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June 3, 1926
HARTINGTON — Rev. Ferdinand Schuettgen, D.D., is beginning his 18th year as pastor of Holy Trinity parish, marking 17 years since he arrived in Hartington on May 27, 1909, following the death of Rev. George J. Glauber.
During his pastorate, Holy Trinity parish has grown into one of the largest and most influential Catholic parishes in Nebraska, with both the church and school prospering under his leadership.
Father Schuettgen was born Aug. 13, 1874, in Rhode, Westfalen, Germany, the son of Bernard Schuettgen. One of 12 children, he grew up in a hardworking, deeply religious family. Though his early life included farm labor and limited opportunities, he developed a strong desire for education and the priesthood.
He began private Latin lessons with his pastor as a boy and later studied at Olpe, Attendorn College and the Collegio Brignole Sale in Genoa, Italy, a seminary focused on missionary work. In 1895, he met Bishop Richard Scannell of Omaha and Rev. Father Glauber in Genoa and was accepted into the Omaha Diocese.
Schuettgen completed his theological studies in 1898, receiving a doctor of divinity degree from the College of St. Thomas of Aquina. He was ordained June 4, 1898, in Genoa. He was the only surviving member of his seminary class at the time of the 1926 article.
