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st. bernard in albers celebrates 100 years

German settlers moved into what is now known as Albers in the early 1840s.

During its centennial celebration, vestments and liturgical vessels were displayed at the opening Mass. Photos and other memorabilia were displayed in the parish hall for parishioners to view after the liturgy.

In observance of the centennial, pastor, Msgr. Donald Eichenseer decided to grow a beard and invited parishioners to do the same. At this date a few have taken him up on the challenge.

The parish was established during the administration of Bishop John Janssen in 1907. Father Bernard Peters was appointed the parish’s first pastor.

Its patron saint, Bernard of Clairvaux, was born in the area around Dijon in France. Bernard, described as constitutionally unfit for a military career, decided early in life he wanted to enter a monastery, which eventually he did. He was named abbot of a Cistercian community in Clairvaux, France.

The parish will continue to celebrate its centennial during the year.the school for a number of years and will continue when the new facility is completed.