BACKGROUND OF

THE CATHOLIC KOLPING SOCIETY OF AMERICA

DETROIT, MICHIGAN, BRANCH

The Kolping Society was founded in 1849 by Father Adolph Kolping, a Catholic priest, in Cologne, Germany. Fr. Kolping was dedicated to the young people of his time, and his organization was Intended to provide a Christian environment for the young men as they developed their work skills while, at the same time, offsetting the dangers to faith and morals that were prevalent with the times. In 1856 the first Kolping Branch in the United States was established by German immigrants In St. Louis, Missouri. Today there are 13 branches In the United States with 2,500 members. The Kolping Society is now open in membership to all people who are in agreement with the objectives of the Society.

The Kolping Society is an International Organization that is made up of National Organizations throughout the world. The National Organizations represent the individual branches, which are called Kolping Families.

Internationally, Kolping now has groups in over 50 countries with a membership that extends to five continents. Although the Society Is part of the Catholic Church, one does not need to be a Catholic to join. Our membership currently includes many Christian beliefs, ages, and ethnic backgrounds. In this country, Kolping is a family-oriented society whose efforts are directed to the personal development of the individual through educational, charitable, social and religious activities. This is accomplished through the family-like atmosphere that exists among the members. The Kolping Family enables its members, through active participation, to serve and be a part of the community in which they reside, to give a good account of themselves in their work, in their families, and in society in general.

Locally, the Detroit Kolping Family was established in 1926, and the first Praeses was Fr. Joseph Wuest, Pastor of Old St. Mary's Church in Greektown. Our activities include charitable endeavors and clothing drives, and such social events as a pre-Lenten party called the "Narrensitzung," a 4th of July picnic called "Schuetzenfest," plus many other entertaining gatherings. We pray and celebrate together on St. Joseph's Day and at our Christmas celebration. We meet quarterly for Mass and Communion. Our members join together for a Camper's Karavan every summer, and bowl together in the fall and winter.

Nationally, our Detroit Family joins other Kolping Families in leadership seminars, board meetings, conventions, and share in the sponsoring of a yearly scholarship.

There are special-interest groups within our Kolping Family. One of the most active of these groups is the Schuetzen. In June of 1935, the Detroit Kolping men formed the Schuetzen Group (Rifle Club) and held the first Schuetzenfest (Traditional Marksman Festival) that very summer. The word Schuetzen today in conversational German means marksmen or riflemen. In its original form, Schuetzen meant to defend, protect or guard.

The Schuetzen Group is steeped in tradition that dates back to the 17th Century. During the 30 Years War (1618-1648), villages in Germany and much of Western Europe were at the mercy of raiding, plundering armies. Out of necessity, ordinary citizens banded together to defend, protect, and guard their villages.

Since these men were the craftsmen and farmers of the villages and not militiamen, it was essential they practice to become proficient marksmen to insure their survival. These practice sessions, along with their interdependence on one another, created a brotherhood and comradery, which outlived the original needs.

Legend has it that during these times a small child was snatched from its play by a flesh-eating sea eagle. An alert, keen-eyed marksman downed the eagle with his crossbow, saving the child's life. To honor the heroic "Schuetze," the village celebrated the downing of the eagle with the first Schuetzenfest, and the marksman was crowned King of the Schuetzenfest, thus beginning a tradition which was to spread throughout Germany and would be repeated annually for hundreds of years.

Throughout the years, the Detroit Kolping continued this age-old tradition with monthly practice shooting, a Schuetzenfest each summer held on the 4th of July, and a King's Ball In the fall. The competition within their own ranks or with friendly rival clubs is often fierce but always in the spirit of comradeship and good will.

Our many activities are held at our Kolping Center located at 24409 Jefferson Avenue in St. Clair Shores on the Nautical Mile or at the Kolping Park on Sugarbush Road between 21 Mile Road and Cotton Road in Chesterfield Township. We acquired the park in 1929 and the present Center in 1967. The Kolping Park and Chapel are both listed in the Michigan State Register of Historical Sites and in the National Register of Historical Places.

On October 27, 1991, Pope John Paul II beatified Fr. Adolph Kolping. Members and friends worldwide gathered in Rome for this historic event. Blessed Adolph

Kolping will continue to be our guide and inspiration. His feast day is December 4th.

Catholic Kolping Society of America

Mission Statement:

We, the members of the Catholic Kolping Society of America, extend the vision of our founder, Blessed Adolph Kolping, by promoting the development of the individual and family; we foster a sense of belonging and friendship through our program of spiritual, educational, charitable and social activities.

TKA '99