Because he was here.....

Fr. Alexander Berghold Memorial to preserve memory of missionary priest

Fr. Alexander Berghold was a central figure in the building, development and history of the New Ulm area in the late 1880’s to 1900’s. To honor his tireless and lasting contributions, the vision of an Alexander Berghold memorial is closer to becoming a reality due to the dedicated work of the Alexander Berghold Memorial Committee guided by the Most Rev. John C. Nienstedt, bishop of New Ulm and the Diocesan Finance Council. A key component of the memorial park will include a life-sized bronze statue of Fr. Berghold, which when finished, will be placed at the far west end of the memorial park overlooking the city of New Ulm.

The memorial park site is located in a triangle of land known as Loretto Park, near the entrance to the Way of the Cross in New Ulm. The park was formally used by the Sisters of Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ as a summer retreat.

On August 12, 2004, the Father Berghold Memorial Committee visited the studio of Paul Riefer of rural Conger, MN and sculptor of the Berghold statue to critique the work-in-progress. The committee, in viewing the model, agreed enthusiastically that the model reflected faithfully the character as well as the photographs of Fr. Berghold. They saw evidence of his strength of character, firmness, determination as well as his gentle manner and dedication in serving the large geographic area which eventually became the Diocese of New Ulm. The committee anxiously anticipates that the completion and erection of the statue will take place in the summer of 2005.

A brochure telling the story of Father Berghold’s life is available from the New Ulm Chamber of Commerce, 1 North Minnesota, Box 384, New Ulm, MN 56073; at local churches; or the Diocese of New Ulm, 1400 6th Street North, New Ulm, MN 56073; (507) 359-2966; e-mail: dnu@dnu.org.