In the "Parish Counsellors Minute Book" of 1907 and 1908 the secretary was not reluctant to add a little cryptic humor:
March 3, 1907:
The contract to build porches to front and rear of Rectory was awarded the Meyer Bros. for the sum of $122.00. Also the furnishing of new window glass and sashes at $2.75 per window for lower and $2.50 for upper story. After speaking different matters over pertaining to the parish and adjournment had followed, the trustees returned home happily after having taken something to satisfy the "inner man" with cold tea and so forth, which ordinarily make man happy under such circumstances.
Sept. 29, 1907:
It was decided that the house and lots north of school building be bought. from Mr. Chas. Johnsen. for the sum of $2,750.00 to serve as a residence for the teachers of St. Louis Church.
It was decided to sell three lots on Walnut St. south of St. Louis Church to Mr. Chas. Johnson for the sum of $250.00.
Jan. 5, 1908:
Owing to the lack of sittings in church, it was decided that a graded platform be built in the church-gallery and pews be ordered.
It was decided that the space in the school building formerly occupied as Sisters' residence, be arranged for a classroom, the partition to be taken out and the rooms to be papered.
As there was no further business to be transacted, Mr. Henry Obermeyer, Mr. Herman Stapelkern per and Mr. Gerhard Schumacher who had served faithfully as parish counsellors for several years discontinued their office as such and Mr. Frank Meyer, Mr. Frank Thiel and Mr. Harry Blank, newly-elected trustees, were installed with appropriate ceremonies consisting of smoking of good cigars, playing exciting games of cards and indulging in a tasty lunch, music being furnished by a Batesville Phonograph Band.
The first triplets born in Batesville were the Thiemans, August, Herman and William, sons of George and Wilhelmina Bosse Thieman, on March 6, 1893. They were baptized the following day.
Thieman Triplets 1893
Triplets, this time three girls, Donna, Diana and Deborah, were born to Arnold and Shirley Fisher Giesting, on' June 20, 1963 and baptized June 23, 1963.
Giesting Tiplets 1963
T'he first marriage recorded is that of Christian Bleile and Margaret Mauer on May 10, 1869, witnessed also by Fr. Gillig.
The first death was that of Martha Elizabeth Blank, one year old daughter of John Blank, October 12, 1874.
Land was added at various times and altered somewhat when the New York Central changed their tracks through town in 1906-07.
At the death of a parishioner the sad news would be rung out to all within hearing by the ringing of a single church bell "three consecutive times but once after the Angelus bell immediately after notification of demise and then again three times after the Angelus in the morning on the day of burial."
On November 1, 1912, the receiving vault in the cemetery was accepted by the trustees from the John Hillenbrand estate, G. M. Hillenbrand tendering the document of conveyance.
Nor did it seem at all amiss that the Land of the Dead should be used for the needs of the living if the Dead were not in immediate need of it. And that for a fee, too. Item from the "Parish Counsellors' Minute Book:"
March 29, 1908: That the grounds adjoining the cemetery be rented to the Leroy B.B. Club for the consideration of $10.00 with the following conditions: 1) that said grounds be mowed entirely the latter part of June and once during the month of August and at the end of the season be properly cleaned up.