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"HISTORY OF OUR CRADLE LAND" INDEX
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REVEREND MAURICE BURK.
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Reverend Maurice BURK succeeded Father TATON on August 15, 1903, and remained pastor until December 4, 1914. This was the second time that he became pastor of Paola. In the interval he had acted as private secretary of Rt. Rev. L. M. FINK, Bishop of Leavenworth. He was made pastor of Axtell and on the transfer of Father TATON to Axtell he requested to be appointed to his old place in Miami county. The request was granted as a reward and the young priest reentered on his pastoral duties with alacrity and also with much additional experience. His immediate predecessor had left the parish and missions in fairly good condition. The school building was finished, the rectory and church completed, and improvements carried out also in the Osawatomie chapel. Then, too, new families had been moving into these districts during the past few years so that the Catholic body had now become an important element in the population of the county.
Holy Trinity congregation might be regarded at this time as a well equipped parish with a bright future. It is needless to say that Father BURK was a contented and happy shepherd, surrounded by a flock that appreciated his worth.
The situation was almost ideal when, lo! as from a clear sky came a thunderbolt of misfortune. The cry of fire rang out on the chill night air and the town and country was soon illuminated by the lurid flames that shot up from the roof and tower of the beautiful church of Holy Trinity. Every effort to save the venerable building proved fruitless and in a few short hours it was reduced to ashes on the night of January 14, 1906.
The cause of the fire has never been ascertained. The regret felt by the people in general and by Father BURK in particular can well be imagined. It was, indeed, a serious loss financially, but more touching if not more important were the hallowed memories that perished in those flames.
A generation had worshipped there since 1881. The baptisms, the marriages and the funerals of twenty-five years rendered the old church a landmark in many lives. Nine pastors had ministered to them within its walls and the joys and sorrows of a struggling people were there made known to God.
The hour of trial had come, but, as events will show, a kindly providence "tempered the winds to the shorn lamb."
The pastor arose to the occasion and met the shock manfully. Surrounded by a body of masterful men on the following Sunday he laid the plans which gave to Paola its present splendid temple and to Miami county its finest church.
The following records of the committee meetings are very interesting both in style and matter:
The old brick building burned on Sunday night, January 14, 1906, and on Sunday, January 21, 1906, the following building committee was chosen by the congregation present, after Mass, in the lower room of St. Patrick's school house; on the church plat, the north half of Block No. 113, in the city of Paola, Kansas; Jacob KOEHLER, Henry ALLEN, Peter THENO, Peter J. KEENAN, John SHEEHAN, P. W. GOEBEL, Wm. SCHWARTZ, Martin LANGAN, M. FENOUGHTY, Bernard HARKIN, John MORRIS, James RILEY, James DALTON and B. J. SHERIDAN. The committee was duly approved by Reverend Father Moritz BURK and upon the unanimous request of the congregation present, Father BURK was made a member of the committee and agreed to act.
Adjourned to meet on Monday night, January 22, 1906.
Monday night, January 22, 1906, half past seven o'clock, the Building Committee met in the office of the Western Spirit newspaper. Present, Rev. Father BURK, Wm. SCHWARTZ, Peter THENO, P. J. KEENAN, B. J. SHERIDAN, Jacob KOEHLER, P. W. GOEBEL; Absent, Henry ALLEN, James DALTON, John SHEEHAN, Martin LANGAN, Bernard HARKIN, M. FENOUGHTY and John MORRIS. On motion of Mr. SHERIDAN, Mr. KOEHLER was elected chairman and on motion of P. W. GOEBEL, B. J. SHERIDAN was chosen as secretary. Mr. KOEHLER accepted and so did Mr. SHERIDAN. The latter after first explaining that he must be absent from town much of the time the next six months, or more, and agreeing to do the work when he could be on hand, provided Jno. W. SHERIDAN be authorized to act and work in his place in cases of absence. This was agreed to.
It was unanimously resolved to proceed at once with the work of building a new church. Then after some discussion, it was agreed that the building should be 55 feet wide and 90 feet long, of stone and brick, Gothic architecture and modern in ever way, with basement, furnace and steam heat, to stand on old site and steeple to be about 130 feet high. Peter THENO was appointed to get men and superintend the taking down of the old walls, saving all material of use or value. Reverend Father BURK was directed to correspond and find out who would be a suitable architect.
Adjourned to meet on Sunday after Mass in the St. Patrick's school building.
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Sunday, January 28, 1906, the committee met pursuant to adjournment in St. Patrick's school house, which by the way, is now used as a house of worship. Jacob KOEHLER was in the chair and in the absence of the Secretary, P. W. GOEBEL acted as Secretary pro tem.
In the matter of subscriptions to the building fund, it was ordered that they be made one-third cash, one-third due in October, 1907, and one-third due in October, 1908, with interest on notes at 6 per cent from October 1, 1906, at 6 percent per annum.
On motion, Jacob KOEHLER was chosen Treasurer. He was ordered to pay bills upon the O. K. of Peter THENO, and of Reverend BURK, or either of them.
Ordered that the pay of Peter THENO, who is in charge of the work now be fixed at 25 cents an hour.
Adjourned to meet Sunday at 2 o'clock p.m., February 18, 1906; those present were Mr. KOEHLER, Mr. SCHWARTZ, Mr. GOEBEL, Mr. ALLEN, Mr. THENO, Mr. MORRIS, Mr. RILEY, Mr. SHEEHAN and Rev. BURK.
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Sunday, February 18, 1906, the committee met pursuant to adjournment in St. Patrick's school building; present, Chariman KOEHLER, Secretary SHERIDAN and Messrs. ALLEN, GOEBEL, SCHWARTZ, Rev. Father BURK, RILY, THENO AND FENOUGHTY.
Father BURK read several letters from architects and for one hour there was a general discussion as to the size of the building. Most of the architects held that the dimensions adopted at first meeting, 55 X 90 feet, with steeple 130 feet high, are not proportional. That 50 X 100, with steeple about 100 feet high is better.
The matter of deciding whether the steeple should be in the middle of the north end or at the corner were left for future decision. Ordered that the basement extend under the whole structure. Ordered that the excavating be done by the day - dirt sold, and rock crushed under the supervision of Peter THENO. The rock crushing to cost, not to exceed 75 cents a yard. Also, Mr. THENO was directed to quarry rock and to get the same on the ground, employing men and teams by the day to do the same.
Father BURK was appointed a committee of one to see about freight rates on material.
Adjourned to meet at 2 p.m., sunday, February 25th, in school building.
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Sunday, February 25, 1906. Met in St. Patrick's school building, present, Rev. BURK, Jacob KOEHLER, P. W. GOEBEL, Peter THENO, Henry ALLEN, William SCHWARTZ, James RILEY, P. J. KEENAN and M. FENOUGHTY; also, Thomas MCGRATH was present by invitation of the secretary. Ordered that Wm. RYAN be employed under Peter THENO, as foreman of the stone quarrying at $1.75 per day. Plans of different structures were examined and on motion, it was ordered that the decision as to whether the steeple should be in the center, or on the side of the north wall, go over till next regular meeting.
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Special meeting, February 27, 1906. Met to hear from Mr. HAIR, the architect. Present, Jacob KOEHLER, P. W GOEBEL, Wm. SCHWARTZ, Peter THENO, and P. J. KEENAN. Mr. HAIR not having plans with him, nothing was done.
Adjourned till regular meeting, Sunday, March 4, 1906.
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Sunday, March 4, 1906. Regular meeting held in St. Patrick's school building. Present, Rev. Father BURK, Jacob KOEHLER, Wm. SCHWARTZ, Thomas MCGRATH, Geo. TOELLE, Henry ALLEN, Peter THENO, P. J. KEENAN, ______ RILEY, M. FENOUGHTY and Jno. W. SHERIDAN, proxy for B. J. SHERIDAN. Mr. HAIR, of the firm of Hair & Smith, was present with plans and specifications of proposed new Catholic church. His drawings were gone over and discussed, and Father BURK stated that the plans must be presented to the Bishop for his predilection and then to the congregation, so Mr. HAIR was told that he would be notified, within a week as to what had been done. The next archetect's plans submitted were those of Washburn & Son, the firm being personally represented by the Junior member. Mr. WASHBURN's drawings were examined and same were left with the committee, he to be notified of the acceptance or non-acceptance of plans submitted within a week from Monday, or March 12th.
Following this came the regular business meeting, called to order by Mr. KOEHLER. It was movd and carried that stone be quarried from the MCGRATH farm, east of town, and as much as possible be used in the construction of water table. Henry ALLEN moved that a pruchasing committee, consisting of 5 members on the building committee be appointed to look up material of masonry, lime, sand, etc., and also investigate freight rates. This motion was carried and following were chosen to act on committee: Jacob KOEHLER, Father BURK, P. W. GOEBEL, Wm. SCHWARTZ and B. J. SHERIDAN. It was moved and motion prevailed, that Peter THENO be instructed to see how many stone masons were procurable and present names at next meeting.
Adjournment.
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Sunday, April 8, 1906. In regular meeting the following were present: Jacob KOEHLER, Rev. BURK, Wm. SCHWARTZ, Peter THENO, P. J. KEENAN, James RILEY, Henry ALLEN, M. FENOUGHTY, P. W. GOEBEL and B. J. SHERIDAN. Mr. HAIR, the architect, was present and gave the following estimate:
On motion, Wm. SCHWARTZ, Peter THENO and Jacob KOEHLER were appointed a sub-committee to go over the estimates with Archetect HAIR. Peter THENO was asked how many yards of broken stone he had for concrete and said about 100 yards. Mr. THENO also reported orderding 2 cars of sand. The railway compnies would give no cut on freights. The matter of brick came up and the wish was unanimous to get all brick in Paola that could be gotten which would fill the bill. The drawings of the building were shown by Mr. HAIR and unanimously approved.
Adjourned.
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Western Spirit office, May 12, 1906.
Committee met pursuant to call of Father BURK. Present, Chairman KOEHLER, Secretary SHERIDAN and other members, Rev. BURK, P. J. KEENAN and Peter THENO. Ordered that an advertisement be sent to the Kansas City Journal for bids on the brick work, and the carpenter work of the church, to be received on June 1, 1906; also, that bids be advertised for in The Miami County Republican and the Western Spirit of Paola, Kansas. The plans and specifications to be on file at the store of Jacob KOEHLER, Chairman. Bids to be received till noon on June 1, 1906. It was decided that the painting would not be let with the other work, but later. The matter was discussed of letting the brick, iron and woodwork separate or all together, and the general opinion was that the best satisfaction would result in letting all to one man.
Adjourned to meet upon the call of the chairman or upon the call of Rev. Father BURK.
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June 12, 1906. Committee and several bidders met to open bids. Prior to this date it had been agreed upon by the sub-committee to extend the time for receiving and opening the bids.
Committee present, Chairman KOEHLER, Secretary SHERIDAN, SCHWARTZ, THENO, LANGAN, FENOUGHTY, KEENAN, RILEY, DALTON, Rev. Father BURK and J. SHEEHAN; absent, GOEBEL and MORRIS. The bids were as follows:
Fordyce Bros., Paola, Kansas, according to the plans and specifications, excepting the sash, glass, iron, hardware, sash-cord, painting, brick, cutstone and mortar. We, Fordyce Bros., furnishing all lumber, including frames, doors, brick, work setting cutstone, cleaning walls, plastering, metal work, nails and carpenter work = $9,644.00.
Add to this if slate is used, main roof, $357.00; towers, $112.00, total = $469.00; Galvanized shingles on tower = $92.00; Basement carpentering = $70.00.
Bid of J. H. PETTY, Paola, Kansas, same specifications as recited in Fordyce bid: According to specifications, etc. = $9,374.00; Add, if slate is used, main roof and towers =$700.00; On towers =$215.00; Metal = $195.00.
V. BAUER, Horton, Kansas, according to specifications = $10,450.00.
J. F. HOOVER, Paola, Kansas, according, etc. = $10,935.00. Towers with slate roof, add $140; main roof with slate, $433 = $573.00.
J. Q. MCAFEE, Garnett, Kansas, according to specifications, etc. = $10,383.00
As some bids excepted the sash and others included the sash, also, as the committee had not yet decided whether roof would be shingle or slate, it was moved that the matter of awarding contract be postponed until Sunday, June 17, 1906. Carried and Committee adjourned. Before adjourning Wm. SCHWARTZ, Jacob KOEHLER and Peter THENO were appointed committee to go over bids.
Sunday, June 17, 1906. Committee met in St. Patrick's school building, pursuant to adjournment. Present, Jacob KOEHLER, Chairman; B. J. SHERIDAN, Secretary; P. W. GOEBEL, Wm. SCHWARTZ, Jas. RILEY, M. FENOUGHTY, Peter THENO, Rev. Father BURK, Peter KEENAN.
Moved by P. W. GOEBEL that the towers and main building be covered with slate, seconded by Peter THENO. Carried. Father BURK said that the matter of bids on sash was next. Wm. SCHWARTZ reported that the committee on examination of bids had found and concluded that the contract lay between FORDYCE Brothers and J. H. PETTY, all depending upon whose bid for sash was cheaper; that MCAFEE of Garnett, HOOVER of Paola, BAUER of Horton, all were much higher than FORDYCE Brothers and PETTY.
Bids on sash were then opened.
J. H. PETTY, Paola, Kansas = $300.00
FORDYCE Brothers, Paola = $240.00
The bids were then gone over and carefully compared and found to be as follows:
FORDYCE Bros., Paola, Kansas, main bid = $9,644.00; Slate roof for towers, $112.00; main building, $357.00 = $469.00; Sash = $240.00; Total = $10,353.00.
J. H. PETTY, Paola, Kansas, main bid = $9,374.00; Slate roof on towers and main building = $700.00; Sash = $300.00; Total = $10,374.00.
(Note - Total cost of building, including basement, about $23,000.)
On motion duly seconded, the contract was awarded to FORDYCE Brothers, their bid being $21.00 lower than J. H. PETTY's bid.
Wm. SCHWARTZ and Peter THENO were appointed a committee to see the lumber and material dealers in Paola, and adjust differences in regard to the prices charged for sand and so forth.
B. J. SHERIDAN and Wm. SCHWARTZ were appointed a committee to have contract and bond made with FORDYCE Brothers.
It was agreed that the time for the completion of the church be fixed, if possible, at December 1, 1906.
Adjourned.
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There were various informal meetings of the committee not called regularly, yet some details were passed upon. All the terms of the contract with FORDYCE Brothers were agreed upon and contract drawn in duplicate, signed by B. J. SHERIDAN, Wm. SCHWARTZ, Jacob KOEHLER, Father BURK and FORDYCE Brothers.
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August 27, 1906.
Work was delayed some weeks owing to Mr. SELLERS being unable to get cut stone from quarry, but it is now being pushed rapidly along.
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The Bishop of This Diocese Consecrates the Foundation of the New Catholic Church in Paola and Lays the Corner Stone.
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2,000 PEOPLE WERE PRESENT.
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Nine Priests Assisted In the Services and the Sermon Was Delivered in the Open Air on Sunday Afternoon, May 27, 1906.
(From The Western Spirit)
The completion of the foundation of the new Catholic Church in Paola was celebrated on Sunday afternoon, May 27, 1906, by the laying of the corner stone on which was chiseled, "Holy Trinity Church, 1906." Right Reverend Bishop Lillis of Kansas City, Kansas, whose charge is known as the Leavenworth Diocese, conducted the solemn services in which he was assisted by Rev. Father KUHLS, the oldest pastor in active service in the state, who has been at the head of the old Wyandotte perish for forty years; also by Rev. Father JENNINGS of Argentine, Rev. Father BECK of Armourdale, Rev. Father DORNSEIFER of Rosedale, Rev. Father GORMLEY of Garnett, Rev. Father HOHE of Wea, Rev. Father MICHEL of Frankfort, Rev. Fathers BURK and ELOE of Paola.
Music was furnished by the Wea church orchestra band and Bishop Lillis delivered the sermon from a temporary platform on the new foundation. Although in the open and the wind blowing some, every word was heard. Full 2,000 people listened to it. The Bishop's language was simple and his discourse was very impressive. He spoke 56 minutes, and without notes. He likened Jesus Christ and the Catholic Church to husband and wife, and inveighed against divorce. The necessity of religion was the necessity of the home - simple, pure and sanctified to God. He heartily congratulated the people of Paola on their moral and liberal character, and commended to them unity, charity and harmony in the upbuilding of their religious interests. Bishop Lillis is a young man, powerful in mind and rugged in body. He is of Irish blood, reared in Kansas City and thoroughly drilled to a high degree of scholarship. He is an ideal clergyman of ancient learning and modern finish, trained in thinking aright and gifted in language. There's poetry in his sentences though his words are simple, and there's music in his piety while he talks like a man. Clear eyes, white teeth, a brow and upper lip indicating courage and firmness, dignity of carriage, a voice under perfect control and gestures few. Bishop Lillis combines the prelate and the advocate, the prophet and the orator.
In the box of the granite stone were placed the following articles: A history of the parish, beginning with 1848, and down to the present time, prepared by Rev. Father BURK, a list of the parishioners with notes; copies of The Catholic Register of Kansas City, the St. Louis Progress, the Miami Republican and The Western Spirit; a few coins, and a St. Benedict medal. "Holy Trinity," a cross beneath, and "May 27, 1906," is the carving on the face of the stone.
No collection was taken up. The church, when complete, will cost about $25,000.
THE NEW HOLY TRINITY CHURCH IS DEDICATED.
Impressive Ceremonies Mark the Completion of Paola's New $40,000 Edifice Last Monday.
RIGHT REVERENT THOS. F. LILLIS IS THE OFFICIATING DIGNITARY.
Services Began at Nine O'clock with Blessing the New Church Followed by Solemn High Mass and Able Addresses by Father Jennings and Bishop Lillis.
(From The Western Spirit.)
Right Reverend Thomas Francis LILLIS, Bishop of the Leavenworth diocese, officiated. The dedicatory services began at nin o'clock a.m. with the blessing of the beautiful edifice.
About 9:30 the Bishop and his assistants entered the church, which was filled to over-flowing. Solemn High Mass was then celebrated, the celebrant being Reverend Father Leo MOLENGRAFT, O.F.M., of Kansas City, Kansas, assisted by Father B. S. KELLY, also of Kansas City, Kansas, as Deacon, and Reverend Father DORNSEIFER, of Rosedale, as Subdeacon. Father B. A. MOHAN, of Kansas City was Master of Ceremonies, and the assistants to the Bishop were Fathers A. J. KUHLS, of Kansas City, Kansas, and REDEKER, of Westphalia.
The Reverend Father JENNINGS, of Kansas City, Kansas, delivered the dedicatory sermon. His language was simple and his discourse very impressive. Bishop LILLIS also spoke and many who heard him pronounced it the ablest and most beautiful address ever listened to in Paola.
After the other services, confirmation was administered by Bishop LILLIS. Besides the resident pastor, Reverend M. BURK, the following out-of-town priests were present and assisted in the exercises: Reverend Fathers KUHLS, MOHAN, KELLY, BRADLEY, JENNINGS and MOLENGRAFT, all of Kansas City, Kas.; Rev. Father BERNADINE, Rev. Father M. J. GLEASON, Rev. Father C. M. SCANLAN and Rev. Father MACLEOD, C.Ss.R., of Kansas City, Mo.; Rev. Father BECK of Argentine; Rev. Father DORNSEIFER, of Rosedale; Rev. Father MICHEL, of Frankfort; Rev. Father HERBERICHS, of Lenexa; Rev. Father SCHERER, of Greeley; Rev. Father REDEKER, of Westphalia; Rev. Father HOHE, of Wea; Rev. Father HEUBERGER, of Louisburg, and Ref. Father ELOI, O.S.B., or Ursuline Academy.
The dedicatory services over, the priests and congregation repaired to St. Patrick's school, east of the new church, where dinner was served. The priest's table occupied the upper floor, while the down stairs room was used for the general dinner hall. The Catholic ladies worked like beavers, caring for the immense throng of hungry patrons, but all were looked after in good shape, and everybody enjoyed one of the best meals ever spread on a table. While dinner was being served, the Wea Parish band, under the direction of Reverend Father HOHE, discoursed sweet music, which added greatly to the success of the happy occasion.
The old church, destroyed by fire January 14, 1906, was 50 feet by 80 feet, and was built in 1881. Work on the plans of a new church was started immediately after the fire, and the building committee was composed of Jacob KOEHLER, Henry ALLEN, P. J. THENO, Peter J. KEENAN, John SHEEHAN, P. W. GOEBEL, William SCHWARTZ, Martin LANGAN, M. FENOUGHTY, John MORRIS, Bernard HARKINS, James RILEY, James DALTON and B. J. SHERIDAN. This committee was duly approved by Reverend Father BURK, who upon the unanimous request of the congregation, was made a member of the committee.
The completion of the foundation of the new church was celebrated in Paola, May 27, 1906, by the laying of the corner stone, Bishop LILLIS conducting the services. Work was pushed and now, in its finished condition, furnishings complete, the new Holy Trinity church represents a value of about $40,000.
The structure is 52 feet wide by 115 feet long, and is built of pressed brick and white stone. The larger tower, wherein hangs the $300 bell, donated by William SCHWARTZ, is 110 feet high. A basement extends under the whole structure.
Entering the main door on the north, one steps into a large vestibule, separated from the church proper by three sets of double swinging doors. On the extreme left is a smaller vestibule to which admission is gained by a door at the northeast end of the church. From this room a stairway leads to the gallery. In the center of the balcony rests the large pipe organ, while on the east is a small alcove which may used to a good advantage when the capacity of the church is taxed, as an arched opening gives full view of the sanctuary.
Six massive white pillars, each adorned with capitals of the composite style, occupy posisions on either side of the center aisle, and serve as supports to the arched Gothic ceiling, which is divided into six parts and each projecting shoulder of the groined section meets the immaculately white columns, giving strength as well as beauty to the appearance of the large audience room.
The pews are divided into four divisions and three aisles, the main one being at the center. On the left side, within the communion rail, is the Blessed Virgin Mary altar, beneath whose canopy stands a statue of the Blessed Virgin. This altar was the gift of the Sodality Society and the statue from one of the parishioners.
The central altar, donated by the altar society, is a handsome piece of work of Gothic pattern, bearing statues of Jesus, Mary and Saint Ann. Standing out in bold relief at the base of the altar is the scene of the last supper. On the west is Saint Joseph's altar, which, with the statue, was presented by Paola Council No. 1149, Knights of Columbus.
The sacristies on each side of the altar are conveniently connected by a light, airy passageway which leads from the vestment apartment to the room on the west that will be used by the altar attendants to the priest during services.
Great care was excercised in selecting the church windows. They are of imported cathedral glass and very beautiful. The first on the left is Saint Peter, given by Jacob KOEHLER. Next comes the patron saint of Ireland - St. Patrick - donated by Michael and Patrick FENOUGHTY. The third window on the east shows Saint John - a memorial to Mary L. CHARLAND, late wife of John CHARLAND. The large double window is a fine specimen of art, representing "The Ascension." The north half is in memory of James B. and Anne CLARK, and the south half is the gift of Joseph DALTON and his sons, Charles and James. Saint Agnes' window is the first on the right of the auditorium, im memory of Miles FINN, and to the south of it is W. F. KILLY's donation, St. Rose of Lima. St. Cecilia, donated by Peter J. THENO, is the next window. To the right of the sancutary is the large double window, picturing Christ blessing little children. St. Patrick's school is the donor. The smaller windows in vestibules were donateed by John SHEEHAN, James WIEST and Thomas MCGRATH. The rounded frontal over the north entrance was given by Mathew HARNDEN.
The new edifice ranks among the finest in Kansas and is a structure of which all Paola may feel justly proud. Father BURK, to whom much credit is due for his faithful work in supervising its erection, feels grateful to all for substantial assistance, not only from his parishioners, but from non-Catholics, who contributed generously to the building fund.
Last Wednesday, in company with Bishop LILLIS and Rev. Patrick MCINERNEY, of Olathe, Father BURK left for New York, from which point they will sail for Rome. The Bishop's trip is what is known in the Church as the Ad Limina or Bishop's visit to the Pope.
Once in ten years the Bishop of every discese is required to visit the Holy See in Rome and report on the condition of the churches under his charge. It has been twenty-six years since a Bishop of the Leavenworth diocese appeared in person before the Pope.
While aborad, Rev. BURK will visit his parents, who live at Wadersloh, Westfalen, Germany. During his three months' absence, Rev. Father Clarence BRADLEY, assistant at St. Mary's church, Kansas City, will take his place here.
On Father BURK's return from Europe in July of that same year he immediately resumed the important task of finishing the many details left over from the past year's work. His health was now restored and his spirits rendered buoyant by the joy of the people at his return.
It took years to complete the work and to liquidate all indebtedness, - seven years in fact, - but he succeeded completely and left to future generations a perfectly equipped church, beautiful in proportions and stately in its general outlines. In keeping with all this was the new equipment of the rectory. He installed a full set of fine electric fixtures in the church and residence. He laid out the grounds with excellent taste and constructed an extensive system of cement walks. In fact, it would be hard to find a single thing wanting, from the steam heating plant in the cellar to the fine toned bell in the tower. The beauty of the interior of Holy Trinity church is greatly enhanced by the splendid altars and Stations of the Cross, but more especially by the artistic excellence of the stained glass windows. There are fine pews and a large pipe organ.
The vestments and sacred vessels are in keeping with the rest, and the choir, under Sister Cecilia, would do credit to any city church. This was Paola in 1914. The reader, however must remember that Osawatomie and the State Asylum was then a part of the daily and weekly burden that wore on the health and nerves of this willing worker.
Father BURK felt his health again declining and his nervous system affected so that a change became necessary. He freely and by request exchanged place with Father KINSELLA of the Sacred Heart church at Leavenworth on December 4, 1914, and after one year and eight months at the latter place, he was appointed to the important rectorship of St. Mary's church, Kansas City, Kas. This took place September 1, 1916, and the following December the 19th, he was appointed Dean of the Kansas City district and a Vicar General of the Leavenworth Diocese.
A much needed pastoral residence at the Sacred Heart church is the result of his short stay in Leavenworth. The same is true at St. Mary's; he has built a modern, up-to-date residence there, which is regarded by all as the best of its kind in the two Kansas Cities.
It is pleasant now to record that this good priest has retained the esteem and reverence of all who ever knew him in Miami county, and more especially, the people of Paola.
"HISTORY OF OUR CRADLE LAND" INDEX
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