Sometime before March 15, 1908 a little community of fourteen German families prayed the rosary under a tree in the middle of Harper. Eventually they traveled by horse drawn wagons almost ninety miles to San Antonio.  Their mission was to ask the bishop to start a church in Harper.  The bishop said he could not start a church for only fourteen familes, so they asked how many families would it take to gain his approval.  The bishop's reply, "Thirty-four families."

Time passed and the group of families grew to the  thirty-four needed to win the bishop's approval.  Together they returned to San Antonio and told the bishop the good news. Again the bishop said, "No."  The perservering group reminded the bishop of his promise.  The bishop relented and granted them their request to have a church in the small community of Harper.

Foreword 

To the pioneer priests and people of St. Anthony's Parish, whose devotion to an ideal, doggedness of purpose, and spirit of sacrifice gave us what we enjoy today, this historical sketch is respectfully dedicated. May their spirit and their virtues pass on to those who follow them, and lead them to equally great accomplishments for the glory of God, and the welfare of souls.

 The Compiler Harper, Texas, July 27, 1934

At the time of the first Catholic services here twenty-six years ago, Harper was an isolated  town of about three hundred inhabitants. True it was no longer a frontier town; it would not have furnished material for a thrilling Western story, for there were no Indians raids, desperadoes, bad men, or the like to break the lull that is as much a part of a small settlement, as a skyscraper is of a large city. Nevertheless it was, because of distance from neighboring towns and difficulty of travel, way out in the shin oak brush  and the live oak covered hills of West-central Texas. There were no houses in the town which had cost above five hundred dollars to construct. Two principal stores supplied the simple needs of the settlers. One owned by Frank M. Floyd and the other by H. A. Wedekind, B. McDonald and W. McDonald. Other business houses and enterprises of the town were a barber shop, drug store, blacksmith shop, small hotel, Masonic hall, and a saloon.

The Presbyterian church had been constructed about the year 1900. The Methodist and Baptist churches were already standing at the time of which we write.

There were no ptivate telephones. A 'phone box at Floyds's store furnished the one rapid contact with the rest of the world. There were no cars or electric lights. The character of the country was such that it did not lend itself easily to cultivation, and so tillable fields were scarce.

The Catholics of the community were not numerous, and their religious needs could be satisfied only by journeying to Fredericksburg, to St. Mary's, a distance of twenty-five miles. For this it was necessary to leave Harper on Saturday morning, to remain in Fredericksburg through Sunday, and return home on Monday, the trip being made with horses and wagon, since even hacks were a rare luxury. The roads were very bad even for wagon travel. One who made the trip many times expressed it this way: "It was dangerous to drive a bunch of goats over it for fear of breaking their legs."

The relief and joy of the Catholics may be imagined, therefore, when on March 15, 1908 word came that Father Fassbender was on his way to Harper. He is a member of a Religious Order (men banded together and observing a common rule of life) the Oblates of Mary, with headquarters in San Antionio. He was then stationed at Mason, and was helping to privide for the spiritual wants of seven counties. He drove the forty-two miles to Harper in a one-horse gig, arriving on March sixteenth.
 
It was on March seventeenth, then, that a Catholic service, the Sacrifice of the Mass, was offered for the first time in Harper. There were seven families present, those of John Heinemann, William Fritz, Felix Maurer, Jacob Fiedler, Christian Fritz, Willie Fiedler, and George Fritz.. They assenbled at the Jacob Fiedler house, still standing and occupied by Willie A. Kaiser. There, a plain table covered by a white cloth served as the altar. There was but one glass candlestick to be found, so another had to be improvised from a bottle. A crucifix and two holy pictures completed the setting for the Mass, the first ever to be offered in Harper.

The first visit of Father Fassbender on March 17, 1908, at that time he baptized John Walter (Walter John) Fiedler son of Wm. Fiedler and Emma McDonald, and Ellen (Helen) Catherine Tatsch, daughter of Albrecht Tatsch and Anna Fiedler, was followed by a second visit on May 13th. On this occasion twenty-one received the Sacraments, i. e., fulfilled the annual precept of Confession, and the receiving of Holy Communion, which is the minimum requirement of the Church.  The place where the services were held was the same as in the first instance. The house now was vacant, however, and had been purchased by Peter Roeder.

At the meeting after the services, Christian Fritz offered the use of a room in his house, and also to give board and lodging to the priest when he called. This house of Christian Fritz stood on the corner now occupied by the Citizens' Auto Company.  The house was moved back and is now owned by G. R. Beeman.  In this house services were again held on June 14th and August 23rd.

It was on August 23rd that Father Fassbender announced that if a church building was wanted here it must be begun before January 1, 1909, the church to be under the care of Father Neissens, the pastor of St. Mary's in Fredericksburg. As trustees John Heinemann Secretary, Felix Maurer, Christian Fritz and Willie Fiedler were chosen. A meeting was called for September 6th to be attended by the trustees and members who so wished.

September 6, 1908 was decidely warm, and those present grouped themselves in the shade of a China tree at Christian Fritz's . Father Fassbender had left, and the meeting was in charge of John Heinemann. The first business was the collecting of money with which to purchase a buggy for Father Fassbender. A dollar  was contribututed by each of the following: John Heinemann, Felix Maurer, Wm. Fritz, Wm. Fiedler, Charles Lang, Henry Maurer, George Fritz, Christian Fritz, Peter Petsch, August Fiedler, Anton Brinkrolf, Willian Pape, and Jacob Fritz; fifty cents each by Wm. Kaiser. Joe McDonald, Otto Fritz, and Frank Wahrmund, a total of fifteen dollars.

Then the taking of pledges for the building of the church was in order. To the amount of seventy-five dollars, the following pledged themselves: John Heinemann, Felix Maurer, Wm. Fritz, and Charles Lang; for fifty dollars, Wm. Fiedler, John Roeder, Henry Maurer, Frank Wahrmund, Anton Brinkrolf, George Fritz, and Jacob Fritz; Christian Fritz pledged thrity-five dollars, Wm. Kaiser and Wm. Pape each twenty-five dollars. Committees were then appointed to collect further funds. John Heinemann and Charles Lang were to go to the Spring Creek community, Felix Maurer and John Fiedler to Pedernales, now better known as Tivydale, and Christian Fritz for Harper. In this meeting it was further decided to purchase two acres of land belonging to Henry Mund, for $175.00, $25.00 in cash, advanced by Wm. Pape and the remaining $150.00 by a note abearing 8 per cent interest. This is the property where the present church and  rectory now stand.

Services were again held on October 4^th and on November 15th. At this latter date a meeting of the parish was called for December 13. There it was announced that to date a total of $1,351.00 had been pledged or collected. This amount, however, included $400 in notes due the church in Fredericksburg, which by earlier agreement was to be paid toward the Harper church.  The agreement was recended, however, so that actually $951 would remain for the erection of the Harper church. Two plans, drawn by Mr. Kuenemann of Fredericksburg were submitted according to which the church would cost either $2,100 or $1,500. No action was taken, however.

The money collected was deposited with Pete Roeder and Alfred Thiele who operated a store where the Texaco filling station now stands. There was no bank in the town, but these gentleman had a good, strong safe in their place of business, which became the church bank for the time being.

It was at this meeting that the congregation was formally organized. On the original list of members we find thirty four names, including the entirely Catholic families, those in which husband or wife only Catholic, as well single adult men. Sixteen of the original families are still attending or are represented in the church.

The name of the organizers of the present St. Anthony’s Parish under the date of December 13, 1908 are John Heinemann, Theodore Wahrmund, Wm. Fiedler, George Fritz, Christian Fritz, Felix Maurer, Henry Maurer, Charles Lang, John Roeder, Wm. Fritz, Anton Brinkrolf, Peter Petsch, Frank Wahrmund, Mrs. Joe McDonald, August Novian, Peter Roeder, John Fiedler, Henry Klein, August Fiedler, Albrecht Tatsch, Otto Petsch, Otto Fritz, John Leyendecker, Wm. Klein, George Novian, Gustav Novian, Jacob Novian, Anton Esquell, Mrs. Wm. Kaiser, Jacob Klein, Mrs. Louis Bierschwale, Robert Rosenbusch, Adolf Reeh, and Jacob Fiedler.

On January 17, 1909, Father Fassbender and the assembled members chose as their building committee the four trustees J. Heinemann, C. Fritz. W. Fiedler and F. Maurer; and C. Lang, A. Brinkrolf. P. Petsch, W. Fritz, G. Fritz, A. Fiedler and J. Roeder. Estimates were to be asked at Kerrville and Fredericksburg. The plan at that time was one roughly sketched by Father Neissens, a rectangular building 50 by 30 by 16 feet,with square windows, and a low squat tower. It was only later that the present semi-rounded sanctuary, the Gothic transomed windows and front doors, the higher tower, and the choir were added, or included. The original plans submitted in December called for considerably smaller building and at the suggestion of Father Neissens, who urged that “a church, not a chicken house” be built, these plans were discarded in favor of a larger building.

The exact location of the church on the ground purchased from H. Mund, was decided upon, and on February 5^th was appointed as the day to clean away the brush and rocks, preparatory to  excavating for the foundation.

Toward the end of February the secretary, Mr. Heinemann announced that the total amount signed for at the time was $1,239 of which $178.85 had been paid out for the land and $550 as down payment to H. V. Scholl of Kerrville on the lumber bill. The bid of the Beitel Lumber Co., for $1,100 had been accepted. The lumber was to be hauled by team, of course, and $2.00 freight was allowed for a two horse and wagon, and $4.00 for a four horse.This was to purchase feed, which was scarce and expensive. Charles Lang and Wm. Kaiser were charged to stake out the foundation. An agreement had been reached with E. S. (Rat) Fairchild for the foundation stone at twenty-five cents per load. He then lived on the place now owned by Louis Feller.

The foundation was not actually built until late March, or early in April. Under the date of March 21^st it is recorded that the building of the foundation was in the hands of Julius Klingelhoefer, who was to receive $2.00 a day and board, assisted by Wm. Weidenfeller who would receive $1.00 per day and board.

It is interesting to note that while the granite stone, donated by Nagel Brothers, of Fredericksburg, and which is Bear Mountain granite, bears the date of February 22, 1909 it was not yet in Harper on March 21^st.The stone is solid, and when laid was placed in the right center of th S. E. wall, facing the street. There was no ceremony when this block was placed into the foundation, but it was put there "like any other rock." The hauling of the foundation material was done by Wm. Fritz, J Heinemann, A. Brinkrolf, O. Fritz, H. Maurer, Alf. Kuntz, A Weidenfeller, L. Brinkrolf, and Theo. Wahrmund. The cutting of the stones had previously been left to H. Maurer, W. Fiedler, and O. Fritz.

By the middle of April, everything was ready for the carpenters J. Heinemann journeyed to Fredericksburg, returning with Theodore Langerhans, who was placed in charge. With him as helpers were August Langerhans, Attile Smith, Alb. Pape, and Pete Roeder. The wages were $2 per day and board for T. Langerhans, $1.75 and board for the others, for a ten hour day. Albert Pape boarded the men for fifty cents a day each.

The first nail was driven on April 20, 1909. The weather conditions that winter and spring were very similar to those of this Jubilee year. It was very dry. No planting was done at the usual time. On April 19^th a good shower fell, lifting the drooped faces of the farmers. July 25^th brought another rain, as it also did this year and August 8^th, one that filled the creeks. No corn was raised, only a small crop of cotton, but plenty of feed.

The building progressed without any noteworthy incident. By the end of May, thought was given to the interior furnishings.The joyful news was heard that the main altar would be the gift of the Koehler family, in memory of the deceased father and grandfather, Franz Koehler.The cost would be aproximately $80. John Heinemann, with his brothers and sisters would supply the bell in memory of their parents, Martin and Mary Heinemann.The bell weighs slighty more than four hundred pounds, and cost about $105. Christian Fritz wished to donate the cross for the tower.

The stones for the steps were prepared by Wm. Kaiser, Wm. Fiedler, and August Ernst. They were quarried at the August Ernst place, now owned by Clarence Ernst, and donated by him. J. Fiedler. A. Pape, Jake Klein, F. Maurer, and W. Fiedler transported them, while Charles Lang and Wm. Kaiser, assisted by H. Maurer, placed them. J. Heinemann, unable to help, donated seventy-five pounds of cement.

It was time now to think of the dedication of the church. A committee went to Fredericksburg to discuss the matter with Fathers Neissens and Fassbender. The date was set for Tuesday, August 10th.

July and the first days of August were employed to put the finishing touches to the church, and to preparations for the gala day. The building of the fence was left to J. Heinemann, F. Maurer, J. Klein, while Jacob Fiedler, Anton Brinkrolf and sons, and Wm. Fritz and sons were appointed to haul gravel for walks around the church. An arbor had to be built to afford shelter, and a barbecue pit must be dug. Alfred Thiele was placed in charge of the refreshments, the ladies were called upon to clean the church. The altar, which was shipped from Chicago, was at the Kerrville depot, awaiting tranportation, as was also the statue of St. Anthony, donated by Father Neissens. This statue is the one encased on the tower, which was done by Father Kickx. The vestments were gotten from Fredericksburg, and the benches of the old Frederisksburg church which had been given to Harper, were brought here.

Monday, August 9, 1909, found every thing in readiness. At 3 p. m. the congregation assembled to escort to the church the priests who were to come, and the St. Joseph Society of Fredericksburg. Father Fassbender and Father Fletcher had arrived an hour earlier. The procession was to form at the public school. The school then was about one-half its present size, and had been erected in 1907. The frame builting which preceded it had burned, and in the interval school was held in the Presbyterian church building. Two hacks had been decorated to convey the priests and on gaily bedecked horses rode Otto Fritz, Louis Brinkrolf, Albert Kaiser, Emil Petsch, August Fritz, Edmunf Brinkrolf, and Felix Fritz.. The community band from what is now known as Mecklinburg was there, seventeen strong. Fathers Neissens, Schnetzer, and Zengler appered with the St. Joseph Society, and a great number of friends from Fredericksburg. Father Neissens was ill, however, and did not transfer to one of the decorated hacks prepared for him. With Charles Roberts at the head, he was deputy, horseback, and carrying the American flag, the procession, nearly a mile long, proceeded to the new church.

The Sourthern Messenger (San Antonio) carried this story regarding the foregoing: "Harper was in the midst of a great festival the first of this week, the occasion being the dedication of St. Antonius Catholic Church. Great crowds began arrving Monday and by Tuesday morning fully fifteen hundred people were on hand. Monday evening a large number of the Catholics gathered near the school house to await the arrival of the five priests who were to participte in the dedication. When they came, a procession was formed, headed by a brass band, and a triumphant march was made into the city. Gaily caparisoned horses and carriages, bedecked with various colors, were conspicuous in the parade."

Tuesday, August 10th drawed bright and clear. At 9 o'clock all assembled at the Christian Fritz home. There the procession formed, including the band, and wound its way to the church. The blessing of the bell came first, with Father Neissens officiating, then the blessing of the exterior of the church. Mr. Heinemann then handed the church key to Father Neissens who unlocked the door and entered, followed by as many of the assembled crowd as could find room. The alter and the interior of the church were blessed. Solemn High Mass was then offered by Father Neissens, assisted by Father Fletcher, with Father Schmetzer of Boerne as Deacon, Father Zengler as Subdeacon and Father Fassbender as Master of Ceremonies, assisted by an unnamed student from San Antonio. The Fredericksburg choir under the direction of F. C. Heinemann, sang the Mass. Father Neissens preached the sermon, and at the conclusion of the services, all joined in singing "Groser Gott" "Holy God, We Praise Thy Name."

The Church celebration was complete. Members and guests enjoyed a barbecue dinner, and were left to enterain themselves as they chose. Down town a rodeo was staged at George Fritz place, now owned by Chas. Keller. Across the street a hobby-horse piped and circled. To quote the Southern Messenger again: "Thriughout the day the streets were thronged with people, and the different drink stands, shows, hobby-horse, and amusement places were rushed with business."

Father Fassbender attended Harper until Dec. 18, 1910. The church had cost approximately $2,500, and a debt of $1,000 hung over the young parish. The St. Anthony Society was organized by him on January 16, 1910. It comprised 20 members, who chose as officers, C. Fritz, Pres., Franz Lange, V. Pres., and A. Bringrolf, Sec'y., F. Maurer, Treas., and H. Maurer, W. Fritz, and W. Fiedler on committee.

In February, 1910, the parish listed as comprising 23 Catholic families, 14 mixed, and 6 single persons.

The first First Communion day was August 14, 1910, when Holy Communion was received for the first time by Lily Leyendecker, Edna Leyendecker, Amalia Brinkrolf, Laura Heinemann, Ida Klein, Lily Reeh, Clara Keller, Francisca Fiedler, Cecilia Roeder, Edwin Kaiser, Walter Fritz, Walter Lange, Walter Klein, and Charlie Wahrmund. On the following day, the first church wedding was solemized between Edwin Reeh and Ethel Colbeth. Alfred Kramer and Catherine Fiedler have the distinction of being the first couple married by Father Fassbender in Harper, having made the mutual promises in his presence on September 20, 1909.

The first church choir was compossed of Herman Kaiser, who directed, and played the violin, J. Heinemann, C. Fritz, A. Brinkrolf, C. Lange, and O. Fritz. Soon after their first attempt, on Christmas 1909, Father Neissens presented Herman Kaiser and A. Brinkrolf with a melodeon, which incidentally was the first church organ in Fredericksburg. This replaced the violin as accompaniment.

By December 1910, $3,172.95 had been spent on the property. Of this amount, $1,598.31 was for lumber, $626.55 for the carpenters' labor, about $125.00 for the foundation, and remainder was consumed by freight, interest and smaller items, exclusive of the land itself and the well.

Father A. Miedanner, Assistant Pastor at St. Mary's had charge of St. Anthony's from Dec. 19, 1910 to February 18, 1911. During his pastorate the cemetery land was purchased from Joe McDonald for $50, and the first burial there was that of the infant son of August Fiedler, on February 13, 1911.

No priest visited Harper from February 18, until the end of April.  On the 26th of that month a committee from the parish called on the Very Reverend Bishop who was on that day confirming at Kerrville. He sent Father J. Barres, a Belgian by birth, who was then stationed at Boerne. Though handicapped by a small knowledge of German language, he worked well. It was during his time in Harper that a new organ was purchased for $52.50, to replace the melodeon which was used henceforth for rehersals at the Herman Kaiser home. The monstrance was also purchased at this time through a donation of the Ladies Society, ($20). On the 27th of February, 1912 Bishop Shaw visited Harper for the first time and confirmed forty-one. Father Barres dsiscontinued his ministration in May, 1912, and was succeeded by Father H. Kemper, the Pastor at Kerrville.
 

At the cost of very great sacrifice to himself, being ill, and forced to offer Mass at 5 o'clock at Kerrville and then drive the 24 miles over bad roads, through twenty-two gates, so as to offer Mass at Harper at 11:30 or 12 o'clock Father Kemper made this trip twice amonth. Later he came but once a month.

We have it on the authority of A. C. Wendel, and Frank M. Floyd, that the first automobile appeared about 1912. It was owned by Ralph and Jesse Solomon, was an Overland, purchased second-hand, and bore license No. 3. The licenses were issued, and numbered accordingly as they were issued, by the county.  This meant that this particular automobile was the third in the county.

In September, 1913, Father Gerlach was appointed Pastor of St. Mary's in Fredericksburg, and Harper was placed under his care. It was to be ministered to by the Rev. Assistants, of whom the first was Father F. Wolf, September 14, 1913 to July 1914. On September 21, 1913, a general meeting was held with Father Gerlach presiding. A line was drawn between the two parishes of St. Anthony and St. Mary. making Spring Creek the boundary, and ceding Tivydale to Harper. The revised list of members of that date contained 29 names. The choir was reorganized with H. J. Kaiser again director. A Bauman, J. Heinemann, Chas. Lang and Chas. Keller, tenors, and Edwin Kaiser, Filex Fritz, and Emil Jung, bass. Wm. Kaiser was elected to collect money with which to build a horse shed and feed house. It still stands. On February 22, 1914, it was decided that the Fredericksburg and Harper parishes unite, Fredericksburg to furnish a priest, and the debts of both parishes to be paid off jointly. On June 18th of that year Confirmation was again administered here, 17 receiving the Sacrament. It was Father Wolf who donated the Stations of the Cross to the church.

He was followed by Father F. Drees, July, 1914 to August, 1917. Durning his pastorate the St. Ann's Society was formed with an original enrollment of eighteen members. This occurred on November 8, 1914.

From September, 1917, til March 1918 Father Kemper again took charge. The cemetery, at that time, was cleaned and laid into blocks by A. Baumann and J. Heinemann, assisted by F. Maurer, Ed. Pehl, and H. Kaiser.

Father Heinzmann came next, maintaining charge until August 21, 1921. Five were confirmed by the present Archbishop Drossaerts on June 19, 1920. During these years the Church received a number of donations. The J. Heinemann family gave the statue of the Blessed Virgin, Queen of Heaven, the Franz Lange family, one of St. Joseph. The altars on which these statues are enthroned were the gifts of the same families. In addition Mr. Heinemann presented the Church with the ornamented back of the high altar. The statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus had been donated shortly after the church was completed, by Mrs. Jacob Knopp. It stood originally on the high altar, while the statue of St. Anthony stood at the side. These positions were reversed about 1914.

Five sons were furnished the U. S. Army durning World War, by the parish. They were Edmund Brinkrolf, who was killed in action; Edwin Kaiser, who died of influenza at Austin; Walter Fritz, Hilmar Wahrmund, and Louis Brinkrolf, who returned. Walter Fritz died two years later from the effects of his service. The bodies of the three lie in the local cemetery.

It was in 1918 that the lot in the S. W. corner of the block was bought from Henry Bierschwale and John Moris for $225.00 It was to provide room for a school at some future date, still indefinite.

Father L. Goertz came on August 21 and continued to provide services and spiritual care until June 6, 1924. During his pastorate, the church was enriched with a statue of St. Aloysius, presented by Franz Lange; two seven branch candlesticks, later shortened to five, as a gift of Ed Pehl, and two small angel statues to be seen on the high altar, donated by Frank Rischner. The first mission was held from December 13th to the 17th, and was preached by Rev. Jos. Beine. On December 10, 1923, His Excellency Archbishop Drossaerts confirmed 31. This year also saw the erection of the combination building at the cemetery.

Father L. Quinsky, Assistant at Fredericksburg, replaced him from January 20th to April 2, 1924. It was at this time that the Baptismal font was given to the church by Henry and Felix Maurer.

But Harper was to have a resident priest. On March 6th Father A Heuchemer came from Kerrville with the mail truck, and call a meeting for the evening. Twenty members responded to the invitation, and assembled at the store of Felix Baumann. Father Heuchemer announced that the Most Reverend Bishop had sent him to build a rectory, and asked for $3,000 with which to carry out his commission. $1,500 were signed that evening. The building began April 22nd. The Kuenemann Lumber Co., received the contract, which called for material to the amount of $2,,250, and $750 for the carpenter labor. A total $2,675 was ultimately collected for the rectory. He also is responsible for rain-water cistern, a redecorated church interior, furnishing it with new benches and communion rail with its statues of angels, and an altared choir. He likewise erected the windmill and water tank. The well had been dug in 1909, and was already completed before the building of the church was begun. Under the date of March 3, 1909 we find the memorandum of $52.90 having been paid to John Miller for drilling of the well.

Father V. Alfes succeeded him. He remained only two months, having suffered a stroke and obliged to leave.

Father P. J. Tarradells then came, having charge from May 1927 to January 23, 1928. It was during this time that the Children of Mary Sodality was organized. Father Tarradellas will be remembered as an accomplished musician.

The next Pastor, Father G. Stakemeir, remained but one week, Jan. 23rd to the 31st. Father P. Endler was then appointed. The garage was built by him, from lumber salvaged after the cyclone of Easter Monday (1927) had destroyed the Sunday shelter which had been built. He remained until July 1oth when Father Heuchemer again returned. His stay was short, however, being advanced in age and desirous of retiring. Father H. Kickx was then appointed, October 27, 1928, to December 4, 1930. Being a builder, he set about remodeling the interior of the rectory, arranging it more conveniently and adding an upstairs; building cabinets into the church sacristies, and a confessional. He presented the church with a new statue of St. Anthony, which adorns the main alter, and one of St. Theresa, the Little Flower of Jesus. Franz Lang donated the redecoration of the statue of St. Joseph. The exterior of all the building on the property received new coats of paint.

On December 1st  Father A. Gitter was appointed to succeed Father Kickx, and arrived to assume the charge on December 4th. A new wire fence and cattle guard replaced the old lumber fence and gate, completed on the day of President Roosevelt's inauguration March 4, 1933. A small hall or Sunday House, 20. ft. x 40ft., was completed a year later. A 45-gallon chemical tank and its house, the gift of Father Kemper, was added to the church property. Improvements in the rectory, church and church grounds were made.

On March 17, 1933, the 25th annuversary of the first Mass celebrated in Harper was observed by the parish. Father W. Fritz, O. M. I., offered the Mass and preached the sermon, assisted by the Very Rev. A Heckmann of Fredericksburg as Deacon, and Father Gitter as Subdeacon. Hubert Baumann, who attends St. John's Seminary, acted as Master of Ceremonies, with Max Baumann and Marcus Fritz as thurifers, and Robert Kaiser and Frederick Baumann as acolytes. The choir was under the direction of Willie A. Kaiser, son of the original director. About 350 people took part in the celebration which closed with the Stations of the Cross and Benediction at 1:30 o'clock.

A very successful mission was preached by Father Robert Skinner, C. S. P. from April 23rd to the 28th of the same year.

The first Summer School of Catechism conducted by Sisters Barbara and Angela, convent of the Holy Ghost and Mary Immaculate, were in charge. Attendance was 44.

On 1th of July, His Excellency Archbishop Drossaerts confirmed 39, eight of them adults, and 66 Mexican children from Kerrville.


The Summer School was repeated in 1934, June 24th to July 8th with Sisters Aloysius and Angela in charge. Fifty children attended. Hubert Baumann, Claude Faust assisted.

On the 9th of August of this present year, the Parish will celebrate the Silver Jubilee of the dedication of its church. Because of that event, this sketch has been prepared.

God's blessing is now humbly asked upon those whose good works are recorded here, upon the Parish, and the entire community, and all for there is a fervent "St. Anthony, pray for us."

As an Appendix to the preceding sketch of the material development of St. Anthony's Parish, the following notes are added.

From the beging till the present,  220 baptisms have been recorded, 45 burials, through not all in the local cemetery, 59 marriages.

The parish claims the following as its own, who have devoted their lives to the special services of God in the Priesthood or Religious life: Father W. Fritz O. M. I.  who. through born in Arizona, lived at Harper for a time, and went from Harper to prepare for the Priesthood; Frank Lange, who is a Christian Brother; Sister Frances Lange, D. P., Sister Juliette Lange. D. P, and Sister Melissa Maurer, D. P. .  Hurbert Baumann has completed 6 years of preparation for the priesthood.

During the year 1933 there were 3,635 Holy Communions distributed.

The Trustees at this time of the Jubilee are Charles Lang, Joe Lange, Henry Wieting, and Oscar Fiedler.

The St. Anthony Society has a membership of twenty, with the following officers: Lawrence Heinemann, Pres., Authur Baumann. Vice. Pres., Oscar Fiedler, now resigned, for Louis Lange is acting, Secretary; Henry Esquell, Treasurer, Emil Fiedler and Beno Stein are the Directors, and Anton Lange is Marshall.

The St. Ann's Society counts 33 members, with Mrs. Henry Maurer, Pres., Mrs. Ed Phel, Vice Pres., Mrs. J. Heinemann, Secy., and Mrs. H. J. Kaiser, Treas.

Thje Children of the Mary Sodality boasts of 34 members. Their Prefect is Clemens Maurer, the assist. Perfect, Martha Rose Baumann, and the Sec'y-Treas. is Alton Lange

In the choir, the "old Faithfuls" are Willie A. Kaiser, organist and director, with Mrs H. J. Kaiser, Mrs. O. Kiedler, Gertrude Gitter, Martha Rose Baumann, Annie and Ida Rischner, the sopranos; Leo Klein, Lawrence and Joe Heinemann, and Felix Rischner, the bass. To these recent additions are: Marvin Peter, Robert, Nicolene, Dela Mae, and Jocelyn Lang, Eli and Maydora Metzger, and Robert Kaiser.

The altar boys are Max and Fritz Baumann, Robert and Charles Kaiser, and Thomas Jung.

Following is the list of Catholic living within the parish boundaries, who fulfilled their Easter precept this year of 1934, approximately 230 in number, of a total, all inclusive, of 310 souls.

Mr. and Mrs Arthur Baumann and family.
Eddie Baumann.
Mrs. W. A. Benson.
Mrs. Lee Brandon.
Louis Brinkrolf.
Mr. and Mrs. Joe Fiedler and family.
Mrs. C. L. Burnes.
Mrs. A. Esquell and family.
Mr. and Mrs. Henry Esquell.
Mr. and Mrs. Edgar Fiedler.
Mr. and Mrs. Emil Fiedler and family.
Mr. and Mrs. Edmund Fiedler.
Mr. and Mrs. John Fiedler.
Jacob Fiedler.
Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Fiedler.
Mr. and Mrs Jacob Fritz and family.
Mr. and Mrs. Otto Fritz and family.
Mrs. W. Fritz and Henry.
Mr. and Mrs. Edmund Grona and family.
Gertrude Gitter.
Mr. and Mrs. J. Heinemann and family.
Mr. and Mrs. Otto Jenschke and family.
Mr. and Mrs. Alanzo Jung and family.
Jim Jung.
Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Jung and family.
Mr. and Mrs. James Jung.
Mr. and Mrs. L. C. Jung and family.
Mr. and Mrs. Herman Kaiser and family.
Mrs. W. Kaiser, Sr.
Mr. and Mrs. Willie Kaiser.
Nr. and Mrs. Chas. Keller.
Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Klein and family.
Mrs. Edward Klein and family.
Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert Klein and family.
Mr. and Mrs. John Klein.
Leo Klein.
Mrs. W. Klein.
Mrs. Alfred Kramer and family.
Mrs. Ernst Kramer and family.
Mr. and Mrs. Art Lang and family.
Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Lang and family.
Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Lang and family.
Mr. and Mrs. Anton Lange.
Mr. and Mrs. Louis Lange.
 Mr. and Mrs. Joe Lange.
Arthur Lott and family.
Mr. and Mrs. Hilmar Lott.
Mr. and Mrs. Henry Maurer and family.
Mr. and Mrs. Felix Maurer and family.
Mrs. A. Metzer and family.
Mr. and Mrs. A. Moellendorf and family.
Mr. and Mrs. W. A. Mosel and family.
Adolph Phel.
 Mr. and Mrs. Ed Pehl and family.
Mrs.W. Peter and family.
Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Reeh and family.
Alonzo Reeh.
Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Reeh.
Mr. and Mrs. Gisbert Reeh and family.
John Roeder.
Mr. and Mrs. Frank Rischner and family.
Mrs. Walter Schumpelt.
Frank Staudt.
Mr. and Mrs. Paul Staudt.
Mr. and Mrs. Alphonse Stehling.
Mr. and Mrs. Beno Stein.
Emil Stein and family.
Mrs. A. Tatsch and family.
Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Wahrmund and family.
Mr. and Mrs. F. P. Wahrmund and family.
Mrs. F. Wahrmund, Sr.
Mr. and Mrs. Hilmar Wahrmund and family.
Mr. and Mrs. Henry Wieting
REV. ALOYS A. GITTER, Pastor.

(Note: Acknowledgement is hereby made to Mr. John Heinmenn, from whose records and reminiscences, most of the information has come ; to H. J. Kaiser, for the history of the choir, and to Mrs. A. Baumann for her recollections, and kindness in translating the written records of Mr. Heinemann.)

 (Note: Father A. A. Gitter was on loan to us because of his health he was pastor here for fifty-six years and was never transfered to the Archdiocese of San Antonio.)

There will be more to come!