the parish. Greater numbers are seen at the MI. Masses as

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also at private devotions. Individual visits at the church and the chapels seem far more numerous, all of which should denote a stronger Faith.

Meanwhile it seems strange, that the records show 250 HI. Communions less this year than at the end of 1940, however, our good altar boys – who are responsible for the counting – may have forgotten some registrations. As you may per chance remember, last year we mentioned 30,968 HI. Communions. I am certain we really had far more in 1941. Undoubtedly the boys will be more exact as to their task.

Financially: THAT almost all members of the parish, married and single, have endeavored their best as our financial statement will show. The Ladies Altar Society, under the efficient leadership of Mrs. Fr. Heffernen, led the usual enterprises to a more healthy peak. It is well worthy of mention, that the cash-instead-bazaar drive was undertaken most enthusiastically by the ladies, thus reaching the aimed-at price. OUR THANKS TO THE GOOD LADIES:

NONETHELESS, there are some married ladies in the parish who, it seems, frown at the organization which has done so much, spiritually and financially, to further the advance of the parish. By the way, the financial statement will show, that we have reduced the size of the mortgage by $1,000.00, due largely to the activities of the unselfish ladies. It is a rule in this parish that ALL married ladies are also members of the Ladies’ Altar Society. May we be able to write into the 1942 Year Book, that all married ladies are active members of the Society.

Allow me to here insert, that our HI. Name Society, which counts about 200 members at present, is campaigning even now for additional members.

Some few….. dislike to hear the clergy talk money in church. THEY ARE RIGHT. It should not be difficult to realize that the mentioning of finances in church is one of the odious tasks of almost every Pastor. Only those who are stingy and tight-fisted, criticize. Still, it lies within their power, to stop this nauseating “Money-talk”. DO YOUR SHARE PROMPTLY AND NO PRIEST WILL EVER MENTION MONEY.

Children… are given envelopes as a training in church support. To foster this training, children should be urged and enabled to use their envelopes every Sunday.

Your pastor and his Reverend Assistant wish to thank you, one and all, for the many proofs of consideration shown through the year 1941. So also for your confidence. Your clergy give you the assurance that, if all do their share, - spiritually and financially – we’ll be the most harmonious and happy Congregation in the diocese.

Your Pastor.

1942ANNUAL STATEMENT

Of

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ST. LAWRENCEPARISH

MILBANK, S. DAK.A WORD TO YOU BY YOUR PASTOR

My dear Parishioner:

The benefits of our Holy Religion you enjoy so easily; they are offered to you in the confessional, at the communion rail, from the tabernacle, and particularly at the altar of our parish church during the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.

Most of you have done fine – spiritually and otherwise – during the year 1942. Your clergy distributed 29,469 Holy Communions during that year whilst attendance at Holy Mass and other divine Services has handsomely increased. Financial support also proved much better.

We found ourselves able to reduce the indebtedness, bearing down on our church property, from $13,000.00 to $11,000.00 besides many other costly improvements. For all this you deserve and have the heartfelt thanks of your clergy.

However, we might have been able to annotate a far more pleasing financial result, were it not that the cruel war, now ravaging the world, has taken a large percentage of families away from here to nearby or distant defense plants, not mentioning the considerable number of young men who, by draft or enlistment form part of army or navy of our beloved Country.

This reminds me, Dear Friend, that perhaps even you have not contributed the small annual tax for the space you occupy-or should occupy- in church. Has it ever been brought to your mind that people pay fabulous sums to have a seat at the Board of Trade; the secure season tickets in advance for baseball or football games and prize fights? Often there is a scramble for seats at 50 cents, at $1.00, $2.00, and even $3.00 each for some ordinary entertainment.

Now, just imagine how absurdly daring one would be who would undertake to attend the theatre week after week with the expectation of paying at the end of the year. Or imagine what would happen in case he failed to pay even then. Do you suppose he would be given a chance to try it another year? Of course you know it’s wrong to receive God’s graces and benefits week after week and then make your offering with a sour face and begrudgingly at the end of the year or not at all. Sure, there are some people in our parish from whom the pastor or trustees would not take a penny because they are poor, even should they have the good will. As you very well now, I am referring to persons who actually bargain in the House of God and then see nothing dishonest in neglecting to pay their church dues.

NOW, LISTEN, FRIEND! No priest cares to talk money unless he is driven to it. Therefore, don’t blame the priest, but rather yourself. IF YOU DISLIKE THE

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MENTIONING OF MONEY IN CHURCH, PAY YOUR DUES AND YOU’LL NEVER HEAR MONEY MENTIONED IN CHURCH.

Our character is our will; for what we will we are!Yours in Christ

Pastor

1943Annual Report

ST. LAWRENCE PARISHMilbank, South Dakota

ITEMS OF IMPORTANCE AND INTEREST---

a. Ordinance for future conduct of business:1. Beginning with January 1, 1944, Collection Envelopes should be used for the

ordinary Sunday collection only, and not for the paying of pew rent.2. Please pay your pew rentals as early as you can and only to authorized

persons, such as trustees and ushers, hereinafter named. Receipts, signed by other parties, will not be accepted.

Why not pay a little every month? Don’t wait until the end of the year and then say: “I can’t pay because, as you know, that is dishonest. God orders you to support your church.

Now, if you observe the above rules, your conscience will be clear whilst church-going, and church bookkeeping will be far more pleasant. Besides, you’ll be able to read the annual report without blushing for shame.

--In Memoriam

--St. Teresa, Pray For Us!

In Memory of Lt. Virgil E. Flynn

U.S.N.R.Director of Operations

Torpedo Squadron ElevenPacific Fleet

1943By the Flynn Family.

A beautiful and costly memorial, bearing the above inscription, was erected by the parents, brothers and sister of the late Lieutenant Virgil E. Flynn, U.S.N.R. The base of the memorial is of the appropriate Milbank granite, which is topped by a three foot statue of St. Teresa, the “Litter Flower,” to whom the late Lieutenant always

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fostered a special veneration. The said memorial very much enhances the appearance of our church yard.

1944ANNUAL REPORT

ST. LAWRENCE PARISHMilbank, South Dakota

A WORD BY THE PASTOR

Dear Parishioners:-Undoubtedly, the year 1944 has proven a good year for St. Lawrence parish.

With pride and a gladsome mind we may rejoice because we are free of debts. Hence I express my sincere thanks to those members of the congregation who brought real financial sacrifices to make the long-desired removal of the mortgage a reality. Our Lord will bless you for it.

But, friends, we will and must finish our task. As you know, the interior of our church is far from being attractive, the exterior woodwork of all buildings together with roof gutters need repairing and painting.

By working together most harmoniously, we will, I am certain, in the near future, have within and without one of the finest church properties near and far.

Now, therefore, do not fail me but support the enterprise.

Ever sincerely in Christ,Msgr. F.P. Grabig, Pastor

THEAnnual Report

1945St. Lawrence Parish

Milbank, South Dakota--

SPECIAL MATERIAL DONATIONS(a) Mrs. Ventley Giessinger has given free service as organist.(b) Family John Vissers has donated a large outdoor statue of St. Lawrence over the

entry of church, plus wrought-iron decorations and two costly electric lamps, not yet entirely completed.

(c) Family Michael Flynn donated, besides the 1943 beautiful memorial, a charming crushed-rock Baptismal font for the Baptismal Chapel.

(d) Family R.L. Plouf, annual donor of full supply of Altar Breads. The writer feels also prone to mention that the late Mrs. R.L. Plouf, just before she died, donated $200.00 to St. Lawrence church.

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(e) Sacred Heart statue and chapel donated by unnamed benefactors.(f) Family of Theo. A. deWerd donated a $350.00 stroker to church.(g) It is also very commendable that the Michael DeFea family donated to St.

Lawrence church two large radiators, worth at least $50.00, at a time when the church stood in dire need of them and could not secure them at any price.

(h) The pastor of St. Lawrence church donated the sum of $130.00 as the advance payment, necessary ere then the $1,130.00 contract for tiling the aisles of St. Lawrence church would be accepted. The tiling is guaranteed for the term of fifty years. This donation brought a discount of $49.40.

(i) Many thanks to the kind Sisters of our hospital for their kind assistance. So also to our kind school Sisters, who have given such splendid service.

(j) The former Baptismal Font, donated by the C.D. of A. Society some years ago to St. Lawrence church, was given to Rev’d. Carl Meyer, O.M.I. for his church at Veblen, South Dakota.

(k) Mrs. Mary Eikman, $10 donation toward new cemetery entry (The Pastor has obligated himself to daily remember all benefactors of this parish in Holy Mass.)

A cluster of men whose names are not to be mentioned, who, however, most generously have done a great deal of repair work and declined to have their names mentioned, or to receive payment, are also included in the memento the Pastor will make at the Altar for all who help the advance of the parish.

SPECIAL SPIRITUAL BOUQUETDuring the year 1945 33,030 Holy Communions were distributed.

--A WORD BY THE PASTOR

Dear Parishioners:

For a certainty, the year 1945 may be recorded a splendid one for St. Lawrence parish. With genuine pride and a joyful mind we may express our happiness since we are not only free from any debt, but have transformed the inside of our church into a real House of God. All this has been accomplished by YOUR generous support. In turn, Our Lord has showered His blessings upon you and, undoubtedly, will do so in the future.

Whatever has been accomplished, has been done by the members of the parish. Positively NO outsider of the parish has been solicited or asked to contribute; no so-called chances were sold. The whole tremendous sum, as shown by the 1944 and 1945 statements, was given by the parishioners themselves, with the exception of two Milbank non-Catholic friends, whose names your pastor is not permitted to mention.

The parish has thereby declared its independence as to bazaars, the selling of chances, etc. The hope is entertained that it may continue that way. May the Good Lord give His blessing to that.

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But, friends, we will and must finish our task. As you know, our church basement, as well as the interior of our school building, needs repairing. Besides, new boilers may be needed under church and school.

By working together most harmoniously, we will, no doubt, in the very near future, have, within and without, one of the finest church properties near and far.

No, do not fair me but support the enterprise.Ever sincerely in Christ,

Msgr. F.P. Grabig, Pastor.

In Memory ofCORPORAL ANDREW P. VISSERS

U.S. ArmyBy the John Vissers Family

A costly and beautiful memorial, the statue of St. Lawrence, patron of our church and parish, together with two electric lamps and other decorations, have been placed over the main entry of our church, at the cost of $329.35. the members of this church are kindly asked to remember him, as well as the late Lt. Virgil E. Flynn U.S.N., in their prayers.

R.P.I.--

1946Annual Report

St. Lawrence Parish

IMPROVEMENTS NEEDED:Spiritual:

Attendance at Divine Services far more numerous and more faithful in receiving Holy Communion, and thereby gaining strength in fulfilling your duties.

Material:Church basement and School edifices need immediate repair. The longer we

wait the more it will cost.With your kind cooperation we will be able to finish our task. Do not fail me but

support the enterprise.--

A WORD BY THE PASTORDear Parishioners:

The above named parties contributed toward new boilers and other school repairs, for which donations the Pastor is very grateful. May God Bless YOU!

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However, this collection is still OPEN, sincerely trusting that all will at their earliest convenience, add their own generous share. When list is completed, all names of donors and amount contributed, will be exhibited.

Again, the year 1946 may be recorded as a splendid one for St. Lawrence parish, since we have made quite a few more improvements on parish property. All this has been accomplished by YOUR generous support. May the Lord Bless you for it!

Ever sincerely in Christ,Msgr. F.P. Grabig, Pastor

--TRUE EDUCATION

Why does religious education prepare one for a full and complete citizenship?

A Citizenship does not consist merely in the intellectual recognition of the rights of the government to rule and of one’s duties as a citizen to obey. Good citizenship is founded on the will to obey. It, therefore, demands, besides knowledge, a sense of responsibility, respect for authority, and recognition of the rights of our neighbor. All of which naturally flow from a religious education. By combining into a whole the intellectual, moral, and religious elements in education, the Catholic system is the surest and the best medium for the training of loyal, upright, and intelligent citizens.

Of course, it is not sufficient that you profess Catholicism when asked. Rather live the CATHOLIC life! They won’t have to ask you. Instead they’ll imitate you. That makes the world a better world to live in.

It’s the heel for your shoe …. STEP ON IT!

A WORD OF HEARTFELT THANKS-TO-

The Assistant Pastor, the Rev’d. Paul Bachman;

The Ven. Sisters of our Hospital for their kind assistance. So also to our Ven. School Sisters, who have given such splendid service;

Mrs. Charlotte Giessinger, our efficient organist, who never charges, who, in addition to her splendid services, renders financial support to the parish.

Mr. R.L. Plouf, who for many years in the past and even does so now support the church most liberally, not only financially but also by supplying the altar breads gratis;

The gentlemen-their names are not to be mentioned-who on various occasions did repair work in church and school gratis;

Naturally also thanks to the Choir, the Trustees, and last, but not least, the faithful janitor.

Your loving Pastor

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F.P. Grabig

Milbank, S.D. Sept 8, 1946.Rt Rev Msgr. F.P. GrabigMilbank So. Dakota.

CITY OF MILBANK AUDITOR’S OFFICEMilbank, South Dakota June 19th, 1947

To:The Catholic Church,Milbank, S. Dak.

Pursuant to a Resolution adopted by the City Council of the City of Milbank, S.Dak., at a regular meeting held on June 2nd, 1947, you are hereby notified to construct a cement sidewalk along the following described property --- viz ---

On the north side of Lot 7, Block 30, and along the north side of Lot 6, Block 5 of Bartletts Second Addition, City of Milbank, S. Dak

Within twenty days (20 days) from the date of the service of this notice. Said proposed sidewalk to be constructed in accordance with the specifications adopted for the construction of cement sidewalks in the City of Milbank as provided for by the Ordinances of the City of Milbank, S.Dak. Upon your failure to so construct said sidewalk as per above notice, the work will be done by the City of Milbank at your expense with coasts added and the total therefore will be taxed and assessed against the above described property.

Ed N. Carrier (?)Street Commissioner,

By order of the City Council. Milbank, S.Dak.

1947Annual Report

St. Lawrence Parish

CATHOLIC IDEALS OF MARRIAGEOne husband, one wife, devoted children, dwelling happily in a Christian home,

which love sanctifies and over which God reigns.

Bring God into that home by a truly Christian marriage.

Keep Him there by devoted fidelity to its ideals.

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Because to the Catholic church, marriage is a Sacrament and the Home one of God’s most sacred institutions; therefore the Church most zealously protects the foundation of that Home with safeguards which strictly bind the conscience of her own members.

1948Annual Report

St. Lawrence Parish

LEST WE FORGET:We herewith express our thanks to the executors of the late Mrs. Hannah

Sulllivan’s Last Will and Testament, to remember St. Lawrence church, this city, with a gold plated chalice and a fine Missal Stand.

The Management.

--Devotion of the Holy Rosary

Is fitted for all walks and vocations in life. No matter, whether a graduate of universities, colleges or void of special education, no matter whether in church, on the street, at home, in the field or behind the store counter, whether teacher or student, you can, in all walks and situations of life, say the Rosary. Of all devotions, no doubt the Family-Rosary cannot be too often recommended. HOW ABOUT YOUR HOME?

--A Word of Heartfelt Thanks

To all who have contributed to carry our activities, spiritual and financial, to the desired success, the thanks of the Management. Special mention must be made concerning the organist, who has labored hard to carry out services to proper satisfaction. So also our special thanks to R.L. Plouf to continuously finance the supply of Altar breads for Parish and Hospital. Of course, our thanks also go to those who by manual labor or otherwise, helped to push our enterprises to success. May God bless them all! Last, but not least, do we here include the choir, the trustees, the ushers, the janitor and the faithful altar boys. Irrie Mundwiler labored much in beautifying our cemetery. Our thanks! John J. Thyne donated 100 fine spruce seedlings, which will be planted soon. Special thanks to all donors.

Your loving Pastor,F.P. Grabig

1949 ANNUAL REPORTSt. Lawrence Parish

MILBANK, SOUTH DAKOTA

FATHER THOMAS J. SHANLEY, Pastor

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FATHER OWN KLAPPERICH, Asst. Pastor

DON’TS FOR CHURCHGOERS1. Don’t get into the habit of being late for Mass. A moment of preparation before

Mass may be the means of opening the soul to many graces.2. Don’t be content with a seat in the last pew. Show the same interest in securing

a front seat in church as you do at any other place that draws your interest.3. Don’t go to Mass without either a prayer book or a Rosary unless you wish

distraction and not devotion to occupy your mind.4. Don’t talk in church without necessity. Talk with God, whom you may not have

visited in his temple since last Sunday; you will have plenty of time to talk with your neighbor after Mass.

5. Don’t criticize the sermon or the manner of delivery. It is a message from God bearing some fruit to you. Heed the instruction and profit by it; it has something for you to learn.

6. Don’t go to sleep or read your prayer book during the sermon.7. Don’t leave the church till the priest has left the sanctuary. Take a moment to

thank God for the graces of the Holy Mass.8. Don’t talk in the aisles going out. Remember you are in the presence of God in

His Holy Sacrament. Your gossip will keep till you reach the street.9. Don’t forget to bend your right knee to the floor as you enter and leave the seat.

This is an act of adoration to the Real Presence. Do it with faith and reverence facing the altar.

10.Don’t fail to see the holy water font and the collection plate. Take a few drops from the one and drop a worthy gift into the other.

11.Don’t acquire the reputation of being “last in the church and first to leave it.”-The Catholic Layman’s Guide.

1951 ANNUAL REPORTSt. Lawrence Parish

Milbank, South Dakota

FATHER THOMAS J. SHANLEY, PastorFATHER OWEN KLAPPERICH, Assistant

YOUR CHURCH TAX THE LIGHTESTAbout one-fourth of all you pay for gasoline is tax. How much does that amount

to in your case?One-third of what you pay for cigarettes is tax. How much is that in your case?You pay these taxes every day; you give to the church once a week.If you do not own your house you pay the landlord’s taxes.You pay a tax on your electric light bills, on telephone bills. The license plate for

your car is a tax.Indirectly you pay toward the public schools, toward all state and county

institutions.

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Now then figure out what you pay to your church and see how small the amount is compared to the sum total of all these taxes. Yet what work is so worthy of your support? From what other source do you derive benefits equal to one percent of those you derive from your church?

Almighty God required people in the Old Law to pay 10 percent of their total income to religion. Today people pay more than 10 percent of their income for all sorts of other taxes, but a much smaller amount to the church.

--- The Catholic Layman’s Guide.

FINANCIAL REPORT 1975ST. LAWRENCE CHURCH

MILBANK, S.D. [the last financial statement by name found]

With pleasure I read the statement you made in and about the surroundings and I hasten to thank you for the great success you have made of it.

It certainly takes the lead in the churches in So Dak. And you might well in number of larger places we certainly thank you very much. At this time I am sorry to say that conditions with me are such that you cannot expect much from me. But there has always been a longing in my heart to do something to show the good God that we appreciate his blessings.

Most of the people know that when we landed here there was nothing in sight, no people no roads no buildings, everything was bleak and barren, so we could not expect a priest or church here this was the main thing in my father’s mind, we happened to be the first settler here, father knew it required a priest so early one November morning he got out a team of horses and hitched to a buggy and drove to Graceville Minn about 20 miles from here Mass was just about over when Father Ryan the pastor of Graceville come out of church, and immediately father asked him that in case of a sick call he would be kind enough to see the sick person, he replied that for a sick call I will go to New York, this was in November 1879. Father Ryan called on Bishop Ireland or Minnesota and was told of the condition of the new settlers. It was only a few days later we received word that ….

To keep the name of Saint Joseph before the public, it was decided to have a nice statue of him erected on the spot where the First Holy Mass was celebrated in this part of the Territory of Dakota this now as then was known as Rural route No. 2. The grounds selected for this purpose has nice shade trees and very fine creek of running water, something always enjoyed by the picnic people, I has always been our idea to do such, if conditions permitted. At present they are not of favorable with us, but there is good to believe that the project is or are good reasons to believe that it is now in sight and will begin bearing fruit or money, then look for improvements along this line. We have always been favored if we asked in good faith. When we were leaving Green bay we notice so many bare places it looked very discouraging to us, and we had hope that

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if we had a $1000.00 dollars we could have a little church, but one thing after another come, and now we have such a beautiful church and hospital and large school and beautiful grounds that strangers attracted to them, and during all this time we have had a good living with the hopes of having a good church.

When we think how many people come here without money and now have such nice buildings –nd grounds, it is one that did this all all worked in harmony, it must have been the hand of that guided all these people to a country so favorable.

We hope to see the time come when the statue of Saint JOSEPH. If such thing should happen, I will be ready to say AMEN.

Respectful yours friends,Henry Martens, Milbank

John Martens, first settler in this part of Dakota Territory stated that the most necessary thing in a new country is a priest and Church and Post Office he applied to the Postmaster General at Washington DC to have a Post office established in this neighborhood, this was granted and he was appointed Postmaster at St. Joseph Post office and his house the Post office, this Post office was maintained until Rural Route was established and he then applied that the Post office be discontinued and Rural Route be established instead at still remains as ….. then. The next thing could be the School this took a little more work and longer time and was established as ?Rural Route No. 2 which is still in existence.

In the meantime Father Ryan had informed Bishop Ireland of Minnesota the condition of the new settlers and he immediately order Father Ryan to attend to the matter and Nov 19 (?), 1949 [1879] the first Holy Mass was offered up in my father’s house this was the key to the beginning of the Catholic ….. here, the regular service was soon begun at first Mass was said in Ortonville on Sunday and then regular service was had in Big Stone City in private houses or School House, it was not …. However when the people began … for a church, although the money was scarce and hard to earn there was enough …. To begin a church building the parishioners did a good deal of the work and the building was soon enclosed, and regular service was every alternate Sunday, a priest house was built and practically completed the priest had charge of both Churches Milbank and Big Stone City and little later each had a priest, the Big Stone Congregation was not very numerous, doing to the fact that Ortonville had a Church which is tributary to Big Stone City but at this time all three parishes have a resident priest.

Now Big Stone City has a resident priest and five buildings.

But Milbank parish is much larger and has a large Parochial School with a large attendance, large Sisters Hospital (up to date) and free from debt When the Churches Big Stone and Milbank each had their own church.

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The first Milbank Church was located out at the edge of town, and the school was poorly attended, then they got ready for a change.

First of all before they began to take on so large a load Church, Parsonage and School house all at one time was a big burden but before there was such a suitable location for the church, then they began to procure property to locate same. The Church grounds now contain about three acres in the nice part of the City at first the objection was that the Congregation could not undertake such a large program, some of the leaders saying it is impossible to pay for the location and meeting was held in the Church after Sunday Mass and the Committee was there with their plan. They had a Deed to all the property free from encumbrance this would turned over to the St. Charles Church if the people would build the Church, but if not this property would revert to the giver. These three brick buildings would run into a large sum of money there was some dissatisfaction among the people, but the program approved and building began as soon as possible. Father O’Neill who was then pastor a good solicitor and stood well with the people and when this was completed there was considerable debt on the buildings and a mortgage for $18000.00 was placed on the building when most of the parishioners heard of this staggering debt as they said were dissatisfied. But when the parties who held mortgage on these buildings they were appeased, one of the big companies offered them a loan of $50000.00 but it was not considered by priest or people. $18000.00 with notes for like amount was given.

The companies offered to make a $50000.00 loan on the property. The following was accepted and now paid off give mortgage for $18000.00 with note of like amount, and mortgage fore $22000 extra without notes, this was being done so that in case more money was needed to complete the building money could be had at call.

This $22000.00 was not to draw any interest until notes were give like amount. This is all settled now. The church is free from debt and we feel proud of the fine set of buildings we have now.

Thank there is not other town in So Dak that has such beautiful church and grounds.

For this we must thank Msgr. F.P. Grabig he has worked hard and put us on the map. Msgr Grabig, I thank you.

H.A. Martens

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HISTORYSt. Lawrence Parish

Milbank, South Dakota

There is nothing like a sense of history to give us an insight into the growth of the Catholic parish of St. Lawrence and the Milbank community.

The first Catholic activity in this part of Dakota Territory took place at a point designated St. Joseph, the homestead of John martens, located five miles north and one east of Milbank. Today, Bernard Van Stralen, a grandson, and his family are residents of the important early day settlement.

Mr. Martens and his family, coming from Green Bay, Wisconsin were the first of a number of families to arrive in the spring of 1879. Coming about the same time were the

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Frank Kockx family, the Voights and the Arnold Jurgens. Other early settlers were the John and Henry Hermans, Anton Van Hout, Charles Fonder, Jim and John Heffernan, Philip and Frank Roder, Charles Brown, Pat Brennan, Van Asch, Van Tengerin, and Hublou families. The Catholic settlers of the Whetstone Valley were predominately of Dutch, German and Irish descent.

To accommodate the traffic going west John Martens built a large barge to ferry travelers across the deep Whetstone. Because of this his farm also became known as “Martens Crossing”. He took the initial step to secure two essential needs for the new community, a church and post office. The St. Joseph post office was established in 1880 and operated from his home. With the advent of the rural mail routes it was discontinued at his request in 1902.

One Sunday morning early in November, 1879, Mr. Martens hitched a team to his buggy and drove to Graceville, Minnesota, to make known the religious needs of the settlement to Father Timothy Ryan, the pastor. Father informed Bishop John Ireland of St. Paul, Minnesota of their request. Father Ryan was immediately assigned to attend to this matter. On November 29, 1879, the first Holy Sacrifice of the Mass was offered at Martens home. This was the beginning of regular Catholic services. Mass for the area was first offered in Ortonville, Minnesota, and then in private homes or the school in Big Stone City, South Dakota.

On February 1, 1880, Abbot Martin Marty, O.S.B. was consecrated Bishop of Dakota Territory and established the episcopal seat at Yankton, South Dakota. Now Dakota Territory was no longer under the jurisdiction of the diocese of St. Paul, Minnesota. In 1889, the year South Dakota was admitted as the fortieth state of the Union, the episcopal seat was moved to Sioux Falls.

In 1881 Bishop Marty directed the Catholics to build the first church in Big Stone City. During the time Big Stone City was the county seat, the pastor of St. Charles Parish established a mission church in Milbank. Later, when Milbank became the county seat and grew rapidly, the order was reversed. Father George Hermeling was pastor of Big Stone City and Milbank from October 1882 to August, 1890.

In 1881 Bishop Marty sent Father Lever to Milbank to organize the congregation. St. Lawrence Church was erected in 1883. The church and school were located on Bell Avenue in northeast Milbank, north of the railroad tracks. The rectory was across the street south of the church. Of these three buildings only the rectory remains on the corner of Bell Avenue and Lloyd Street.

In the last paragraph of the Articles of Incorporation of St. Lawrence Church appear the names of Father John Hermeling and two members of the parish, Peter Riegelsberger and Everhard Kamps. The seat of office was the twenty-eighth day of January, 1884. A.H. Lewis was Notary Public.

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The first parish school opened in 1885. The Benedictine Sisters conducted the school and remained until 1891 when it closed. It was reopened in 1901 under the direction of Father John Wulf, the pastor, and the Presentation Sisters. The Presentation Sisters have served St. Lawrence School for seventy-nine consecutive years. Twelve families were in attendance in 1901.

In 1910, under the direction of Father John O’Neill, the present brick school was built. For three years the second story was used as the church. The cornerstone for the new brick church was laid in 1913. The rectory was built at this time. Father O’Neill played an important part in promoting the construction of St. Bernard Hospital in 1920. At his request the Sisters of Providence from Chicago agreed to staff the new hospital.

Monsignor F.P. Grabig, who succeeded Father O’Neill in 1924, was largely responsible for landscaping the church property and cemetery.

Father Thomas Shanley was named pastor in 1949, following the death of Monsignor Grabig. Under Father Shanley’s direction a convent for the Presentation Sisters was erected in 1961.

Father Robert Fox was pastor from 1969 to 1972. Due to a memorial donation Father’s idea of a Marian Shrine at St. Lawrence was made possible. On May 13, 1971, Bishop Lambert Hock dedicated the shrine to Our Lady of Fatima. The eleven foot high backdrop of thick faceted, colored art glass reminds one of the reported phenomenon of the “spinning of the sun”. this took place with the reported apparitions of Our Lady Mary to three children at Fatima, Portugal in 1917.

Father John Nieborski was pastor from 1972 to 1975. Father Carlton Hermann was pastor from 1975 to 1978. Under their direction the church parlors were remodeled and decorated. Monsignor Richard Mahowald is the present pastor.

St. Lawrence Church in its ninety-seven years of history has been served by thirteen pastors, having assistant priests under three pastors.

The site of the present church, school and rectory was bought and donated to the parish by a small group of men, among them the late J.S. Farley, Levi Schnabel, C.W. Martens and N.F. Kelly.

There are now approximately five hundred and thirty-six families in St. Lawrence Parish. One hundred and eighty-one children are enrolled in St. Lawrence school this year.

St. Lawrence is a flourishing parish. During the years of its existence the parish has been blest with a number of vocations to the religious life. It is with pride we speak of the priests, sisters and brothers from St. Lawrence Church.

Compiled by Dr. and Mrs. S. M. SchlosserMarch, 1979

Saint Lawrence Church

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Milbank, South DakotaCentennial Observance

100 Years of FaithSeptember 26, 1982

History of St. Lawrence Church

St. Lawrence Catholic congregation of Milbank has chosen for its centennial observance the theme, “One Hundred Years of Faith”. Since the congregation was organized in 1881 by a group of pioneer settlers, it has experienced steady growth. At present there are 584 families and 1,669 souls in the parish. The Sunday liturgy is celebrated four times to accommodate the growing congregation.

The congregation was organized by Father lever, sent to Milbank by the newly consecrated Bishop of Dakota Territory, Martin Marty, a Benedictine missionary. With his consecration, jurisdiction passed from the Diocese of St. Paul to the new Dakota Diocese.

The first religious needs of the Catholics of this area were made known to Bishop John Ireland, of St. Paul, by Father Timothy Ryan, of Graceville. He learned of the desire of the settlers, mostly of Dutch, German and Irish descent for establishment of a church from John Martens, who hitched a team to his buggy and drove to Graceville one Sunday morning in November 1879. The trip resulted in the first mass in this part of Dakota Territory being celebrated at the Martens homestead on Nov. 29, 1879.

Located on the Whetstone River six miles northeast of Milbank, the Martens homestead was known as St. Joseph. The enterprising Mr. Martens not only looked after the religious needs of his fellow settlers but has arranged to have his home designated as a United States post office. He also operated a large barge to ferry homesteaders and travelers across the swollen creek as they headed west. The homestead is now the home of his grandson, Bernard Van Stralen, and his family.

After Bishop Marty assumed his duties, he directed the Catholics to build a church in Big Stone City, which was then the county seat. Father George Hermeling, the first pastor, also served St. Lawrence parish which was considered a mission church. In 1887 he was transferred to Milbank as pastor of St. Lawrence.

The first church, school and rectory built by St. Lawrence parishioners were completed by 1883 and were located north of the Milwaukee railroad tracks. The rectory, which serves as a private residence now, is the only building remaining. It is located on the southeast corner of the intersection of Bell Avenue and Lloyd Street.

The articles of incorporation for St. Lawrence Church, sealed on January 28, 1884, list the names of Father Hermeling and two parishioners, Peter Riegelsberger and Everhand Kamps.

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St. Lawrence school opened in 1885 and was staffed by Benedictine Sisters. They staffed the school until 1893 when the parish could not support the school because of poor crops. According to records of the Sisters, the building then reverted to the original purpose – a rectory.

A letter in the archives of the Benedictine Sisters, Yankton, dated Sept. 17, 1888, gives this insight to early day operation of school. Written by Mother Gertrude Leupi to Abbot Frowin Conrad, it states: “I sent four Sisters to Milbank; two will teach the English school; two the German school. Sister Gregory Clark (an Indian Sister) has 15 music pupils. Father John Hermeling provided the piano. He also gave the Sisters a cow to provide milk for them.”

The following Benedictines served the school from 1888-1893: Sisters Mathilda Cattani, Gabriella Rieser, Falavia Degelo, Scholastic Mueller, and Leona Kaufman.

The school was reopened in 1901 during the pastorship of Father John Wulf, and was staffed by the Presentation Sisters, whose motherhouse is at Aberdeen. Most of them were Irish immigrants who left their homeland in their late teens to begin religious training and work in the United States.

Children from 12 families were in attendance when the school reopened. The Presentation Sisters have since staffed the school. At present 11 former Milbank parishioners are Presentation Sisters. One of them, Sister Alicia Dunphy, has served as president of Presentation College and as a college dean.

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CHURCH WAS COMPLETED 1914

Msgr. Louise Delahoyde, Chancellor of the Catholic Chancery office, Sioux Falls, has supplied new information on St. Lawrence parish’s history which unfortunately did not arrive until this booklet was ready for publication.

According to Chancery records, Father Tener was sent by Bishop Marty to Big Stone City to look after the Catholics of Grant county. He and his successor, Father Keefe, said Mass from time to time at the various homes in Milbank and vicinity. On Oct. 18, 1882, Father Hermeling said Mass in the Court House (then in Big Stone City) and immediately afterwards took the first steps in consultation with the Catholics present, for the building of a church. The three building lots were purchased for one dollar from John R. Eastman. Milbank residents helped to raise funds for the church which was completed in 1883.

In January 1884 at the first meeting of the trustees, St. Lawrence congregation was incorporated and mass was had on two Sundays of the month with Father Hermeling, of Big Stone, celebrant.

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In 1888, he began the erection of a pastor’s home, which was used as a school, beginning in 1890. No date is given for completion of the church but records show that under the pastorship of Rev. Charles M. Browne, who arrived in Milbank on Nov. 19, 1895, the debts remaining after the building of the church and school were paid off. He was succeeded by Rev. John L. Wulf on Nov. 20, 1895, who remained as pastor for 12 years. He erected a commodious residence (still in use as a family dwelling) for the pastor and reopened the school.

Rev. Leo J. Brones came to Milbank in April 1909 and immediately began yeoman service for the erection of a new set of church buildings. New lots were secured in a more central location and a subscription was commenced. After much hard work Father Brones’s health gave way and he resigned Jan. 1, 1911. A few days afterwards, Bishop O’Gorman asked Rev. J.J. O’Neill, of Beresford, to take charge.

He arrived March 4, 1911, and work on the new parish buildings began immediately. The school was opened after the Christmas holidays of the same year. In Spring 1912, the work on the parish house was begun. It was ready for occupancy in the Fall.

The following Spring, work on the church was renewed and in the Fall of 1914 the new building was opened with a two weeks’ mission by the Diocesan Mission band.

The total cost of the new set of buildings was close to one hundred thousand dollars and at no time did the debts amount to more than twenty thousand dollars. Some of the work was done by parishioners. The next work undertaken by Father O’Neill was erection of a hospital for the community.

PRIESTS WHO HAVE SERVED ST. LAWRENCE

Attended from Big Stone 1881-1885Unknown 1886Rev. John Hermeling 1887 to Aug 1, 1890Rev. J.A. Stephan 1890 to Dec 4, 1892Rev. Charles M. Browne Dec 4, 1892 to Nov 19, 1895Rev. John L. Wulf Nov 20, 1895 to Jan 1908Rev. F. J. Feinler Feb 1, 1908 to April 1, 1909Rev. L.Y. Brones April 1, 1909 to Jan 1, 1911Rev. J.J. O’Neill March 4, 1911 to Sept 1924 Rev S.J. Cassidy 1912 – 1913

Rev. Joseph Duffey 1913-1914Rev. S. J. Cassidy 1914-1915Rev. P.J. Kelly 1917-1918Rev. J. A. Rochon ? – Feb 24, 1923Rev. Felix McCabe 1921-to March 1923Rev. M. Moore Dec 28,1923–Jan 24,1924Rev. M. Mennis Jan 12 – Sept 1924Rev. Fabian Stindle May 23–Jun 2, 1924Rev. J. A. Williams Sept. 12, 1924 –Sept 1925Rev. John McCarthy ? – Nov. 21, 1925

Msgr. F.P. Grabig Sept 12, 1924 to Apr 17, 1949 Rev. C. A. Wachter Nov 21, 1925-Oct 2, 1926Rev. J. J. Hyland Oct 3, 1926 – Nov 4, 1928Rev. P. J. Cafferty Nov 4, 1928-Jun 16, 1929Rev. Wm. Schmidt Jun 16, 1929-Oct 10, 1932

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Rev. N. Staltz 1932-1933Rev. Paul Quinn Jun 17, 1933-Aug 8, 1936Rev. C.J. Schilling Aug 4, 1936 – Feb 6, 1937Rev. Henry Luig Feb 6, 1937 – Jul 16, 1937Rev. Owen Kirley Jun 12, 1937-Oct 11, 1939Rev. Gerald Finan Oct 19, 1939-Feb 12, 1941Rev. John J. Cordes Feb 12, 1941-May 6, 1941Rev. Joseph Rowan May 6, 1941– Aug 1, 1941Rev. Arthur T. O’Brien Aug 1, 1941-Jul 1, 1942Rev. Casimir Mociun Jul 1, 1941– May 21, 1946Rev. Paul Bachman May 21,1946-Jun 10, 1947Rev. Thos. Burns Jun 10, 1947-May 10,1949

Rev. Thomas Shanley May 10, 1949 to July 15, 1970 Rev. Owen B. Klapperich Jun 16, 1949-Jun 15,1953Rev. Bruce MacArthur Jun 15, 1953-May 18,1955Rev. Robert Fox May 19, 1955-Jan 15,1959Rev. James P. Byorth Jan 24, 1959-Sept 1, 1961Rev. Joseph L. Powers Sep 1, 1961-Jul 30, 1964Rev. Joseph Ripp Jul 30, 1964-Jun 15, 1965Rev. Joseph Wagner Jun 15, 1965-Jun 25, 1970

Rev. Robert Fox Jul 15, 1970 to Jun 29, 1972Rev. John Nieborski Jun 29, 1972 to Mar 8, 1976Rev. Carl Hermann Mar 8, 1976 to Nov 15, 1978 Msgr. Leonard Zwinger Aug 31, 1978-Nov 15,1978Msgr. Richard Mahowald Nov 15, 1978 to April 25, 1980Rev. Paul McHarness,OSB May 10, 1980 to Rev. Hugh Smith, OSB May 17, 1980-

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THE CATHOLICLAYMAN’S GUIDE

A BRIEF OUTLINE OF WHAT HE SHOULD KNOW AND DO

THE CATHOLIC LAYMAN’S GUIDE778 Frank Street

ST. PAUL 6, MINNESOTA[copyright 1942]

TEN SURE WAYS TO SMASH ANY CHURCH ORGANIZATION

1. Don’t come to meetings.2. If you come, come late.3. If the weather doesn’t suit you, don’t think of coming.4. If you attend a meeting, find fault with the work of the officers and the other

members.5. Never accept office, as it is easier to criticize than to do things.6. Nevertheless, get rebellious if you are not appointed on a committee but if you

are, don’t attend committee meetings.7. If asked by the chairman to give your opinion regarding some important matters

reply you have nothing to say. After the meeting tell everyone how it ought to be done.

8. Do nothing more than is absolutely necessary, but when other members roll up their sleeves and willingly and unselfishly use their ability to help matters along, tell the world that the organization is being run by a clique.

9. Hold back your dues as long as possible, or don’t pay at all.10.Don’t bother about getting new members. Let George do it.

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