My Genealogy Hound

Rev. George T. Loesch, the son of George and Veronica Schmitt Loesch, was born at Nauvoo, Ill., April 18, 1857. Having entered St. Meinrad’s Seminary, September, 1876, and completed his studies, he was ordained priest May 30, 1885, by the Rt. Rev. F. S. Chatard, D. D., of Indianapolis. His first appointment was as assistant to the Rev. F. T. T. Duddenhausen, of Holy Trinity Church, Evansville, Ind., after whose death, October 27, 1886, Rev. Loesch had temporary charge of Holy Trinity, until the permanent appointment of Rev. H. T. Diestel, of St. Philip, Ind. He remained one year as assistant rector under Father Diestel. November 9 he took charge of St. Bernard’s Church in Spencer county; from there he was transferred to Holy Guardian Angel’s Church in Franklin county, where he remained until his appointment to St. Philip’s in August, 1888. Many improvements being necessary he set to work at once. The entire congregation responded willingly and lent a helping hand. The church was covered with the best Bangor slate and two vestry rooms added. The church was also frescoed and artistically ornamented by Guy Leber, of Louisville, Ky. New side altars and stained glass windows were donated and placed in the church. Handsome oil paintings and statues were bought, together with a complete outfit of church vestments, and new regalias and banners for the societies. The sisters’ residence was erected at a cost of $2,000 in 1894, and many other improvements were made, which are too numerous to mention. St. Philip is in a flourishing condition, and may be justly proud of her church property. At a cost of $10,000 the beautiful new school was built in 1904. This school presents a magnificent piece of architecture and fine arrangements for school room and hall for entertainments. The author of the plans and contractor for the building was Tom Rollett, of Howell, Ind.