Fr. John Stader (1850-1919)

Father John Stader, one of the pioneer missionaries of Northeast Kansas was born in Youngstown, Pa.  He attended St. Vincent College but in September 1860 came to Atchison, attended college here and entered the novitiate, making his profession in 1873.  He made his philosophical and theological studies partly at St. Benedict’s and partly at St. Vincent.  Bishop Fink ordained him a priest on July 5, 1879. 

After his ordination he was on the missionary circuit of the early Benedictine missionaries that touched such places as Everest, Marak, Good Intent where John built the first church, Bendena, Larkinburg, and Holton. Father John later moved to Lenox, Iowa.  The last 12 years of his life he attended the missions at Troy and Fanning while living at the Abbey.  He was forced by ill health to retire in January 1919.

Father John Stader passed away May 20, 1919.