The day of the dedication was one of great festivity and rejoicing. A special train brought visitors and church dignitaries from as far away as Vincennes.
It is still unclear to this day, as to why the church was named Sts. Peter & Paul. Much speculation has surely taken place as to, from whom the church took its name. Of course, St. Peter being the first Pope and St. Paul being the great Evangelist, they were certainly worthy to have their names as patrons, but tradition too, has apparently played a part in this uncertainty, as sturdy pioneer leaders, Peter Schultheis and Paulus Kiesel, were mentioned as possible patrons.
Father Widerin spent five years laboring zealously for the spiritual welfare of the parishioners and so the Reverend Bernard Ewers took the helm from Father Widerin. Father Ewers became pastor August 3, 1882, and served Sts. Peter & Paul for twenty six years, until his death on December 21,1908. He was buried here in the Sts. Peter & Paul Church cemetery. Father Ewers, always looking to the future, was most instrumental in the constructing of a new school in 1904.
In January of 1909 Father Joseph M. Zoglman was appointed pastor. However, because of ill health, he resigned in 1910, having served only one year.
From 1910 to 1917 the Reverend Michael P. Seter was pastor. During his tenure the original church was enlarged by adding a new sanctuary with new altars and a communion rail. The church was also redecorated at this same time. Father Seter was known for his oratorical deliveries, as well as his most active participation in civic affairs and sport activities.
The Reverend Nicholas J. Forve succeeded Father Seter in September of 1917. His tenure extended until his death in 1948. During his term a new organ and new pews were installed, along with a clock in the church tower. Possibly the most important and surely, the most noticeable change were the beautiful stained glass windows that were installed in the 1920's, which were donated by parishioners. Since no written records can be located to document the names of the donors, memories of various local residents have come up with the following names: Adam & Mary Emmert, Martin & Rosa Schafer, Andrew & Mary Stirtzel, John & Eva Wilm, & Anna Schaefer, Lorenz & Caroline Ziliak, Joseph & Mariana Obert, Ladies Sodality, Daughters of Isabella, Holy Name Society. The rectory was also renovated, and the cemetery enlarged and beautified during Father Forve's pastorship. Known widely for his singing and his instructive sermons, he was indeed an inspiration to all who came into contact with him. Upon his death his remains were laid to rest in the church cemetery.
In January of 1940 the Reverend Clarence J. Lindauer arrived to aid, the before mentioned Father Forve, in the duties of this ever growing parish. He was appointed Parish Administrator upon his arrival and soon, under his direction, a beautiful brick home, just north of the church, was soon built, as the residence for the teaching sisters. It was erected at a cost of $13,000.00.
In the spring of 1941, the "Evansville Catholic Youth Organization" Softball League was formed. Rev. Clarence J. Lindauer, the new assistant priest, upon hearing of this, decided to form a team to represent Sts. Peter & Paul, and soon this was to come about. Four parishes in Evansville, namely, Sacred Heart, St. Joseph, St. Anthony, and St. Boniface, along with Sts. Peter & Paul would be the five squads to compose the league
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