The following historical descriptions are transcribed from the book, The Catholic Church in Wisconsin, published by the Catholic Historical Publishing Company, T.J. Sullivan, October 9, 1896.

Ozaukee County Churches



Immaculate Conception Church, Saukville, Wis.

The year 1847 brought the first Catholic settlers to the vicinity of what is now Saukville, Ozaukee County, Wisconsin. Though but few in numbers these people were conscientious and devout Christians, and it was not long before they were afforded spiritual consolation by the occasional visits of Father Francis PREDERGAST, who celebrated Mass in one or another of the private dwellings in the settlement. After his departure Father BRADLY visited the Catholics in this neighborhood also, saying Mass in private dwellings.

Nine years from the advent of these people into Ozaukee County, a meeting was held by the Catholics for the purpose of forming a congregation. At its assemblage, which occurred February 24, 1856, Father SEIF being present, a resolution was prepared requesting the consent of the Bishop, the Rt. Rev. John martin HENNI, for the erection of a church at that place. In spite of their many efforts, however, it was a number of years before the Catholics at Saukville were enabled to worship God in their own church. The first effective move in this direction was in 1865, when the Rev. Father RASCH was sent at pastor. He was succeeded by the Rev. Father STRICKNER in 1866, who remained about one year, when he was succeeded by the Rev. Joseph VOISSEM. This pastor built the first Catholic school at Saukville, and remained, administering to the spiritual wants of the people and improving the property of the parish,whenever such opportunity occurred, until May, 1872 when Father ALBERS succeeded to the pastorate. He found the old church too small for the proper accommodation of the people, and so at once made arrangements for the erection of a larger and more desirable structure. This building, which is still in evidence, was dedicated in 1875.

After a successful pastorate, covering a period of nearly ten years, Father ALBERS was succeeded by the Rev. J. FRIEDL, who came there in October, 1880, and remained for seven years. Then the Rev. Theodore MEYER became pastor of the congregation. During his pastorate, which lasted for nine years, he greatly improved the interior condition and appearance of the church, and also built an addition to the school house. Upon his transfer to the charge of St. Mary's Church at Racine, the Rev. P. HOLFELTZ, then pastor of St. Louis, at Caledonia, was appointed to succeed him, assuming the duties in November, 1896.

The Rev. P. HOLFELTZ was born at Reimerschen, in Luxemburg, receiving a portion of his earlier education in that country. He commenced at Mt. Calvary and completed his studies for the priesthood at St. Francis' Seminary, near Milwaukee, being ordained at the latter place by the Most Rev. Archbishop HEISS, in the year 1887. His first charge was as assistant to Father NEU, at St. Michael's, Milwaukee, from where he was sent to Caledonia in February, 1887. Here he effected many improvements, among other things a $3,000 parsonage, while the school and church were greatly improved. From Caledonia he was transferred to his present pastorate at Saukville, where he has succeeded in bringing the congregation into a flourishing and altogether satisfactory condition. Societies organized in the congregation are: St. Bernard's Society, established in 1892; Christian Mother's Society; Young Ladies' Sodality, and Young Men's Sodality.

The educational interests of the parish of the Immaculate Conception at Saukville, Ozaukee county, Wisconsin, have never been permitted to languish since the establishment of a parochial school a number of years ago.

The present school at Saukville is in charge of school Sisters of Dominic from Racine, and the attendance numbers something over one hundred children.