Sister Agatha Werb

Prioress from 1878-1890

Most of Sister Agatha’s years in the community were spent in administration. During her time, fourteen schools were established. Four sisters were sent to Arkansas in order to open a monastery there which would become the Fort Smith, Arkansas, daughter house. Perpetual adoration was begun in 1881. Mother Agatha hired Mr. Bernard Krampe who took over the task of farm management from 1883 until 1925. After his death, his son took over the farm management until it was closed.

The Quadrangle and first chapel were built, and the sisters moved from downtown. A new two-story building, St. Joseph House, to serve as a hostel for the poor retired elderly, was built on the premises. When St. Meinrad Abbey and Seminary was destroyed by fire on September 2, 1887, monastery buildings were offered to the monks until they could rebuild. Sister Agatha was a wise and courageous leader during those pioneering years. She served as Prioress from 1878 to 1890.