1883
Forsyth.
Wenisday[sic]. April 11th A.D. 1883, Feast of St. Leo, the Great, Pope of Rome, and died in 461.
This was my first visit to Forsyth: it was for the purpose of Solemnising the marriage between Peter Jackson and Mary Price. At this time, every thing I heard and saw made a favorable impression on me; as they say, “i fell in love with the People and place.” Rev. John J Benneman, S.J. visted this town July 5th 1882 and twice more within two months. He said Mass at Camp Ft. Keogh. First time, JH McCormick, last time at John M. Cressly Nov. 10. This was the first visit ever made by a Priest to this place.
Rev. Lindesmith became a military chaplain in 1880. Stationed in Montana, Lindesmith carried with him from Ohio the same drive to serve the Catholic population under his care. He continued to urge moral living. He stressed the importance of temperance among the soldiers and civilian population. In his record books and diaries, Lindesmith documented the numerous sacraments he performed and sermons he gave in his eleven year stay in the west.
The following list from Lindesmith’s diary, “Second Book, Miles City,” shows typical sermons he gave while in Montana. The list not only shows the subjects he covered, but it also illustrates the importance Lindesmith placed on preserving a written history of his experiences.
| 1886 | 1887 |
|---|---|
|
165. Sept. 22. The man of one Idea. 166. Oct. 7. I Did this, I think. 167. Oct. 14. The lenghth of the love of God. 168. Oct. 21. What Religion is. 169. Oct. 28. How to assist at Holy Mass. 170. Oct. 29. Tell everyone to perpair to die. 171. Nov. 1. Of what is prepaired for the good. 172. Nov. 4. Not all will be changed. 173. Nov. 11. The mustard seed in Montana. 174. Nov. 18. Laid up. 175. Nov. 25, Intelect, Heart, and Body. |
188. March 2, Mistaken about virtue. 189. March 9. You know it. 190. March 16 Good works are more than you thought. March 17. Irish Patriotism. 191. March 23. Mistaken Suspicions. 192. March 25. Holy 193. March 30. Sister. Phoebe, St. Paul's mail carrier. 194. April 4. We would never think so. 195. April 6. Fits and Starts. 196. April 11. The bib log. (g----) 197. April 27. The upright woman. |
1883
Forsyth.
Wenisday[sic]. April 11th A.D. 1883, Feast of St. Leo, the Great, Pope of Rome, and died in 461.
This was my first visit to Forsyth: it was for the purpose of Solemnising the marriage between Peter Jackson and Mary Price. At this time, every thing I heard and saw made a favorable impression on me; as they say, “i fell in love with the People and place.” Rev. John J Benneman, S.J. visted this town July 5th 1882 and twice more within two months. He said Mass at Camp Ft. Keogh. First time, JH McCormick, last time at John M. Cressly Nov. 10. This was the first visit ever made by a Priest to this place.