Henry J. Althoff

Henry Althoff was born on August 28, 1873, in Aviston, Illinois, to Frederick and Theresa (née Poelker) Althoff.[1] He completed his classical and philosophy studies at St. Joseph College in Teutopolis, Illinois (A.B., 1898) and at St. Francis Solanus College in Quincy, Illinois (M.A., 1899).[1] He then studied theology at the University of Innsbruck in Innsbruck, Austria,

Althoff was ordained to the priesthood in Austria by then Bishop Simon Aichner on July 26, 1902.[2] After returning to Illinois, Althoffe served as a curate at a parish in Damiansville, Illinois. In 1903, he was transferred to a parish in East St. Louis, Illinois.[1] He served as pastor of parishes in Okawville, Illinois, and Nashville, Illinois, from 1905 to 1914.[1][3]

On December 4, 1913, Althoff was appointed as the second bishop of the Diocese of Belleville by Pope Pius X.[2] He received his episcopal consecration on February 24, 1914, from Archbishop James Quigley, with Bishops Peter Muldoon and Paul Rhode serving as co-consecrators.[2]Althoff was noted for his abilities with languages - he was fluent in German, French and Polish, and could maintain a conversation in Croatian, Italian and Lithuanian.[4]

In July 1927. Atholl banned female parishioners from receiving communion if they were wearing makeup, sleeveless tops or low-cut tops.[5] In 1937, Althoff forbade church-sponsored gambling in the diocese, encouraging Catholics to support their parishes by direct contribution rather than parish parties and festivals.[6] Later that year, he banned dancing the night before a holy day. Since New Years Day was a holy day, that meant no parties on New Years Eve.[7] Atholl was named by the Vatican as an assistant at the pontifical throne on April 15, 1939.[1]

Henry Althoff died after a three-month illness in Belleville on July 3, 1947, at age 73.[3] Althoff Catholic High School in Belleville is named in his honor.