By Mary Grieco
Catholic Herald correspondent

Harrison parish celebrates centennial

HARRISON -- In many ways the changes have been dramatic. In others, St. Augustine Parish still reflects the same characteristics that were present when it was established 100 years ago, including a strong sense of community.

The rural parish, surrounded by the rolling hills of the picturesque Harrison area, traces its strong roots to the determined settlers who came to the area in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Most were Dutch and Belgian, and many of today's parishioners are descendants of those early pioneers.

As part of this year's centennial observance, a Memorial Day cemetery walk was held to give parish members and visitors a chance to remember those who have gone before them. The centennial celebration continued the second weekend in June with a Saturday evening social and dance at the town hall, a Mass on Sunday at which Bishop Raphael M. Fliss presided, and a dinner served by members of the neighboring parish of St. John Baptist.

Nearly 100 people gathered at the cemetery, stopping at 12 grave sites where family members of the deceased were given an opportunity to talk about their loved ones and their legacies. The struggles, joys and strong faith of the early church members were a recurring and inspiring theme. "It is important to have this walk," said Michele Rein, parish director, who led opening prayers and song. "We need to pass on a sense of history so we don't lose what we have already been blessed with.

Before leaving each selected grave site along the way, everyone joined in singing: "You are ever a part of our lives. All the good you have shared will live on in our hearts.

Among those speaking was Dave Haring, who has several family members buried in the St. Augustine Cemetery. As he reflected on his past, he pointed to one of the hills in the distance and said, "My great-grandparents homesteaded there." He then unfurled the War Mother's Flag on his parents' grave and explained that they raised 15 children in Harrison, and 10 of the 12 boys served in the military.

Another speaker was Joan Goulee, who has been the St. Augustine organist for more than 50 years and whose husband, Dennis, is the cemetery sexton. Joan Goulee, dressed in work clothes once worn by her father, Adrian Schoone, told his story and described him as "a self-made man" who came to the United States when he was 15 months old. Although he had to quit high school because he didn't have proper clothes to wear, he went on to serve in town positions in Harrison for 41 years.

Many of the speakers reflected on the hardships of their ancestors as they made their way to an unknown land. One of the first tasks was to clear the land for farming, and losing life or limb in logging accidents was not uncommon. Then there were the illnesses of those early days when medical help was not readily available.

Binding the community together through it all was a strong faith. "Meal prayers and daily rosary always fit into the schedule," said one speaker. And it wasn't long before the settlers saw the need for a place to gather and worship.

In a sense, St. Augustine Parish has come full-circle. In the early days, a priest would come from Tomahawk -- by horse, sled, buggy or railroad. If he could not come to say Mass on Sunday, parish members would still gather in their church for prayer. After having a resident pastor for many years, St. Augustine is once again served by the priest from Tomahawk, Fr. John Anderson.

There is, however, a significant difference. St. Augustine was among the first five parishes in the country to have a full-time, female pastoral administrator, who also served St. John Baptist in Bloomville. Sr. Marla Lang, a Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration, broke ground in that position in 1981 and led the parishes for 12 years. She came back to familiar surroundings and faces to participate in the centennial Mass.

In his homily, Fliss referred to her appointment as "history in the making; a wonderful thing," and predicted that years-to-come will produce many more capable, non-ordained leaders and deacons "who will maintain, nurture and shape the future of the church."

Rein followed Lang and has been the parish director of both churches since 1993. Helping to serve the more than 100 families of St. Augustine are Fr. Edward Powell, a retired priest of the diocese, and Deacon Dan Towle.

Under Rein's leadership, the parishes have continued to grow and extend a hand to those in need, even as far away as Mexico, where parish members have traveled on mission trips.

"The parishioners realize that they are the church," Rein commented. "By that I mean they take ownership of their faith and of their community.

"The roots of the Harrison community run deep," Rein added, "but at the same time, there is a welcoming spirit to new members. The depth of faith among many of a variety of ages is inspiring." There are, in fact, three families who have four generations active in the parish.

Rein sees the commitment to family life as one of the strengths of the parish. "There are strong marriages, good parenting and happy children, and it is a gift that many have grandparents and other extended family in the area," she said.

At the close of Mass, Rein led the congregation in what she called "Catholic calisthenics," during which those attending were asked to stand according to their longevity and involvement in the parish. A few proudly stood when she asked who has been a member of St. Augustine for 75 years or more. When she asked who was related to 10 or more members of the parish, at least half of the congregation rose to their feet, and again many stood when she asked who had been baptized at St. Augustine. Her list was lengthy, and many were up and down several times.

Among those who have been members for more than 75 years are Whilemina and Theodore Amelse, who explained that they were married in the "old church." Longtime parishioners well remember how the community came together to build a new church in 1955.

"All of our eight children were baptized at St. Augustine," Whilemina Amelse said. "Our fourth one was the first to be baptized in the new church.

"I never dreamed we would get to this day (of celebrating 100 years as a parish)," she said. "What holds us together is that everybody loves everybody, and when we get new members, we love them too and take them by the hand. Our parish life with Sr. Marla and Michele has been the best that it could possibly be."

The baptismal records of St. Augustine also include many with the family name of Pintens. Frank and Anna Mae Pintens are lifetime members and had 14 children. Even several of their grandchildren were baptized there.

Frank Pintens was involved in the construction of the current church and says he knows "every nook and cranny." He recalls helping to build the altar, and perhaps his most memorable job: "I took the bell down out of the old church and put it in the new one," he said.

Other fond memories, as well as humorous recollections, are included in a 28-page "I Remember" booklet which was compiled for the celebration. Everyone was invited to submit their stories. A new parish pictorial directory, including a detailed parish history, and a centennial cookbook were also recently distributed.

As members of the parish look to the next 100 years, they can only hope that future generations will carry on the strong faith traditions of their ancestors. Lang included that hope in the prayers of the faithful during Mass, when she said, "For the seeds of faith planted by this community, may they yield a rich harvest."

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© Superior Catholic Herald, 2006