Family Postcards

Image from Green Bay Weekly Gazette, 16 Mar 1892, Page 6
From Chippewa Herald-Telegram, 23 Jul 1896, page 3:
“Bishop S.G. Messmer, of Green Bay president of the Catholic summer school will celebrate the 25th anniversary of his ordination as a priest at Green Bay today.
The Rt. Rev. Sebastian G. Messmer’s consecration as bishop of the diocese of Green Bay took place in July, 1891. A native of Switzerland, he having been born at Goldach, canton of St. Gall, Aug. 27, 1847, Bishop Messmer’s early theological studies were persued at the celebrated University of Innsbruck, where he spent five years. From there he was called to take the position of professor of theology in the Dioceasan seminary at Seton Hall college, South Orange, N.J. There he remained until 1889, when he was summoned to fill the chair of canon law at the Catholic university of America. Owing to his knowledge of canon law, he was twice chosen as secretary of councils. In 1885 the degree of Doctor of Divinity was conferred upon him, and in 1890 he was given the degree of Doctor of Canon Law.
Bishop Messmer is recognized as one of the most profound scholars and earnest workers among the bishops of this country. In canon law he is especially well learned, a book written by him on this subject being considered authority in the matter by the entire Catholic church. His thorough Americanism has made him popular and respected among the people of his diocese, irrespective of creed.”