St. Stephen’s Schism
Time line
“Átok verte meg a Magyart, hogy az soha össze nem tart.”
Dec. 21, 1907
Sep. 12, 1909
Aug. 21, 1910
Apr. 8, 1911*
May 15, 1911*
May 16, 1911*
May 18, 1911*
May 22, 1911*
May 26, 1911*
May 29, 1911*
May 31, 1911*
June 3, 1911*
June 8, 1911*
July 12, 1911*
July 13, 1911*
July 15, 1911*
July 17, 1911*
July 18, 1911*
July 24, 1911*
Apr. 4, 1912*
Apr. 22, 1912*
Apr. 27, 1912*
“Early 1912”
May 1, 1912
May 4, 1912*
May 6, 1912*
May 9, 1912*
May 16, 1912*
May 18, 1912*
May 20, 1912*
Father Froehlich becomes pastor of St. Stephen’s
Cornerstone laid for new St. Stephen’s Church building
New St. Stephen’s Church dedicated; cost of $33,000
Bishop sues to dissolve board of trustees at St. Stephen’s
Violence at St. Stephen’s. Crowd accuses Froehlich of crimes.
City officials appeal to Bishop Alerding to intervene.
Investigators for Bishop question Father Froelich and accusers.
Police disperse crowd at St. Stephen’s
Father Froehlich vindicated by Bishop’s panel.
Father Bognar of East Chicago read’s Bishop’s letter at St. Stephen’s low
mass; trouble after mass; police close church.
Fraulu defends himself in newspaper; John Horwath attacked by
housemates.
St. Stephen’s closed by Bishop Alerding.
Fraulu charged with wife desertion–hearing June 22; Horwath attackers in
court–Faraga trial June 15.
Bishop Alerding announces exchange of pastors: Father Froehlich to go to
St. Stephen of Hungary in NY,NY; Father Louis Kovacs to come to St.
Stephen’s in South Bend from that NY parish.
Riot at St. Stephen’s in South Bend, Fathers Kovacs and Froehlich
threatened.
Bishop reopens St. Stephen’s.
Riot at St. Stephen’s in South Bend–Father Kovacs flees city. Parishioners
of St. Stephen’s in NY lock out Father Froelich.
Father Kovacs returns to parish in South Bend
Father Kovacs celebrates mass undisturbed.
Congregation announces plans to build new Hungarian-Catholic church.
Congregation purchases site for St. Szive’s Church, at Indiana and Catalpa
avenues; elects officers. Announce that Rev. Victor von Kubinyi will accept
new charge.
St. Stephen’s pastor, Rev. Louis von Kovacs will exchange parishes with
Rev. Alexander Varlaky, of St. John’s in South Bethlehem, Pa.
Victor von Kubinyi, then in Newark, NJ contacted by certain members of
St. Stephen’s parish in SB to come minister to them.
Father Varlaky assigned to St. Stephen’s parish in South Bend.
Rev. Kubinyi elected priest of the new Church of the Sacred Heart
Final appeal sent to bishop Alerding, asking him to appoint Rev. Kubinyi
pastor of St. Stephen’s church or recognize new congregation.
Rev. Kubinyi and followers rent 211 S. Scott St. to be used as residence,
headquarters, and place of worship.
Rev. Kubinyi moves to 312 S. Lafayette; he issues statement claiming to
be victim of slander in nation Hungarian-language newspapers.
Bishop Alerding sends letter denying Rev. Kubinyi right to diocesan
faculties and authorization to form new parish.
Rev. Kubinyi issues statement that he never claimed to be diocesan priest.
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May 27, 1912*
June 5, 1912*
June 1912
July 22, 1912*
Aug. 5, 1912*
Aug. 26, 1912*
Sept 8, 1912
Dec. 28, 1912*
Apr. 14, 1913*
Apr. 22, 1913*
April 23, 1913*
Apr. 28, 1913*
May 1, 1913*
May 1913
Dec. 7, 1913
Rev. Kubinyi’s congregation elect officers; Kubinyi named “perpetual
rector”.
Rev. Kubinyi’s congregation award construction contract for temporary
building to be used as church until “proper” church can be built. It will later
be used for school. Rev. Kubinyi and headquarters move to 929 W.
Washington Ave.
Rev. Kubinyi and followers begin organizing parish on southwest side of
South Bend.
Sacred Heart cemetery dedicated by Rev. Kubinyi.
Sacred Heart Church joins diocese of Rt. Rev. Francis Hodur, of Scranton,
Pa.
Bishop Alerding excommunicates Rev. Kubinyi and his followers. Rev.
Kubinyi states that the bishop has no authority to do so, since he (Kubinyi)
left the jurisdiction of Bishop Alerding several months previous.
Sacred Heart Independent Catholic Church holds opening ceremony.
Rev. Kubinyi leaves South Bend.
Rev. Kubinyi forms Hungarian National Church; to be consecrated as
bishop in South Bend.
Sacred Heart Independent Catholic Church parishioners refuse use of
church by Rev. Kubinyi for consecration as bishop.
Rev. Kubinyi files affidavit alleging that officer elections of Sacred Heart
Independent Church were false and fraudulent, and that he, not Rev. Basil
Sychta, is the priest of the church.
Rev. Kubinyi consecrated as bishop at Magyar Haz.
Bishop Kubinyi sues Stephen & Helen Toth for slander-$20,000; sues Rev.
Basil Sychta & officers of Sacred Heart Church for slander – $5,000.
Bishop Kubinyi delivers speech “True Religion” at Oliver Opera House.
Rev. Kubinyi & followers join Episcopal Church.
Rev. Kubinyi founds Holy Trinity Episcopal parish in South Bend.
*These dates are dates that stories appeared in the newspaper.
Highlights of Newspaper Stories
SBT 5/15//1911, p. 1 “...charging him with criminal offenses and also misrepresentation.”
“...no trouble has arisen between the bishop and the congregation...”
SBT 5/17/1911, p. 8 “...as the parish and the bishop are on the best of terms, the trouble being
between the priest and the parish.”
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SBT 5/26/1911, p. 1 “The controversy, it is said, dates back to the time when the new church
was built, about two years ago.”
SBT 5/26/1911, p.20 “Louis Meister...charged Rev. Fr. Froelich with an offense committed in
Feb. 1908...”
SB Times 5/29/1911 “The police asserted today that during his remarks in the church at low
mass yesterday Father Bognar called a certain New York priest whom the
congregation wishes sent here, evil names...”
ibid, p. 11
“He (Father Froehlich) told Rev. Father Miller, bishop’s secretary, that he is
not afraid, that the Magyars are cowards.”
“Father Miller says the trouble is that Father Froehlich will not let the
congregation run things...”
SBT 7/12/1911, p.5 “Persons qualified to speak assert that the coming of the New York priest
will not dispel the trouble in the South Bend parish. Members of St.
Stephen’s Church are said to dislike him equally as much as Father
Froehlich.”
SBT 7/13/1911, p. 1 “On every side the people shouted they would have none of the new priest.
Some said they would rather have Father Froehlich than Father Kovacs for
their pastor.”
“While members of the congregation are reported as having said they
prefer Father Froehlich to the new appointee, they are determined, it is
asserted, the former priest shall not be put in charge. Father Farkas, of
Chicago, who delivered the sermon at the dedication of the church, would
be acceptable, say they. Father Kubiny, whose father yet living in Hungary
was a noted Hungarian general, would also meet with favor among the
congregation, it is reported.”
SBT 7/17/1911, p. 1 “The two parishes are now loud in their demands for new pastors and for
men of their own selection. The South Bend congregation is said to prefer
Rev. Victor von Kubinyi, of the Church of the Ascension, New York, over
any other man. Rev. Laszlo Farkas, of Chicago, is the choice of the New
York church.”
“The trustees of St. Stephen’s church, in this city (New York), had made
their own choice of priest to take Rev. Father Kovacs’ place and did not
fancy the arrangement between their former pastor and the South Bend
man to exchange places.”
SBT 4/4/1912, p.17 “Bishop Alerding said he would do all he could to help us and declared he
would try to obtain Rev. Father Kubinyi for the new parish. The plan of
building the new church is not entirely the result of dissention within St.
Stephen’s church.” (Ladislaw Horvath, trustee of new congregation)
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“Rev. Father von Kovacs, pastor of St. Stephen’s church, characterized the
movement as a step toward the organization of a new congregation
independent of the authority of the bishop and,consequently, a nonCatholic body.
SBT 4/22/1912, p.5 President Horvath said today that the difficulty between the new parish and
the bishop was the determination of the trustees to have the St. Szive
property in their own name.
SBT 4/22/1913, p.1 “According to a statement made today by Father Varlaky, this step was
taken only after Bishop John Hazen White had refused the use of St.
James Episcopal church, as well as having refused to be present at the
services.”
“...the uncle of Rev. Mr. Kubinyi, Louis de Szmrescanyi, archbishop of the
Roman Catholic Church in Hungary...”
“Father Varlaky further states that Rev. Mr. Kubinyi defrauded the people
of Newark, N.J. where he had a parish.”
South Bend Tribune: September 11, 1909 page 5
WILL LAY CORNER STONE SUNDAY
BISHOP AND DIGNITARIES AT ST. STEPHAN’S CHURCH.
CONSULS TO CHICAGO AND CLEVELAND, CITY OFFICIALS AND PROMINENT
MANUFACTURERS GUESTS–TWO SERMONS.
Bishop Alerding, men prominent in the consular service and noted Catholic dignitaries will
take part in the ceremonies accompanying the laying of the corner stone of the new St.
Stephan’s Hungarian church, Thomas and McPherson streets, Sunday afternoon at 3:30.
Sermons in English and Hungarian will be given and the exercises will be the most elaborate
and the most impressive in the history of the congregation.
Rt. Rev. Bishop Alerding, of Fort Wayne, will have charge of the corner stone laying. He will
be assisted by 50 priests from Notre Dame, South Bend and other points in the diocese, as well
as dignitaries from Chicago and other Points. Very Rev. Andrew Morrissey, provincial of the
Holy Cross Order; Rev. John Cavanaugh, C.S.C., president of Notre Dame, and other Notre
Dame officials will have prominent parts. Bishop Alerding will give the English sermon and Rev.
L. Farkas, of Pullman, Ill., will preach in Hungarian. Baron Forster, Austro-Hungarian consul to
Cleveland, and Baron Silvestri, minister to Chicago, will have prominent parts.
The various Polish and Hungarian societies will turn out in full uniform and will receive the
papal blessing from the bishop. Invitations have been extended to the city officials and to
representatives of the various factories in which m embers of the congregation work. The pastor,
Rev. John von Froelich, C.S.C., announced today that Joseph D. Oliver, of the Oliver Chilled
Plow works, and J. M. Studebaker, Sr., president of the Studebaker Bros. Manufacturing
company, will be in attendance. Over 5,000 people are expected to attend.
South Bend Tribune: September 13, 1909 page 11
BISHOP ALERDING LAYS CORNER STONE
WIELDS TROWEL AND CEMENTS ROCK INTO PLACE.
TEN THOUSAND WITNESSES
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FIFTY DISTINGUISHED LAYMEN AND TWENTY-FIVE PRIESTS PARTICIPATE IN
IMPRESSIVE EXERCISES–CITY OFFICIALS AND FACTORY HEADS.
Fifty distinguished laymen, 25 priests and hosts of singers assisted Bishop Alerding and the
pastor, Rev. John von Froelich, C.S.C., lay the corner stone of St. Stephan’s Magyar church,
Thomas and McPherson streets, Sunday afternoon. Ten thousand people of all nationalities
honored the occasion with their presence and commended the Hungarian Roman Catholics on
their enterprise in providing such a fine church edifice. Bishop Alerding not only conducted the
impressive religious exercises, but he also cemented the corner stone into place. Sermons in
English and in the Hungarian tongue were preached.
The exercises, which marked an epoch in the annals of the church, were opened at 3:30 by
the bishop. Prior to the opening the Polish and Hungarian societies of South Bend met at their
respective halls and in full uniform marched to the church site and mingled with the several
thousand people already in attendance. The priests and laymen occupied seats on a platform
with the bishop. Joseph D. Oliver, head of the Oliver Chilled Plow works, and J. M. Studebaker,
Sr., president of the Studebaker Bros. Manufacturing company, were among the representatives
of manufacturing concerns in which members of the parish work, who held places of honor.
Austro-Hungarian consuls to Chicago and Cleveland, expected to be present, were called
away at the last moment and sent telegrams, which were read by Father Froelich. Very Rev.
Andrew Morrissey, provincial of the Holy Cross order, and President John Cavanaugh, C.S.C.,
were among the Notre Dame priests participating. The entire corps of city officials and many
county officers were also in attendance.
The bishop blessed the stone and consecrated it to divine use. He himself marked the cross
upon the symbolicial of Catholicism and wielded the trowel in spreading the mortar and
cementing the stone in place. The English sermon was preached by the bishop and was a
masterly effort in which he detailed the importance of the occasion and the cooperation
necessary for successfully completing and maintaining the church. The discourse in Hungarian,
was by Rev. L. Farkas, of Pullman, Ill. In the box sealed in the corner stone was a history of the
church and congregation, church records, copies of the daily papers and religious insignia.
Father Froelich was host at dinner to the bishop, the priests and assisting laymen at his
home following the services. Covers were laid for 50. The bishop was toastmaster.
South Bend Tribune: May 18, 1910 page 11
BRINGS SUIT AGAINST LOCAL CATHOLIC HEAD
CLAIM TO COLLECT MONEY ON ACCOUNT FROM BISHOP IN COURT.
Suit against the Rt. Rev. Herman J. Alerding, bishop of the Fort Wayne Catholic diocese,
and Rev. John von Froelich, pastor of St. Stephen’s church, South Bend, has been instituted in
the circuit court. The suit was filed by Calvert DeFrees and the claim is for building material
furnished the parish for use on its new church now building at Thomas and McPherson streets.
The complaint sets forth the building material was furnished and never paid for. As a result,
judgment of $500 and the foreclosure of the lien is asked.
The action is entitled “DeFrees vs. Alerding et al”, but in addition to the bishop, the following
are made joint defendants: Rev. John von Froelich, pastor of the church; Gault & Gault, of Terre
Haute, architects; and C.E. Staples and E.A. Coleman contractors.
South Bend Tribune: August 6, 1910 page 5
DEDICATE BELLS IN NEW MAGYAR CHURCH
HUNGARIAN CONSUL AT CHICAGO WILL BE AMONG VISITORS.
Initial exercises in connection with the dedication of St. Stephen’s Catholic church, new
edifice erected at Thomas and Mc Pherson streets by the Hungarian residents of South Bend,
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will take place tomorrow. In the presence of J. Belenyi, Hungarian consul at Chicago, and a
number of church officials the bells in the new church will be dedicated. The church building will
be dedicated in three weeks.
Exercises tomorrow will take place at 2 o’clock in the afternoon and will be in charge of Rev.
John Von Froelich, C.S.C., pastor of the church. Rev. Fr. Froelich, Consul Belenyi, Dr. Oscar A.
von Barandy and others will be in charge of church officials, all the Hungarian societies in the
city will attend.
The Rt. Rev. Herman Joseph Alerding, C.S.C., bishop of the diocese of Fort Wayne, is
expected to have charge of the exercises formally dedicating the church on Sunday, Aug. 21.
South Bend Tribune: August 8, 1910 page ?
BEGIN DEDICATION OF LARGE CHURCH
EDIFICE BUILT BY CATHOLIC PARISH IN USE SOON.
FIRST EXERCISES HELD
SET OF CHIME BELLS CONSECRATED FOR USE–CEREMONIES WILL EXTEND OVER
TWO WEEKS–FINAL SERVICE SUNDAY, AUG.21.
The dedication of the new St. Stephen’s Magyar church, fine edifice erected at Thomas and
McPherson streets by the Hungarian Catholic residents of South Bend, began yesterday. The
exercises, which will be most elaborate, will extend over two weeks. The set of chime bells were
dedicated for use yesterday and the church building as a whole will be opened and dedicated in
two weeks.
Exercises in connection with the dedication of the bells were in charge of Rev. John von
Froelich, head of St. Stephen parish, and were attended by a crowd of several thousand
persons. A procession from Sacred Heart Belgian church, which has been used for a meeting
place while the new edifice is building, opened the ceremonies. Following the formal service of
consecration of the chimes, addresses were given by Rev. Fr. Froelich, Dr. Oscar von Barandy,
J. Belenyi, Hungarian consul at Chicago, and a number of others. Musical numbers were
contributed by a band and a social, giv- completed (sic) day’s events.The procession of priests,
speakers, visitors and church members moved from the Sacred Heart church at 2 o’clock and
the exercises consumed the greater part of the afternoon.
The new church is a fine large structure of brick and stone and has cost a substantial sum.
Close attention has been paid to utilizing all available space for seating purposes and the
auditorium is one of the largest church meeting places in the city. The altar and interior
decoration of the church are both elaborate in appearance, entirely in keeping with the
remainder of the building.
The church takes a place of a small brick structure that was originally built as a place of
worship for the Milburn chapel of the Methodist denomination. With the opening of St. Paul’s
Memorial church, the chapel was disposed of to the Hungarian Catholic parish and it was used
by this congregation until torn down to make room for the new edifice.
Rev. John von Froelich has been pastor of the St. Stephen’s church and the parish under his
direction has become a large and prosperous one.
South Bend Tribune: August 13, 1910 page?
THREE CHURCHES IN SHAPE FOR OPENING
FIRST WILL BE DEDICATED IN CITY NEXT WEEK.
BISHOP TO HAVE CHARGE
EDIFICE IS NEW HOUSE OF WORSHIP OF ST. STEPHEN’S PARISH–TEMPLE UNITED
BRETHREN CONGREGATION IN USE TOMORROW.
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Events o more than usual moment in the religious circles of South Bend will be the
dedication within the next few weeks of three beautiful church buildings. Edifices which have
been under construction for more than a year are the First Christian church, located on South
Main street, Conference Memorial United Brethren church, South St. Joseph street and St.
Stephen’s Roman Catholic, Thomas and McPherson streets.
The three church buildings are of a high type of architecture and form an important addition
to the list of the city’s beautiful buildings. While the First Christian church replaces an old
structure, the other two edifices are practically the first permanent homes the congregations
have ever possessed. For that reason the buildings are wholly and distinctly additions to the
number of church edifices in the city.
All three structures now stand complete, except for the interior finishing. Active construction
work has been finished and plans are now being made for dedication. The dedicatory exercises
of the three edifices will take place within four weeks.
The first dedication will be that of St. Stephen’s church, Sunday, Aug. 21; Conference
Memorial United Brethren church Sunday, Sept. 4; and the Christian church, Sunday, Sept. 11.
Extensive programmes are being prepared and the three services will bring a large number of
ministers and priests to South Bend from other cities.
Each of the churches has been erected at the expenditure of a substantial sum and each
represents a large amount of endeavor on the part of the members of the congregations.
Modern ideas of church construction have been employed with the result the buildings present a
substantial appearance and will add to the beauty of the city.
While the first of the dedications will not take place for another week, at least one of the
churches will be thrown open tomorrow. The United Brethren congregation has been without a
church home for several weeks, during which time no services have been held, but tomorrow
worship will be resumed in the new edifice. At this time only the basement will be used, but the
services will be transferred to the main auditorium with the dedication in two weeks. ........
St. Stephen’s Roman Catholic church, a large structure of brick and stone, in its completed
condition forms one of the most beautiful Catholic churches in south Bend. The front elevation,
enhanced by four massive stone columns, and surrounded by an octagonal bell tower, reaching
to the height of 121 feet, marks the structure with distinction. The interior is commodious and is
possessed of a large seating capacity, with the wall decorations and ornaments unusually
beautiful.
A feature of the building is the interior wall decorative scheme. A number of beautiful
paintings, characterizing biblical scenes and events in the life of St. Stephen, for whom the
church is a memorial, lend an atmosphere of attractiveness more than ordinary. The painting
was done by Emil Fellegi, a Chicago artist, who is a specialist in work of this character. The
paintings are both of men who are prominent in Bible history and of scenes concerning the life of
Christ. The work is executed with a finish not usually seen in church decoration.
The building is located at the southeast corner of Thomas and McPherson streets, fronting
on the former . The dimensions of the structure are 175 by 65 feet with the height of the
auditorium 36 feet. Brick and stone were the materials used in construction.
A particular feature of the interior is the large audience room. Steel frame work was used and
the view of the altar is not obstructed in any way. The room provides seating capacity for 1,400
person. Passing through the street entrance, a vestibule leads to the auditorium with the large
altar, elaborately appointed, facing from the south end of the building.
Fourteen stained glass windows, seven on each side of the building admit ample light. The
windows are beautiful in design , all but three being given to the church by members of the
parish. The names of the donors are inscribed on each as a memorial.
A large amount of floor space in the front part of the auditorium is partitioned off for use for
altar purposes. The floor of this portion is slightly raised and is carpeted. The ceiling of the altar
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room is the shape of a half dome, either side being flanked with a large painting. One painting
represents the story of an angel bringing tidings of the birth of Christ to the shepherds, while
they were guarding their flocks at night, and the other depicts the scene of Christ’s ascension.
The altar cloths, vases and other ornaments of the sanctuary are exquisite in design.
The general color scheme of the interior is light tan. The ceiling, slightly arched, is beautified
with paintings of the 12 disciples. The pulpit is located at the east side of the auditorium,
connected with the altar. At the north side of the auditorium, over the entrance, the pipe organ
and choir box are located. Several small rooms are located in the front under the choir box,
suitable for cloak and retiring rooms.
A special feature of the church property is a grotto, located immediately east of the church
building, between the church and the residence of Rev. John von Froelich, head of St.
Stephen’s parish. The grotto is a replica of that of Our Lady of Lourdes and is similar to that at
Notre Dame. The church property, including the parish house is surrounded with a neat iron
fence.
The new church took the place of a small brick structure originally built as a place of worship
for the Milburn chapel of the Methodist denomination. With the opening of St. Paul’s Memorial
church, the chapel was sold to the Hungarian Catholic parish and was used by the congregation
until torn down to make room for the new edifice.
Formal dedication of the building will take place Aug. 21, following the dedication last Sunday
of a set of chime bells. Exercises in connection with the dedication were attended by several
thousand people. Elaborate preparations are now making for the final dedication, at which time,
it is expected a large number of priests and dignitaries of the church will be present.
The dedication services will be in charge of the Rt. Rev. Herman Joseph Alerding, bishop of
the diocese of Fort Wayne, Ind. He will be assisted by a number of visiting priests. The ritual of
the Catholic church prescribes a church or place of formal worship shall be dedicated by a
bishop, preferably of the diocese in which the parish is located.
The dedication, or consecration, service will be lengthy and impressive in character. The
service will be carried out upon a form originated in the early days of the Catholic church. By
the decree of the council of Trent, mass must not be celebrated anywhere, except in a church
which has been consecrated or blessed. After this service, the edifice is dedicated to divine
worship and may not be used for common or profane purposes.
Following exercises which will be carried out by the bishop, the evening previous to the day
of dedication, the bishop robed in full vested garments, will approach the church on the day of
dedication with a number of attendants. Standing at the entrance of the church, the bishop will
bless the water to be used in the service. He will then circle the building three times, the first
time sprinkling the upper part of the walls, the second time, the lower part and lastly the middle
portion. After each circuit, the bishop will pronounce a benediction and will be answered by a
deacon standing inside the church.
The triple sprinkling will symbolize the triple immersion of holy baptism, the consecration of
the soul as the spiritual temple of God. the bishop and attendants will then enter the church,
leaving the clergy and other persons outside, when chants will be sung.
The dedicatory ritual which will be carried out by the bishop inside the church will be
elaborate. Relics of the martyrs, to be placed in the altar, will be borne from their resting place
from some portion of the parish property outside the church, to the altar, in solemn procession.
The relics will be borne around the church and when the doorstep is reached, the bishop will
give a suitable exhortation to the people and will address the founder of the church. The twelve
crosses on the walls inside the church will be anointed with holy chrism and incensed by the
bishop. After this part of the service is finished, the bishop will celebrate mass.
In addition to the service carried out at the church a number of other features will mark the
dedication. The entire service will be preceded by a parade of all the Hungarian societies in the
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city. special music will be provided and a large number of persons will participate in the
programme. Priests will be present from several surrounding cities and several hundred
members of the church are expected to be present from out of the city.
Following the dedication of the new St. Stephen’s church, the completed First Christian
church, South Main street, will be formally opened for use according to the ritual of the church,
in a short time. The date has been set for Sunday, Sept. 11. Rev. Geo. Hemry, pastor, of the
church, and members of the congregation are at work on the programme and the dedicatory
services will be most elaborate.
South Bend Tribune: August 15, 1910 page 3
HUNGARIAN CHURCH CONSECRATES FLAG
EXERCISES PRECEDE OPENING OF NEW HOUSE OF WORHSIP.
SOCIETIES JOIN IN PARADE REV. JOHN V. FROELICH IN CHARGE OF CEREMONY–
BANNER IS EMBLEM OF SICK BENEFIT ASSOCIATION–ADDRESSES.
Rev. John von Froelich, of the new St. Stephen’s Hungarian Catholic church, Thomas and
McPherson streets, consecrated with impressive ceremony a flag for the St. Peter’s Hungarian
Sick Benefit society Sunday morning. The services formed a fitting companionship with the
dedication of the church bells last week and the impending dedication of the church itself next
Sunday.
Those participating formed in line at St. Stephen’s church and marched to the home of Mr.
and Mrs. Joseph Locsmandy, 1039 West Jefferson boulevard, godfather and godmother to the
flag, where as vice-president of the sick benefit society, Paul Schreiner received the emblem
from Dr. Oscar A. von Barandy and presented it to the association through Mr. Locsmandy, who
is president of the organization.
Following this ceremony the parade marched to the Sacred Heart Belgian church, West
Thomas street, where mass was celebrated, after which Rev. Fr. Froelich consecrated the flag
and delivered the address.
Daniel Sabo and Dr. von Barandy then delivered interesting speeches, upon the conclusion
of which, D.D. Nemeth introduced Judge G.A. Farabaugh and Miller Guy, who spoke in English.
One of the unique ceremonies in connection with the event was the driving of gold nails in
the staff of the flag. On these nails was inscribed the names of prominent men and
organizations in South Bend.
The following organizations marched in the parade: Band, Knights of the Order of St.
Stephen, St. Stephen’s society, St. Joseph society, Holy Trinity society, Hungarian Protestant
society, Hungarian Literary society, St. Anthony’s society, band, Holy Virgin Mary society and St.
Elizabeth society.
South Bend Tribune: August 19, 1910 page 13
HUNGARIANS WILL DEDICATE CHURCH
PROGRAMME IS OUTLINED FOR ELABORATE EXERCISES.
BISHOP TO BE IN CHARGE
PARADE OF ALL CATHOLIC SOCIETIES IN CITY WILL PRECEDE CEREMONIES AT
EDIFICE–150 VISITING PRIESTS ARE EXPECTED.
Following a parade in which all the Catholic societies in South Bend will participate
impressive dedicatory exercises for St. Stephen’s Hungarian Catholic church, handsome new
edifice just completed at Thomas and McPherson streets, will be conducted Sunday by the Rt.
Rev. Herman Joseph Alerding, bishop of the diocese of Fort Wayne. The programme has been
9
completed, revealing that the services will be of the most elaborate nature. Fully 150 priests are
expected to attend and assist in the exercises.
Rev. John von Froelich, C.S.C., head of St. Stephen’s parish has been active in completing
arrangements for the dedication. He has been pastor of the church since its organization and
the success of the congregation in erecting the new house of worship is largely due to his
efforts.
Aside from the consecration services in charge of Bishop Alerding, an important feature of
the day, as indicated by the programme, will be the parade of the Catholic societies and church
organizations. The parade will march in five divisions, each division headed by a band. The
various societies will meet at their respective halls Sunday morning at 8 o’clock, when their
movements will be directed by the committee in charge of the parade. The parade will form at
Wayne and Taylor streets and will move at 8:45 o’clock. The line of march will be from St.
Patrick’s church, north on Taylor street to Washington avenue, west to Walnut, south to Thomas
and east to the church.
The first division will be headed by a platoon of police followed by a company of Hungarian
Hussars. Elbel’s band will follow. The other organizations of this division will be the Catholic
Knights of America, St. John’s society, St. Patrick’s society, Sacred Heart Belgian society, St.
Stephen’s Hungarian society, Evangelical Reform Hungarian society, St. Anthony-Horvath
Hungarian society and the Warehona Hungarian society.
Miller’s band will lead the second division, followed by the societies of St. Michael’s Uniform
rank, St. Michael’s society, St. Casimir society, St. Hedwige society, St. Valentine’s society, St.
Vincent de Paul society, St. Florian’s society, Polish Turners M.R., Polish Turners Z.B., Polish
Turners local No. 177, Z.N.P., local No. 193, Z.N.P., local No. 83, Z.N.P.
The third division will be led by the Warsaw band, followed by the St. Casimir’s society, St.
John Cantus society, Sacred Heart society, Polish Turners Gen., K. Pulaski, St. Stanislaus
society, St. Joseph society, St. Peter and Paul society, Polish Turners’ King Jagiello, St.
Adelbert’s society.
The fourth division will be led by the St. Stanislaus band. Societies following will be Knights
of St. Stephen, church trustees, Young Women’s society, Children of Mary, St. Elizabeth
society, Blessed Virgin society, Gr. Szicsenyo society, Holy Trinity society. The last division will
be headed by Reese’s band, followed by the Young Men’s society, St. Peter society, St. Joseph
society and St. Stephen’s Church society.
Following the parade members of the societies and other members of Catholic churches will
assemble at the church, when formal dedicatory exercises will begin, in charge of Bishop
Alerding. He will be assisted in the service by a number of priests.
The consecration service will be lengthy in detail and impressive in character. Mass is not
permitted in a Catholic edifice, according to the decree of the Council of Trent until the church
has been consecrated. After it is dedicated, the building may not be used for common or profane
purposes, its uses being solely limited to religious services.
People who will participate in the dedication will observe a fast tomorrow in accordance with
the church ritual. Saturday evening the relics of the martyrs, which will be placed on the altar,
will be borne by Bishop Alerding to a temporary resting place in some part of the parish
property. The relics will be blessed and consecrated for use the following day.
On Sunday morning, the bishop robed in full vested garments, will approach the church, with
a number of attendants. Standing at the entrance he will bless the water to be used in the
services. He will then circle the church three times, the first time sprinkling the upper part of the
walls, the second time, the lower portion and the last time, the portion in the middle. After each
circuit, the bishop will stand at the church door and pronounce a benediction, responded to by a
deacon stationed on the interior of the church.
10
The triple sprinkling will symbolize the triple immersion of holy baptism, the consecration of
the soul as the spiritual temple of God. Bishop Alerding and his attendants will then enter the
church, leaving the clergy and spectators outside. Several chants will be sung by the bishop.
The dedicatory ritual which will be carried out inside the church will be equally elaborate.
With impressive ceremonies, the relics of the martyrs will be borne by the bishop from their
resting place to the altar. Bishop Alerding and attendants will march in solemn procession,
bearing the relics around the church. Upon reaching the doorstep the Bishop will give a suitable
exhortation to the members of the congregation and will address the founder of the church, Rev.
Fr. Froelich.
The 12 crosses on the walls inside the church will be anointed with holy chrism and incensed
by the bishop. Other exercises will follow inside the church, when the altar cloths and other
ornaments of the sanctuary will be consecrated. After this portion of the service is completed,
mass will be celebrated. It is customary for the first mass to be celebrated by the bishop, but if
Bishop Alerding is fatigued by previous exercises, he may delegate one of the priests to
officiate.
Special music will be provided by the choir, for the concluding dedicatory service. The
consecration services proper will consume the entire morning and in the afternoon and evening
a social will be held at the church. Rev. Fr. Froelich will entertain Bishop Alerding and the
visiting priests in the parish house.
All details of furnishing the new church have been completed and everything is in readiness
for the dedication. The edifice will be decorated for the occasion and interior, with the beautiful
decorations and large wall paintings will present an attractive appearance.
South Bend Tribune: August 22, 1910 page 4
BISHOP DEDICATES HOUSE OF WORSHIP
ST. STEPHEN’S MAGYAR CHURCH IS CONSECRATED.
MANY PRIESTS TAKE PART
PARADE OF CATHOLIC SOCIETIES PRECEDES RITUALISTIC SERVICE–BAPTISTS
CALL CHICAGO PASTOR–REV. A.T. WIRICK RETAINED
Impressive dedicatory exercises in charge of the Rt. Rev. Herman Joseph Alerding, bishop
of the diocese of Fort Wayne, marked the formal opening for service yesterday of St. Stephen’s
Magyar church, a handsome addition to South Bend’s churches located at Thomas and
McPherson streets. The consecration service was conducted by Bishop Alerding, assisted by 18
visiting priests. The exercises were held in the morning, following a lengthy parade in which five
bands and a large number of Catholic societies participated.
Rev. John von Froelich, C.S.C., head of St. Stephen’s parish, took an active part in the
dedication exercises. Bishop Alerding was entertained at the parish house by Rev. Fr. Froelich.
since the church was organized, Rev. Fr. Froelich has been active in promoting its interests and
the success of the congregation in building a house of worship is largely due to his efforts.
The dedicatory service was begun at 8:30 o’clock by a parade of Catholic societies. The
parade formed at Wayne and Taylor streets and moved from St. Patrick’s church north on Taylor
street to Washington avenue, wet to Walnut, south to Thomas, and east to the church. The
parade marched in five divisions, each headed by a band. The first division was led by a platoon
of police followed by a company of Hungarian Hussars. Elbel’s band followed. The other
organizations of this division were the Catholic Knights of America, St. John’s society, St.
Patrick’s society, Sacred Heart Belgian society, St. Stephen’s Hungarian society, Evangelical
Reform Hungarian society, St. Anthony-Horvath Hungarian society, and the Warehona
Hungarian society.
11
Miller’s band led the second division, followed by the societies of St. Michael’s Uniform rank,
St. Michael’s society, St. Casimir society, St. Hedwige society, St. Valentine’s society, St.
Vincent de Paul society, St. Florian’s society, Polish Turners M.R., Polish Turners A.B., Polish
Turners local No. 177, Z.N.P., local No. 193, Z.N.P,.local No. 83, Z.N.P.
The third division was led by the Warsaw band, followed by the St. Casimir’s society, St.
John Cantus society, Sacred Heart society, Polish Turners Geo. K. Pulaski, St. Stanislaus
society, St. Joseph society, Polish Turners King Jagiello, St. Adelbert’s society.
The fourth division was led by the St. Stanislaus band. Societies following were the Knights
of St. Stephen, church trustees, Young Women’s society, Children of Mary, St. Elizabeth
society, Blessed Virgin society, Gr. Szicsenyo society, Holy Trinity society. The last division was
headed by Reese’s band, followed by the Young Men’s society, St. Peter society, St. Joseph
society and St. Stephen’s Church society.
Following the parade members of the societies and other members of Catholic churches
assembled at the church when the formal dedicatory exercises were conducted. Bishop Alerding
was in charge, assisted by the visiting priests. All the priests of South Bend Catholic churches
also participated. The major portion of the consecration ritual was performed on the outside of
the church, after which the spectators took seats inside and mass was celebrated.
The ritual was lengthy in detail and several hours were consumed in carrying out the service.
Following a day of fasting, Saturday, by the bishop and those participating in the service, the
relics of the martyrs were borne from their residing places in the parish property, to the church
and before being placed in the altar were carried around the church. This part of the service was
preceded by a triple sprinkling of the outside walls of the church. Bishop Alerding blessed the
water to be used in the service, and passed around the church three times, sprinkling the upper,
lower and middle portion of the walls. The triple sprinkling was symbolical of the triple immersion
of holy baptism.
After the relics of the martyrs were placed in the altar, Bishop Alerding addressed the
spectators and expressed the appreciation of the church to Rev. Fr. Froelich for his efforts in
behalf of the church. The interior of the church was then blessed including the altar, ornaments,
and figures. Mass was celebrated by Bishop Alerding, followed by a sermon by Rev. Fr.
Froelich. A social was held at the church in the afternoon.
The new house of worship is one of the most beautifully decorated churches in the city. The
walls of the church are almost completely covered with large paintings, representing events in
the life of Christ. The altar and canopy surmounting it form a beautiful setting. The painting was
done by Emil Felligi, a Chicago artist, a specialist in work of this character.
South Bend Tribune: April 8, 1911 page 1
BISHOP UNABLE TO OUST CHURCH BODY
SUIT ACCORDINGLY FILED IN COURT FOR INJUNCTION
HEAD OF CATHOLIC DIOCESE TAKES HAND IN TROUBLE IN ST. STEPHEN’S PARISH–
CAUSED BY TRUSTEES.
A split in the congregation of St. Stephen’s Catholic church reached the circuit court today
when the Rt. Rev. Herman Joseph Alerding, bishop of the diocese of Fort Wayne, filed suit to
dissolve by injunction the old board of trustees, headed by Alexander Abraham. Bishop Alerding
is backed in the case by Rev. John von Froelich, pastor of the church.
It is claimed the trustees were not appointed in the usual manner of the Catholic church and
they have denied the right of the bishop to remove them.
The entire board of 11 trustees is defendant in the unusual suit. The members are Alexander
and Charles Abraham, Frank Schasinger, Stephen Toth, Stephen Koczar, Julius Bolodor, Anton
Kovats, John Soos, George Toth, Anton Horvath and George Varga.
12
Bishop Alerding recites the offending trustees were not appointed by their pastor, Rev.
Father Froelich, as is customary and that he has been unable to remove them from office. He
says a new board has been appointed in the regular manner and approved by himself but the
old trustees still continue to hold office. The bishop says further the old board is holding office
illegally and that it thus has no right to control the church records, account book, seal, keys and
other church property.
The suit in court was brought to dissolve the old board through an injunction. Judge Funk will
hold a hearing April 10.
St. Stephen’s Catholic church is the principal Hungarian church in South Bend. It is located
at Thomas and McPherson Streets.
South Bend Tribune: May 15, 1911 page 1
POLICE ESCORT FOR SOUTH BEND PRIEST
FATHER FROELICH THREATENED WITH VIOLENCE
CROWD OF 1,500 GATHERS
FAILURE OF PASTOR TO LEAVE HUNGARIAN PARISH AFTER CHARGES ARE FILED
AGAINST HIM WITH BISHOP CAUSE OF TROUBLE.
A serious riot and possibly violence were averted at St. Stephan’s Magyar church Sunday
morning by the timely arrival of Chief of Police Guy L. Bunker, William Cassidy, chief of
detectives, and eight patrolmen, who respond to a riot call sent in by Rev. John von Froelich,
pastor of the parish. Fifteen hundred men and women had surrounded the church in an effort to
prevent Father Froelich from entering the pulpit. The police escorted the priest from his house to
the church. Father Froelich’s failure to resign, following the filing of charges with the bishop
against him, caused the trouble, members of the congregation announced.
At low mass at 8:30 o’clock yesterday a crowd of several hundred surrounded the church
and Patrolmen Pollo and Pinter were called and escorted the priest to the church. When Father
Froelich entered the church, those present say he was greeted with hisses and hoots. The
service was completed without further incident and when mass was over Father Froelich started
to leave the church and was met by a crowd of 1,000 men, boys and women. Curses and vile
epithets were hurled at the priest, parishioners assert, and in response he made the sign of the
cross and excommunication. This was received with loud cries and more curses, authorities
report, and the priest was hurried to his home by the officers.
The crowd around the church continued to grow and when the time came for high mass
1,200 men and boys surrounded the church. Four hundred people, mostly women, were inside.
The crowd swarmed about in an effort to stop Father Froelich from entering the church, and it
was then the call was sent in and the patrolmen responded. A bodyguard was formed about the
priest and as others cleared a passageway he was hurried into the church.
During the sermon the crowd congregated about the church and the noise became so loud it
attracted many curious people. The police were unable to disperse the gathering, but succeeded
in keeping the people from carrying out threats hurled at the priest as he was escorted to and
from the church.
In the church Father Froelich scored his congregation fro the demonstration against him.
When he came from the church at the close of the service he again met the crowd with the sigh
of the cross and excommunication, and taunts, curses and threats were hurled in return, the
police announced.
The authorities were unable to learn yesterday who had organized the crowd and from all
appearances the congregation assembled outside of the church instead of in. The men, with a
few exceptions, refused to enter the church, while many of the women remained at home.
13
Saturday night it was rumored about the western section of the city trouble would follow if
Father Froelich attempted to enter the pulpit Sunday, and he then appealed for police protection
and two patrolmen were sent to protect him. Local authorities went to members of the
congregation Saturday and attempted to persuade them to refrain from any demonstration, but
they refused to heed the advice. Members of the deposed board of trustees also went among
members of the congregation and attempted to have them go home, but they refused.
The trouble Sunday followed the failure of Father Froelich to leave the parish here, following
the filing of affidavits against him with the bishop, charging him with criminal offenses and also
misrepresentation. The congregation expected the bishop to act immediately and when he did
not remove Father Froelich they became angry and attempted to keep him out of the church.
In the jeers hurled at the priest Sunday he was accused of a criminal offense and told to stay
out of the pulpit, the police assert. Members of the congregation have asserted as long as
Father Froelich remains at the head of the parish they will have nothing to do with the church,
owing to his alleged misconduct with several members of the parish.
Already authorities are planning to curb any attempt at rioting which may take place next
Sunday. If there are any signs of demonstration a large force of policemen will be rushed to the
scene and every effort will be made to protect the pastor. Threats of violence have arouse the
police to take steps to protect the head of the church.
No arrests were made at the demonstration Sunday and so far no warrants have been sworn
out.
The investigation of the Rt. Rev. Herman J. Alerding, bishop of the Fort Wayne diocese is
progressing and some action is expected during the week. So far no trouble has arisen between
the bishop and the congregation here and his prompt action is expected to stop further trouble,
trustees announce.
South Bend Tribune: May 16, 1911 page 5
CITY AUTHORITIES APPEAL TO BISHOP
ASK THAT DIFFERENCES IN ST. STEPHAN’S PARISH CEASE.
THREATS LEAD AUTHORITIES TO BELIEVE ATTEMPT ON FATHER FROELICH’S LIFE
IS BEING PLANNED.
Fearing violence as the climax of differences between St. Stephan’s Magyar parish and the
priest, Rev. John von Froelich, and to stop plans for a demonstration at the church next Sunday,
the city administration today stepped into the tangle. City authorities will send a representative to
Fort Wayne, Ind., tomorrow to confer with Bishop Herman J. Alerding, relative to the local
situation, and steps that can be taken to bring to an end the trouble in the parish.
A member of the executive board of trustees, now depose, state today that the action of the
city was brought about only when it was rumored that violence would accompany the
demonstration planned for next Sunday. Fearing that steps might be taken to take the life of
Father Froelich, the authorities have decided to ask the bishop to take immediate steps to put an
end to such incidents as happened last Sunday.
The representative of the city, probably Wm. Cassidy, chief of detectives, will ask of the
bishop that he come to South Bend and personally investigate local conditions before next
Sunday if possible, and if not, to come on Sunday and attend all services of the day. The
presence of the bishop, it is believed, will stop any unlawful steps which may be taken, to
prevent Father Froelich from again entering the pulpit.
Citizens of high standing in the congregation, were in conference with Mayor Goetz this
morning and following it was announced that the repetition of last Sunday’s affair would not be
permitted. A conference was also held in the office of the prosecuting attorney, police officials,
members of the congregation, and the state’s attorney attending.
14
In the event the trouble between the priest and the parish is not settled by next Sunday, the
entire police department will be ordered to the church, to prevent trouble. To prevent any
violence the priest will be escorted to and from his home by officers and the church will also be
guarded. Father Froelich, in his appeal to the police for protection, said he feared violence,
authorities state, and an officer is now kept continually in the vicinity of his home.
Members of the congregation asserted today incidents at Sunday’s services have further
angered the male members of the congregation and they now refuse to enter the church, and
declare the pastor would never be permitted to preach on Sunday. This statement has led
authorities to believe steps of violence may be taken, if the bishop does not stop the trouble.
South Bend Tribune: May 17, 1911 page 8
BISHOP WILL ACT TO STOP TROUBLE
IS COMING TO SOUTH BEND TO MAKE INVESTIGATION
RUMORS CHARGE TRUSTEES WITH FAILURE TO TURN OVER $800 OF HUNGARIAN
CHURCH’S FUNDS.
Immediate action by Rt. Rev. Herman J. Alerding, of Fort Wayne, Ind., bishop of the diocese,
to stop further trouble between Rev. John von Froehlich, pastor of St. Stephan’s Magyar parish,
and the congregation was promised today by the Very Rev. A. B. Miller of Fort Wayne, in a long
distance communication with city authorities. Father Miller, who is the bishop’s assistant, stated
the bishop is out of the city, but would return tonight and that the head of the diocese would
probably come to this city to investigate the local situation. Owing to the absence if the bishop
from Fort Wayne today, William Cassidy, chief of detectives, of the South Bend police
department will not go to Fort Wayne, as was planned.
Following the trouble Sunday rumors have been started, alleging the trustees, in turning over
their records and money to the bishop, failed to turn over $800 of the church funds. This, the
trustees, declare, is false and exhibit a receipt from the bishop for $1,400, nearly $700 more
than the figures given in an affidavit when injunction proceedings were brought.
Following their conversation with Rev. Mr. Miller, city officials stated, Father Froehlich will
probably be removed by the bishop pending an investigation, or the church will be close until
the differences in the parish are settled. Father Miller said the occurrences of last Sunday would
not be repeated next Sunday, if the bishop could possibly prevent it.
The presence of Bishop Alerding in south Bend promises to bring to an end the trouble, as
the parish and the bishop are on the best of terms, the trouble being between the priest and the
parish. Members of the congregation today asserted not a member of the church had violated
any rules governing the parish, but they refused to attend worship, with Father Froehlich in the
pulpit. They stated the alleged charges against the priest have turned parishioners against
Father Froehlich and work in the congregation is at a standstill.
South Bend Tribune: May 18, 1911 page 5
FATHER FROELICH ASKED TO EXPLAIN
BISHOP BEGINS INVESTIGATION THROUGH OFFICIAL.
ATTORNEYS AND REPRESENTATIVES OF DIOCESE CONDUCT EXAMINATION OF
THOSE SIGNING AFFIDAVITS.
Rev. Father Kroeger, of Logansport, Ind., official investigator for the Fort Wayne diocese of
the Catholic church, conducted a preliminary examination Wednesday afternoon of parties
signing affidavits charging Rev. John von Froelich with criminal offenses. The investigation was
the first step of Rt. Rev.Herman J. Alerding, of Fort Wayne, bishop of the diocese, to bring to an
end trouble between the South Bend Hungarian parish and Father Froelich.
15
The examination was made by Father Kroeger, assisted by W. A. McInerny and D. D.
Nemeth, attorneys. Mr. Nemeth acted as interpreter for those who could not speak English and
also examined several witnesses. Those swearing to affidavits were asked to submit proof to the
representative of the bishop. Several offered testimony at the examination, which was held at
the parish house. Among them was Louis Meister, who claims to have been wronged by Father
Froelich in February, 1908.
Father Froelich was before the committee but a short time and was called to explain certain
answers given Mrs. Fraula over the telephone. The answer as given by Mrs. Fraula to the
committee was declared false by the priest.
Mrs. Fraula alleged in her story her husband had neglected his family and had taken up his
dwelling with the priest. She averred she went to the priest on several occasions and received
money and that, although he did not work, the family did not suffer from want. Fraula himself
was at the parish house during the investigation, but, according to those before the committee,
was not called upon to testify.
Evidence as to a criminal offense the priest is alleged to have committed was also taken at
the investigation yesterday. Father Kroeger will submit his report to Bishop Alerding as soon as
the bishop returns to Fort Wayne. The head of the diocese is now in the east, but he is expected
home any time.
Efforts of authorities to have the bishop come to South Bend next Sunday will be continued,
as Chief of Police Guy L. Bunker does not want to use force to disperse the crowd, if it gathers
nest Sunday as it did last. The friendly feeling between the bishop and parish is depended upon
to restore peace. The entire police department will be held in readiness to go to the church at a
minute’s notice to quell any attempt at rioting, Chief Bunker declares.
South Bend Tribune: May 22, 1911 page 9
POLICE CURB ALL ATTEMPTS TO RIOT
PREVENT THREATENED VIOLENCE AT CHURCH.
TWO MEN CLAIMED TO HAVE ARRANGED TO ASSAULT FATHER FROELICH
ORDERED FROM GROUNDS.
Difficulties between the parish and the pastor of St. Stephan’s Magyar church failed to
develop into measures of violence Sunday, Rev. John von Froelich conducted the services of
the day without serious interruption. A proposed mass meeting under the auspices of the
Hungarian Workingmen’s association, which was arranged for Washington Hall in the afternoon,
was not held. The entire police force of the city was available and was prepared to prevent any
attempts at confusion and riot. A large crowd congregated on Thomas Street in front of the
church. Jeers and jibes were passed, but all efforts to convert the assemblage into a noisy or
threatening crowd were promptly checked by policemen, many of which were in plain clothes.
While the regular services were conducted Sunday, 1500 men, women, and children
surrounded the church. The restraining influence of the police kept the crowd from breaking forth
into an open demonstration against the priest, whom members of the congregation charge with
serious crimes, or from doing injury to the pastor, the parish house or the church property, if
such move were intended. Parties acting strangely or showing any sign of being ring leaders in
the crowd were taken in charge by the police and were searched for concealed weapons. They
were also informed of the serious consequences following an arrest for rioting and destruction of
property.
Just before the close of the final mass of the day, policemen were informed it had been
planned to assault the priest when he left the church to return to the parish house. A search
revealed two men in hiding near the grotto to the east of the side entrance of the church. The
men were taken in charge by William Cassidy, chief of detectives of the police department, and
16
Patrolman Pallo, and were ordered from the grounds. During the services many members of the
congregation walked back and forth in front of the church, murmuring disapproval of the priest.
Others, with bowed heads, followed the service as they stood under the trees. A few worshiped
in the lobby. In the church 500 people, mostly women, listened to the services and a talk by
Father Froelich during which he scored the congregation for the demonstration against him.
While the service was in progress, 25 members of the congregation met in a room off the
lobby of the church and discussed plans for the removal of the pastor. A party of women held an
indignation meeting in another part of the church. Father Froelich dashed from the church to the
parish house, when a member of the congregation drove up in an automobile at the close of the
service and engaged in a discussion with other members of the parish. The police asked the
man to drive to another part of the city and crowd dispersed.
Differences between the priest and the parish were discussed Sunday afternoon at a picnic
at Island park. An indignation meeting in Washington hall on South Scott Street was abandoned
when the people found the doors nailed upon reaching the place of proposed meeting. It was
resolved to hold the meeting in Hanford hall but by the time the people reached the business
center, there was not a sufficient crowd to warrant holding the session.
Rt. Rev. Herman Joseph Alerding, of Fort Wayne, bishop of the diocese, who was called to
Kokomo, Ind., Sunday to attend a church dedication, expects to have the trouble straightened
out by next Sunday or to be present at the services.
South Bend Times: May 22, 1911 page 5
POLICE CHECK INCIPIENT RIOT
DR. OSCAR VON BARANDY SAVED FROM INJURY AT HANDS OF ANGRY MOB.
ALLEGE INSULTS HURLED
LARGE CROWD GATHERS AT SERVICES AT ST. STEPHEN’S MAGYAR INSTITUTION
YESTERDAY.
Two attempts to overturn the automobile of Dr. Oscar von Barandy, a prominent Hungarian
physician following his alleged insulting remarks to the depose trustees and the disperse of a
crowd from the parish house yard, believed by the police to be intending harm to the priest,
Father John von Froelich, marked the holding of services at the St. Stephen’s Magyar church
yesterday.
Had it not been for the presence of the police, Dr. von Barandy might have been roughly
handled and is fine large touring car demolished. Twice the angry mob, infuriated by the alleged
remarks of the doctor seized his car and threatened to overturn it and threatened personal
vengeance on the doctor himself. Each time the police on duty interfered however, and
prevented the outbreak of a riot.
Following the trouble at the church Dr. von Barandy appeared at the office of Prosecutor C.
A. Montgomery to swear out affidavits of provoke against the mob. Realizing as he believed, the
uselessness of attempting to punish so many individuals on the affidavit of one man, and not
wishing to add fuel to the fire, the prosecutor refused to issue the warrants and it is reported the
doctor became very offensive, resulting in his ejectment from the office by the prosecutor and
his making threats to have the court officer himself arrested.
The early morning mass was very quiet and orderly. The deposed trustees held their
sympathizers well in hand and Father von Froelich was permitted to conduct the services
unmolested.
By the time high mass arrived, the crowd outside had grown to about a thousand, many of
them being mere curiosity seekers. Inside were also many who did not belong to the church but
who came from curiosity. Despite the large crowd, however, everything went off smoothly until at
the close of the service.
17
Just as the mass was over, it is declared Dr. von Barandy drove up and began accusing the
deposed trustees with the embezzlement of church funds. Instantly the crowd was aroused and
pressed eagerly forward, grasping the car seeking to overturn it. Quick action by the police,
however, prevented and Dr. von Barandy was escorted from the scene and Michael Horwath,
another one prominent in the disturbance, was led away. The deposed trustees aided the police
greatly in preserving order.
Not long after Dr. von Barandy again returned to the vicinity, it is claimed, and again aroused
the people, who were again only deterred by the police from taking summary vengeance on the
doctor’s car. It was following his second alleged escapade that the doctor drove to the office of
Prosecutor Montgomery, in his effort to have the warrants issued.
The dispersal of a large crowd which had gathered in the parish houseyard by the police who
believed they intended some harm to the priest was the only other disturbance. The meeting in
Hanford hall on Colfax avenue in the afternoon under the auspices of the Hungarian Labor
society, was orderly, though the exciting matters of the church trouble were discussed.
The fact that Bishop Alerding has begun his investigation and the general belief among the
rebellious congregation that the mass of yesterday was the last for the priest, have greatly
facilitated the efforts of their leaders and the police to keep the peace.
Chief of Police Bunker, Chief of Detectives Cassidy, Detective Zgodinski and Patrolmen
Kuespert, Pallo and Pinter, in plain clothes, were at the church all morning. The fact that the
officers appeared in plain clothes, without display of weapons or badges of the civil authority is
being generally commended as greatly responsible for the controlling of the turbulent element.
South Bend Tribune: May 26, 1911 pages 1,20
PRIEST VINDICATED OF SERIOUS CHARGE
REV. JOHN VON FROELICH FULLY EXONERATED
INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED
BISHOP ALERDING, IN REPORT JUST MADE PUBLIC, SAYS SOUTH BEND PASTOR IS
NOT GUILTY OF OFFENSES RUMORED.
Following investigation by Rt. Rev. Herman Joseph Alerding, of Fort Wayne, Ind., bishop of
the Fort Wayne diocese, Rev. John von Froelich, of St. Stephan’s Catholic church, Thomas and
McPherson streets, has been fully exonerated of charges made against him by members of the
parish. The official ecclesiastical report sets forth Rev. Fr. Froelich has been found not guilty of
the offenses charged. The complete document, issued from Fort Wayne over the signature of
Bishop Alerding, follows:
“Affidavits incriminating the Rev. John von Froelich were made by several parties calling
themselves members in good standing of St. Stephan’s Magyar church, of South Bend, of which
the said Rev. Fr. Froelich is pastor. These affidavits were lodged with the undersigned in his
official capacity of bishop of Fort Wayne. As by canon law, i such cases provided, the said
accusations were examined by competent ecclesiastical authority leisurely, thoroughly and
disinterestedly. The result of said investigation was and is herewith officially published to wit:
‘That the said John von Froelich is not guilty as charged in the said affidavits.’”
Troubles of long standing in St. Stephan’s church resulted in the filing of charges against
Rev. Fr. Froelich several weeks ago. The investigation,m which has just been completed,
followed. Bishop Alerding did not come to South Bend in person, but sent a representative in
Rev. Fr. Kroeger, of Logansport, Ind., official investigator of the diocese. With attorneys, Rev. Fr.
Kroeger examined the accused priest at his home and also took the testimony of a number of
witnesses.
18
The vindication of Rev. Fr. Froelich by the head of the diocese is hoped to settle the trouble
in his parish and put an end to the disturbances which have marked the services for the last
several weeks. The accused priest was jeered by an angry mob as he entered the pulpit on
Sunday, May 14. Serious trouble was only averted last Sunday by the presence of a strong
guard of police.
Formal charges against Rev. Fr. Froelich through affidavits filed with Bishop Alerding came
as the outgrowth of troubles, which at times seemed almost to threaten the disruption of the
church. the controversy, it is said, dates back to the time when the new church was built, about
two years ago. Later trouble broke out over the board of trustees, and the matter reached the
courts, when suit was brought to dissolve the old board by injunction. A new board had been
appointed by the pastor with the approval of the bishop.
The old board of trustees, which, it is claimed, refused to retire in favor of the new board, lost
the case in court and was dissolved by an order of Judge Funk. The trustees were ordered to
immediately turn over church records and money. Indicating the feeling against Rev. Fr.
Froelich, the trustees refused to turn over the records to him, but instead sent a committee to
Fort Wayne to deliver the documents to Bishop Alerding.
Formal charges against Rev. Fr. Froelich were made a few days after the board of trustees
had been dissolved. Rumors of the alleged offenses had been in circulation some time, but no
charges filed. When the matter finally came to a head, nearly a dozen affidavits were filed with
Prosecutor Chester R. Montgomery, all of which charged the priest with an offense of a revolting
nature. Louis Meister, who was among the complainants, charged Rev. Fr. Froelich with an
offense committed in February, 1908, while Mrs. John Fraula alleged in an affidavit that
attentions the priest showed her husband had broken up her home. Mrs. Fraula claimed her
husband had neglected her some time and that he finally deserted her and went to live at the
parish house.
All these charges were refuted in the finding of Bishop Alerding, however, and it is generally
believed the trouble is at an end. Rev. Fr. Froelich had already entered a vigorous denial of the
charges against him.
South Bend Tribune: May 29, 1911 page 7
CHURCH DOOR HAS BEEN CLOSED
CROWD ASSEMBLES IN FRONT OF ST. STEPHEN’S.
POLICE ESCORT PRIEST TO AND FROM PULPIT–WOMEN ARE REMOVED BY FORCE.
As a result of developments in the controversy between the congregation of St. Stephen’s
Magyar church on West Thomas street and the pastor, Rev. John von Froelich, the church was
closed yesterday and will remain closed indefinitely. Probably very serious trouble was
prevented by the closing of the church by the police department. Father Froelich left later for
Fort Wayne, Ind., and it is presumed the object of his visit is a conference with the bishop of the
Fort Wayne diocese, Right Rev. Herman J. Alerding.
Last week a letter completely exonerating Father Froelich of charges made against him was
sent to Father Froelich, various priests in the diocese and The Tribune. Rev. Paul Bognar, of
East Chicago, Ind., was sent to South Bend to read the letter yesterday to the congregation.
While here he was a guest in the pastor’s home and returned later in the day to East Chicago.
Fearing that there might be trouble Sunday the entire police force consisting of about 50 men
was held in reserve. Chief of Police Bunker and chief of Detectives Cassidy were on the scene
of expected trouble early in the morning and were present while the first mass, which began at
8:15 was said by Father Bognar. Before time for high mass at 10:15 between 1,000 and 2,000
persons nearly all Hungarians, had assembled about the church. Finding that the few policemen
present might not be able to cope with the crowd the reserves were sent for and after being
19
assembled at a point near the church marched to the scene. Women had gathered about the
doors of the church and it became necessary to remove some of them by force.
Appreciating that any attempt to hold high mass would probably result in serious trouble,
Father Froelich prepared a seal and authorized Chief of Detectives Cassidy to seal the front
door of the church. This was done and the key remains in the possession of the detective and
church will remain close indefinitely. Comparatively few were present at the early mass when
the letter exonerating Father Froelich was read.
Father Bognar, who read the letter, was formerly an assistant in the south Bend church. He
is a man of much courage and is required considerable effort on the part of the police to prevent
him saying things the police feared might only add fuel to the burning fire. He was not permitted
to mingle with the crowd, but was escorted by the police from the rectory to the church through
the rectory yard.
The situation continues to appear very serious in spite of the letter of the bishop published in
The Tribune a few days ago, which completely exonerated Father Froelich of the serious
charges made against him. The situation is giving the city authorities much uneasiness, but they
are doing everything in their power to prevent any outbreak more serious than has occurred.
From all that can be gathered from those who have been carefully watching the situation, it
seems to be the opinion that the bishop will find it necessary to take further action in order to
smooth matters over.
The South Bend Times: May 29, 1911 page 1
TEMPORARY PACT
CHURCH SEALED
PRIEST OF ST. STEPHEN’S CHURCH AT FORT WAYNE TO CONSULT BISHOP.
POLICE STOP OUTBREAK.
WOMEN OF CONGREGATION TAKE PROMINENT PART IN JEERING AND MOCKING
PARISH ADVISOR
With ST. Stephen’s Magyar church services suspended and the doors locked and sealed
there is today a temporary lull in the hostility toward the pastor, Rev. John Froehlich, and it has
again been left to Bishop Herman J. Alerding, of Fort Wayne, to effect a settlement if possible.
Father Froehlich left for that city Sunday noon, to consult with the head of the diocese.
In the meanwhile Chief of Detectives William Cassidy will have charge of the church, and be
responsible for its protection. The sealing of the doors followed a compromise reached between
Father Froehlich and the dissatisfied members of the congregation, and is believed to have
averted a dangerous situation.
Early Sunday morning a crowd of almost 1000 members of the church and curious
spectators gathered in front of parish residence and church. Rev. Father Paul Bognar, of South
Chicago, had been brought here Saturday night to read the letter from Bishop Alerding,
exonerating Father Froehlich and to conduct the masses.
The crowd, however, led by several women, chief among whom is said to have been Mrs.
Michael Horwath, of Carroll street, gathered around the sacristy doors to prevent the entrance of
the priest. It is claimed by spectators acquainted with the crowd that Mrs. Horwath was told by
her husband, one of the deposed trustees, but who was assisting in keeping order, to leave the
scene, and refusing to do so was knocked down by him and led away. She later returned, and
shaking her umbrella defiantly was inciting the mob to restrain Father Bognar from entering the
church, when she was again taken away, this time by Chief of Detectives William Cassidy,
whom she threatened. Another woman, arrayed in a blue shirt waist, whose name is unknown,
also led in the demonstration.
20
One woman struck Chief Bunker in the face with her fists, but the police department head
kept his temper and had her lead away from the scene.
Residents of the neighborhood declare that after low mass was finished Father Bognar
returned to the parish house, came out on the veranda and began jeering and mocking at the
crowd for the failure to substantiate the charges. The crowd promptly started to swarm over the
iron fence and up on the steps of the porch. They were pushed by Chief Bunker and the plain
clothes men, and a riot call sent into the police station. Within a few minutes the auto patrol
loaded with 18 of the largest patrolmen on the force reached the scene and returned to bring 22
more. The sight of the uniformed body, marching with military precision, clubs swinging, had a
wholesome effect on the mob spirit, which sullenly subsided while the guardians of the peace
patrolled the parish house and church until time for high mass. It was evidently the
determination of the crowd to attack the assisting clergyman as well as Father Froehlich, had he
put in an appearance. The local priest, however, kept well in the background.
Father Bognar, however, was not much impressed with the seriousness of the situation and
was determined to sing the high mass, and had he not been dissuaded from his purpose it is
altogether possible that a serious conflict between the police and dissatisfied parishioners would
have occurred. The crowd waited patiently in front of the house, at times making an effort to get
inside the gate of the yard, but always finding their pathway blocked by a stalwart policeman. In
time the demonstration became less marked from the showing of police and the apparent
determination of the latter to stop any plan to rush the priest’s residence.
The police asserted today that during his remarks in the church at low mass yesterday
Father Bognar called a certain New York priest whom the congregation wishes sent here, evil
names at which the persons inside the building began to stir and make a disturbance. A sign of
warning from Chief Bunker, however, quieted them down again.
While no weapons were displayed, it is believed that many of the crowd was armed with
knives and possibly revolvers. Unless peace is effected during the week by Bishop Alerding
preparations will be made by the authorities to prevent another demonstration at the church and
parsonage next Sunday.
By those well informed on the situation it is believed that the life of Father Froehlich is in
serious danger should he insist upon remaining in charge of the church, and that it will be
impossible for him to conduct services without a police guard. Up to this time he has not asked
for protection, but on leaving home Sunday he requested that the police keep watch over the
property. It is said yesterday’s trouble was precipitated by the new trustees discharging the choir
during the past week.
The disturbance afforded an excellent opportunity for a thorough demonstration of the
efficiency of the police auto patrol. Eighteen men, besides the driver, August Isaacson, were
taken to the scene at the first call, and though the truck was so heavily loaded down, the rush
down Washington street was made at 30 miles an hour. Twenty-two men were taken on the
second load.
Fort Wayne, May 29–Rev. John Froehlich returned to South Bend at 8:15 without seeing the
bishop, who is at North Judson. He told Rev. Father Miller, bishop’s secretary, that he is not
afraid, that the Magyars are cowards. It is expected they will be thrown out of church. Father
Miller says the trouble is that Father Froehlich will not let the congregation run things and that
Froehlich could have them all discharged from the Oliver and Studebaker works but will not do
so. The bishop will take up the matter this week.
South Bend Times: May 31, 1911 page 5
FRAULU CHARGES EFFORTS TO RUIN
21
IMPORTANT FIGURE IN ST. STEPHEN’S CHURCH DISSENSIONS ACCUSED OF
DESERTION.
WIFE IS THE COMPLAINANT
TRIAL IN CITY COURT MAY BRING OUT CHARGES BROUGHT AGAINST
CONGREGATION’S SPIRITUAL ADVISOR.
That he has been made the victim of persecution by personal enemies, who have sought to
ruin him, was told by John Fraulu, 1014 West Oak street, in an interview with a Times reporter
today. Fraulu was arrested yesterday morning by Detectives Cassidy and Cutting, charged with
desertion of wife and child, on a complaint made by his wife. The charges, made by Mrs. Fraulu
against her husband enter into the charges made against Rev. John von Froehlich, pastor of St.
Stephen’s Magyar church, and are responsible to a large extent for precipitation of dissensions
among the congregation. Fraulu was a witness before the investigating committee appointed by
Bishop H. J. Alerding to report on the charges made against Rev. Father Froehlich, which
pronounced the accusations groundless. When Fraulu appears in police court to answer the
charge of wife and child desertion, it is possible that the first public airing of the allegations
against the priest and parishioners will be made. In order to prove her case, it will probably be
necessary for the woman to repeat the stories, in substantiation of which she is said to have
filed affidavits before the prosecuting attorney and bishop. Fraulu appeared in police court this
morning, represented by Attorney D. D. Nemeth, and was granted a continuance until Thursday,
June 8. The bond was continued at $50.
In talking of his case this morning Fraulu said his wife had been talked into taking her drastic
measures by neighbors and relatives. “It is personal spite which is largely responsible for the
entire trouble,” said Fraulu. Mrs. Joseph Horvath, 119 North Carlisle street, was named as one
of the chief instigators of the gossip which spread like fire throughout the Hungarian
congregation. “Mrs. Horvath has been my enemy because I did not marry her daughter, Katie
Horvath,” said Fraulu, “and ever since I married the woman who is now my wife, Mrs. Horvath
has done everything she could to make trouble between us.” Alexander Abraham, 1210 West
Jefferson boulevard, son-in-law of Mrs. Horvath, and deposed trustee of the St. Stephen church,
and John Pallo, 1028 West Oak street, member of the police force, a brother-in-law of Fraulu,
were named by the latter as being foremost in prevailing upon his wife to prosecute him.
“I have always amply provided for my wife and 11 months old daughter, and can show recent
grocery and provision bills which I have paid. It is true that I am often absent from home, but my
position as travelling salesman for the Thomas Manufacturing Co., of Dayton, O., often requires
me to be absent days at a time. I am even now staying at my home, but my wife has left and has
been living with her relatives for the past two days. The things which they have said concerning
my relations with Father Froehlich are as false as can be, and the accusers cannot prove a word
of them. It is true that I have been quite friendly with the priest, but he is the Godfather of my
child, and has been a close friend of mine since I came to this country, five years ago.”
Fraulu is 24 years of age, of good appearance, and displays extraordinary intelligence,
considering his comparative short residence in America. He says he soon outgrew his fellow
countrymen in ability, and was able to hold more responsible positions than as laborer in the
factories. “My wife always objected to my taking better employment, constantly accusing me of
infidelity, and desired me to be contented to work in the factory. I have always treated her with
greatest consideration, and can not see what grounds she has for complaint.”
Fraulu denied that he contemplated taking a trip to Chicago with Father Froehlich, when
arrested, and did not ask the priest to furnish bond for his release, as stated.
Mrs. Michael Horvath, 914 Carroll street, has stated to The Times that the Mrs. Horvath who
led the demonstration at St. Stephen’s Magyar church last Sunday was not herself as was
reported, but that it was another Horvath and that there are 150 families of Horvath in the city
according to the city directory.
22
Objection is said to have been raised by members of the Church of the Sacred Heart (on
Thomas street, where the Belgian citizens worship, to Rev. Father Froehlich using that church
for performing marriages and other ceremonies as was done Monday. the protesting ones state
they have no desire to be drawn into the controversy existing in the St. Stephen’s church
congregation.
Another disturbance, which was threatening for a time, was caused last night by Father
Froehlich going into St. Stephen’s church, which is supposed to be locked and sealed, to get
the Blessed Sacrament. The edifice was entirely lighted up for nearly a half hour and this being
noticed by members of the congregation residing in the neighborhood, word rapidly spread over
the parish, resulting in angry threats being made. A move was made to attack the priest while
leaving the church, but was stopped by his claiming to have the Blessed Sacrament with him.
It is said that Father Froehlich is ascertaining what members are loyal to him to retain the
present church, leaving the organization of a new church to the dissatisfied ones.
South Bend Times: May 31,1911 page 11
HEAD CRACKED DURING FIGHT
JOHN HORWATH RENDERED UNCONSCIOUS BY BLOW AND MAY DIE AS RESULT.
PRIEST WAS THREATENED
FATHER FROEHLICH TAKING SACRAMENT FROM CHURCH TO INJURED MAN
OBJECT OF DEMONSTRATION.
One man badly hurt, three others held without bond to the city court, and threatened attack
on Father John von Froehlich who was saved by a detail of police, were the developments last
night of the trouble between congregation and priest at St. Stephen’s Magyar church.
John Horwath, 602 South Chapin street, had his skull fractured during a quarrel it is alleged
with Ignacz Szahaly, Joseph Farago and Thomas Szabo, all of 713 South Scott street, and
Steve Hijner was badly bruised. It was believed Horwath would die and Father Froehlich was
sent for to administer the sacrament.
It was about 8 o’clock last night when the priest entered the church to secure the Blessed
Sacrament from the altar. He struck a light which was immediately seen, and it is declared that
within five minutes, 500 angry parishioners gathered around the church and parish house to
attack the priest. A hurry call brought assistant chief of police Joseph Chappell and a wagon
load of patrol a to the scene and order was restored without difficulty. The priest was permitted
to take the sacrament to the dying man.
The quarrel in which Horwath was injured took place Monday night about 10 o’clock at 713
South Scott street and is alleged to have started over the parish troubles. So quiet was it kept
that nothing was learned about it by the police until yesterday. Then word was taken to Michael
Thomasco, patrolman at his home and he immediately went to the house at South Scott street
and placed Szahaky under arrest. In the room at the time were seven other men, who when they
learned the officer’s mission grew very demonstrative and one of them raised a beer bottle to
strike him.
Thomasco pulled his revolver and warning the group he would shoot if they started anything,
got his man out into the street, where he was again followed by a large crowd, but no
demonstration was made, and he brought his man to the police station at 1 o’clock yesterday
afternoon. There the names of the other two men were learned and Thomasco accompanied by
patrolman Listenberg and Mendich took them into custody last night.
All three men were in the city court this morning charged with assault and battery with intent
to kill and waiving arraignment pleaded not guilty and they were held without bond for a hearing
on June 8.
23
It was stated today by Dr. C. A. Rennoe, the attending physician, that although Horwath has
a hole as large as a hen’s egg crushed in his skull, he has a possible chance to recover.
South Bend Tribune: June 1, 1911 page 5
BELGIANS TO TAKE NO PART IN CONTROVERSY
WILL NOT HOLD MASS MEETINGS NOR OPEN CHURCH TO HUNGARIANS.
The Belgians of South Bend have no intention of becoming involved in the controversy
between priest and parish off St. Stephan’s Hungarian church, Rev. Charles V. Fischer, pastor
of the Sacred Heart Belgian church on West Thomas street, asserted today. There have
likewise been no thoughts among the Belgians relative to mass meetings, he said, as the
Belgians are a sensible and peace loving people.
“There has been absolutely no intention of using the church of the Sacred Heart for the
holding of services, which should be conducted in St. Stephan’s,” said Father Fischer. “When
the Hungarians were erecting their new church, the Belgian church was used by them for their
services, and it is possible this fact may have given rise to published rumors Hungarian services
were being held in the Belgian church.”
South Bend Tribune: June 3, 1911 page 5
CATHOLIC CHURCH CLOSED BY BISHOP
PART OF CAMPAIGN TO SETTLE TROUBLE IN PARISH
POLICE RECEIVE WORD FROM REV. H. J. ALERDING TO STOP ALL SERVICES UNTIL
FURTHER NOTICE.
St. Stephan’s Catholic church, at Thomas and McPherson streets, which has been the scene
of serious disturbances for the last several weeks, owing to charges involving Rev. John von
Froelich, the pastor, was today close until further order by Rt. Rev. Herman Joseph Alerding,
bishop of the diocese of Fort Wayne.
The church was closed by the police in an effort to prevent bloodshed a week ago. In
obedience to advice from South Bend, Bishop Alerding from his headquarters at Fort Wayne,
issued a second order today. The police immediately posted a notice printed in he Hungarian
language to inform members of the parish of the order from the bishop.
With the church closed for all services, it is probable tomorrow will pass without trouble in the
parish.
South Bend Tribune: June 8, 1911 page 5
HEAR ECHOES OF ST. STEPHAN’S TROUBLES
CASES ALLEGED TO HAVE ARISEN IN DISPUTE BEFORE CITY COURT.
Three criminal cases alleged to have grown out of the St. Stephan’s Magyar church
controversy were before the city court briefly this morning. John Fraula, 1628 West Oak street,
who is held on a charge of wife and child desertions, will have his hearing on June 22. D. D.
Nemeth appeared for Fraula.
On motion of deputy prosecutor L. M. Hamerschmidt, an assault and battery with intent to kill
charge preferred against Thomas Szabo, 713 South Scott Street, was dismissed. Szabo was
taken in custody with Joseph Faraga, of the same address, and Ignatz Szakaly, 602 South
Chapin Street, charged with attempting to kill John Horwath, of the same Chapin street
residence. It is alleged the trouble grew out of a quarrel regarding Father Froelich. Horwath
while pronounced out of danger by his physician has not entirely recovered and Faraga will have
his trial June 15. The defendants were represented by V. C. Jones.
24
South Bend Tribune: July 12, 1911 page 5
BISHOP ANNOUNCES CHANGE IN PASTORS
REPORTED REMOVAL OF REV. FR. FROELICH CONFIRMED.
TRANSFER MADE AT ONCE-POLICE REQUIRED TO DISPERSE MOB IN VICINITY
LOCAL CHURCH.
Fort Wayne, Ind., July 12.–Rt. Rev. Herman Joseph Alerding, bishop of Fort Wayne,
announced today that Rev. Louis von Kovacs, of St. Stephen’s Catholic Church, in New York
city, will succeed Rev. John von Froelich as pastor of St. Stephen’s church, South Bend, and the
latter will assume the pastorate of the New York church. This announcement confirmed reports
circulated in South Bend yesterday. Bishop Alerding expressed the hope the change in pastors
will put an end to the troubles in the South Bend parish. The change will take place at once,
Rev. Fr. Kovacs coming from New York, it is expected, in time to take charge of the services
next Sunday.
The expected return of Rev. Fr. Froelich, the retiring St. Stephen’s pastor, caused a mob of
dissatisfied parishioners to assemble about the church at Thomas and McPherson streets last
night. Rev. Fr. Froelich had been at Rome City on a vacation. When the crowd gathered a patrol
load of policemen was sent to the scene to prevent any serious outbreak, but as the priest failed
to come, trouble did not materialize. Members of the throng, however, showed a disinclination to
disperse, and, despite the efforts of the officers, hovered about until long after midnight.
Rev. Fr. Froelich is momentarily expected to arrive in South Bend following a 10-day
vacation. As far as is known in South Bend, he will exchange churches with Rev. Louis Kovacs
at once, probably in time for service Sunday. Persons qualified to speak assert that the coming
of the New York priest will not dispel the trouble in the South Bend parish. Members of St.
Stephen’s church are said to dislike him equally as much as Father Froelich. The date of this
exchange is supposed to be in the immediate future, but definite information in that direction is
lacking at this time.
South Bend Tribune: July 13, 1911 page 1
DETAIL OF POLICE SAVES TWO PRIESTS
ANGRY MOB HURLS STONES AT REV. LOUIS VON KOVACS.
ST. STEPHEN’S PARISHIONERS REFUSE TO ACCEPT NEW PASTOR AND START
DISTURBANCE ON HIS ARRIVAL.
Rev. John von Froelich, former pastor of St. Stephen’s Catholic church, and Rev. Louis von
Kovacs, of New York city, the newly appointed priest, were attacked by a mob of dissatisfied
parishioners last night. The trouble occurred in front f the church and parish house, Thomas and
McPherson streets. The timely arrival of the police under William Cassidy, chief of detectives,
undoubtedly saved the two priests from serious injury. during the trouble, which lasted fully two
hours, a number of policemen and spectators were injured by stones thrown by the mob.
The priests had been in Rome City, Ind., visiting Rt. Rev. Herman Joseph Alerding, bishop of
Fort Wayne, and arriving back in the city about 4 o’clock, proceeded directly to the parish house.
There they found the key holes of the doors had been plugged and they were unable to effect an
entrance. A menacing crowd stood in the street outside. Within half an hour fully 500 persons,
including many women, had gathered at the scene. On every side the people shouted they
would have none of the new priest. Some said they would rather have Father Froelich than
Father Kovacs for their pastor. Finding themselves unable to et into the parish house, the two
priests went to the home of Frank Murphy 1035 Thomas Street. The crowd continued to grow
25
and the police were called. Detectives Cassidy, Cutting, Kuespert and Zgodzinski and
Patrolmen Saberniak, Pallo, Delinski, Urbanski and Thomas O’Connell, with Sergt. Stickley,
were sent. The parish house was opened by Detective Cassidy, but the priests refused to enter
it, fearful of the threats of the mob. A cab was then called to take them away from the mob.
While the police stood guard over the carriage Detective Cassidy tried to persuade Father
Kovacs to with him. The priest was fearful and refused for fully half an hour. He broke into tears
when he was finally escorted to the cab. He begged the mob not to injure him, it is said, and
declared he would not take charge of the church.
The appearance of the priest was the signal for an angry demonstration by the crowd, which
then included fully 2,000. Bricks and stones which had been piled up in the streets by the
women began to fly through the air. Detective Cutting was struck on the hand and Patrolman
O’Connell received a painful wound on the shoulder from a large stone. The flight of missiles
caused a scatterment among the curious bystanders, and slipping their man into the cab the
police sent the vehicle down the street on the run. In the meantime Father Froelich had been
slipped out the back way. Both were take to the Oliver hotel, where they spent the night.
This morning Father Froelich left for Rome City to again consult with Bishop Alerding. The
other priest, who is a young man, had recovered somewhat from his fear and spent the day with
Detective Cassidy.
While members of the congregation are reported as having said they prefer Father Froelich
to the new appointee, they are determined, it is asserted, the former priest shall not be put in
charge. Father Forkas, of Chicago, who delivered the sermon at the dedication of the church,
would be acceptable, they say. Father Kubiny, a young priest in New York city, whose father yet
living in Hungary was a noted Hungarian general, would also meet with favor among the
congregation, it is reported.
Today the police were undecided whether they will permit the opening of the church for
services on Sunday. It has been closed several weeks. The trouble began in charges involving
Father Froelich and resulted in an investigation by the bishop. The priest was exonerated, but
the people refused to accept the verdict. Disturbances occurred every time the priest entered
the church until finally the police took charge. Father Froelich was recently removed by Bishop
Alerding and appointed pastor of St. Stephen’s church in New York city. Father Kovacs was
named pastor of the local church and came last night to take charge.
South Bend Tribune: July 14, 1911 page 5
CHANGE OF FRONT IN MAGYAR PARISH
ST. STEPHEN’S CHURCH MAY YET ACCEPT NEW PRIEST.
CHARGES AGAINST REV. FATHER KOVACS ARE DECLARED UNFOUNDED–
FROELICH GOES TO NEW YORK.
Indications were today that members of St. Stephen’s Catholic church may yet accept Rev.
Louis von Kovacs as their pastor. The congregation is said to have experienced a change in
front and may recompense the new priest for the indignities heaped upon him shortly after his
arrival in South Bend Wednesday evening. The change came today when it was reported that
the charges made against Rev. Father Kovacs in his former parish were the result of an attempt
at blackmail.
Notwithstanding the reported changed attitude on the part of the people of the Hungarian
church, it was asserted Rev. Father Kovacs is still hesitant about taking up the duties of priest
here. It is said he is displeased at the treatment he received.
26
On the other hand, it was asserted some influential members of the congregation are still
opposed to the new priest and, so far as they are concerned, the situation is unchanged. There
were no startling developments in the puzzling situation today.
Rev. John von Froelich returned last evening from Rome City, where he had been in
conference with Rt. Rev. Herman Joseph Alerding, bishop of Fort Wayne, and spent the evening
at the Oliver hotel. He left there early this morning and is reported to have gone to New York to
assume charge of his new pastorate.
South Bend Tribune: July 15, 1911 page 5
TO HOLD SERVICES IN MAGYAR CHURCH
EDIFICE WILL BE REOPENED AT BISHOP ALERDING’S ORDER. REGULAR MASSES
WILL BE CELEBRATED–CONGREGATION IS UNDERSTOOD SATISFIED WITH SITUATION
NOW.
St. Stephen’s Catholic church, at Thomas and McPherson streets, which has been closed
seven weeks, as the result of troubles involving Rev. John von Froelich, until recently the pastor,
will be reopened for the regular services tomorrow. Since the church has been closed Rev.
Father Froelich has been removed and has left the city. Indications today were that the services
will be resumed without trouble.
Orders for the reopening of the church and resumption of the regular services were issued
by Rt. Rev. Herman Joseph Alerding, bishop of Fort Wayne, and will be carried out by Rev. A.
H. Miller, secretary, who arrived today. Rev. Father Miller would not discuss the situation, but
dictated the following statement:
“St. Stephen’s Magyar church will be opened tomorrow by order of the Rt. Rev. Bishop
Alerding, of Fort Wayne. The services will be held as usual.”
Preparations were completed today for the reopening of the church. The first service will be
low mass at 8 o’clock, followed by high mass at 10, Sunday school will be held at 2 and
benediction at 3.
The church was closed Sunday, May 28, following disturbances extending over several
weeks. Charges had been filed against Rev. Father Froelich some time before. These were
subsequently investigated and found without foundation, but the congregation refused to accept
the report. To allow further investigation and avoid possible trouble the church was closed.
Police protection will be provided for the services tomorrow, but the services will perhaps
pass off without incident. The congregation is understood to be satisfied now that the former
priest has been removed.
Chicago Tribune: July 17, 1911 page 2
MEMBERS OF SOUTH BEND, IND., HUNGARIAN CONGREGATION RIOT AT CHURCH
IN EFFORT TO OUST NEW PASTOR.
South Bend, Ind., July 16.–
Trouble which has been brewing during the last seven weeks culminated this morning when
a mob of about 1,500 men and women made an attempt to prevent the Rev. Paul Von Kovacs,
who came here recently from New York, from celebrating high mass at St. Stephen’s Hungarian
Catholic church.
The priest escaped injury only through the foresight of Chief of Detectives William Cassidy in
stationing a squad of forty-five policemen in the vicinity of the church. The police charged the
crowd with drawn clubs the moment the rush for the clergyman was made. The result was a riot
in which 250 to 300 Hungarians were severely beaten.
27
As soon as the police succeeded in arresting the ringleaders and sending them to the central
station the rioters dispersed. The trio under arrest are John Mesler, age 38; Louis Mesler, 34;
Gyze Kulchar, 38.
The riot followed the appointment of Father Kovacs as priest of the church over the protests
of the parish, a report having reached here that he was immoral. Today’s riot was the second to
occur at the church within a week, the police having been rushed there last Tuesday night to
prevent Father Kovacs from being mobbed.
At that time, under cover of darkness, the rioters hurled bricks and stones at the policemen
as they took the clergyman to the station for protection.
South Bend Tribune: July 17, 1911 page 1,4
TWO PARISHES VENT RAGE ON NEW PRIESTS
STORM OF PROTEST IS RAISED AGAINST EXCHANGE OF PULPITS
REOPEN ST. STEPHEN’S
SERVICES HELD IN SOUTH BEND BUT IN NEW YORK FATHER FROELICH FINDS
DOORS LOCKED.
SITUATION IN TWO CITIES–
SOUTH BEND– Rev. Louis von Kovacs, assisted by Rev A. H. Miller of Fort Wayne, held
services yesterday in St. Stephen’s Catholic church under strong police guard, following a
disturbance in which a number were hurt. Rev. Father Kovacs has left the city and may not
return.
NEW YORK–The congregation of the Catholic church of St. Stephen of Hungary does not
want Rev. John von Froelich, formerly of South Bend, for its pastor and yesterday prevented him
from conducting services by securely fastening the church doors with padlocks.
In South Bend and New York, respectively, Rev. Louis von Kovacs and Rev. John von
Froelich, the principal figures in the trouble in St. Stephen’s Catholic church, Thomas and
McPherson streets, both had thrilling experiences in their efforts to conduct services yesterday.
Services were resumed in the South Bend church, but not until after a disturbance, in which
several were hurt. Rev. Father Kovacs had a narrow escape from attack at the hands of the
mob. In New York, Rev. Father Froelich met with no more cordial reception, when he sought to
take charge of the church of St. Stephen of Hungary. He found the doors padlocked and a mob
ruling the parish.
Today both parishes practically refuse to accept their respective pastors. Strenuous
objection is made in both cities against the arrangement through which the two priests traded
pulpits recently.
The two parishes are now loud in their demands for new pastors and for men of their own
selection. The South Bend congregation is said to prefer Rev. Victor von Kubinyi, of the Church
of the Ascension, New York, over any other man. Rev. Lazlo Farkas, of Chicago, is the choice of
the New York church. Rev. Paul Bognar of Est Chicago, Ind., however, may become pastor of
the south Bend church in the event Rev. Father Kovacs does not remain.
Rev. Father Kovacs left South Bend yesterday and may have gone to Fort Wayne, it is said,
to formally notify Rt. Rev. Herman Joseph Alerding, bishop of the diocese, he will not take
charge of the church here. The priest is said to have felt so disposed 24 hours after his arrival
last week, but later consented to remain on learning he would be accepted by the congregation.
Yesterday, the first day Rev. Father Kovacs held mass in South Bend, was marked by many
stormy scenes. A mob of 1,000 was prevented from breaking up low mass at 5 o’clock by the
presence of practically the entire police department. Sixty officers and patrolmen stood guard
over the priest and church. The crowd attacked the police in an effort to reach the priest just
28
before high mass two hours later and precipitated a clash, in which a number were injured. The
police were forced to charge the crowd with drawn clubs. Three of the leaders were arrested.
In his new charge in New York, Rev. Father Froelich, who is accused of stirring up the
trouble in the local church encountered similar difficulties. Reports of the trouble here had
preceded the priest and he was met with anything but a cordial reception. The church doors
were found padlocked and the priest was unable to get either the police or locksmith to open
them.
John and Louis Mester and Geza Kulchar, the three men arrested during the disturbance at
the church yesterday, pleaded not guilty in rioting when brought before Judge G. A. Farabaugh
in the city court today. All three were anxious for immediate trial, but the state’s plea the case be
deferred until Saturday was granted.
Practically the only feature of the preliminary hearing came when Deputy Prosecutor Louis
N. Hammerschmidt asked for a continuance of the cases. All of the prisoners remonstrated,
Louis Mester doing so in an ugly fashion.
“We will be tried this morning”, said Mester, “or there’s going to be trouble.”
“It’s impossible,” replied Judge Farabaugh. “Furthermore you will need witnesses.”
“Witnesses nothing,” Mester cried angrily, “none of us will have them, for we don’t need
them; and if we did, we could get 2,000 members of our church to testify.”
Mester was subdued only after a heated argument. The prisoners apparently have employed
no attorneys to defend them.
All three are at liberty on $200 bond each. In their alleged encounter John Mester was the
only man who today showed any ill effects. He carried his arm in a sling. His friends claimed he
had been painfully beaten by a club in the hands of a policeman.
The congregation of St. Stephen’s will object to Rev. Father Bognar as its leader, according
to statements made today. He is the priest who stirred up the parishioners seven weeks ago
yesterday when he was sent here to read a report of the exoneration of Rev. Father Froelich of
the charges, which later resulted in his leaving the city. Rev. Father Bognar called the
congregation to task for its antipathy toward its leader. One man said today the East Chicago
priest is the most cordially hated of all whose names have been connected with the church
troubles.
The three men were arrested yesterday morning during the principal disturbance at St.
Stephen’s church. They were at the lead of a crowd driven back by the police. The men were
taken into custody near Thomas and Laurel streets and taken away in the motor patrol. A
number sought to interfere, but were restrained by the police until the motor had gotten under
way. Although somewhat stunned by the number hurt and bruised in the clash with the officers,
the crowd jeered loudly at the arrest of the three men.
Following the mass meeting in Magyar hall Saturday night, the entire police force of 51
officers and patrolmen was ordered held in readiness for a call to the church. Just before low
mass at 8 o’clock yesterday the call came. A few minutes later the police, with the exception of a
few left at the station, were arranged around the church. There was no interruption of the low
mass, which was in charge of Rev. A. H. Miller, secretary to Bishop Alerding, beyond occasional
shouts and jeers.
But when Rev. Louis Kovacs attempted to enter the church to sing high mass held at 10
o’clock the crowd became threatening. The people were told those who wished to enter the
church might do so, while those who did not should leave. Some entered the sanctuary but the
others refuse to disperse.
People gathered east of the parish house soon after broke through the lines and started
toward the church. Women led this attack. As the crowd drew nearer, the police were ordered to
drive it back. With drawn clubs, the police charged the crowd. John Mester had been pointed out
as one of the leaders and became one of the main objects of attack. Five times he was struck
29
with the heavy night sticks, before he was finally subdued. Several women fell and were
trampled under foot by the retreating mob. From all along the line of attacking police could be
heard the resounding thwack of the clubs, as they fell across the heads and arms of those in the
mob.
As soon as the charge of the police began, the mob began to break. Men, women and
children, inciters and spectators scattered in all directions. The police today denied any woman
had been struck with a club, but admitted a number were roughly handled.
There was a slight show of resistance on the part of the mob and kicks and blows were
exchanged, but there was no display of weapons on the crowds part. The patrolmen did not
draw their revolvers. Patrolman Archibald was the only officer hurt. In stooping to pick up his
helmet after it had been knocked off, he became an object for a number of kicks from the mob,
but was not seriously injured.
After the attack the crowd was driven back to Thomas and Laurel streets on the east and
Thomas and Elm streets on the west. No one was permitted inside these lines except those
willing to attend church in an orderly manner.
The service was not interrupted, due to the presence of the police and the fact the crowd
was a block away. A few went into the church out of curiosity. High mass ended shortly before
12, following which Rev. Father Kovacs was called to officiate at a baptismal ceremony.
Father Kovacs and Father Miller were taken from the church in an automobile in which Chief
of Detectives Cassidy and several policemen also rode. The priests were jeered as they passed
Laurel street, where the main body of the crowd stood. After the departure of the priests, the
police had little difficulty in dispersing the throng. The police soon after left the scene. The
remainder of the day passed quietly in the vicinity of the church.
The action of the police has met with varying comment. There are those who contend the
action was unwarranted and an unseemly display, in the vicinity of a sanctuary, at least. These
people also contend that the police used their clubs on the women also, which the police deny.
It would appear, however, that the most of the public sentiment is with the police in their
action. It is pointed out that for three Sundays the entire force was held in reserve to quell any
incipient riots. Father Froelich, the disturbing factor, was removed, they say, but the people were
not quieted. Then the church was closed at the order of Bishop Alerding for seven weeks in the
hope that feeling would subside, but the attack of Thursday evening on Father Kovacs, and the
threats of the crowd yesterday were the only results.
New York, July 17– An exchange of pastors puzzled the congregation of the Catholic church
of St. Stephen of Hungary here no more, apparently, than it did St. Stephen’s Magyar church in
South Bend. Rev. John von Froelich, who came here recently from South Bend to take the place
of the Rev. Paul von Kovacs, is searching today for legal and ecclesiastical authority to remove
from the door of St. Stephen’s a padlock attached by his angry parishioners.
Dispatches from South Bend say Rev. Father Kovacs occupied Rev. Father Froelich’s place
there yesterday only after the police had subdued a riot and made several arrests.
The trustees of St. Stephen’s church , in this city, had made their own choice of priest to take
Rev. Father Kovacs’ place and did not fancy the arrangement between their former pastor and
the South Bend man to exchange places. When the latter arrived at the church to hold services
yesterday, he found the door locked. An appeal to the police brought a squad of bluecoats to
keep order, but the authorities refused to interfere in the church dispute. A locksmith, summoned
by the priest, refused to undertake the job, when he encountered a scowling mob of 500
parishioners about the doors.
The church trustees placed a guard at the entrance which was still there today awaiting Rev.
Father Froelich’s next move.
30
South Bend Tribune July 18, 1911, page 10
REV. LOUIS KOVACS TO ACCEPT PARISH
PRIEST RETURNS TO CITY AND MAKES ANNOUNCEMENT.
DECLARES LOCKOUT OF REV. FATHER FROELICH DUE TO PEOPLE’S DESIRE THAT
HE BE RECALLED.
Rev. Louis von Kovacs, newly appointed priest of St. Stephen’s Catholic church, Thomas
and McPherson streets, returned to the city today and gave out the announcement he would
accept the charge and would again conduct services next Sunday. Rev. Father Kovacs left
Sunday after the disturbances at the church and with Rev. H. H. Miller, secretary, reported to Rt.
Rev. Herman Joseph Alerding, bishop of Fort Wayne. The latter is at his cottage at Rome City,
Ind. Today Rev. Father Kovacs called upon a number of prominent people about the city and
received assurances from them, also from many members of St. Stephen’s church, that he
would be welcome.
The new priest gave out information on the reception given Rev. John von Froelich, formerly
of South Bend, in New York city, where he went to take charge of the church of St. Stephen of
Hungary. Rev. Father Kovacs asserted he received a telegram from his former trustees in New
York imploring him not to leave them, but to return to the pastorate of the church. He said he
had wired in return it was impossible and it was this disappointment on the part of the
congregation that caused the treatment of Rev. Father Froelich.
Rev. Father Kovacs added in support of this statement that when the former South Bend
priest visited him in New York city he not only entered the church but sang the mass and was
well received by the people. That Rev. Father Froelich should be barred from the church
because of a changed attitude on the part of the people there he declared inconceivable to him.
After spending the day here, Rev. Father Kovacs left for Rome City. Before leaving he stated he
would return about Friday to prepare for the Sunday services.
It is not believed there will be any disturbance, but the police will be held in readiness should
occasion demand. One of the most influential members of the former board of trustees declared
yesterday the demonstration last Sunday was a step too far and one into which the unthinking
members of the congregation had been led by radical leaders.
Rev. Charles Fisher, pastor of the Belgian church on West Thomas street, who has been
observing and studying the difficulties in St. Stephen’s church, says that over 500 heads of
Hungarian families desire that their church be reopened.Discussing the subject today with The
Tribune he said:
“Over 500 heads of Hungarian families want their church opened with the priest that the
bishop is willing to send them. They have never taken part in the meetings discussing religious
matters in the Hungarian hall. A great number, even the majority, of the Hungarian families, who
were not signers of that petition to the bishop, want to keep Father Kovacs.”
In a letter to The Tribune Rev. Father Libert, of St. Bernard’s seminary, Rochester, N. Y.,
who was in the city Sunday, says:
“In the article on the disturbance at St. Stephen’s church yesterday it is stated that a mob of
1,000 people was prevented from breaking up low mass at 8 o’clock. I was in the street within
the same block at that time and saw no crowd of any kind there. The crowd was in the church
hearing mass and at the end of the service they went home as quietly as the people of St.
Hedwige’s church,l with whom I saw them mixing at the corner of Napier and McPherson
streets.
“The crowd that gathered about the church came between the two masses while quiet
people entered the church. At the beginning of the high mass, when the police determined on
dispersing those that were going to interfere with the right to worship of hundreds of people that
were assembled within the edifice, the street was cleared in less than two minutes. It always
31
was my opinion that a determined move on the part of the authorities would put an end to this
church trouble.
“Father Miller was not molested at all when leaving the church and did not go away under
police protection. He walked very quietly to the Belgian church where I was waiting for him on
the sidewalk.”
South Bend Tribune July 24, 1911 Page 1
PRIEST CELEBRATES MASSES UNDISTURBED
WORSHIP AT ST. STEPHEN’S CHURCH CARRIED ON QUIETLY
As was anticipated, services at St. Stephen’s Hungarian church Sunday morning were
undisturbed. The new priest, Rev. Louis von Kovacs celebrated both masses. The congregation
was large and orderly. Many worshipers were unable to find seats. The quiet which obtained
yesterday is now generally taken as an indication that troubles, which have been in the front for
several weeks, are over.
Rev. A. H. Miller, of Fort Wayne, secretary to Rt. Rev. H. J. Alerding, bishop of the diocese,
was present at the services. William Cassidy, chief of detectives, was outside. The police were
held in reserve at the station, but there was no call for their services.
South Bend Tribune: January 22, 1912 page 5
BISHOP SEEKS OUSTER OF FORMER ORGANIST
CHURCH OFFICER ASKS POSSESSION OF THE DWELLING OCCUPIED BY
MARKOVITZ.
Alexander Markovitz, ousted organist and a central figure in the controversy in St. Stephen’s
Catholic church, was today made defendant in an unusual damage suit in Justice Andrew N.
Hildebrand’s court. Rev. Herman J. Alerding, bishop of the Fort Wayne diocese, filed the suit, in
which he asks damages of $125 because Markovitz has not moved from the organist’s
residence on Thomas street.
As the suit is filed on the theory of master and servant, rather than by landlord and tenant,
the usual procedure, the case is regarded as most extraordinary. Attorneys state never more
than two or three other cases of the kind have ever been filed in Indiana.
The newest case in connection with the troubles in St. Stephen’s parish was to have been
opened in court at 2 o’clock this afternoon, but a continuance was asked. The suit was then set
for 10 o’clock Thursday morning.
The suit was filed by McInerny & McInerny, who will represent the bishop when the case is
brought to trial. Kitch & Scanlon appear for the defendant.
South Bend Tribune: April 4, 1912 page 17
HUNGARIANS WILL BUILD NEW CHURCH
DISPLEASED PARISHIONERS OF ST. STEPHEN’S IN PLAN.
PART OF CONGREGATION WILL WITHDRAW TO ERECT SOUTH BEND’S TENTH
CATHOLIC PLACE OF WORSHIP.
the construction of a new Roman Catholic church, the 10th in the city, is planned by former
members of St. Stephen’s Magyar congregation who, dissatisfied with conditions in the latter
body, have withdrawn from its membership. Work on the new structure, which will be located in
the southwestern section of the city, will be started this summer. Plans for a financial campaign
are already being made and will be completed at a congregational meeting to be held shortly
after Easter.
32
The organization of the new church is the result of trouble in St. Stephen’s parish which
began one year ago. The opposition of members of the congregation resulted in the removal of
Rev. John von Froelich and the request that Rev. Victor Kubinyi, of Newark, N.J., be selected to
succeed him. Rev. Louis von Kovacs, the present pastor, however, was substituted. Many of the
members refused to accept him, although he has tried to unite the two elements, and have since
remained away from the church.
The decision to build the new church is the result of a conference between representatives of
the dissatisfied members of St. Stephen’s and Right Rev. Herman J. Alerding, D.D., bishop of
the diocese of Fort Wayne. Ladislaws Horwath and Joseph Bocski waited upon the bishop and
asked that they be given permission to organize a new congregation. Commenting on the
outcome of the meeting, Mr. Horwath said:
“Bishop Alerding said he would do all he could to help us and declared he would try to obtain
Rev. Father Kubinyi for the new parish. The plan of building the new church is not entirely the
result of dissention within St. Stephen’s church. There are many Hungarian residents in the
vicinity of the site of the new building and this alone we think, warrants the construction of a
church in that territory. Already 385 people have signified their intention of joining us.”
Rev. Father von Kovacs, pastor of St. Stephen’s church, characterized the movement as a
step toward the organization of a new congregation independent of the authority of the bishop
and, consequently, a non-Catholic body.
Two sites are under consideration. One is at Perry street and Catalpa avenue; the other on
Indiana avenue, between Chapin street and Catalpa avenue. The basement of the structure will
be used for school purposes. At a meeting of the congregation, to be held soon, trustees will be
elected, the building site selected and plans for the new church discussed.
South Bend Tribune: April 22, 1912 page 5
PURCHASE SITE FOR ST. SZIVE’S CHURCH
CONGREGATION BUYS LOT NEAR OLIVER SCHOOL.
TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS OF NEW BODY ELECTED AT SESSION IN MAGYAR HAZ–
TO MEET BISHOP.
Members of the Jesus St. Szive Temploma congregation, composed of former
communicants of St. Stephen’s Hungarian church, closed a deal today, for the purchase of a lot
at Indiana and Catalpa avenues, on which the new church and school of the congregation will
be erected. Officers and trustees were elected at a meeting yesterday and the work of
construction will begin soon.
The new church site cost $5,000. It was purchased from the South Bend & Gary Land
company, and is large enough for the construction of a combination school and church. Plans
for the structure will be drawn at once, and it is expected to have the building ready for
occupancy next fall.
At the congregational meeting which was held in the Magyar Haz, the following officers were
elected: Ladislaus Horvath, president; Joseph Horvath, secretary; Joseph Jankovics, treasurer;
and Joseph Bocskei, Joseph Nagy, Ignatz Rock and George Varga, trustees.
When Rt. Rev. Herman Joseph Alerding, bishop of the diocese of Fort Wayne, comes to
South Bend tomorrow to confirm classes in St. Stephen’s and St. Adalbert’s churches, a
conference between officers of the new church body and the episcopal head will be held.
President Horvath said today that the difficulty between the new parish and the bishop was the
determination of the trustees to have the St. Szive property in their own name. A final effort will
be made tomorrow to reach an agreement.
Mr. Horvath added that it was practically certain that Rev. Victor Kubinyi, of Newark, N.J., will
accept the new charge. He will probably attend the next congregational meeting which will be
held about May 15 for June 1.
33
South Bend Tribune: April 27, 1912 page 5
ST. STEPHEN’S TO HAVE NEW PASTOR
REV. LOUIS VON KOVACS WILL LEAVE SOUTH BEND.
SUCCESSOR REV. ALEXANDER VARLAKY, OF SOUTH BETHLEHEM, ONE OF BEST
KNOWN HUNGARIAN PRIESTS IN COUNTRY.
Rev. Louis von Kovacs, pastor of St. Stephen’s Catholic church, at Thomas and McPherson
street, will leave South Bend soon and will be succeeded by Rev. Alexander Varlaky, of South
Bethlehem, Pa. The change will be made by mutual agreement, with the consent of Rt. Rev.
Herman Joseph Alerding, bishop of Fort Wayne, and Most Rev. J. Pandegrast, archbishop of
Philadelphia. Formal announcement will be made tomorrow to the two congregations.
Rev. Father Varlaky, who will come to South Bend, preaching his first sermon in St.
Stephen’s church one week from tomorrow, is one of the best known Hungarian priests in the
country. For several years he has been president of the Hungarian Catholic Priest’s association
of the United States. He has served 10 years as pastor of St. John’s church in South Bethlehem,
and is intimately acquainted with Charles M. Schwab, the steel magnate, who has headquarters
there. Rev. Father Varlaky is about 50 years old, speaks several languages fluently and before
coming to America was tutor to Prince Louis Windishgratz, who two years ago married a
granddaughter of Emperor Franz-Joseph, of Austria-Hungary.
Rev. Father Kovacs has been at the head of the South Bend parish about 10 months and is
credited with having settled the trouble that resulted in the departure of his predecessor, Rev.
John von Froelich. The church is declared to be in a flourishing condition now which is illustrated
by the recent confirmation of 400 children.
Rev. Father Kovacs came to South Bend to take charge of the church temporarily and now
that the trouble is over he feels he may leave. Recently when he found his health weakening he
asked a transfer to another parish, resulting in arrangements with the South Bethlehem priest for
an exchange of pulpits.
The South Bethlehem church is among the largest in the country, having a membership of
1,200 families. One of the duties of the pastor is to deliver sermons in three languages,
Hungarian, Slavish and Croatian, on each Sunday. This the South Bend priest will be able to do
and he also speaks English, German, Hebrew and Spanish.
South Bend Tribune May 4, 1912 Page 5?
NEW CHURCH GOES AHEAD WITH PLANS
REV. V. KUBINYI IS NAMED PASTOR OF ST. SZIVE’S
DIFFERENCES WITH PARENT SOCIETY MAY MEAN WITHDRAWAL FROM DIOCESEFIRST SERVICES TOMORROW.
Rev. Victor von Kubinyi, of Newark, N.J., was today elected priest of the new Church of the
Sacred Heart, the Independent Hungarian Catholic congregation, known at St. Szive’s, and will
sing his first mass tomorrow at 10 o’clock in the Magyar Haz. Simultaneously with the election of
Rev. Father von Kubinyi, Rev. Alexander Varlaky, of south Bethlehem, Pa., arrived in South
Bend to become pastor of St. Stephen’s church. He, too, will conduct his first services here
tomorrow. Rev. Father Varlaky exchanged charges with Rev. Louis von Kovacs, who left for
South Bethlehem Thursday.
Rev. Father Kubinyi’s call to the new congregation is the result of internal dissention which
has existed in St. Stephen’s church for over a year. Articles of incorporation have just been filed.
Rev. Father von Kubinyi today resigned the pastorate of the Church of Assumption, Newark,
to take up his work here. Today Right Rev. Herman Joseph Alerding, bishop of the diocese of
Fort Wayne, gave him permission to sing mass in St. Stephen’s church tomorrow, if Father
Varlaky would permit. The inability of the two priests to reach an agreement resulted in the
34
decision to hold services in Magyar Haz. Should Rev. Father von Kubinyi be unable to obtain
vestments, he will conduct a congregational meeting and regular services will begin one week
from tomorrow. The new congregation already has over 400 members.
“I came to South Bend for a visit,” said Rev. Father von Kubinyi, “thinking only to investigate
conditions. When I reached this city I found that there was a real need for a new church. Should
I fail to receive recognition from Bishop Alerding I shall continue my work. I hope that a peaceful
agreement can be reached. At any rate I intend to continue my labors in South Bend.”
South Bend Tribune May 6, 1912 Page 7
TWO NEW PRIESTS BEGIN LABORS HERE
REV. VICTOR VON KUBINYI IS HEARD BY 800 AT MEETING.
PLAN REGULAR SERVICES
TROUBLE IN ST. STEPHEN’S CHURCH MAY REACH HOLY SEE ON APPEAL FROM
DISSATISFIED, WHO NOW HAVE LEADER
Two new Catholic priests formally took charge of South Bend parishes yesterday. REV.
Victor von Kubinyi, formerly pastor of the Church of the Assumption in Newark, N.J., presided
over the first congregational meeting of the new Church of the Sacred Heart and Rev. Alex
Varlaky, until recently pastor of St. John’s church, South Bethlehem, Pa., conducted his first
services in St. Stephen’s church. Rev. Father Varlaky succeeds Rev. Louis von Kovacs, who
has taken the South Bethlehem charge.
The meeting of the Sacred Heart congregation was held in the Magyar Haz. Arrangements
had been made for the holding of mass at 10 o’clock, but the inability of Rev. Father Kubinyi to
obtain vestments caused a change to a congregational meeting. Beginning next Sunday, high
mass will be sung by Rev. Father Kubinyi every Sunday at 10 o’clock. As soon as possible a hall
will be rented or a temporary frame structure erected on the site recently purchased by the new
congregation near the Oliver school.
Over 800 men attended the meeting in the Magyar Haz. Rev. Father Kubinyi, in an address,
said that he had come to South Bend, not as an intruder, nor as one who wished to stir up strife,
but to care for the church members who were dissatisfied with conditions in St. Stephen’s
church. He declared there was a real need for religious work among them and promised to
become their permanent pastor.
Today a final appeal was sent by the congregation to Right Rev. Herman Joseph Alerding,
bishop of Fort Wayne. The committee asked Bishop Alerding to appoint Rev. Father Kubinyi
pastor of St. Stephen’s church or give his sanction to the organization of the new congregation.
“If this appeal fails,” said Rev. Father Kubinyi, “we will take up the matter with the apostolic
legation in Washington. Should they, too, fail to give us satisfaction, we will appeal to the holy
see in Rome. Then, if our request be denied, we shall declare our church independent and will
later find a superior. In any event the work of the new congregation will go on. There are over
300 houses, owned by Hungarians, in the vicinity of the new church site. These people cannot
be neglected; they must have a church.”
South Bend Tribune May 9, 1912 Page 5?
CONGREGATION RENTS NEW HOME FOR CHURCH
SACRED HEART MEMBERS TO MEET ON SCOTT STREET.
Rev. Victor von Kubinyi, pastor of the new Hungarian Church of the Sacred Heart, today
leased the property at 211 South Scott street, to be used as temporary headquarters. Rev.
Father Kubinyi will hold daily services there, beginning next week, and will make his residence
and office there. Next Sunday the new pastor will celebrate high mass in the Magyar Haz at 10
o’clock. The Sunday services will all be held there, the large seating capacity of the auditorium
making the accommodation of the congregation easy. Week day masses will be sung in the
35
Scott street house every morning. There will be no deviation from the accepted practices of the
Roman Catholic church, the pastor announced.
No reply to the final appeal sent to Right Rev. Herman Joseph Alerding, D.D., bishop of the
diocese of fort Wayne, has yet been received. Rev. Father Kubinyi reiterated today his intention
of doing everything possible to obtain an amicable settlement of the difficulties between Bishop
Alerding and the members of the new church.
South Bend Tribune May 16, 1912 Page 5
CHURCH DIFFICULTIES ARE STILL UNSETTLED
VISIT OF BISHOP FAILS TO BRING AGREEMENT.
Although Right Rev. Herman J. Alerding, D.D., bishop of the diocese of Fort Wayne, was in
South Bend today, no settlement of the difficulties with the new Hungarian church of the Sacred
Heart has been reached. Should no reply to the ultimatum sent the bishop 10 days ago be
received before Sunday, May 226, Rev. Victor von Kubinyi, the pastor of the new church, will
call a mass meeting, to be held in the Magyar Haz on South Chapin Street.
One plan proposed, which will receive consideration at the session, is that of having two
chapels, one located in the extreme southwest part of the city, the other near the plant of the
Singer Manufacturing company. Rev. Father Kubinyi will say mass at one of these chapels at 9
o’clock and at the second two hours later.
Rev. Father Kubinyi has taken up his residence at 312 South Lafayette street. The place has
been entirely furnished with gifts of carpets, tables,chairs, curtains and stoves made by
members of his congregation. Rev. Father Kubinyi said today:
“We are not fighting the bishop and I have urged my parishioners to retain all their respect for
church authority. However, I do feel that my people have been ill treated and it is my purpose to
continue in the way I have started by ministering to their religious wants. I feel that I have been
grossly misrepresented. Statements have appeared in national Hungarian newspapers severely
attacking me and making declarations which I can only brand as downright lies.”
South Bend Tribune May 18, 1912 Page 5
SAYS FATHER KUBINYI IS NOT DIOCESAN PRIEST
BISHOP ALERDING ADDRESSES LETTER TO LOCAL PASTORS.
That Rev. Victor von Kubinyi, pastor of the new Hungarian church of the Sacred Heart, is not
a priest of the diocese of Fort Wayne, and that he has none of the diocesan faculties, is the
declaration of Right Rev. Herman Joseph Alerding, D.D., bishop of the diocese in a statement
sent to all the South Bend priests which will be read in the churches tomorrow.
The statement is the answer to the ultimatum sent the bishop two weeks ago by members of
the new congregation. Rev. Father Kubinyi is conducting services every Sunday in the Magyar
Haz. He came to South Bend on the invitation of parishioners dissatisfied with conditions in St.
Stephen’s church.
Bishop Alerding’s declaration follows:
“Rev. Victor von Kubinyi, now in South Bend, is not a priest of the diocese of Fort Wayne and
he has not the diocesan faculties. Therefore he has no right to celebrate mass, to administer
sacraments or to perform any religious functions within the diocese of Fort Wayne. He has not
been authorized to organize a second Hungarian Catholic parish in South Bend. To avoid
greater scandal the good Catholic people of South Bend are warned not to give him any
recognition or assistance whatsoever.
H.J. Alerding”
South Bend Tribune May 20, 1912 Page 8
36
HUNGARIAN CHURCH TO HOLD GENERAL SESSION
SACRED HEART BODY WILL DISCUSS BUILDING PLANS.
Following a statement by Right Rev. Herman Joseph Alerding, D.D., bishop of Fort Wayne,
Rev. Victor von Kubinyi, pastor of the new Hungarian Church of the Sacred Heart, announced
today that plans had been completed for a meeting of the congregation to be held next Sunday
in the Magyar Haz. At that time final building plans will be formulated, permanent officers of the
congregation elected, and a constitution and bylaws will be adopted.
Commenting on the declaration of Bishop Alerding that Rev. Father Kubinyi was not a priest
of the diocese of Fort Wayne, the latter said:
“I have never claimed to be a priest of the Roman Catholic diocese of Fort Wayne. I came
here at the request of a large number of Hungarian Catholics, former parishioners of St.
Stephen’s church. On my way here I called on Bishop Alerding, more as an act of courtesy than
anything else. I was elected pastor of the recently incorporated Hungarian Catholic Church of
the Sacred Heart and was not looking for any other appointment. My congregation is
independent of the Roman Catholic diocese of Fort Wayne, and should Bishop Alerding ever
choose to take my congregation into his diocese, such arrangements or an appointment as
pastor would be accepted only under certain conditions.”
It is said 900 people attended the celebration of high mass conducted by Rev. Father Kubinyi
in the Magyar Haz yesterday. The low celebration was attended by 200 people.
South Bend Tribune May 27, 1912 Page 7
TO BUILD TEMPORARY CHURCH.
SACRED HEART CONGREGATION ELECTS REV. V. KUBINYI PERMANENT PASTOR
New congregational officers were elected, a constitution and by-laws adopted, and plans for
the construction of a temporary church completed at a meeting of the members of the new
Hungarian Church of the Sacred Heart, in the Magyar Haz yesterday. The new officers of the
society are: Steven Toth, chairman; Ladislaw Horvath, vice chairman; Joseph Jankovits,
treasurer; Joseph Horvath, recording secretary; controllers, Julius Bolodar and Joseph Pecsi;
auditors, Michael Hipsag and Emery Soos; advisory board, Paul Strajner, Frank Papay, Joseph
Bolcskei, Ignatius Rak, Anton Vissy, Peter Greger, John Baumgartner, Frank Lassu, Anton
Weger and Anton Kovacs.
Work on a temporary place of worship, to be built on the Indiana avenue property recently
purchased by the congregation, will be started at once. The structure, will be of sheet iron
construction, and will cost approximately $1,600. It will be 40 x 90 feet in size, and will have a
seating capacity of 500. The place will be ready for occupancy in one or two weeks. Elaborate
services on June 16, the feast of the Sacred Heart, will mark its dedication. A permanent church
structure will be erected later.
Rev. Victor von Kubinyi was elected permanent pastor of the parish yesterday. By the
unanimous vote of the congregation, Rev. Father Kubinyi was given the title of perpetual rector.
His removal can come only by the unanimous vote of the congregation. This clause will be
inserted in the by-laws. According to the constitution of the church, all the rites, services and
practices will remain identical with those prescribed by the Roman Catholic church. Yesterday’s
meeting was attended by over 700 men, members of the new church.
South Bend Tribune June 3, 1912 Page 5
TWO CHURCH FACTIONS CLASH AT BOY’S GRAVE
TROUBLE IN CEMETERY FOLLOWS RECENT RELIGIOUS DIFFERENCES
37
Differences between members of South Bend’s Roman Catholic churches and the new
Hungarian Independent congregation of the Sacred Heart, broke out yesterday in Cedar Grove
cemetery during a funeral.
The services were for Joseph Horvath, aged 16, of 424 South Laurel street, son of Mrs.
Elizabeth Horvath. Upon entry of the funeral cortege to the cemetery, it is said, an attempt was
made to prevent the boy’s burial because the mother attends the new independent church. Mrs.
Horvath owns the lot selected for the burial, however, and interment took place despite the
protests of cemetery attaches who refuse to lend their aid to the ceremonies. Rev. Victor von
Kubinyi, pastor of the new Sacred Heart church, was in charge of the services.
Horvath died Saturday following an illness of five months with tuberculosis. He was born in
Hungary on January 22, 1896. His father died several years ago, his mother being the only
surviving relative.
South Bend Tribune June 5, 1912 Page 6
AWARD CONTRACT FOR SACRED HEART CHURCH
HUNGARIAN-CATHOLIC CONGREGATION WILL HAVE PERMANENT HOME.
The contract for the erection of the new house of worship to be used by the congregation of
the Hungarian-Catholic church of the Sacred Heart was let to Szabo & co., at a meeting of the
church trustees last night. It will be signed tonight and work on the edifice which will be located
on Indiana avenue, will be started at once. According to present plans, the first services will be
held in the edifice on July 4, when it will be dedicated as a part of the Independence day
celebration. It will be entirely completed about Aug. 15, and the total cost will be $4,000.
A further change in building plans has resulted in the decision to erect the edifice of brick.
Suggestions of sheet iron and concrete block material have been discarded. The structure will
be 40 by 90 feet in size and will comfortably set 500 people. The structure, which will be located
just east of the Oliver school, will face the west. A steeple and bell tower is included in the plans.
The building will be used for church purposes until the construction of a church proper. Then
it will be devoted exclusively to school purposes. Until its completion, the congregation will
continue to hold services in the Magyar Haz. Rev. Victor von Kubinyi, the pastor, has removed
to 929 West Washington Avenue, where the congregation’s headquarters have been
established.
South Bend Tribune: July 22, 1912 page 5
CEMETERY IS DEDICATED.
SACRED HEART BURYING GROUNDS FORMALLY OPENED.
The new Hungarian-Catholic cemetery of the Sacred Heart, recently purchased by the
congregation of the same name, was dedicated yesterday by the pastor of the parish, Rev.
Victor von Kubinyi. The property, comprising 20 acres is located west of the city on the Division
street road near St. Joseph’s Polish cemetery. It has been entirely enclosed with a fence, and
further improvements are contemplated.
South Bend Tribune: August 5, 1912 page 5
PARISH IN DIOCESE OF POLISH BISHOP
INDEPENDENT CHURCH TAKES IMPORTANT STEP.
MEMBERS GIVE PICNIC WHICH BRINGS REVENUE OF $1,000 – WILL DEDICATE
EDIFICE AUG. 18.
The Hungarian-Catholic church of the Sacred Heart, numbering 3,000 Hungarian residents
of the city, has joined the diocese of Right Rev. Francis Hodur D.D., the Polish-Catholic bishop
38
of Scranton, Pa., according to an announcement today of the pastor, Rev. Victor von Kubinyi.
The South Bend church has been an independent parish since withdrawal of the members from
St. Stephen’s Roman Catholic church.
Rev. Father Kubinyi said that the move gives the Church of the Sacred Heart independence
in finances only, the congregation remaining under Bishop Hodur’s direction in all matters of
religion, morals and discipline. All the rites and ceremonies of the Roman Catholic church will be
retained, he said.
Nearly 4,000 people attended a picnic given by the church yesterday on the site of the new
church now in process of construction on West Indiana avenue. The proceeds of the outing
totalled approximately $1,000.
If the contractors succeed in completing the new structure, it will be dedicated on Sunday,
Aug. 18. Elaborate preparations are being made.
South Bend Tribune: August 26, 1912
HOLDS THAT BISHOP LACKS JURISDICTION
FATHER KUBINYI MAKES LIGHT OF EXCOMMUNICATION ORDER.
SEVEN HUNDRED HEAR HIM
MANY ATTEND SUNDAY SERVICES AT HUNGARIAN CATHOLIC CHURCH OF SACRED
HEART–STILL RECOGNIZES POPE AS HEAD.
The order of excommunication issued by the Right Rev. H. J. Alerding, bishop of the Fort
Wayne diocese, against Rev. Father Victor von Kubinyi, of this city, which was read in all the
Roman Catholic churches of South Bend yesterday, is regarded by Rev. von Kubinyi as having
no weight whatever as he states he left the jurisdiction of Bishop Alerding several months ago
and thus feels in no way affected by the message.
Approximately 700 members of the Hungarian Catholic church of the Sacred Heart, of which
Father Kubinyi is the pastor, attended the services held in that church yesterday and thus,
according to the document issued by Bishop Alerding are also excommunicated from the
Roman Catholic church. Father Kubinyi maintains, however, that the bishop had no authority to
issue the excommunication and although legally he and his followers of his doctrines and teachthe Catholic church they still recognize the pope and consider themselves followers of his
doctrines and teachings.
The Hungarian Catholic Church of the Sacred Heart recently joined the Independent Polish
Catholic Church of America headed by Bishop Francis Hobur, an Father Kubinyi stated today
that his followers will remain under this order and will continue their work in this city as if nothing
had occurred.
South Bend Tribune: September 7, 1912
BISHOP HODUR TO DEDICATE CHURCH
REV. VICTOR VON KUBINYI WILL BE MASTER OF CEREMONY.
NEW HUNGARIAN HOUSE OF WORSHIP, COSTING $6,000, TO BE CONSECRATED
FREE FROM DEBT.
Elaborate services tomorrow will mark the dedication of the new Hungarian Catholic church
of the Sacred Heart. Right Rev. Francis Hodur, bishop of the diocese of Scranton, Pa., will be in
charge of the services and will preach a sermon in English. The pastor of the parish, Rev. Victor
von Kubinyi, will act as master of ceremonies, and will preach in both English and Hungarian.
Very Rev. Joseph P. Plaga the honorary deacon, will give an address in the Polish language.
Other priests who will participate in the services are: Rev. Father Boldanowicz, deacon; and
Rev. Father Zawadski, sub-deacon.
39
The services will begin at 10:30 o’clock, and will consist of the blessing of the building and
celebration of solemn high mass by the bishop. It will be preceded by a parade which will move
at 9 o’clock from the Magyar Haz on South Chapin street to the site of the new building on West
Indiana avenue, near the Oliver school.
The order of march will be as follows:
Police, Hungarian mounted guard, Hungarian brass band, board of trustees with cross,
guest societies, flower girls, ladies’ society of the blessed Virgin, ladies’ of Sacred Heart parish,
Polish brass band, Hungarian societies, Hungarian infantry, Torock’s baseball team, Gergacz’s
baseball team, altar boys with cross, the clergy, the bishop, private carriages.
The new building, erected at a cost of $6,000, will be consecrated free from all indebtedness,
despite the fact that the parish is but four months old. Later it is planned to transform the
building into a school and a larger church home will be erected. Sessions for the children will
begin in about one month. Rev. Father Kubinyi will begin the conduct of classes in Bible study
and the catechism about Oct. 1.
South Bend Tribune September 9, 1912 Page 5?
ONLY CHURCH OF ITS KIND IN AMERICA
SACRED HEART CONGREGATION DEDICATES EDIFICE.
MASS BY BISHOP HODUR
NEARLY 3,000 PEOPLE ATTEND CEREMONIES–PARADE ONE OF FEATURES–$6,000
BUILDING IS FREE FROM DEBT.
The first Independent Hungarian-Catholic church in America was dedicated Sunday in South
Bend when the Sacred Heart congregation formally opened a new house of worship, just off
Indiana avenue on a newly opened street as yet unnamed. Elaborate services in charge of Right
Rev. Francis Hodur, bishop of the Independent Catholic diocese of Scranton, Pa., officiated.
Nearly 3,000 people attended the ceremonies, which were preceded by a parade of church and
military societies through the west section of the city.
Bishop Hodur acted as celebrant at solemn high mass. Rev. Father Boldanowicz acted as
deacon, and Rev. Father Zawadski as sub-deacon. Rev. Victor von Kubinyi, pastor of the parish,
was master of ceremonies, and Very Rev. Joseph P. Plaga honorary deacon.
Addresses were made by Bishop Hodur, Rev. Father Kubinyi and Rev. Father Plaga. The
ceremonies were brought to a close with a picnic held in the church yard in the afternoon.
The organization of the Sacred Heart congregation is the result of friction between former
members of St. Stephen’s Hungarian parish and authorities of the Roman Catholic church. Rev.
Father Kubiny, called from Newark, N. J., organized the congregation four months ago. He since
has been excommunicated. In the new organization the rites and sacraments of the Roman
Catholic church are to be retained, the only difference being in the matter of authority. The
edifice just erected, which cost over $6,000, is free from debt.
South Bend Tribune: October 14, 1912 page 7
PARISH IN GOOD SHAPE.
COLLECTIONS FOR FIRST QUARTER AMOUNT TO $8573.
Receipts of the Hungarian Catholic congregation of the Sacred Heart during the first four
months of the parish’s history totalled $8,573, according to a report read yesterday by the
pastor, Rev. Victor von Kubinyi. This was divided as follows: Collections, donations by the
congregation and regular contributions, $5,253; receipts from three picnics, $2,000; donations
by various Hungarian societies, $1,310. Since the congregation was formed, four months, a
church home costing approximately $6,000 has been erected, dedicated and consecrated, free
from all indebtedness.
40
South Bend Tribune: December 28, 1912 page 5
REV. FATHER KUBINYI TO LEAVE SOUTH BEND
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN MAGYAR CATHOLICS BELIEVED ENDED
Internal dissension in the congregation of St. Stephen’s Roman Catholic church is believed
to have been settled with the announcement that Rev. Victor von Kubinyi, who last spring
organized the Independent-Catholic Church of the Sacred Heart, is about to give up the project
of maintaining his parish. Rev. Father Kubinyi is said to have already left the city and no more
services will be held in the brick church erected last summer by the congregation just east of the
Oliver school.
His going leaves St. Stephen’s the only Hungarian Catholic church in the city. Members of
the Sacred Heart church, with the exception of the leaders in the withdrawal from the church of
Rome, will be received back into the church, according to the announcement of Rev. Alexander
Varlaky, pastor of the St. Stephen’s. Officers of the congregation and men who were
instrumental in bringing Rev. Father Kubinyi will be compelled to settle their differences with
Right Rev. Herman Joseph Alerding, D.D., bishop of the diocese of Fort Wayne. Rev. Father
Kubinyi will be received into the fold again only after serving a term of penance, according to
Rev. Father Varlaky. Priest and members of his flock were alike excommunicated by the church
several months ago.
In a public statement, Rev. Father Kubinyi says:
“When I came here I thought I was coming to restore peace. I was told my mere appearance
would put an end to disturbances as having prevailed for over a year. It did not take very long,
however, for me to find out the situation to be quite different from what I was told.
I was not seeking affections. And I have not come to take a good job, either. I thought I was
fighting for principles and I also thought I was doing this in the interests of the Magyars of this
community.
As a result of hard work and struggles I could not help coming to the conclusion the best
service I could render my fellow-countrymen and this community as well was to leave here. I
was told my work was disturbing business. For this I would never stand.
It takes a man to fight. But it takes a man to criticize his own actions, too. Does it not?
Well then, I am leaving town as the victim of a mistake; a mistake of those who meant well,
but who not much of their own fault, were not quite up to the level of the task.
Those having constituted my following now are quite organized. I did for them all I possibly
could. It is now up to them and their former opponents to shake hands. To do this goodnaturedly in order to unite in good-fellowship. This will become instrumental in their working for
the uplift of their congregation and this will enable them to prove themselves useful and worthy
citizens of this community.”
Trouble in St. Stephen’s parish began nearly two years ago, when Rev. John von Froelich
was pastor. So tense did feeling between pastor and people become that on several occasions
police reserves were rushed to the church to prevent violence. Ultimately, the church was closed
by order of authorities and later Rev. Father Froelich was transferred to a parish in New York
city.
Members of the congregation attempted to bring Rev. Father Kubiny here as pastor, but
failed, Rev. Louis von Kovacs being appointed. Still later, Rev. Father Kovacs left and the
present pastor, Rev. Alexander Varlaky, succeeded him. Seven months ago, Rev. Father
Kubinyi came to South Bend from Newark, N.J. and the Independent-Catholic congregation
was organized. Services were first held in the Magyar Haz, on South Chapin –––––––
South Bend Tribune: April 14, 1913 page 1
KUBINYI WILL BECOME BISHOP
LOCAL PRIEST JOINS HUNGARIAN NATIONAL CHURCH.
41
ELABORATE CEREMONIES WILL TAKE PLACE IN SOUTH BEND NEXT SUNDAY
UNDER DIRECTION OF ARCHBISHOP.
Rev. Victor von Kubinyi, who organized the independent Catholic congregation of the Sacred
Heart in this city, will on Sunday be consecrated a bishop of the new Hungarian national church
in America, according to an announcement made today. Elaborate preparations are being made
for the ceremonies, which will occur on Sunday morning, and which will be followed by luncheon
in the Oliver hotel for Rev. Father Kubinyi, Archbishop Timotheus Villatte, of Buffalo N.Y., and
other visiting clergy.
The new church will retain the forms and ceremonies of the Roman Catholic church, and it is
not improbable that the independent congregation of the Sacred Heart will come under his
jurisdiction. New parishes of the Hungarian national church are about to be organized in New
York city, Buffalo and Tonawanda, N.Y.
In announcing the decision to organize the new church, Rev. Father Kubinyi said today:
“I am not coming back to South Bend to organize a new or a dissenting parish. I am coming
here to found a new church for which South Bend will be the national headquarters. Additional
churches will be established in all parts of the country.”
Archbishop Vilatte, who will consecrate Rev. Father Kubinyi, is the head of the Old Catholic
church.
The newest move by Rev. Father Kubinyi is the result of a fight of nearly two years which
began when Rev. John von Froelich, then pastor of St. Stephen’s Roman Catholic church,
became embroiled with members of his congregation. One year ago Rev. Father Kubinyi came
to South Bend from Newark, N.J. , and organized the independent Sacred Heart congregation.
This church is now under the direction of Bishop Francis Hodur, of the Polish Catholic diocese of
Scranton, Pa. Several months ago, Rev. Father Kubinyi resigned his charge here and has since
been in Chicago.
South Bend Tribune: April 16, 1913 page 20
CHARTER GRANTED FOR NEW CHURCH
HUNGARIAN NATIONAL BODY FORMALLY INCORPORATED.
CONSECRATION OF REV. FATHER KUBINYI AS FIRST BISHOP IS POSTPONED UNTIL
SUNDAY, APRIL 27.
The charter of the new Hungarian National church in America, of which Rev. Victor von
Kubinyi, of South Bend is to be the head, was issued today by Lewis G. Ellingham, secretary of
state, in Indianapolis. The organization is described as “a voluntary association known as the
Hungarian National church of America organized for the worship of God.”
Rev. Father Kubinyi, Charles Abraham and George Szabo all of South Bend, constitute the
first vestry of the church. This body may consist of from three to nine men. Headquarters are to
remain in this city permanently and the single bishop of the denomination is to be the head of
the church. Rev. Father Kubinyi has been elected first bishop and will be consecrated on
Sunday, April 27, in this city.
Congregations will be established in all parts of the country wherever Hungarian residents
may be located according to the statement in the charter. Local pastors are to be elected by the
various congregations; assistant pastors will be appointed by the bishop.
Because of the inability to complete arrangements for Rev. Father Kubinyi’s consecration as
the first bishop of the new church, the ceremonies have been postponed until Sunday, April 27.
It was first expected these would take place on Sunday. Archbishop Timotheus Vilatte, of the
Old Roman Catholic church who will conduct the ceremonies, has been called away from the
city on church business, which has caused the delay. Archbishop Vilatte was in South Bend
yesterday and will return to the city some time next week.
42
South Bend Tribune: April 22, 1913 page 1
HUNGARIANS FEAR RELIGIOUS RIOT
APPEAL TO MAYOR CHARLES L. GOETZ FOR PROTECTION.
REV. V. KUBINYI TARGET
CITY AUTHORITIES REQUESTED TO PREVENT PRIEST FROM TAKING CHARGE OF
SACRED HEART CHURCH NEXT SUNDAY AFTERNOON.
Guarding against a repetition of the religious riots of two years ago members of the
congregation of the Sacred Heart Hungarian Roman Catholic church today appealed to Mayor
Charles L. Goetz and the city authorities to prevent Rev. Victor von Kubinyi, organizer of the
proposed Hungarian National church from entering the church next Sunday afternoon. Members
of the congregation fear that it is the purpose of Father Kubinyi to take charge of the house of
worship and thus provide a place in which he can consecrate a bishop in the Hungarian National
church. Mayor Goetz has notified the officials of the church that he will not allow Father Kubinyi
to act against the wishes of the congregation.
That Rev. Kubinyi is forwarding the proposed Hungarian National church merely as a
financial scheme and not out of true religious conviction is the substance of an official statement
made today by Rev. Alexander Varlaky of St. Stephen’s Roman Catholic church. “Magyar
Hirlap”, a Chicago Hungarian weekly paper received in this city today contains a two column
article severely denouncing Rev. Mr. Kubinyi and the work which he is attempting to do in this
city. Though many of the congregation of the Hungarian Sacred Heart Catholic church, and
independent organization which Rev. Kubinyi originally formed in this city have stated their
willingness to follow him in the new movement, the majority have flatly refused to attend any of
his meetings or recognize his efforts. That a split will result in the Hungarian religious sects of
the city is the opinion set forth by several prominent workers of that nationality.
The official statement given out today by Rev. Father Varlaky is as follows:
“St. Stephen’s church stands on a footing of the genuine Roman Catholic standpoint and the
people belonging to St. Stephen’s church have nothing to do with the independent movement
which was started by Rev. Kubinyi in this city.
Not only has my flock nothing to do with the false ideas of he independent movement started
by Rev. Kubinyi but we have always strongly opposed it and the Catholic authorities stigmatized
this movement as a falsehood and Rev. Kubinyi was declared by the Papal Litigation as
schismatic and was excommunicated.
The origin of Rev. Kubinyi’s independent movement lies not as much in religious conviction
as in a financial scheme.”
The appeal by members of the Hungarian Sacred Heart church to Mayor Goetz was made
as a result of a rumor said to have been circulated by Rev. Mr. Kubinyi that the consecration
services would be held in that church. According to a statement made today by Father Varlaky
this step was taken only after Bishop John Hazen White had refused the use of St. James’
Episcopal church, as well as having refused to be present at the services.
Both the members of the Sacred Heart church and their pastor would not be allowed to se
their church for the formation of his new order under any consideration and that every step
would be taken to prevent such action.
Rev. Mr. Kubinyi stated today that the services would be held on Sunday but that as yet he
was unable to announce the place in which they will take place.
According to information given out today by Father Varlaky, local authorities wrote to
Hungary some time ago to the uncle of Rev. Mr. Kubinyi, Louis de Szmrescanyi, archbishop of
the Roman Catholic church in Hungary, inquiring as to the character of the local organizer.
Father Varlaky states that Rev. Mr. Kubinyi’s uncle replied that his nephew was
43
excommunicated from the church and that should he ever return to that city he would
immediately be placed under arrest.
Father Varlaky further states that Rev. Mr. Kubinyi defrauded the people of Newark, N.J.,
where he had a parish. It is also alleged by the pastor of St. Stephen’s church that Archbishop
Timotheus Villatte, of Buffalo, N.Y., who, it is said, will be in this city to aid in the consecrating
exercises on Sunday, has traveled from place to place and has repeatedly been refused
appointment as a bishop.
South Bend Tribune: April 23, 1913 page 1
CHURCH ELECTION ALLEGED TO BE FALSE
REV. VICTOR VON KUBINYI FILES AFFIDAVIT CONCERNING AFFAIRS OF SACRED
HEART.
Alleging that the election for the year of 1913 of officers of the Hungarian Sacred Heart
Catholic church as filed with the county recorder is false and fraudulent, an affidavit was today
filed by Rev. Victor von Kubinyi, formerly of that church.
The affidavit states that the record kept by Joseph Horvath states that Rev. Basil Sychta is
priest of the church in question while the constitution of the church states that Rev. Victor von
Kubinyi shall be the perpetual priest unless discharged by a three-fourths vote of the entire
congregation. The affidavit states that on Dec. 26 Kubinyi left the church but that his resignation,
tendered in duress was never accepted.
The affidavit sets forth the true officers as being Stephen Toth, chairman; Charles Abraham,
vice chairman; George Szabo, treasurer; Frank Szucs, secretary; George Belakovics and Emery
Vargo controllers; and Stephen Illes and Michael Rappi auditors.
South Bend Tribune: April 25, 1913 page 1
ARCHBISHOP COMES TO CONDUCT CONSECRATION
PLACE FOR ORDAINING OF BISHOP NOT YET SELECTED.
Archbishop Villatte, of the Old Catholic church, who will consecrate Rev. Victor von Kubinyi,
bishop of the Hungarian National Church of America, Sunday, has arrived in South Bend for the
consecration. The place for the holding of the ceremonies has not been selected, but they will
probably take place in the Magyar Haz, on South Chapin street.
According to an affidavit filed by Rev. Father Kubinyi the correct officers of the Sacred Heart
Independent church are as follows: Stephen Toth, chairman; Charles Abraham, vice chairman;
George Szabo, treasurer; Frank Szucs, secretary; George Belakovics and Emery Vargo
controllers; and Stephen Illes and Michael Rappi, auditors.
The records in the office of County Recorder Noah C. Lehman show the following officers to
have been recorded by Joseph Horvath; Istram Toth, president; Michael Hijsak, vice president;
Laszlo Horvath, secretary; Alex Horvath, and Joseph ??, Istvan Szarka and Bertalan Pordan,
controllers.
South Bend Tribune: April 28, 1913 page 4
KUBINYI CONSECRATED
POLICE PRESENT AT SERVICES IN MAGYAR HALL–CEREMONIES QUIET.
Although present, police were not needed at the consecration services of Victor von Kubinyi,
founder of the Hungarian national church, in Magyar hall yesterday afternoon. A large audience
witnessed the services which were performed by Archbishop Timotheus Vilatte, of Buffalo, N.Y.
Rev. Kubinyi feared that trouble might ensue at the sevices from members of the old church
and therefore requested police protection. As bishop of the new order he will have charge of all
44
churches built in this district. No arragements have been made where Kubinyi and his followers
will hold services but it is probable they will meet for a time in Magyar hall.
South Bend Tribune: May 1, 1913 page 16
KUBINYI ASKS $20,000
BISHOP FILES SUIT FOR DAMAGES IN THE CIRCUIT COURT.
Three suits were today filed in the circuit court by Right Rev. Victor von Kubinyi against
Stephen Toth, Rev. Basil Syctha and the officers of the Hungarian Sacred Heart church, the
judgments of which ask for $25,000, together with $300 in property.
The complaint filed against Stephen Toth and Helen Toth is based upon malicious
prosecution and demands $20,000 damages. The complaint against Rev. Basil Scytha charges
slander and asks $5,000 damages. The complaint against the pastor and officers of the
Hungarian Sacred Heart churches charges the men with holding property of the plaintiff worth
$300 and to have thus damaged Bishop Kubinyi to the extent of $100.
Bishop Kubinyi today announce that he would deliver a lecture at the Oliver opera house
Sunday morning at 10:30 o’clock for the English people of the city. The theme of the lecture will
be “True Religion” and in it the newly consecrated bishop will endeavor to explain to the citizens
of South Bend the true motives of his new church.
Bishop Kubinyi, of the Hungarian National Church of America, today filed suit for malicious
prosecution against Stephen Toth, chairman of the Hungarian Sacred Heart Catholic church in
the city court. The suit revives the dissension which began in the Sacred Heart church last
December.
Bishop Kubinyi stated Toth had charged him with stealing the church records which he had
sent to Rev. Alexander Varlaky, of the St. Stephen’s Catholic church, and which were later
recovered. Mr. Toth withdrew the charge.
South Bend Tribune: May 19, 1913 page 5
KUBINYI HAS SERVICES.
OPEN AIR MASS CELEBRATED ON WEST SIDE.
Two hundred people attended the open air mass celebrated by Right Rev. Victor von Kubinyi
Sunday morning on the vacant lot on Jefferson boulevard, near Maple street. Bishop Kubinyi
made an urgent appeal to them to do all in their power to reach a conciliation with the members
of the Sacred Heart Independent Catholic congregation. During his appeal he told them that he
had done all in his power to bring this about and now the matter rested with them.
Bishop Kubinyi declared that if a conciliation is reached no attempt will be made to organize
a new congregation of Hungarians. Open air services are planned for several Sundays yet to
come.
Steven’s Point Daily Journal: December 10?, 1913
SHIFT WHOLE CHURCH
CATHOLIC BISHOP AND HIS FLOCK EMBRACE EPISCOPAL FAITH.
TROUBLE BETWEEN CLERGYMAN AND BISHOP ALERDING CAUSED RIOTS AT
SOUTH BEND, IND.
South Bend, Ind., Dec.9– Once a Roman Catholic priest and later bishop of the Hungarian
National Catholic church, Rev. Victor von Kubinyi is a rector in the Episcopal faith.
While his 250 followers were present, all ready to embrace Episcopalianism, he was
received into the Episcopal church Sunday by Bishop John H. White. His followers also will be
received as soon as the routine can be observed.
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Bishop White said nothing definite had been decided as to the future of the new rector. Mr.
von Kubinyi himself said his reception as a minister was the first step in a missionary movement
which he would attempt to spread throughout the country, principally among Hungarians.
For two years, Mr. von Kubinyi had trouble with Bishop Alerding of the Roman Catholic
diocese, this causing riots between his supporters and those of the bishop. Mr. von Kubinyi
withdrew from the church and founded the Hungarian National Catholic church. He admitted that
his withdrawal carried excommunication.
At the time of his withdrawal an effort was made to have von Kubinyi ordained in the
Episcopal faith, but this was vetoed by Bishop White.
Trenton Evening Time: August 3, 1914
EXPLANATION BY HUNGARIAN RECTOR
THE REV. MR. RADOCZY REPLIES TO THE REV. MR. OWENS REGARDING
COLLECTION OF FUNDS.
To Editor of the Times
Sir–Your paper on the 30th uit, published an article under the title “Rector resents Hungarian
Notice,” in which the Rev. Mr. Owens, rector of St. Paul’s Episcopal church, made reference to
my person, and it is on this account that I wish to offer a few words of explanation.
1. I again assert the absolute truth of the notice, which I place in the Hungarian papers, and
in which I called the attention of the New Jersey Hungarians to some men who were collecting
money under false pretenses by using the name of my congregation. At that time I had not
knowledge whatever of the fact that the collectors were Trenton Magyards, much less that they
were collecting for St. Paul’s Hungarian Episcopal Mission. There were no names mentioned,
only the fact that some collectors asked for help in behalf of the Hungarian Catholic church. Is it
not indeed strange that the members of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church should take offense at this
notion, when no mention was made of them whatever? But one need not go very far for an
explanation– for even though they were collecting for their own purpose, yet they led the people
to believe that they were collecting for my church, and this is where they wandered away from
telling the truth and misled the kind givers.
The Rev. Mr. Horace T. Owens did not make a mistake when he said that I paid for the
publication of the notice. For, it seems to me that the Hungarian publisher had just as much right
to expect payment for the publication of that notice as the Rev. Mr. Owens has to a salary for his
preaching.
2. Last week I received a letter from New Brunswick which I will quote in part to throw light
on the point in question. The English translation is as follows: “When I arrived home in the
evening at 7 o’clock, my children asked me the truth of the report which three Hungarians from
Trenton circulated in New Brunswick while collecting there. This is what they said: ‘Dear
countrymen, kindly contribute and help the Trenton Hungarian Catholics who are building a new
church.’ My son was surprised at this statement and told them that the Hungarian Catholics in
Trenton have a church. To this they answered,:’There was a church, but the Bishop of Trenton
(McFaul) took it away from them because the money which was collected from the congregation
by Father Radoczy was not used to pay off the debt of the church but to buy four nice big
houses in his own name.’ My son then asked them what happened to the old church. They
answered that the English-speaking people have the use of it.and only about twenty Catholic
families know the truth of the matter and the doings of the Rev. Rector (Radoczy). Naturally,
when I heard this I told my children that not a word of it was true. I tried my best to locate the
collectors but could not find them anywhere and was therefore unable to secure their arrest as
swindlers and slanderers for the things they have said about the Trenton congregation and
especially about you, Rev. Rector in order that in the future they may not disturb the peace of
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the congregation, which is prospering so nicely. In case there be need of a witness my son will
be ready at any time with several others who also made contributions.”
Now, Rev. Mr. Owens, doesn’t this look as if the collectors were pretending to collect for my
church? But let us proceed. Here in Trenton two cases have been reported to me by different
persons where the proteges of the Rev. Mr. Owens, using the name of my church tried to obtain
money. They said:”Kindly give to St. Stephen’s Catholic Church because the congregation has
bought the property next to the church and also because they wish to enlarge the church.”
These parties are also willing to testify under oath, if necessary. Here I ask again, “Isn’t it
sufficiently evident that these collectors were trying to obtain money under false pretenses?”
The good judgment of the readers of this paper will answer this for themselves and will decide
whether I was justified in warning my people against such persons.
3. That the Rev. Horace T. Owens authorized his proteges to solicit funds and that these
books contained their credentials, I don’t doubt. I am also sure that his intentions were
honorable in writing into books in English the object of their mission. But I ask, “How many
Magyars have read those books to see what they contained?” The Rev. Mr. Owens ought to
know that the majority of the immigrant Magyars are plain, ordinary working men, who outside of
their mother tongue seldom speak another language. Here they are obliged day by day to work
in the factories instead of taking up a course in English in the schools. Only about 10 per cent of
them understand the English language and even less know how to read and write English
because they have no need for it at their every-day employment. Thus in the case of collections
like that of the Rev. Mr. Owens the collectors state the object of their visit by word of mouth in
their own tongue. That the collectors in New Brunswick did the same is very likely; and that they
used the name of my church to mislead the kind public is evident from the above quoted letter.
4. That the Anglicans and Greek Orthodox are the same as we Catholics even the Rev. Mr.
Horace T. Owens doesn’t believe. I do not wish to impose upon my readers by theological
discussions, for such is not by object, but if the Rev. Mr. Owens wishes to argue from numbers
then the Buddhists and Mohammedans are in a far greater number than the 30,000,000
mentioned by Mr. Owens and yet are not Catholics. It is not in numbers alone that the strength
of the Catholic Church is founded. I wore the notice to my own Magyar people, who under the
title of Catholics, never knew or recognized any other religion than the Roman Catholic. This
term is employed not only among my people, but throughout the entire world, for wherever
mention is made of Catholics it is always understood for Roman Catholics. It was thee same
Catholics in the time of St. Paul one hundred and twenty of whom received the Holy Ghost on
that Pentecost Sunday; and it these same Catholics who through twenty centuries under the
spiritual jurisdiction of the Roman pontiff constitute one body all over the world. I admit that the
Anglicans and the Russians called themselves Catholics before the schism, because they were
Catholics under the head of Rome just as we are even today. But in Europe any little school boy
can tell you that after the schism the Russians were called Russian Orthodox or Greek Orthodox
in contradistinction to the Greek Catholics who are one with us under our Holy Father the Pope.
These Greek Catholics have two churches in Trenton, the ST. Mary’s Slovac and St. Basil
Roumanian Greek Catholic. Besides the Rev. Mr. Horace T. Owens himself confirms my
statement that nowhere in the collector’s book did he mention the word “Catholic”. Indeed he
had no right to do so. Some few months ago at the Anglican convention in New York, where a
few bishops and many learned delegates they vetoed the motion that the American Anglicans
should call themselves “American Catholics”. Rightly so, for thus they would have identified
themselves with us Roman Catholics, who are called Catholics by the whole world. My
congregation is officially incorporated under the title: “St. Stephen’s Catholic Church, Trenton,
N.J.” There is no mention of “Roman, yet the Rev. Mr. Horace T. Owens will understand that it is
a Roman Catholic Church.
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5. Just a few words as to the Rev. Kubiny. “Father Kubinyi is an ex-Catholic priest
suspended and rejected by the Bishop of Fort Wayne. When he was deprived of his priestly
functions he tried to establish an “Independent Roman Catholic Hungarian Church.”–doesn’t that
sound like a square circle? When he found no followers in this heresy, he invented the “National
Magyar Religion”, which is the only one of its species. But even this proved to a failure
financially, and was therefore abandoned. Now to put the show on a larger scale the more easily
to deceive the people he had himself consecrated a Bishop by some schismatic bishop of New
York in a dance hall, while a large audience smoking their pipes and cigars witnessed the bogus
consecration. But even this did not seem to bring his salvation–the money–so he threw away the
Bishop’s cross, the Crozier, and the silk cassock and now he appears as a plain Anglican
minister. At this rate we may yet live to see the happy day when Mr. Kubinyi will be an aspirant
to the high office of the Grand Lama of Dalai, which is a good paying position. The Anglican
Church can scarcely be proud of having such a zealous and ambitious man as he is.
Lastly, I am not anti-Anglican. I only want to prove that those collectors in New Brunswick
have lied and tried to collect money under false pretenses, not only there but also in Trenton. I
sincerely trust that the Rev. Mr. H. T. Owens will see clearly that these men were acting contrary
to the law and that in the future he may be more careful in defending publicly such characters. I
would recommend him to impress upon his collectors the truth of the Hungarian Proverb that “it
is easier to catch a lie than a lame dog.”
Charles J Radoczy
Rector of the Hungarian Catholics
Trenton. Aug. 3, 1914
Trenton Evening Times: August 19, 1914 page 4
MAKES REPLY TO HUNGARIAN RECTOR
SOUTH BEND CLERGYMAN WRITES THE TIMES, DENYING TRENTON PRIEST’S
ASSERTIONS
To the Editor of the Times:
Sir– Upon my return from a trip I found in my mail a clipping from your esteemed paper,
August 3, 1914, containing an article entitled “Explanation by Hungarian Rector,” signed by the
Rev. Chas. Radoczy, Rector of St. Stephen’s Roman Catholic Church of your city.
Paragraph 5 of this article, referring to me, contains assertions which are not true.
I do not want to use your valued paper as a medium of controversy, but I appeal to your
fairness in asking you to kindly publish this letter verbatim in your paper’s next issue.
I left the Roman Catholic Church on my own volition. I never was rejected by Bishop Alerding
of Fort Wayne, Ind., as I never belonged to his diocese and under his jurisdiction. I also was not
excommunicated. Having severed my connections with the Newark Diocese of the Roman
Catholic Church, I ceased then, in May, 1912, to be a priest of the Roman Catholic Church. The
papal delegate at Washington, Archbishop Banzane, threatened me with excommunication, but
this never took place. As a priest without a diocese only the Pope or his envoy, the said papal
delegate could have excommunicated me, but neither of them did.
It is also untrue as if I had established a Hungarian Roman Catholic Church. The fact is that I
started here in South Bend an Independent Hungarian-Catholic Church, in May, 1912. After
having found out that my flock thought they were still Roman Catholics, I have left them in
December, 1913. Upon their reiterated requests I returned to South Bend in April, 1913, and
established the Hungarian National Church, and then, on the 7th of December, 1913, joined the
Protestant Episcopal Church into which I was received by the Rt. Rev. John Hazen White, D.D.,
of the Episcopal Diocese of Michigan City.
Ever since I have left the Roman Catholic Church I have never used the affix “Roman”.
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Today I am an Episcopal minister, in charge of Trinity First Hungarian Episcopal Church,
South Bend, Ind., and last May I started a Hungarian Mission with the consent of the
ecclesiastical authorities of Trenton.
Those Hungarians who took up donations for the Trenton Mission never called themselves
roman Catholics, which they are not. They represent a large number of families who seceded
from the Trenton Roman Catholic Hungarian Church. As the “ catholicity” of the American
branch of the Anglican Church could be proven long before Rev. Charles Radoczy wrote his
article, those Hungarians were perfectly justified in calling themselves Hungarian-Catholics.
By joining the Episcopal Church I gave up quite a few little things which look very much like a
sacrifice. I, therefore, do not deem it necessary to refer to those remarks of the Rev. Radoczy’s
which try to give the people an unpleasant impression.
I think this is a free country, and I think everybody ought to be left alone for following the
dictates of his conscience.
Before leaving the Roman obedience I fully well knew that I will be antagonized: I also knew I
shall have to win my way pace-by-pace within the Episcopal Church. My ecclesiastical superiors
will have ample time to find me out, and it is their opinion and that of the people belonging to the
Episcopal Church whose opinion counts with me.
My flock is following me and followed me into the Episcopal Church on their own volition, to
which I think, they are perfectly welcome.
“They say ‘they say’” is the inscription on the front of the University of Aberdeen, Scotland.
Let them “say”.
Very respectfully,
VICTOR VON KUBINYI,
Rector Trinity First Hungarian Episcopal Church, South Bend, Ind.
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