|
Ornaments for Sale Rev. Joseph Kundek Ornament
Father Kundek was born August 24, 1810, in Ivanic, Croatia, part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. He was ordained to the priesthood August 17, 1835, for his home dioceses of Agram. But, two years into an assistant pastorate, Fr. Kundek read reports from the Leopoldine Society about missionary activities in North America. He sought a transfer to the United States and the rest is history. Except for an area in Perry County, Fr. Kundek was the lone priest in central Southern Indiana for three years. During that period, he founded St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Jasper and the towns of St. Anthony, Celestine, Fulda, Mariah Hilf (now Mariah Hill) and Ferdinand. For the latter town he bought up land, drew a plat map of lots, hung a sign on a tree bearing the name, Ferdinand, and advertised in Pennsylvania and Ohio German language newspapers that a thriving community existed in Indiana. He chose the name Ferdinand in honor of the emperor of Austria, who donated generously to the North American missions upon pleas from Fr. Kundek. The young priest wanted German Catholics for his model community because he considered them to be both industrious and talented. Families packed all their belongings and journeyed to southern Indiana, only to find a sign nailed to a tree and little else. But, many stayed and prospered. Fr. Kundek died December 4, 1857 and is buried in St.Joseph’s Catholic Church Cemetery in Jasper. In his 47 years on earth, Fr. Kundek accomplished more than most men could ever dream of. |
Ornament cost: $15 (plus $3 s&h) Want to buy more than one ornament? Shipping and handling is only $1 for each additional ornament! All ornaments are on sale at Tin Lizzie’s in Ferdinand, the Dubois County Museum in Jasper, or by sending payment to: Ferdinand Historical Society PO Box 194 Ferdinand, IN 47532-0194 Or email us: information@ferdinandhistory.org. Or visit our booth during Ferdinand Christkindlmarkt November 21-22, 2009 Forest Park High School Markt Quantities of some ornaments are very limited. |
Without Rev. Joseph Kundek, Ferdinand would not exist and Dubois County would likely not be the bustling, vibrant community it is today.