Br. Meinrad Huebscher (1838-1906)

Death came to Brother Meinrad while he was at table and Father Gabriel Vonderstein administered the last rites.  He had been in failing health from asthma for the previous seven years.  Apparently his greatest punishment was to be idle.  He attended the regular monastic exercises until the end.  

“He was born in Sitterdorf, Thurgau, Switzerland, and made vows December 31, 1882.  He was the brother porter for several years and served the guests and the poor who came to the monastery door.  Prior Boniface Verheyen presided at his funeral.  He is characterized as being simple as a child, humble and unassuming.  In his time at the abbey he was carpenter, porter, cellarer, gardener and manager of the farm.  He seemed never out of humor, impatient or dissatisfied under contradiction.” The Abbey Student.

Brother Meinrad built the desk with cabinetry above the writing area that is presently (2015) in the Abbey Chapter Room, c. 1884.  The desk was used by Father Gerard Heinz as “The Pastor’s desk” at St. Benedict’s Parish, Atchison, and later at the abbey when Father Gerard became prior of the community.  Prior Terence Sullivan had it refurbished and used it as well.

Brother Meinrad Huebscher passed away November 22, 1906.