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St. Bernard’s Catholic Church

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The first Mass said in Watertown was celebrated in the Crangle home by Father Kundig in the fall of 1841, and he continued to visit the village at intervals until 1845 when the first little church was completed on the site of the present St. Bernard’s.

Patrick Rogan shared in ownership of some of the land granted to James. Patrick Rogan and his wife presented the land to St. Bernard's where the first frame church was built in 1846. Patrick Rogan was active in community, church and civic affairs.

1873 Laying of the corner stone

1908 Father Boland assumes charge of the parish. Father Rogers, for seven years pastor, left for treatment at St. Agnes' sanitarium July 31 WG

1923

Church Jubilee Revives Styles of 1873

(Picture)

Left to right – E. J. O’Byrne, G. A. Gallman, James W. Moore, J. D. Casey

Below – Mrs. E. J. O’Byrne, Mrs. G. A. Gallman, Mrs. Richard Irving, Sr. and Mrs. Hannah Griffin.

One of the most interesting features of the golden jubilee celebration of St. Bernard’s Catholic Church was the grand march at the dinner dance held at the Turner Opera house on the last day of the four day celebration, and which was led by eight persons who have been members of St. Bernard’s congregation for fifty years. The four women wore costumes of 1873 and with the rest of the brilliant assemblage the scene was one of the most impressive on record here.

Four generations of singers have taken part in the choir programs of St. Bernard’s Church, it developed at the celebration of its diamond jubilee. At the laying of the corner stone fifty years ago, Mrs. August Wiggenhorn, then a prominent singer and musician in this community took part in the service. The four generations included Mrs. August Wiggenhorn, Mrs. Edward J. Brandt and Mrs. Earl W. Quirk, who are at present leaders in the choir and Catherine and Lillian Quirk, great grandchildren of Mrs. Wiggenhorn, who are members of the children’s chorus.

All but Mrs. Wiggenhorn took part in the jubilee exercise last week.

Cross-References:

No 1: 1873, John Booney superintendent of the carpenter and wood work on the new St. Bernard's