Our History

History of the Province

The Capuchin Province of St. Augustine owes its existence to two provinces in present-day Germany. Both parent provinces were motivated to send friars to the United States by similar circumstances, though each with very different intentions. Friars from Bavaria arrived in 1873, and the Westphalian province sent friars in 1875. The Bavarians first located in Pittsburgh, PA, and the Westphalians in Cumberland, MD. Right from the beginning, and even before they arrived in America, their paths not only crossed but were entwined numerous times before they were officially joined in 1881.

Accounts from various sources of those earliest years provide a rich testimony of deep faith, self-sacrifice and devoted commitment to Capuchin life. Places and  dates are interesting, but the example and inspiration of the friars, both individually and collectively, reveal not only the typical experiences of immigrants and pioneers,  but the zeal of missionaries and the strength of men whose burdens and tasks could only overwhelm those of us of a more comfortable age.

Two accounts of those earliest years will be presented here in installments over time. The first, primarily about the Bavarian friars (though not exclusively) was written by Capuchin friar Father Severin Scharl, “The Early Years of the Province: 1873 – 1907.” The second, primarily about Cumberland, and thus the Westphalian friars, was authored by Capuchin friar Father Blaine Burkey of the Mid-America Province, “Capuchin Franciscan Memories of 100 Years in Cumberland: 1875 – 1975.” Together these works offer a fuller picture of the origins of the Province of St. Augustine; one alone does not suffice.