Built at a cost of approximately $53,000 the new Sacred Heart Church at Oleyen, pictured above, will be formally dedicated next Wednesday, June 12th.
Just four miles north west of Dodge is the little settlement of Oleyen. Though within a quarter of a mile of the railroad it has always been just a little inland town. Tradition has it that early residents did not favor the erection of a depot with the coming of the railroad but wanted rather a town located a few miles away. In its early days it boasted a store, post office and blacksmith shop but in later years these were abandoned.
Oleyen was the first community to be settled in this section, the original church, a small frame building having been erected before Dodge or Howells had come into existence over a half century ago. Oleyen, since its establishment has seen this section grow from virgin prairie into one of the most productive regions in the state.
The dedication of this fine new church is therefore of great significance to the history of this section of the country and is looked forward to by its members with joyous anticipation.
History of the Parish of Oleyen
In the year of 1868 came the first Catholic settlers to the neighborhood of Oleyen; their names are recorded to be: John Bader; Herman Peitzmeier; Henry Kassmeier; Joseph Dirkschneider and Henry Kampschneider. They attended the church at St. Charles the first in the surrounding country driving with ox teams from 15 to 20 miles, which meant a whole days journey for them. When their number had increased, the first church of Oleyen was erected in 1874 by the contributions of 45 families, and dedicated by Rev. Father Uhing of St. Charles, who thereafter attended it as a Mission.
Oleyen was erected into a parish on August 30, 1877 when it received its first resident pastor, Father John Blaschke. His prudence and zeal formed a good parish organization, with all necessary equipment and his solid piety laid the foundation for the future growth of religion in this parish. To the deep sorrow of all, he left after four years, and returned to Europe.
For nearly a year, Oleyen remained without a pastor, and was attended by neighboring priests, especially by Father Mueller from Ridgely.
Father Turek came as the second in 1882. Under him the second church was erected in 1883, whilst the old church was turned into a school. With the new larger church, and the excellent pastorasation of Father Turek, the parish of Oleyen gained prominence; yet within the next ten years were formed out of the original territory of the parish of Oleyen various new churches, so that when Father Turek was recalled by his superiors in Austria, Oleyen was left with only 50 families.
Father Turek was succeeded in 1892 by Father Henry Hoheisel. He saw at once the great necessity of a new school and immediately began with the preparations for it. The new school and Sister's residence, built of brick, were erected in 1893, and were a credit to the parish and its pastor.
Other priests who have been pastors of this parish were Father End, Father Teves, Father Zemp and Father Schopp, respectively.
A little over a year ago, Father Schopp, the present pastor, realizing the necessity of a larger church, began the plans for the new ediface which is now completed and stands as a mighty monument in the midst of these thrifty, progressive people, a glorious house of worship which is a credit to the entire community. Its present membership is composed of sixty three families.