It would not seem proper to the writer of these brief lines if, at the beginning of publication of a new English Catholic weekly from the same press that has published the far famed St. Peter's Bote for so long, we did not trace the upbuilding of St. Peter's Colony. For it has been the great development and the prosperity of the inhabitants of this community that makes the possible new paper that is making its first appearance today.This article is of necessity but a bare outline; for with the scantiness of material at hand it is impossible to do little more than sketch the part played by the pathfinders of this German Catholic Colony. I wish to show how this district since the very first year of its existence has endeavored with a spirit and nerve typically Canadian to assert its personality, its individuality, and to trace development both of that individuality and the expression of it, and finally to determine whether we must condemn or approve the action of the Benedictine Order in the establishment of this new outpost in Canada.

The story of those now bygone days, which took place in the heart of a Saskatchewan wilderness twenty years ago is not difficult to tell. It is a simple soul stirring story of element, of men and of things in their primordial nakedness, a literal struggle for existence against wind and weather and hunger, absolutely without a taint of the degenerative subtility and complexity of modern life. It is of course necessary to sift the true from the false, the statement of facts from mere insinuation, and the indubitable verity from unfounded conjecture. It is not within the scope of this short study to review all the events that led up to the founding of St. Peter's Colony. The clarion call for settlers was being sounded in every country in the world. The government of Canada offered great inducements to men who wished to find homes for themselves on the plains of Saskatchewan. Here settlers could come and receive a quarter section of land for the nominal fee of ten dollars.

The Benedictine Order, ever in touch with the developments in different parts of the world, saw great advantages for the advancement of the church. They therefore decided to send one of their gifted sons, Rev. Bruno Doerfler, to report on the conditions in Western Canada. His report was so favorable that it was decided to found a new monastery to be located in Saskatchewan. The sons of St.Benedict now set out for their long journey to the cold bleak plains of Saskatchewan. Attractive land, almost eighty miles square, was allotted to these missionary workers for colonization. The first impressions that they received were anything but inviting. The winters were cold, the railroad facilities far removed from the scenes of their activities. They however never faltered because from the outset they had strong faith in the land they had selected.

The year 1903 saw the arrival of the first settlers. They came by way of Rosthern in vehicles and wagons of all descriptions. Even the old fashioned prairie schooner was in evidence. Oxen were the most common means of conveyance. Many of the first settlers either stopped at the home of John Ludwig where they always found a hearty welcome or spent their nights under the great blue dome of heaven. In the flourishing district of Lake Lenore Mrs. Fred Riederer was the first woman to settle in that part of the new settlement.

The man who with undaunted courage led this little band of Benedictines was their superior, the Rev. Prior Alfred Mayer, O.S.B. After his term of office had expired Father Bruno Doerfler was elected superior in spring 1906. The story of this man's many activities is the story of the advancement of this part of Saskatchewan. He was the ideal type of Western Pioneer; one of those soldiers of fortune that Providence especially created to brave the rigours of the West, to conquer and bear down all obstacles in their path and turn defeat itself into glorious and lasting victory. Abbot Bruno's life was one of great devotion to his work. From one end of his beloved colony to the other he went.

Churches and schools were established. Every parish had its log church and humble shack where the priest resided.

The monastery was built at Muenster, Sask. It was one of the most imposing structures of those days. Abbot Bruno however did not confine himself to this district; he became the close personal friend of all the outstanding men in the province and no public question of any importance was ever passed without his views being obtained. The solution of every problem that faced him was always carefully weighed; he was never swayed from his course of righteousness, justice and fair play by flattery and platitudinous phrases that people are wont to shower upon any one who is placed in a position of trust. Although the distinguished Bruno has passed away and with his passing the first phase in the development of the colony closed, his work is being ably carried on by a new generation of Catholics.

His place has been filled by Right Rev. Abbot Michael, and in the past few years great changes have taken place; the old log churches have disappeared and beautiful brick edifices reach their namestately towers to the heavens.Perhaps the most momentous work of the present time is the than building of St. Peter's College, one of the most outstanding seats of learning in Western Canada. It is built of solid brick, situated in a beautiful spot overlooking the C. N. R. railway at Muenster.A staff of qualified teachers is employed. The college will accommodate 100 students.It is, however, not only Saskatchewan that is proud of this part of the province, but even the great white shepherd in Rome. To show how much he is interested in it, he has raised the dignity of the monastery to that of an abbey nullius. Abbot Michael has therefore episcopal jurisdiction over the whole of St. Peter' Colony. Although only three years within our midst he has endeared himself to all with whom he has come in contact. He has adorned every occasion that has presented itself to him and now, as the years roll round, I am sure we can trust that he will follow in the steps of his illustrious predecessor and will use his splendid talents for the glory of God, for the diffusion of truth, for the spread of Christian charity amongst our race divided people, and that he will continue to develop this district of which he is the spiritual ruler so that it will form a mighty weapon for church and state.