Sacred Heart – Then and Now
Taken from 1979 Parish Directory
Written by
Dolores Verkamp
And
Mark Verkamp

Upon arrival from the East to Charleston, Arkansas, whether by horse or auto, the gaze of the oncoming people is immediately attracted to the cross jutting above the horizon of trees. The cross is supported by an octangular cone with triangular windows supporting white shutters in every other side of the tower. Surrounding the tower are four crosses which add to the beauty of the structure and signifying the importance of the building to all.

Offset from the massive bell tower is the main body of the church. The roof is a steeply inclined gable formation with rock crosses seated on the four corners and another cross on the north end of the roof ridge. The walls are composed of native rock with rectangular windows. This entire structure has changed little over the past 75 years and has captured the gaze of countless people passing through the town, causing them to ponder over the beauty of the structure, beckoning them to see an even greater scene – the inner church.

The interior of the church has changed several times since its construction and remodeling plans are now being studied. The altar and tabernacle with the gently flickering sanctuary lamp is the focal point of the church. When entering the church one seems to sense its peace and tranquility.

The church was, and still is, a fitting monument showing the faith and love of God of the Catholics in the Charleston area.

In 1877, the first Catholic settlers, Henry Miesner, Frank Fealy, and Thomas Flynn, came to the Charleston area, a circle of gently rising hills surrounding a fertile plain in which the town is located.

These men worked hard to enlarge the parish so that services could be held here. They managed to bring the following families to Charleston: Gramlich, Grober, Reinard, Minden, Gilsinger, Kieling, Krail, Meier, Shelman, Teller, Dollhofer, Samaer, Ibson, Classen, Kurt, Meiling, Giesler, Nelke, and Pat Fealy. Many of these settlers were of Irish or German ancestry and came from Ohio and Illinois.

Through the efforts of these early settlers, a priest came every month, with the first service held in the home of Frank Fealy. This continued until 1879 when a delegation was sent to Little Rock, Arkansas to see the Most Reverend Bishop Edward Fitzgerald about starting a parish and building a church.

The Bishop asked, “Are there Germans among your Catholics?”

“Yes,” answered Frank Fealy and Tom Flynn.

“Well, then you may start your church. If Germans are among you, they will be sure to see it through.”

It was a large undertaking for the small number of families, but they were all faithful Catholics, eager and ready for sacrifices and they succeeded. The people of Charleston donated the site and $170 in cash.

The small frame church, similar in design to the present church, was soon completed and dedicated by the Bishop Edward Fitzgerald on November 18, 1880. The first baptism in the church was that of Mary Gilsinger in 1881. The first marriage was that of Joseph Buergler and Magdaline Giesler in 1883.

The parish now had a church but no resident pastor. The Fathers from St. Benedicts’ Priory attended to the parish, saying Mass here twice a month. Some of the priests who were assigned to administer to the well being of the parish in the early days were: Rev. Fr. Doyle and the Benedictine Fathers, Boniface, Benedict, Wolfgang and Sylvan. Father Sylvan Buscher became the first resident pastor who started and taught school. He was soon succeeded by Father Ludwig Stutzer.

The language barrier sometimes created problems. In a letter dated December 20, 1885, Father Ludwig stated that some of the people thought he didn’t associated with them enough and they indicated that they were willing to put up with his English or they would also be willing to help him. Father Ludwig also mentioned that in 1885 a mission was preached by Father Pacidus Zarn who used the English language as though it were his mother tongue. The sermon was advertised in the local newspaper. The church was crowded and the sermon was impressive because the Protestants later requested more sermons.

Father Ludwig left in 1889 and Sacred heart Parish was then without a resident pastor until 1893. During these years the Benedictine Fathers from Subiaco came to Sacred Heart to administer to the spiritual welfare of the people. Notable among the priests were Fathers Placidus, Ulridh, Bernard, Anselm, Augustine, Luke and frequently the Rt. Rev. Abbot Ignatius.

Times were not always easy for the early settlers and there was no exception for the people of Charleston. They suffered from crop failures and low cotton prices yet debts had to be paid. These hardships sometimes caused tempers to flare, but with persistent faith and hard work they persevered and were able to see better times. Beginning about 1890 there was a great influx of Catholic settlers reaching a total of 50 families in 1904.

In 1893, when the parish could again support a resident pastor, Father Anselm was appointed. At this time the property across the street and slightly east from the church was bought and used for a rectory. Father Anselm was the first to suggest building a stone church, since the old frame church was deteriorating. He ordered the first investigations and plans to be developed. He also began a house-to house collection for funds and ordered a monthly collection in church.

Under Father Anselm’s guidance the St. Michael’s and Mothers’ Societies were founded. The St. Michael’s Society built its own meeting hall, across the street from the church, and in 1902 they were host to the Annual Convention of the Staatsverbaad, which today is known as the Catholic Union.

Following seven years of service in the parish, Father Anselm was recalled to the Abbey by his superiors to teach in the school. Father Anselm had the love and respect of many friends which was shown by the large attendance at his funeral in March, 1925. As a sign of special gratitude, former parishioners of Charleston and Ratcliff were asked to serve as pallbearers. They were the Messrs. Joe Yunker, Gus Spieler, Nic and Matt Minden, John Willems and Frank Altenhoefel.

Father Boniface Spanke then became resident pastor. He took over the problems of the church building program with great energy. The cornerstone was laid in 1902. Stone for the new church was hauled by parishioners from a local quarry in horse-drawn wagons. John Freeze was the stone mason who supervised the men of the parish in setting the stone around the wooden church. When the stonework was completed the wood was removed through the doors and windows of the church.

On June 12, 1904, Sacred Heart Parish with great pride and joy celebrated its 25th anniversary and the dedication of the new church of native stone.

In 1906, Father Boniface was recalled to the school at the Abbey and was succeeded by Father Columban Schmucki who completed the interior of the church and built a new school and rectory.

In 1914, Father Stephen Heinkle succeeded Father Columban. He set about the task of removing the indebtedness of the congregation brought about by the building projects of his predecessor. This goal was reached in 1925 through the medium of investment in the Building and Loan Association of Little Rock.

In February, 1920, Father Alphose Mueller followed Father Stephen as pastor. During his tenure as pastor he had electric lights installed in all the buildings. With donations, he had the two side altars and the communion rail constructed.

In January, 1927, Father Eugene Spiess of St. Meinard Abbey in Indiana took over the pastorate and continued through most of that year. It was under his guidance that a private water system was installed in the rectory and an addition made to the school. After his return to St. Meinard, the Fathers from New Subiaco Abbey attended the parish until Father Bonaventure Maechler came as resident pastor in March, 1928.

The depression years hit the parish very hard and many Catholic families moved away seeking to better their condition elsewhere. The number of families that before had grown to around 60, dwindled to about 30 families in 1930.It was that year that parish celebrated its 50th anniversary. Father Boniface, a former pastor, preached the sermon for the occasion.

Beginning with 1939, there was a gradual return of Catholic families to Charleston until it again reached its former number of about 60.

In September, 1934, Father Augustine Linbeck was appointed pastor of Sacred Heart Parish and served until September, 1939, when he was succeeded by Father Bede Mitchell. He was recalled to the Abbey in September, 1941, at which time Father Alphonse Mueller was again appointed pastor.

In 1952 under the guidance of Father Alphonse, the church building underwent a complete exterior and interior restoration costing approximately $12,000. In 1954 the parish was cleared of indebtedness. This same year the parish also purchased a new car for the pastor and built a new garage.

On October 10, 1954, the 75th anniversary of the parish was celebrated with a Solemn High Mass at 10 a.m. followed by Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. The Pastor, Rev. Alphonse Mueller, was celebrant of the Mass with Rev. Bonaventure Maechler as Deacon and Rev. Placidus Eckart as Sub-deacon. Rev. Michael Lensing preached the sermon. Following the services, a dinner was served in the school basement and the afternoon festivities included games, picnicking, and other recreational activities.

In 1960, after serving two tenures as pastor of Sacred Heart Parish encompassing 25 years, Father Alphonse retired and became Chaplain for Crawford County Hospital, Van Buren, Arkansas, where he served until his death in 1965.

In 1960, Father Bede Mitchell was again appointed pastor of Sacred Heart for a say of four years Father Bede was pastor here for a total of six years and on many occasions has returned to help out the pastor in cases of illness or vacations. Following Father Bede as pastor was Father Matthew Wiederkehr and Father Joseph Fuhrman.

In midsummer of 1965, Father Placidus Eckart became resident pastor. In November, 1965 he introduced the tithing program to the parishioners. This program was met with mixed feelings but it was soon deemed a success as the average Sunday collection of the years 1966 and 1967 was $298.65. After just one year of the tithing program it was possible to transfer approximately $7,000 to the building fund. Sacred heart Parish is still a tithing parish with great success. There were no outstanding debts and the average Sunday collection for the year 1978 was $774.25.

The Second Vatican Council in Rome was the beginning of a very historic time in the Catholic Church. The Council recommended a number of changes and as they were introduced in the Diocese of Little Rock by Bishop Alber L. Fletcher, Father Placidus introduced them to the people of Sacred Heart. Some of the changes included the following: the vernacular language- English, instead of Latin, was used in the mass and in administering the Sacraments which helped to make the liturgy more meaningful to the people. The priest presiding at Mass began facing the congregation; the parishioners were asked to participate more in the services by congregational singing, vocally praying with the priest and members of the parish bringing the Offertory gifts to the Altar. The exchange of the sign of peace and love by shaking hands or some other sign was inaugurated. Men from the parish, called Commentators, were asked to participate in the services by reading a portion of Scripture from the Old and New Testaments and to lead the people in prayer and make pertinent announcements.

In order that the parishioners might share in the full life of the church, Father Placidus, along with members of the parish, drew up a constitution, in 1967, covering all the activities: temporal, spiritual, educational and social for the parish. The constitution provided for a Parish Council composed of four commissions: Finance-Building, Liturgical-Ecumenical, Educational, and Home Life-Social. Members of the commission are elected for two year terms with all adult members of the parish life today.

Sacred Heart Parish had been growing steadily over the years and the needs of the people were rapidly changing. In 1966 and 1967, after 54 years without any new major construction projects, minds and hearts turned to building. After much study and prayer, it was decided to erect a multi-purpose parish hall and school cafetorium. Edwin J. Drimmel, Jr., of Fort Smith was engaged as architect. In January, 1968, McConnell Construction Co. of Charleston was awarded the contract in the amount of $41,622.73. This facility is the scene for scripture study classes, dinners, parties, wedding receptions and parish and civic meetings.

Palm Sunday of 1968 stands out in the minds of many, for on that day shortly after services; fire broke out in the sacristy of the church. There was extensive damage to this area and considerable smoke damage in the remainder of the church. It was decided that instead of restoring the church, it would be more practical to make some changes. A suspended acoustical ceiling was installed; wood windows were replaced with aluminum; electrical changes were made and the interior was repainted. While the remodeling of the church was in progress, Mass was held in the new parish hall.

Father James Foley succeeded Father Placidus as pastor in July, 1968. With Father James’ guidance several other changes were made. Air conditioning in the church was installed in 1972 and the debts incurred with the building of the new hall were paid. Father James and others determined that it was no longer feasible to operate a school and he introduced the CCD program and asked for volunteers to help teach the religion classes. Also during his tenure, the possibility of building a new rectory was discussed.

Father Peter Sharum succeeded Father James in 1975 and is the present pastor. Under his guidance a new rectory has been constructed, a large parking lot paved, and small remodeling projects accomplished in the church and school, with all outstanding debts paid.

Sacred Heart Parish has not only grown in numbers over the years, but the faith of the people has also flourished as evidenced by the large numbers attending the Masses at which most partake in the Eucharist.

The possibility of Lay Ministers was discussed and names were submitted to the bishop. In March, 1978, Bishop Andrew J. McDonald announced the appointment of seven men to be Extra-ordinary Ministers of the Eucharist for Gene Bruick, Gene Dotson, Richard Huck, Roger James, Charles Ketter, James Raible and Herman Verkamp. These men helped distribute Holy Communion at all of the Sunday and Holy Day Masses.

In reading through parish records, papers, letters and talking to “Ole Timers” some things have not changed during the past century.

The pastors and the people have always thought well of one another, worked faithfully together to help make things better. There have been many hard times- financial stressed, sicknesses and deaths. There have been many good times- financial burdens relieved, religious vocations, marriages, special anniversaries, births, new families moving in the parish unit. These times were shared in sorrow and with joy with one another.

From the few founding families the parish family has grown to approximately 120 families or 400 members. These families represent farmers, factory workers, secretaries, medical profession, teachers, editor, lawyer, and construction workers. Many have served in various branches of Armed Services. Many participate in local civic activities.

The faith of the people has always been evident. During the past 100 years there have been various religious organizations, some of which are still active. Besides attending Sunday Mass and after having completed their formal religious education, many have taken the opportunity to further their knowledge of their faith by taking part in CYO conventions for the young people, Search for Teenagers, Cursillos for the Adults, Marriage Encounters for Married couples, Scripture Study Classes, with Mr. and Mrs. Joe Kiene as coordinators, are offered, at which guest speakers are invited to give lectures.

Daily Mass is offered with an impressive number in attendance. It is not unusual to stop by church at most any time of the day and find someone who has stopped in for a few moments of private prayer.

After Masses, the people gather in the church yard and visit with friends and neighbors, and to greet newcomers and visitors. There are usually several occasions during the year at which time the parish will get together in the hall for a “pot luck” dinner or other special celebrations such as First Communion, showers, special anniversaries and weddings.

The parishioners have always been generous with their time and talents. The contributions of special gifts and labor are too numerous to give special attention.

The members of Sacred Heart Parish are thankful to the Benedictine monks of New Subiaco Abbey who have so faithfully guided them and shared both the good and hard times. The people of Sacred Heart Parish are most of all thankful to Almighty God for the many rich blessings He has bestowed upon them.

CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY

1877 - First settlers arrived

1879 – Permission received to build a church

1880 – Church dedicated on November 418 by Bishop Edward Fitzgerald

1881 – First baptism in church – Mar Gilsinger

1882 – Land for cemetery bought by Valentine Gilsinger from Jack Giesler

1882 - School started by Father Sylvan Buscher

1883 – First marriage in church- Joseph Buergler and Magdaline Giesler

1893 – Property across the street form church was bought and used as rectory

1900 – S.F. Burkhard resigned as teacher. Benedictine Sisters from, Shoal Creek began teaching

1900 – Cornerstone for new church was laid

1904 – On June 12 the parish celebrated its 24th anniversary and the church of native stone was dedicated

1912 – School was built at a cost of $1500. The school was dedicated on June 17, and on this same occasion Fraters Anthony Vorster and Alphonse Mueller were ordained Subdeacons.

1912 – A new rectory and a new sisters’ residence were erected

1920 – Electric lights installed in all buildings

1927 – Private water system installed in the rectory. Kitchen and stage were added to the school.

1930 – 50th anniversary celebrated on December 21

1944 – Father John Walbe celebrated his First Mass in Sacred Heart Church on May 21

1952 – Church buildings underwent complete interior and exterior restoration which was completed in 1953

1954 – Parish cleared of all indebtedness. New automobile purchased and garage built. Diamond Jubilee celebrated on October 10.

1965 – Laymen were asked to serve as Commentators

1968 – Construction of multi-purpose parish hall and school cafetorium

1968 – March 31, Palm Sunday, fire broke out in sacristy of church

1968 – Remodeling of interior church

1973 – The doors of the school were closed for the last time

1972 – Church was air conditioned

1973 – CCD program was implemented for all students attending public school.

1975 – Old Sisters’ house was sold and moved

1975 – Construction of new rectory for $25,234.12

1976 – Old rectory and furnishings were sold at public auction

1976 – Remodeling of church – confessional room built

1976 – Women were asked to serve as commentators

1976 – Large parking lot built

1977 – Church was carpeted

1978 – Seven men were commissioned as Extra-Ordinary Ministers of the Eucharist