August 7, 1918

Father Joseph Ernst

Father Ernst was born in Cologne, Germany on February 16, 1849. He studied in Cologne and Boress in Germany and was ordained on February 16, 1872 by Bishop Paul Melchers for the Diocese of Cologne. After serving in Opladen, Germany he came to the United States and was assigned to the following Missouri towns: Wardsville, St. Thomas, Perryville and St. Peters. In the Diocese of Wichita he was assigned to Colwich. Under the year 1918, Msgr. Moeder writes, “The cherished hopes of the Pastor, Father Ernst, and the people of Colwich were realized in the dedication of the new and present Sacred Heart Church.” (History of the Diocese of Wichita, p. 99) Father Ernst died soon after the dedication on August 7, 1918. Msgr. Schmiehausen celebrated his funeral Mass in Colwich and the absolution after the Mass was conducted by Bishop Hennessy. Father Ernst was buried in Colwich.