February 11, 2011

What was in the news on Feb. 10, 1961? Indiana Supreme Court sides with archdiocese

By Brandon A. Evans

50 Year LogoThis week, we continue to examine what was going on in the Church and the world 50 years ago as seen through the pages of The Criterion, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary.

Here are some of the items found in the Feb. 10, 1961, issue of The Criterion:

  • Supreme Court decision backs Archdiocese: Gives ruling in Meridian Hills case
    • “In a sweeping, unanimous decision, the Indiana Supreme Court ruled this week that the Archdiocese of Indianapolis has a legal and moral right to construct parish property in the town of Meridian Hills. The ruling, written by Judge Norman F. Arterburn and handed down on Tuesday, Feb. 7, brings to a climax a case that has dragged through the courts for more than two years. Father Thomas Finneran, pastor of St. Luke’s, stated that he has already consulted with the building contractor and that actual construction was expected to begin shortly. … [He said] ‘I am also happy to say that all through the long litigation in the courts those who have opposed us have conducted themselves courteously. They are calling us now to welcome us to the neighborhood.’ ”
  • Archdiocese plans gala welcome Sunday for first Hoosier Cardinal [Joseph E. Ritter]
  • Lay apostolate is seen as major Council topic
  • Cardinal labels printed word as weapon of truth
  • Laity urged to speak out on council
    • “VIENNA—Lay people should make their hopes and fears about the coming ecumenical council known, not stand by as idle witnesses, the Cardinal-Archbishop of Vienna said here. Cardinal Francis Koenig said that everything is still open and flexible in the preparatory work for the council. But he said there is a possibility forces or influences might come to the fore which could limit the scope of the council and thus hinder it.”
  • The Arab-Israeli controversy
    • Three viewpoints were offered on this topic: “Arab fears unfounded, Israeli envoy declares,” “Refugee crisis cited by Arab spokesman” and “Dr. Rifa’i: Tells why Jordan can’t, won’t absorb refugees.”
  • Why union membership is declining
  • Fourth volume published in U.S. Bible translation
  • ‘Grand Old Lady’: Tell City’s Kate Tewes dies at the age of 102
    • “TELL CITY, Ind.—Tell City’s ‘grand old lady’ is dead. Mrs. Kate Tewes, last surviving member of the Swiss Colonization Society which founded Tell City, died last Sunday morning at the home of a niece, Mrs. Anton Oberhausen. She was 102 years of age last Dec. 27, and was believed to be the oldest person in the Archdiocese of Indianapolis. … One of the highlights of Mrs. Tewes’ long life occurred in 1960 during the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the founding of St. Paul’s parish, when she was favored with a personal visit from Archbishop [Paul C.] Schulte.”

(Read all of these stories from our Feb. 10, 1961, issue by logging on to our special archives.) †

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