The Waterloo Republican
Wednesday, September 2, 1936

DIAMOND JUBILEE CATHOLIC SCHOOL

Anniversary is Celebrated with Interesting Program

SS. Peter and Paul’s School of the Catholic congregation was celebrated in an appropriate 
manner on the school property yesterday and, attended by a large number of people, not 
only from Waterloo, but from the surrounding country, and many from far away who took 
this occasion to again visit the institution where they received their education.

The Jubilee Celebration began on Tuesday morning with services in the Catholic Church, 
followed by an interesting program for the children in the afternoon.

Rev. Stephen Freund, who was born and reared here, was celebrated, and the Jubilee 
sermon was delivered by Rev. Eschmann.

At 5 o’clock a fine supper was served in the hall, consisting of all that the surrounding 
country affords, and which was a veritable feast for all.

SS. Peter and Paul’s school dates from 1861 when it was first organized.  Shortly 
after the organization the school was held in the building now occupied by the Dr. 
L.J. Miller.

One of their first teachers was Jos. W. Rickert, who prepared the principal address
 yesterday on this jubilee occasion.  Mr. Ricker had just graduated from the St. Louis 
University, and had shortly come to Waterloo, having resided previously at Tiptown, 
and from him the Republican received much information in regard to the early days.  
Unfortunately, the address was not delivered as had been intended.  It is scheduled 
again for this evening.

It began to rain at 1 o’clock, and did not cease.  The picnic features were sadly marred, 
tho some social entertainment was found in the school rooms.

Mr. Rickert stated to a reporter Judge H.C. Talbott and Peter Sauer were directors of 
the public school system, and M.T. Horine was treasurer.  James A. Kennedy was 
county superintendent.  Pastor Steinert of the Evangelical church was selected by Mr. 
Kennedy to examine Mr. Rickert, who he found well qualified as a teacher.

Mr. Rickert taught SS. Peter and Paul’s school in 1861.

The school grew rapidly, and in 1866 the Sisters of St. Joseph took it over and erected 
the present building known as the Convent, and which was called St. Joseph’s Academy.

The school was an excellent institution and furnished the first opportunity of local residents 
to give a more extended education to their children.  Many of the well-to-do throughout the 
county and neighboring localities sent their children to St. Joseph’s Academy where many 
of them boarded.  Mrs. C.M. Fike, Mrs. Joseph II. Gauen, Miss Mary James, and the 
Horine girls, Dunn girls, and Mrs. D. H. Hardy were among the first to attend 
there.

Among the first Sisters of the Convent were Mother Superior Birchman, Sister Mary 
Nazarene, and Sister Hildegarde who taught German.  Miss Ross Hartrich and Miss 
Octavia Hartrich were sisters of Mother Superior.

The school has had a sound and healthy growth, and many improvements have been 
made from time to time.  At present it has been modernized.

Father Paul Limacher did very much for the school in its first years.  Father Krewett 
added to its improvement and made it a free school, having succeeded in having it 
endowed by a number of wealthy church members.  The late Steve Johnson was one 
of its most liberal contributors.  Father Eschmann had added to the improvements 
which are now modern in every respect.

In 1932 the Sisters of St. Joseph retired and have been succeeded by the Sisters of 
Precious Blood.

The first Catholic services here were probably in the 40’s. 

A church known as the Adelsberger church was built near Fountain creek about 1845.  
The building is now gone but the church yard is still preserved where many of the older
members of the faith lie buried.

About 1849 a church was erected in Waterloo under Rev. Baltes who later became 
Bishop, which served the congregation for many years until 1881 when Rev. Limacher 
enlarged to its present proportions.  Bernard Stroth was one of the large contributors 
to the present structure, and purchased a large bell.  Mrs. William Erd was also a liberal 
contributor.  The clock was installed at the same time principally thru the efforts of 
William H. Horine, Sr., since deceased.

A Catholic Mission was established at Madonnaville about 1828.  It was attended 
by a number of members who resided in various parts of the county.  In 1842 the 
church was built.  For a number of years it was known as James’ church.  At present 
it is served from Waterloo.

Father Baltes and Father Fischer were among the first priests here and Rev. Fischer 
lies buried here.

Before the public school system was instituted the schools were all private schools, 
the teachers being paid by the parents of the pupils.

The stronger churches had their own schools.

The Methodists and Baptists had schools in 1836.

The Catholics and Evangelicals had schools in 1861.

Mr. Woods was one of the early teachers in the Methodist School, Peter Wright 
in the Baptist, and Miss Steinesel in the Evangelical.

The school funds were divided among the various schools, half being paid from public 
funds, and half by the parents of the pupils.