Sheboygan’s Holy Name Catholic Church was the vision of Austrian-born pastor who arrived in 1862: Throwback

SHEBOYGAN - In 1862, Father Michael Haider arrived in Sheboygan. He was greeted by a small, simple, white, wood-framed church that was then known as St. Mary Magdalene Church.

The Austrian-born Haider was gifted in music, medical knowledge and was an esteemed architect. He was a true renaissance man.

With his knowledge of European cathedrals and with the fact the congregation was growing out of its current home, he conceived a grandiose plan.

Haider knew his plan would have opposition, but he wanted to create a building for the church that would last for many lifetimes.

His foundation in architecture would lead to the building of the home of Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church.

Using parish funds — to the tune of $2,500 — the entire block of land south of the current Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic School was purchased, according to the Holy Name 175th anniversary book. In a 1945 Centennial book, it listed the amount as $2,200, but when the original deed was found, it said $2,500.

The coffers at the church became empty because of the land purchase and construction was put on hold until outside funding could be found. It was only after everyone saw Heider was determined to create the new building that opposition melted and people joined him with support.

Haider met Jacob Jung, the well-known, non-Catholic Sheboygan wagon-maker in Sheboygan. Jung promised to help by purchasing the Pigeon River limestone quarry for $50 along with donating and repairing wagons to transport the stone for the new church.

By early 1867, the square block of land purchased earlier was cleared of timber. That timber was saved and used to construct the roof.

Haider found local tradesmen — August and Michael Manthey, along with Bernard Renzelmann — to help in the big task ahead of them.

In building Holy Name, Haider followed the centuries-old medieval custom of building in which the church was built of wood and stone, using no steel or metal.

At the time, the entire congregation — from children to adults — helped in the immense construction project. In addition to the carpenters and mason leads, men from the congregation helped where they could. Women and children helped carry wooden shingles to the roof of the church in their aprons.

When the stone walls and the roof were closed in, the Most Rev. John M. Henni traveled to Sheboygan in November 1872 to dedicate the church as Holy Name of Jesus. At the time, the interior was partially completed. The chair in which Bishop Henni sat during the dedication remains at the church and is still used for special occasions.

The project was not all a bed of roses, as the towers of the church were built 15 feet shorter than the plans originally called for. Lead carpenter Bernard Renzelmann urged Haider that the towers be built shorter to withstand winds, and the design was changed.

When the church was dedicated in 1872, it was far from being completed. In 1879, an organ was installed that predates the current instrument. Bells were installed in 1883.

By the early 1890s, it became apparent the church could no longer be heated by wood-fired drum stoves. Excavation of the interior of the entire church was done, creating a basement.

A 1950s and 1960s remodeling project commenced and added the Narthex, a church office, ushers' room and other facilities to the Gothic structure. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the celebration of 175th anniversary was postponed until 2021.

Haider would serve as pastor at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church from 1862 to 1884.

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This article originally appeared on Sheboygan Press: Sheboygan Holy Name Catholic Church building was dedicated in 1872