SHEBOYGAN - When you look over the acreage that covers Calvary Cemetery along North Avenue, a small chapel sits on higher ground.

The chapel pays homage to Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church's first priest, the Rev. Michael Haider, whose final resting spot is under the structure. Haider, who died in 1885, firmly planted the seeds of the Catholic church in Sheboygan.

The chapel was built in the 1880s. It features a brick exterior, stained glass windows and a small altar inside.

Haider Chapel was designed by Father Haider during the final years of his life and features a gothic design. In early images of the chapel, there were different roof treatments than what you see today.

The story really starts in 1862, when Haider arrived in Sheboygan. He was greeted by a small, simple, white wood-framed church, which at the time was known as St. Mary Magdalene Church. 

In seeing the modest start to the church in Sheboygan, Haider had great visions for Catholicism in this eastern Wisconsin city. The Austrian born Haider was gifted in music and medical knowledge and was an esteemed architect who would have a burning desire to make sure Sheboygan had a church built for the ages.

With his knowledge of European cathedrals and with the congregation growing out of its current home, he conceived a plan. He knew that his grandiose plan would have opposition, but he wanted to create a building for the church that would last for many lifetimes. His foundation in architecture would lead to the building of the home of Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church.

Using $2,500 in parish funds, the congregation bought the entire block of land south of the current Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic School, according to the Holy Name 175th Anniversary book. A 1945 Centennial book listed the amount as $2,200, but when the original deed was found, it said $2500, according to the Rev. Mark Brandl.

The coffers at the church became empty because of the land purchase and construction was put on hold until outside funding could be found. It was only after everyone saw that Father Heider was determined to create the new building did the opposition melt and people joined him in support.

Haider met Jacob Jung, a well-known non-Catholic wagon maker in Sheboygan. Jung promised to help by purchasing the Pigeon River limestone quarry for $50 along with donating and repairing wagons to transport the stone for the new church.

When the church was dedicated in 1872, it was far from completed. In 1879 an organ was installed that predates the current instrument. Bells were installed in 1883.

On the day of his funeral in 1885, business places in the city closed and the funeral cortege reached from Holy Name Church to Calvary Cemetery, a distance of about a mile. A grateful people later erected the chapel we see today over his earthly remains.

To see the image larger, click here.

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