“Father Kundek, probably the most remarkable man that ever had lived and died in Dubois County” (Ferdinand 1). When George R. Wilson, a Dubois County Historian, made this statement about the Father, he most certainly considered the massive impact he made in this community in the 1830s. Father Kundek had this idea to expand his church to new lands and a new breed of people. Kundek decided to expand his faith and teach the words of God in America. As a result, he made a massive impact on America and especially Southern Indiana. Along with professing his faith and spreading the good word, he also created towns, churches, and communities that still thrive to this day.
Born on August 24, 1810 to Stephen and Maria Kundek in Johanich (Ivanich), Croatia, …show more content…
As a result of his multilingual abilities, Bishop Bruté decided that he would make a great fit for Jasper. Two and a half months later on September 28, 1838, Joseph founded his Jasper mission (Wonning 5). The evidence of the impact Kundek made on his community became evidently clear after the parish rose from 50 in 1838 to 90 families in 1839 (Covert 1). In order to draw in these families, he encouraged German immigrants from the Black Forest, Pfaffenweiler, Reute, and Bavaria areas to settle in Jasper (History 1). The St. Joseph Catholic Church began construction in 1840 to accommodate the rising members of his parish. St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, a log church built at the intersection of Sixth and Newton Streets in Jasper, still stands to this day. (History 1) Kundek not only focused on Jasper during this time; he wanted to venture out and form new towns and churches as …show more content…
For example, Kundek played a crucial role in the formation of Celestine in 1843 (Ferdinand 1). Also, after the Jasper Courthouse burned down in 1844, Kundek offered help in reconstructing the building and make ready for public use (1). In 1848, the St. Pius Church in Troy and the town of Fulda finished establishment as a result of Kundek’s efforts (1). Kundek became a school examiner by Indiana law in 1853. The Board of County Commissioners selected him for this position (1). Venturing all over Europe, Kundek wanted to find new priests to bring to the Vincennes diocese in November of 1851 (Kundek 1). Kundek also played a role in getting the St. Meinrad Archabbey started in 1854 (History