PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM

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REV. FATHER ISAAC J. HOCTER. Among the popular young gentlemen of Xenia, is the pastor of St. Bridgid's Catholic Church, whose pleasing demeanor, cultured mind and fine traits of character have made him successful not only in his own special field of labor, but have given him an influence far beyond its limits.  The church over which he has charge numbers more than two hundred families, and has connected with it a parochial School, with five teachers and a sisters' home.  Since Father Hocter took charge, in the fall of 1887, he has bought two lots on which to erect a parochial residence and a sisters' house, and expects this year to fresco the church, put in stained glass windows, and otherwise improve it. St. Bridgid's was dedicated in 1852, the first subscription toward its erection having been received in 1849.

Father Hocter was born in Jackson, Ohio, November 6, 1857, and is the son of Isaac and Margaret Hocter. In 1863 his mother moved to Glendale, Hamilton County.  There the lad attended the public and parochial schools until 1873, when he entered St. Mary's Seminary of the West, at Price Hill, remaining there until its close in 1879.  He next spent a year in St. Meinrad's Benedictine Monastery in Indiana, following it by three years and a half in St. Mary's Seminary, at Baltimore, Md.  This made a period of ten and a half years devoted to the collegiate, philosophical and theological course, after a good common-school education.

On the 23d of December, 1883, Father Hocter was ordained priest at the Cathedral in Cincinnati, by Archbishop Elder, all his minor orders having been received from James, Cardinal Gibbons, at the Cathedral in the city of Baltimore.  He received "Tonsure" December 17, 1881; "Minor Orders" June 3, 1882; "Sub-Deaconship" December 23, 1882; and "Deaconship" May 19,1883. During the year 1884 he was assistant pastor of St. Edward's, Cincinnati, and in February following, was appointed pastor of St. Philomena's at Stone Lick, Clermont County.  There he remained, faithfully attending to the duties of his calling until October 4, 1887, when he took charge of his present parish, and began his labors to advance his church in Xenia.

Father Hocter has done very much to aid the Catholic Church since he became a resident of this city, and being prompt in originating plans for its progress, and energetic in bringing these plans to a successful culmination, it is not surprising that the church is advancing steadily in numbers and interest.  His portrait, which is presented in connection with this biographical sketch, represents the friend, not alone of the Catholic Church in Xenia, but of the poor and needy, wherever they may be found.  It is the wish of his friends that he may reach an old age, crowned with blessings and honors; but far more welcome to him is the voice of his Creator, sounding through the inmost depths of his being, "Inasmuch as you have done it unto the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."

31 Mar 2000

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