In 2ND STORIES, John Bower, a hoosier photographer explores what's upstairs, on top, and overhead. This copy of the book was sent to Sister Carlita Koch, O.S.B., who hosted the Bowers when they visited the monastery.

Sister Carlita Koch began her studies of the Immaculate Conception Church windows and of the lives of the saints depicted in the church windows in 2005. Father Bede Maler, O.S.B., from St. Meinrad designed the windows which were installed in the 1930's.

The contents in this file were discovered buried in the concrete blocks supporting the marble altar which was dismantled during the restoration of the interior of the monastery church in 2004.

This register contains monastery chapel baptismal records and confirmation records.

These bond issues were made to finance the monastery chapel, begun in 1915, and St. Benedict Hall, begun in 1935.

Convent of the Immaculate Conception dedicated their present church June 20, 1924. The structure has also been referred to as Convent Church, Convent Chapel, and Monastery Chapel.

The choir organ was purchased to accompany the sisters at the Liturgy of the Hours. Plans for the organ were made as a part of the 2002-2005 restoration of the church.

Convent of the Immaculate Conception dedicated their present church June 20, 1924. Construction photographs are filed in the Photograph Collection.

Frank Ford was the contractor's superintendent of construction for the monastery church. The contractor was Realm Construction Co., Inc, Louisville, Kentucky

The statue of the death of St. Joseph has sat in the monastery church vestibule for decades. The statue carries the inscription: "Production of Daprato Statuary Company. Chicago. New York USA." .

The official dedication certificate, signed by Abbot Justin Duvall, O.S.B., presider at the dedication ceremony, and Sister Kristine Anne Harpenau, O.S.B., is in this file.

History excerpts, photograph, prayer card, church brochure, St. Meinrad

The main marble altar was erected during Mother Clarissa Riehl's administration.

Sister Gregory Ems (1869-1954) was the "monastery's artist" for over 50 years - 1900 - 1954. Other photos in this file are of paintings done by other members of the community: Claudia Backert, Aloysius Gutgsell, Amanda Walbaum, Francesca Brogan, Mary Alice Schnur, Bertilla Burger, Aquina Boerste. File also contains an article from the Saturday Herald, with photo taken by Sr. Sharon Hollander, of Gregory Ems's painting of Madonna and Child. The paintings are in storage or in the monastery.

The first monastery church ceiling comprised a process using horsehair, canvas, and wood.

The Mechtilde of Hackeborn Sacred Music Series Endowment was established by the Verkamp family in honor of Sister Mary Aquin and Sister Mary Ann Verkamp in 2010. Programs, flyers, musician descriptions, music translations, Ferdinand 2011 to present, Monastery Immaculate Conception Church, Ferdinand, Indiana, 2011.

The donors named on this plaque contributed to the painting of the monastery chapel in 1976-1977.

News releases, photographs, script, schedule, Ferdinand, Other Places, 2001, 2002

The church cross and cupola measurements were made by Frank Ford, church restoration construction supervisor 2001-2005.

Contractors involved in these projects were the Leonard E. Kord Company and Santarossa Mosaic & Tile, Co., Inc., both of Indianapolis, Indiana.

The chapel was made to seat 340 persons. If pews made for 3 are used for 4 and those made for 4 are used for 5, there is seating for 424. Note: this seating capacity was prior to renovation in 2001-2005. The sedilia was renovated for sanctuary.

The monastery chapel dedication took place on June 20, 1924. Bishop Joseph Chartrand officiated. The chapel was painted in 1957 and 1976-1977.

The bells purchased in 1890 were placed in the first chapel in the monastery quadrangle in 1890 and later moved to the new chapel bell tower.

Sister Mary Alice Schnur, Professor of Art at St. Benedit College and Academy Immaculate Conception, directed designing and making this mosaic.

Sister Salesia Godecker, O.S.B., was instrumental in compiling information for booklets. The stained-glass windows were installed in March and April 1932. They were manufactured by Emil Frei, Sr.(Frei Art Glass Studios of Munich-St. Louis).

The tabernacle was contributed by the John J. Finis Family. Mr. & Mrs. Finis (John and Catherine) are buried in St. Ferdinand Parish cemetery.

articles, correspondences, photo, biographical information

The present organ was built and installed in the new church in 1924; its motor ran until 1997 when it was replaced. The organ was redesigned and rebuilt in 1965-1967 by Eugene Ward, former St. Meinrad monk.

Programs and other related materials

Dan Brumett made this informal video upon a visit in December 1998. It is an excellent tour presentation picturing the chapel, parlors, and prioresses' picture gallery.

The PIETA, located in the monastery church vestibule, was contributed to the monastery. The donor is unidentified. The statue was restored by Lennea Thrasher and Marilyn Longmeier of Birdseye, Indiana, and delivered May 23, 2007.

Photo copy, photograph, history, Ferdinand

typed programs, typed sheets