KESSLER, W. G.

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Rev. W. G. Kessler began the collections that grew into the Columbia Museum. Photo courtesy: Telegraph Herald.

KESSLER, W. G. The COLUMBIA MUSEUM OF HISTORY, ART, AND SCIENCE was an unparalleled collection of art in Dubuque assembled under the direction of Archbishop Francis J.L. BECKMAN. The museum began in 1927 as a collection of Indian artifacts gathered by William G. Kessler, a young priest at COLUMBIA ACADEMY. (1) With the encouragement of Beckman, the collection expanded to occupy the lower floor of the Science Hall.

Rev. W. G. Kessler began the collections that grew into the Columbia Museum. Photo courtesy: Telegraph Herald.

Following the close of the museum around 1942, Rev. Kessler became the director of the COLUMBIA VISATONE AND PUBLICATION SERVICE. He was also the editor of its publications which included "Your Mass Visible," "Prayer Book for Catholic Servicemen" and "Prayer Book for Catholics in the Armed Service." (2) In 1946 Rev. Kessler was the pastor of St. Catherine's Church on the Bellevue Road south of Dubuque. (3)

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Source:

1.

2. "Prayer Books for Fighters," Telegraph-Herald, December 5, 1943, p. 8

3. "Sunday in the Churches," Telegraph-Herald, February 10, 1946, p. 21