The Plain Dealer

North Vernon, Indiana

Thursday, February 5, 1920; Page 1

Rev. Geo. L. T. Widerin Died Tuesday Morning

Rev. George L. T. Widerin, pastor of St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, died at the parsonage of the church, at about nine o'clock Tuesday morning, February 3rd. He had been in ill health for over a year, from an organic trouble, which at times caused attacks from which he suffered great pain and weakness.

During the past few months, the attacks had become more frequent and more severe and often rendered his condition extremely critical. He had rallied from a recent attack and was able to perform his duties at church Sunday morning. He was in the confessional for about an hour in the early morning and he read the low mass at eight o'clock. He was taken with a sick spell on Sunday night, from which time he grew gradually weaker until the end came.

Although his parishoners were anxious as to his condition at all times, the fact that he was at the altar on Sunday made the news of his death on Tuesday a distinct shock. His great anziety for the welfare of those in his care and his faithfulness in the performance of the duties to which God had called him for his life's work, together with a strong will power, gave him endurance at times when his physical strength was at a low ebb. He had been pastor of St. Mary's Church for twenty-seven years.

George L. T. Widerin was born at Louisville, Kentucky, in August 1847, but moved with his parents to New Albany, Indiana, when he was four years old. He was a veteran of the Civil War, having been a soldier in Company A of the 144th Indiana Infantry.

In the year 1872, he began the study for the priesthood and graduated from St. Meinrad's College, being ordained May 28th, 1877. His first charge was the congregations of Haubstadt, Princeton and Obidsville, in Gibson County, Indiana, where he remained five years. In 1882, he was transferred to North Madison, and he held this pastorate until April 3, 1893, when he was called to North Vernon.

His career as pastor of St. Mary's Church has been a most successful one. Strife and discord which, at the time of his arrival, existed among the parishoners who had divided into two factions, disappeared as by magic under his firm but tactful guidance and his congregation become as one large family who united their efforts toward the upbuilding of the parish and gave to him the love and respect due him as their spiritual guide.

Being a man of progressive ideas and sound business judgment, he began very early during his pastorate to work for the improvement of the church property. He soon instilled in the hearts of his parishoners a desire to improve and beautify the church building and as a result the church was remodeled, the tower built, the interior decorated, and a few years later new stations added. He then gave attention to the other buildings on the premises and the parsonage and sisters' residence were improved and made modern. His greatest joy, as far as material things were concerned, was realized when a fine modern, school building was erected on the church property. The building will stand as a monument to his untiring efforts and his zeal for the comfort and convenience of the children, for whom he had always the strongest attachment.

He was dean of the North Vernon District, a part of the Diocese of Indianapolis, which comprises the parishes of Madison, North Madison, North Vernon, Seymour, St. Denis, St. Magdalene, Napoleon, Osgood, St.Ann, Nebraska and Scipio. Since his appointment as dean, all conferences of the clergy from these parishes have been held in this city.

As a citizen, Father Widerin was held in high esteem. His friends among non-Catholics were legion and he was recognized as man of broad vision, who was always interested in any movement for the uplift of the community and could be relied upon to give his support in matters of civic improvement. During the recent World War, he had a leading part in all patriotic moves in the community. though his advanced age and illness made the parting with the boys, whom he had guided since childwood, extremely trying. He urged them to their duty and constantly admonished his flock that loyalty to God meant loyalty to country.

In the hearts of the people of his congregation he held a place of deepest love and respect. In his ministrtions as pastor of his flock, he officiated at the baptisms, marriages and funerals, has rejoiced with them in times of happiness and given them sympathy and consolation in times of distess.

The body of Father Widerin will be removed from the rectory to the church at noon, Sunday, where it will lie in state until the time of the funeral services, Monday morning. The public may view the remains after one o'clock, Sunday.

Following is the order of the funeral service, which will be held Monday morning. At nine o'clck, Office of the Dead, followed by Pontifical Requiem High Mass at 9:30 o'clock, at which the Rt. Rev. Joseph Chartrand, D.D., bishop of the Indianapolis Diocese, will be the celebrat and Arch Priest. Rev. M. Guthneck, of Madison, will be assistant. The deacons of honor to the bishop will be: Rev. Charles Bilger, of Madison, and Rev. Jospeh Gerdon, of Loogootee. Rev. Henry Hunger, of Hayden, will be deacon of the mass, and Rev. George Schiedler, of Ripley County, will be sub-deacon of the mass. Rev.Dr. Alphonse Smith and Rev. Maurice O'Connor, of Indianapolis, will be masters of ceremonies. The funeral oration will be delivered by Rev.J. B. Delaney, of Columbus. Absolution at the grave will be given by Rev. M. J. Reuck.

The Rt. Rev.Dennis O'Donaghue, D. D., bishop of the Louisville Diocese, is expeted to assist at the last solemn rites. The reverend clergy of the Indianapolis Diocese will be in attendance and members of the clergy from Cincinnati and Louisville are expected.

The surviving relatives are two nephews: Wm. J. Cassily, of Knoxville, Tenn., and George Cassily, of Louisville, Ky., and one niece, Miss Mayme Eshrich, of Louisville, Ky.

The Plain Dealer

North Vernon, Indiana

Thursday, February 12, 1920; Page 1

FUNERAL OF PRIEST HELD MONDAY MORNING

Father Widerin Laid to Rest in St. Mary's Cemetery

The funeral service for the late Rev. George L. T. Widerin, for twenty-seven years pastor of St. Mary's Catholic Church, whose death occurred Tuesday, February 3rd, were held at the church Monday morning and the burial took place in St. Mary's Cemetery.

All business in the city was suspended during the hours of the service and non-Catholic and Catholics alike contributed automobiles for use in carrying the clergy and mourners to the cemetery.

The crowd that attended the last rites packed the church until not even standing room was available.

Note: This is just a part of the newspaper article about the service. The complete article gives the names of clergy participating in the service and of other clergy in attendance. It also shares the funeral oration, delivered by Rev. J. B. Delaney.