St. Donatus Church

The location for a church in the area was a problem since there was no railway or feature that could have been a deciding factor. Turmoil greeted the missionary, Father Palm, everytime healpproached the people on the question of a church site. Once a month the faithful gathered at a private home for Mass because by 1912 and 1913 the innun of settlers had increased considerably.

The southern area of over twenty families, slighty more than the north and serving the fluctuating population in an area that included Panama School District; the area that lies in the PFRA pasture, Warcop and Elk. A frame church 28` x 48' was built on 10 acres of the SW 1/4 of 10-15-28 under homestead entry to Jacob Rolheiser who released the church site portion to the Episcopal Corporation and secured patent for the remainder in 1917. The church was completed and dedicated in June of 1915 to St. Donatus, a Roman soldier, martyr, patron saint of the elements -- weather. At the same time the northern families not wishing to remain idle also built a frame prayer house four miles to the north. Now there were two churches and two cemeteries but only the south church was served by a priest since it was an official church site. In 1916, Father Schwebius, pariah priest of Kerrobert served the St. Donatus area and held Mass on the third Sunday of every month.

A fire destroyed the south church in 1917 including the church organ donated by Philip Deck shortly before. The settlers used Panama and Gramlich Schools, altemately, for Mass with Father Schwebius from Kerrobert. The George Rolheiser Sr. family accommodated the priest in Panama and the Paul Reichert family in Ciramlich. Father Meyer took over the care of St. Donatus as well as St. Peter's in 1923. In the summer of 1923 Bishop Prud`homme (Prince Albert) decided that the question of a church site be settled. By now the dissenters had mellowed considarably and both sides were willing to compromise. The whole parish, north and south, purchased the "north church" in the spring of 1924 and moved it to the new site NE 1/4 of S16-35-28-W3rd and it was used by all for a year.

With further improvement in relations, the building of a larger church was undertaken by Father Meyer. The people accepted the opportunity to work together with enthusiasm and their cooperation was a sign of reparation and a practical solution for their needs. The beautiful church situated on a hill is built of fieldstone with the special feature of flying buttresses quite common in Gothic architecfure. Mr John Heffner pulled the first furrow fur the foundation Mr. Schicbelbein, who was unafraid of heights, built the steeple. The stonemason in charge was George Kruesel of Kerrobert. It is a credit to the community. It was opened on November 25, 1925, by Father Brabender and the blessing by Bishop Prud'homme took place in 1926.

Although the church was built of fieldstone and beautiful artistically, not too much objection was raised when the outside was stuccoed, hopefully to insulate and fill in cracks. The original church was cool during the summer but stone cold in the winter with sweating plaster walls. During severe weather, the chair was cosy in the loft, the priest reasonably warm on the raised altar platform, but at times snow on the shoulders of the faithful remained there until Mass was over. Modem technology came into play in 1957. The inside was framed, insulated, and covered with white wallboard, and an oil furnace installed. The ideal climate for summer and winter was achieved.

Father Meyer was succeeded by Father Schneider, who with his gift for appropriate sermons, addresses, and instruction, managed to meld the parish permanently. The trust and support each succeeding priest was to encounter was to leave a lasting impression of the spirit of cooperation.

During the intervening years many changes took place. The north church became the first hall and was used before Mass for visiting and warming up. The church grounds were leveled to a gentle slope leading up to the church making it easier to park.

In 1952, a larger hall was built. Family type movies were shown every Sunday evening, including the slapstick comedies, besides the annual picnic suppers and weddings.

In 1979, a new hall 40` x 8O` with 16 foot walls to accommodate indoor games was completed and serves as a social centre with coffee after Mass, showers, weddings, socials, religious instruction, and the St. Donatus Celebrate Saskatchewan Homecoming held August 2 and 3. 1980. The St. Donatus ball club fenced the ball diamond behind the church and the grounds are well kept.

The interior furnishings were modest to begin with, with solid board benches painted Russian tan (a popular color of those days). They were later replaced by handsome varnished pews and the benches moved to the hall. Quality statues of Jesus, the Crucifixion, Mary, Joseph, St. Donatus, St. Alaysius, St. Catherine, and Saint Elizabeth add color and inspiration. They were bought by parishioners with great sacrifice and deep devotion. Mr. Albert Gette donated the sacristy bells and consecration chimes, and the statue of St. Alaysius, patron far youth. The crucifix was donated by Mr. George Rolheiser Sr, Mr. Stan Reichert bought the tower bell at an auction and donated it to the church. The bell called the faithful inside until recent years, when it went out of "style". To hear the bells toll, comes as a bit of a shock, after years of consulting only watches. Someone took the liberty to have the large statues removed and replaced by smaller ones. There was an atmosphere of sadness and protest that those friendly reminders should be shunted out. They were replaced and everyone was happy again.

After Pope John's initiation at the first Vatican Council some parishes housecleaned so much they left the place "empty", St. Donatus has taken a middle of the road attitude and is marvellously up-to-date liturgically, yet unashamedly retaining that which they find useful of the aid.

There is 100% attendance for Sunday Mass, except for good reason, since the church was built. The early German priests preached in German and the hymns were all in German. The priests were obligated ta not only preserve the faith, but to preserve the language of the people. As the children learned English there was an obvious need to use both German and English, and then of course the inevitable, all English.

Popular newspapers and magazines were "Der Courier", the "Northwestern", "Deutsche Katholican in Canada", and "Der Manenbote". Father Henry Rrawitz established a small library in the church, which offered many, a broadened spintual horizon.

The George Rolheiser Sr family were predominant in the choir for many years but it included others also Mr. Jacob Rolheiser (brother of Wm.) played the organ in the first church. Emmanual Sifert played the organ far same time when Father Meyer was parish priest in the present church. When Mass was held at Gramlich School the Keller's led the singing. The first choir traditionally were all men, but soon included women also.

Mr. Alex Rolheiser who is self-taught, played the organ from 1925 to 1968, a total of 43 years. Gregorian music was used and sung in Latin for the formal parts of the Mass but the informal hymns were all in German, very melodic, often sung in four part harmony from the hymnal "Salve Regina". Later the St. Basil's and St. Joseph's English Hymnals were popular, also an English translation of the favourite hymns in the "Salve Regina".

After Alex Rolheiser`s retirement, Joe Ralheiser played the organ until 1971, followed by Hilda Heffner who played until 1974. John Ralheiser introduced the folk style of music, playing the guitar accompanied by Francis Rolheiser The choir is made up of young and old and the congregation sings along.

Mr. George Kloster served as sacristan until the fifties when he retired. The sacristan's duty is to prepare the altar, lay out the proper vestments in the color used for that pan of the liturgical year and be on hand when needed during religious ceremonies. There is no sacristan now, the priest and altar boys perform the various duties. When Mr. Kloster retired, Albert Reichert served until his retirement.

Until the last decade the readings were read by the priest except on solemn occasions when several fathers con-celebrated. Wendelin Kolhman read for many years and still introduces the theme far the Sunday, while the high school boys and girls take turns reading.

There was a Ladies Altar Society when the present church was built but the organization was infermal and only came into play at picnic time, first Holy Communion. and Confirmation days. These were always very exciting times for the children and many a child remember those days as very special. Same of the mothers carried wrapped candy or mints in their pocket and slipped them into the hand of the little people honored that day. Children were considered treasures, and warmth from all sides permeated the solemn atmosphere.

On November 26, 1978, the St. Donatus Catholic Women's League, was organi~ed with a total of 27 memhers. The club is active and often organize parish events. The club serves many worthy causes but the emphasis in this club is spiritual development through awareness, sharing, and doing.

The making of church linen occupied some of the young ladies with hours of intricate crochet work for the wide lace that decorated the front edge of the altar clothes. At first the women took turns laundering the linen, but after only a short while Mrs. Paul Reichert took over the care of them which is an art in itself. The girls continued to do the fine work and it was Elizabeth who rook them to church without fail just before Christmas and Easter or when the need arose.

The seating arrangement was traditional at first. On entering the church the ladies sat on the left at the back and the little girls up front. The men sat to the right with the little boys up front. It was not unusual for one of the fathers, not necessarily the father of the child, to discipline a rambunctious youngster. Needless to say there were very few shenanigans at church.

The annual church picnic drew the whole countryside because the ladies served generously and charged no entry fee. In fact if there'd have been a vote among the ladies, they would not have charged for supper at all. Visitors were "company" and treated as such, besides the families were large and could not afford to bring all the food and then pay a large fee for each child. However, baseball, which was the attraction for the day required some money for prices.

The annual pilgrimage to the Holy Rosary Church was always a solemn and arduous undertaking for the pioneers. Huge lunches were packed because they had to last practically twice around the clock. The trip began during the early hours of the morning. The few children allowed their turn to go alone, remember huge crowds, processions, singing, Mass, sermons, and the holiday atmosphere of lunch between the assortment of buggirs and wagons. For the most part the weather was sunny, but at some time during the day there was a shower and the pilgrims seldom went home without a heavenly blessing.

The parish priests who served St. Donatus were Oblates of Mary immaculate whose founder is blessed Eugene De Maronod. The first, (French) came to Canada in 1845 but it was not until 1905 when there was a movement of German-Russian settlers to the west central prairies that Father Joseph Laufer and Theodore Schweers, German Oblates, began missionary work. The Ukranians were served mostly by the Ruthenian clergy.

St. Donatus was served by Father's Francis Palm, James Schwebius, Konrad Meyer, Joseph Schneider, Joseph Boening, Peter Habets, Henry Krawitz, and others on occasion. They were aware of the needs of the people. They worked diligently with much self-sacrifice and were true shepherds. Their example won the love and respect of the people.

The priests to serve later were suns of the German Russians of western Canada. No doubt in admiration and respect for the courageous and fruitful work done by the fathers, they too, were determined to carry on with the same dedication. They are Fathers Paul Feist, John Boser, Michael Schatz, August Hanus, Frank Hermann and presently Father Pen Hermann (no relation to Fr Frank). Two priests from St, Donatus to be ordained are the suns of George Rolheiser and Mathilda Gartner -- Fathers Wendelin and Ronald.

Several girls of the parish felt a call to serve in a special way in the following religious orders:

	-- Order of St. Elizabeth OSE nursing. Humbolt	
	-- Ursulines OSU teaching, Prelate Notre Dame ND
	-- Sisters of Mission Service SMS Saskatoon
	-- Sister Zita OSE - Mr. and Mrs. George Rolheiser
	-- Sister Agnes OSU -- Mr. and Mrs. George Kloster
	-- Sister Imedla OSE -- Mr. and Mrs. Joe Gartner
	-- Sister Maria Goretti ND   Mr. and Mrs. Joe Gartner
	-- Sister Joseph Marie -- Mr. and Mrs. Gartner
	-- Sisters Catherine and Anna Schamber SMS -- Mr. and Mrs John Schamber
	-- Sister Barbara Gette SMS -- Mr. and Mrs. Albert Gette Sr
	-- Sister Donata OSE -- Mr. and Mrs. Alex Rolheiser
	-- Sister Albertina OSU   Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Scheck
	-- Sister Rolande OSU -- Mr. and Mrs. George Rolheiser
	-- Sister Rhonda OSU -- Mr. and Mrs. Joe Rolheiser

Most are serving full term and others have served partially.

Various Ursuline Sisters from Prelate first began to serve the parish when Father Krawitz was parish priest. They taught the children catechism two weeks in July. Since most of the teachers of Panama and Gramlich were Catholic they taught religion the last half hour of school from 3:00 pm to 3:30 pm.

A recent religious program far the fourth level of high school was offered called "Hi-Time", done at home by the pupils and corrected by volunteer lay teachers and Sisters. In 1979 the parents took the initiative and now conduct classes with the students. The elementary students receive instruction at St. Mary's School with follow-up at home.

The parish is now made up largely of young couples with growing families and it is still noteworthy that they (the children) receive the same benefits of being wanted, nurtured in an atmosphere of sound values and country living where responsibility is learned at a young age. From an uncertain beginning the community has developed a vitality that is surely a plus in the development of the province and our lovely country, Canada.

By H. H.





Last Updated: Saturday, February 9, 2002