The Trails and Trials of Father Theodosius Meyer, O.F. M In July, 1914, a newly ordained Franciscan priest received orders to travel far from the small town of Oldenburg, Indiana where he’d grown up to the newly minted state of New Mexico. Transitioning from the lush landscape of the Midwest to a place where flat dry deserts merge with colorful mountains and mesas under brilliant skies enchanted the tall, young man. This memoir was compiled and written by Fr. Theodosius, it contains a first account view of life in a place just beginning to grow. The views and language reflect that of the era. Footnotes have been added by the publisher to enhance perspective. For nearly forty years Fr. Theo, strove to understand a wide diversity of cultures and languages in order to provide spiritual guidance to remote Catholic missions. Additionally, Fr. Theo used his knowledge of construction to build or renovate churches, schools and bridges throughout northern New Mexico, including the renowned St. Francis Cathedral in Santa Fe. Through both World Wars, he encouraged everyone to buy War Bonds, and used his hunting and fishing skills to supplement the dinner tables of his missions with wild game. He became the official chaplain to the New Mexico State Legislature, and head of the committee which managed the annual Fiesta de Santa Fe , a week of parades and presentations by the many Hispanic, Native American and European based cultures which comprise the tapestry of New Mexico. Fr. Theo’s Timeline November 24, 1882 – Born Frank Joseph Meyer at home in Batesville, Indiana Sept, 1903 – Enrolled in St. Francis College. Aug. 15, 1906 – Entered the Novitiate at Mt. Airy Seminary, Cincinnati, OH. June 17, 1914 – Ordained a priest at Holy Family Seminary in Oldenburg, Indiana by Bishop Chartrand. July, 1914 – Sent to the Franciscan Chapter House in Cincinnati, Ohio, for a few months. Then given his first parish assignment. 1916- St. Peter’s church, Roswell, New Mexico. He also performed Mass and visited the sick at St. Mary’s Hospital (open 1912-1916) in Roswell. He made regular trips to surrounding parishes: Our Lady of Guadalupe Church – Clovis, NM - Hagerman, (Pecos Valley south of Roswell) - Carlsbad: St. Edwad Parish. - Portales, NM -St. Helen Catholic Church, and missions surrounding at Melrose, Portales, Elida and No Man’s Land July, 1917 –1920 Sent to Minonk, Illinois (Benson, Roanoke?) Summer of 1920 – Assigned to the Santa Fe Archdiocese in New Mexico, said Mass and gave instruction in the following towns and missions: St. Catherines – Santa Fe. - St. Anthony Parish – Albuquerque - Cienega - Pena Blanca - Bajada - Lamy - Rio Tesuque - Tesuque Pueblo - Rio in Medio - Embudo, (West of Cienega) - El Vado - Park View 1921 – The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, Santa Fe – headed renovation of the cathedral. 1921-1926 – Santa Fe: served as head of the Red Cross, took part in the Santa Fe Chamber of Commerce activities and served several terms as Chaplain of the New Mexico State Legislature. July 1926 – Assigned to St. Francis of Assisi church in Lumberton, NM (Rio Arriba County), with weekly trips to Tapiecitos. 1930 – Renovated St. Francis Church in Lumberton with stained glass windows from the Franz Meyer Company. 1934-1939 – Renovated St. Joseph church, Park View, NM 1945-1947 – Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe, Pena Blanca, NM 1947 –1950 Farmington, NM and Cuba, NM (Diocese of Gallup) July 1950 – Moved over to St. John’s Parish in Roswell, NM July 1951 – moved to St. Peter Parish in Roswell, NM January, 1953 – Assigned to St. Francis Parish in Gallup, NM July, 1955 – Assigned as Superior of the Franciscans in Emporia, KS