ORGANIZATIONS OF SACRED HEART PARISH

Information taken from Church Directory of 1984 and is not up to date

The Young Men's Temperance and Literary Society of the Sacred Heart.

    "It is admitted that piety is profitable to all things, having promises of the life that now is, and of that which is to come."

    This society first began in Hudson in 1843, and the object of the association was to promote religion, temperance and good morals.

    Any young man above the age of sixteen who was a member of the Catholic Church would be admitted into the society, providing he pledged himself under the law of honor, to abstain from all highly intoxicating drinks, viz; Whiskey, brandy, gin, etc., except when used medicinally. It was the duty of any member who was certain that another had violated the pledge to report the same to the Temperance Committee. All members were obliged to frequent the Sacraments in a body three times a year viz; at Easter, Assumption, and Christmas. All members were expected to refrain from cursing, swearing, abuse of God's holy name and immodest conversation. They were to attend Mass whenever possible, say their morning and evening prayers and act as guard of honor to the Blessed Sacrament, when carried in procession.

    The officers were: Mathew Millarney, President; Florence Monarity, Vice-President; and Bernard Steger, Treasurer. 

SUNDAY SCHOOL LIBRARY 

    The children's Sunday School library of the Sacred Heart Parish was established on the 5th day of June, 1892.

    All Catholic children in the parish under the age of sixteen could have free access to the library, providing they were regular attendants at Sunday school. The books could not be retained by the members for more than two weeks or there would be a charge of 10 cents per week. Any member refusing to pay the fine would not be given another book until said fine was paid.

Some of the members listed were; Gahagan, Fitzpatrick, Marry, Dwyer, Gray, Haley, Steger, Monahan, DeMay, and Callahan.

THE SOCIETY OF THE HOLY NAME OF JESUS 

    To promote the honor and glory of the Holy Name of Jesus, to defend It from insults, to repair the outrages offered It by blasphemers, is the object of the Holy Name Society.

    The duties of the members are; To labor for the glory of the Holy Name of Jesus, and to make it known to those who are ignorant of it. Never to pronounce the name of God or the Holy Name of Jesus without respect and reverence. To avoid, in every way, all cursing, swearing and immodest language, remembering that there is a God who hears and sees, at all times, and that to Him "he shall render an account of all his works". To keep the Sundays holy by assisting at Mass. To set a good example unto others. To receive Holy Communion every three months with the Society.

    A low Mass will be offered once a month for the living and deceased members. A High Mass of Requiem shall be offered for the repose of the soul of each member who dies in good standing. On the death of a member, the Society, with the President, shall meet at the home of the deceased. No dues are required to be a member, but each one ought to pay ten cents a month to help defray the expenses. Only those who comply with this regulation are entitled to the Requiem High Mass.

    The Holy Name Society was discontinued in 1960 with James Dunne, President; Edward Petkus, Vice-President; Joseph Monahan, Secretary and Treasurer.

ALTAR ROSARY SOCIETY 

    This society was once known as the "Christian Mothers Altar Rosary Society". The object of this Society shall be for the members to receive the Spiritual Benefits, which include a special favor of service to our Lord Jesus Christ; praying the Rosary every month for our living and deceased members, and receiving Holy Communion once a month in a body; as Custodians of the church, to be Handmaids in the House of the Lord; attending to the household duties of the Church Proper, namely special care to the Altars; by caring for the temporal welfare of the Parish, by taking part in all church activities to the best of one's ability; the Social Welfare of the Members. working together through sociability, recreational, and by love of our neighbors; members must be extremely solicitous to educate their children according to the principles of the Gospel; every day they should recite the "Daily Prayer for the Children" to the Patrons of the Confraternity; and they shall visit and comfort the sick, being especially solicitous about a happy death.

    All reputable, pious, Catholic women of Sacred Heart Parish, married, widowed, or single may be admitted. And when an associate has departed this life, prayers, and good works shall immediately be offered up by the associates, and soon as possible, a Mass shall be said.

    Since this constitution was written many years ago, a few changes have been made. Our main duties are to care for the Altar, such as providing linens, candles, and the bread and wine.

    The Altar Rosary Society, as its name was changed March 3, 1958, is divided into three guilds; St. Anne's Guild-Mary Fether and Veronica Camp as co-chairmen. St. Margaret's Guild with Linda Marry as Chairman, and St. Monica's Guild with Marge Dennis, Rose Ann Friedrich and Mary Lou Rickner as Co-Chairmen. Each Guild will take their turn at the monthly meetings, to have charge of the social hour and the luncheon after the meeting. Each Guild takes their turn serving parish funeral dinners.

    The present officers of the Altar Society are: Josephine Balser, President; Dixie Wright, Vice-President; Leota Kingsley, Secretary; Betty Camp, Treasurer.

SACRED HEART BOOSTERS 

    Sacred Heart Boosters were organized in February, 1981, and at that time were known as the 'Concerned People of Sacred Heart Committee', later changed to Sacred Heart Boosters. Their main concern was the possible closing of Sacred Heart School due to financial difficulties and low enrollment. Their purpose is to raise money to assist with the with financial burdens of the school and parish. All members must be 18 or older, and their main fund raisers at this time are Bingo and paper drive. The Boosters average contribution the parish per year is $10,000.00.

    The present officers are: Phil Marry, President; Sandy Marry, Vice-President; Mary Ann Kingsley, Secretary; Floyd Braun, Treasurer.

YOUTH FELLOWSHIP

In the fall of 1982. a group for the high school students of the Parish was organized. One of their first activities was to purchase a donut machine and begin making donuts to sell on Sunday mornings after Mass. Coffee and donuts proved to be very popular for social life of the parish. To purchase the donut fryer, commercial mixer, and other equipment, $54,500.00 was borrowed from the cemetery fund. The loan was not without opposition, as several of the parishioners felt the loan would never be repaid. In a matter of a few months, the loan was repaid in lull, and the 'Youth Group became one of the most solvent groups in the parish.

THE CATHOLIC STUDY CLUB 

    The Catholic Study Club was organized in 1921 by Mrs. Eloise McCue, during the pastorate of Father Hallissey. The first officers were: President, Mrs. J. McCue; Vice President, Mrs. J.A. Dillon; Secretary, Miss Margaret Kelly: Treasurer, Mrs. S.E. Bogman.

    In 1924, the club belonged to the National Council of Catholic Women. Through the efforts of Mrs. Clara Lyons, the club joined the Lenawee County Federation of Women's Clubs that same year. In 1929, the first Federation meeting was held.

    The Deceased Members Prayer, by Catherine Geeting, appeared in 1963, and on the 50th Anniversary of the Catholic Study Club Catherine wrote the following poem, which tells a little bit about the club.

    Fifty years ago, my friends, A group of Catholic women Ventured forth to form a club, And that was our beginning.

    I wonder if they dreamed that day, It would endure this long And we'd be sitting here tonight In a group still going strong.

    Now traveling back in memory We shed a tear or two. While thinking of departed ones Whose days with us are through.

    A few names from the growing list Deserve a special mention, Hallissey, Hayden, Donnelly, All come to our attention.

    There were three of the Dillons and Kelleys, Of Cavanaughs and Stegers, each two. And names that float back in our memories Are Luma, and Lynch, and McCue.

    You heard Carmichael, Harlan. Moloney, And Hackett and Hafner back then, And Clemens and Chapman and Curnow On the roll since our club first began.

    Elizabeth Reuter, we miss you, Mrs. Brennan, Mac Haley - dear friends, And our most recent loss, Bertha Cummings, And with her, our departed list ends.

      Mrs. Doctor McCue organized us, Myrna Bogman was there by her side, Ann Russell was also there helping, And later, Marie Dillon joined with pride. Mary Moloney joined us in the twenties, Valta Barrett and Susie did, too, Bess Hackett and Nancy Spadafora, In those years when our club was so new.

    This poem is meant as a tribute To all members, living and dead, Who gave so much to our Catholic Club, That our gratitude must be said.

    And a thank you to Father Loewen, And to each present member so fine, For keeping this nice group together, Fifty years is a mighty long time.

    Sequel 10 years later:

    Would you believe ten years have passed, And we are still together? We've lost some friends along the way, And had some storms to weather.

    We thought, perhaps, we should disband Our club of 60 Years, But we have had some second thoughts As our Anniversary nears.

     Perhaps the spirit should go on, It seems a shame to waste, The many years of Fruitful toil, On which our group was based.

    We'll gather once a month with friends, To study, work, and pray, And with God's help, we'll venture forth, In our traditional way.

     The present officers are: Betty Camp, President; Emma Marcoux, Vice-President: Gwen Marry, Secretary; Dorothy Roney, Treasurer.

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS

    The Knights of Columbus was founded by Father Michael J. McGivney, 1882. It is a fraternal organization of Catholic men, being based on the four principles of Charity, Unity, Fraternity, and Patriotism.

    A council was established in Hudson on April 24, 1949, to he known as the Hudson Council Knights of Columbus, Council No. 3221. The first officers were: Grand Knight, Albert McGill; Deputy Grand Knight, Henry Klee; Chancellor, Wesley Camp. Recorder, R. J. Talbot; Treasurer, John Stiblch; Advocate, Roger Ebbitt: Warden, Richard Garr; Inside Guard, Bernard Reuter, Sr.; Outside Guard, Denis Dillon: Trustees, Frank Dunne, Clarence Luma, and James Dillon; and Chaplain, Father McCabe. The council was founded under the guidance of District Deputy Leo H. Kester of Ann Arbor,

    The council began meeting in the third floor rooms, which they leased from Joe Coscarelli for $1.00 and it cost $10.00 to have a lawyer draw up the lease. Knowing they would need a Council Hall in the future and hearing the New York Central Depot might be for sale, they made a bid of $6,752 to New York Central in 1956. It was reported that the depot was being held for manufacturing purposes. By 1962, the lease on the hall was cancelled, for the insurance rate far succeeded the rent. They moved to their present building, on Main Street, in 1966, and in 1971, changed their council name to Bishop Donnelly Council 3221.

    The Knights of Columbus have their annual corn roast at the Elmer Marry farm, with the first one being held June, 1956. They contribute to many organizations and clubs, have a scholarship fund, known as the Ed Hackett Memorial Scholarship, for students from Sacred Heart and St. Mary on the Lake. Kristi Kope captured first place, in her age category, in a statewide essay contest, winning a $100 savings bond. The essay contest is the first of which is hoped to become an annual event.

    On April 14, 1984, the Knights of Columbus Supreme Council granted a Fourth Degree Charter to the Irish Hills Area Assembly to be based here in Hudson. This is the Patriotic Degree of the Knights of Columbus. James Friedrich was elected the first Faithful Navigator of the new assembly by the Worthy Master David Buick and special guest Vice Supreme Master Jack Malloy. The Fourth Degree provides the Honor Guards for corporate Communions and other special occasions.

The present officers are:

    Third Degree Council Officers: Chaplain, Father Jon Wehrle Grand Knight, Richard Camp; Deputy Grand Knight, Terrance Camp; Chancellor. Nathan Swailes, Jr.: Recorder. Jesse Guerra: Financial Secretary, James Friedrich, Treasurer, Ronde! Waldo; Advocate, Stephen Kingsley; Warden. Victor Clark: In. side Guard, Michael Sanborn; Outside Guard, William Camp: Trustee, Max Brooks; Trustee, Phil Lawrence; Trustee, Alvin Kimling.

    Fourth Degree Assembly Officers: Faithful Friar, Father Gerald Loewen: Faithful Navigator, James Friedrich; Faithful Captain, Charles McNamara; Faithful Pilot, Charles Casawant; Faithful Comptroller, Bernard Reuter, Jr.; Faithful Scribe, Charles McNamara, Jr.: Faithful Purser, Joseph Ellin­ger; Faithful Inside Sentinel. Joseph Haley; Faithful Outside Sentinel, Theodore Dzienis; Faithful Admiral, David Poynter: Trustee, Alvin Kimling; Trustee, Max Brooks; Trustee, Joe Kimling.

    There has been other societies of Sacred Heart Parish, Young Ladies Sodality, Dad's Club, Usher's Club. and others, we have no record of them.

HISTORY OF ST. MARY ON THE LAKE

During the pastorate of the Reverend Father James B. McCabe, 1949-1953, he felt the need for a mission at the lake. It wasn't until 1955, that land was purchased in the hope of erecting a church, and in 1958, saw the erection of a church, St. Mary on the Lake.

The building was 100 by 42 feet wide. It was unique, in as much as the altar and sanctuary are in the middle of the building, so that it could be divided into two parts. Open, it had a seating capacity of 550. By utilizing folding doors, it could be closed off for a church service to accommodate 250. The other part could be used as a social hall. The building also had temporary living quarters for a visiting priest.

Palm Sunday, April 11, 1965, on that sacred holiday, the worst disaster in Hillsdale and Lenawee County struck in the form of a series of tornadoes. The mission church was totally destroyed, with the exception of the confessional, sacristy, and the outdoor statue of Mary.

Under the guidance of Reverend Father Gerald R. Loewen, a financial drive and new building plans were in the making, and on May 15, 1966, the sod was turned for the new church, and in September, about 100 parishioners of St. Mary on the Lake gathered to lay the cornerstone of their new church, which was constructed on the foundation of the original church. Father Loewen used the same silver trowel that applied the mortar to lay the cornerstone of Sacred Heart Church in Hudson, in 1905.

Inside the cornerstone, which bears the original date of the building of the church and reconstruction date, was placed in a metal box containing mementos.

    A detachment of the Color Corps of the River Raisin General Assembly, Fourth Degree of the Knights of Columbus formed an honor guard for Father Loewen and the other participants of the ceremony.

    This building was increased from 6800 sq. ft. and is much of the same design as the first building.

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