Another chapter of our history in Schuyler ends!

The chronicler is not aware when the first printing press was installed at our former location on West 10th Street in Schuyler. However, he remembers vividly when the press was moved in August 1979 from the basement to the monastery on Mission Hill north of town. 

In 1990 a Heidelberg One Color Offset Press was installed. Millions of fundraising letters and brochures, etc. in support of our work, including the unique birthday and Christmas cards were printed on this press until May 2014 when the last press operator entered eternal life.

For almost 80 years the art of printing at the Mission House was handles by Press Operators Br. Alphonse Kraklauer, OSB, Br. Paul Vogt, OSB, Mr. Ralph Pfeiffer, Br. Alexander Haemel, OSB, and Mr. Greg O’Connell.

On Friday, January 26th the press was removed from the Mission House premises after standing idle for almost four years to find a new home wherever this will be. Changing technology and the age of digital printing was a decisive factor to outsource all our printing needs.

With gratitude we acknowledge the dedicated service of all our press operators over the years.

Written by Bro. Tobias Dammert, OSB

In Memoriam - Br. Felix Meckel, OSB

Br. Felix Meckel, O.S.B.      * May 19th, 1900    +January 27, 1980

It was on a snowy Saturday when Br. Felix suffered a stroke and was admitted to the local hospital. The following evening, Sunday, January 27th, he gave his life back to the Creator.

Br. Felix came to the Schuyler in 1935 as one of the founding members of the Benedictine Mission House.  His trademark, as many friends confirmed, was his gentleness and great smile. He is remembered as one of “Christ’s beggars” on behalf of the Missionary Benedictines. Countless contacts developed into friendships and supporters of our worldwide mission. Br. Felix relied on public transportation and the service of countless volunteers who took him around the region in whichever State he traveled at the time to connect with donors. He certainly personified that “fund raising” results in “friend raising.”

Even 38 years later, friends still remember Br. Felix who visited their homes when they were children. He left a lasting legacy.

God grant his servant eternal rest and peace! We in turn have a great intercessor in heaven.

Published January 27, 2018

Br. Tobias, OSB