St. Joseph's Colony - Carmelheim Church

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      Carmelheim Church

      Carmelheim was the name given to the Roman Catholic country church, dedlicated to Our Lady of Mount Carmel, in St. Joseph's Colony. The original site was located three miles northeast of the present site, on SE 1/4-18-37-19, built in 1906 by Father Laufer. The building was 24' x 16', made from sods. Father Laufer stayed at the rectory in Leipzig. He left in 1907.

      Father J. Schwebius OMI was the next pastor, and also stayed in Leipzig, until he took up a homestead one mile south of the present Carmelheim site, in 1909. Since the church was too small and in poor condition, it was decided to build a new one. The original site was not central t the community and it was agreed to build the new church on the SW-6-37-18. Mr. Peter Leinenweber, Sr. donated 10 arces of land for the church yard. The church was made of logs and with volunteer labour. The logs were gotten from Lizard Lake, about 40 miles away, with Mr. Schommer in charge. Mr. John Schafhauser hewed the logs. The building was covered with planed lumber and painted.

      In 1913, Father Nelz OMI took over as pastor. He promoted spirituality and understanding among the parishioners.

      In 1916, Father Schultz OMI took over as pastor. An increase in settlers warranted a larger church. The site was once again in question. The Catholic settlers around Landis requested the church be built there. The Carmelheim parishioners, with their readienss and self-sacrifice in the needs of the early churches presented a stronger argument and the new church would be built at Carmelheim. An architect from Edmonton was hired. The church was built in Roman style.

      With the help of Father Schulte OMI as parish priest, from 1923 to 1934, work on the inside of the church was completed. Mr. Joseph Veit, along with Father Schulte, took on the job of decorating the church.

      Two stained-glass windows obtained from Germany, were placed on either side of the altar. Two original oil paintings, from painter in Rome, hung in the niches by side altars. Father Schulte served the parish from Leipzig until 1918, then from Handel, 1918-1933.

      The following priests served Carmelheim from Handel: Father Schneider OMIN 1934-42; Father Sluga OMI 1942-48; Father Kosolofski, OMI, 1948-54; Father Fetsch, OMI, 1954-61; Father Klein, OMI, 1961-65.

      Being a small country parish, Carmelheim was a very closely-knit group of people. Besides the spiritual welfare of the people of the parish, it also was the place for social activities, be it dances, card parties, shows CWL or CYO gatherings, when the original church served as a hall. Father Kosolofski was the coach of men's baseball and ladies's fastball at Carmelheim. Serveral sportsday were held here throughout the summer, sponsored by the CWL, the ball club, and the CYO. The Mount Carmel K of C. are still to date carrying on the tradition of the famous 'Carmelheim Sportsday'.

      In 1965 the church was closed due to lack of priests. Some time later, vandalism warranted its demolition. The building was sold to Bernard Cey to be town down; the pews were sold St. Vital's Parish in Battleford; the stained-glass windows are in the new St. Walburg Church, still looking beautiful.

      In 1979, under the supervision of Father Schmidt, the parish priest of Leipzig, a cairn with the original church bell was erected to honor the ardent efforts of the pioneers.

      In 1982, a group of people formed 'Carmelheim Minor Sports', with president, Norbert Vaessen, secretary, Leo Schwebius and equipment manger, Bernie Cey. Youngster (approx. 100) from Leipzig, Landis and Handel gather here and participate in baseball or fastball. With a lot of hard work and a grant from the provincial government, the grounds have been improved, enclosing three ball diamonds. The K of C have put a hall on the property, the former Standard School.

      We hope the foundation has been set to keep the Carmelheim spirit alive for generations to come.

      Chain of Memories - Leipzig and District - 1905-1990

      Carmelheim Cemetery
      SW 6-37-18 W3

      Adrian, Catharina (Matthew) 1868-1923
      Adrian, Matthew 1854-1937
      Hartman, Stephen 1924-1925
      Hofer, John 1875-1924
      Kraus, Vincent (Pauline) 1872-1937
      Lanigan, John (Annie) 1898-1918
      Micheels, Barney 1907-1911
      Reiniger, Agnes (Frank) 1898-1950
      Reinger, Alois 1920-1960
      Reinger, Frank 1887-1979
      Tchida, Agnes 1869-1946
      Tchida, John 1859-1923

      Handel Notes & Half Notes
      Compiled by Handel New Horizons

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      Last Updated: Saturday, February 9, 2002

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