Dwenger, Father Joseph, Minster, Ohio, to Archbishop John Baptist Purcell, of Cincinnati, Ohio, 1859 November 7

They had the first conference on Penance on October 27th and had a good attendance of 15 priests. Father Andrew Kunkler was the dean. In January there will be another conference on Matrimony. The custom here is for the congregation to elect the trustees of the church. Father Kunkler formerly had serious difficulties over this matter. Two years ago Father Josep h Ferneding told him to elect the candidates and send the names to Purcell for approval. To do this without trouble a law should be made for all the parishes attended by their priests. Father Kunkler postponed the election until word is received from Purcell. Father Kunkler is commencing the retreat for the students in Himmelgarden and also for Mrs. Dickmann. Four of our nine Seminarians are philosophers and the remainder study the classics. The brother as well as the son of Mrs. Dickmann both possess piety and talent. Dwenger is pleased to hear that Father John Quinlan is raised to the episcopal dignity. He asks for an answer regarding the trustee election. :: II-4-o A.L.S. 3pp. 12mo.