In October of 1948, there arrived in Musoma, Tanganyika, the first of a very amazing group of men. Br. Fidelis Deichelbohrer M.M. had taken his first oath in 1933 and was older than the two priests assigned to the mission group of 1948. In fact, he was at 38 years old, the oldest man at that time to be assigned to Maryknoll's work in Africa.

Br. Fidelis had come to build. He was a carpenter by profession. In the early days he took on repairs and improvements at the existing missions at Nyegina and Kowak. But in 1951, with the plan to expand the missions in Musoma, he came into his own. He was not only using his own talents on these jobs, but was also passing on his knowledge to the local craftsmen, thereby creating a pool of skilled laborers for the growing diocese.

As the priests assigned by Maryknoll to the new endeavor, grew in number so did the brothers. Fidelis was followed by Br. John (Damien) Walsh in 1949 and Br. Brian Fraher in 1953. There were now thirty (30) Maryknollers working in the Musoma prefecture. The time was ripe for some new directions to expansion.

The Brothers besides working on the construction of the new missions were also instrumental in the foundational work of building the local Church. Brother Damien was assigned to build the school run by the Maryknoll Sisters, for the education of young women in the Musoma prefecture and the Shinyanga Diocese. This school produced some of the first candidates to the local sisters community, which had been begun under the direction of Monsignor Grondin and Sister Mary Bowes to be called the Immaculate Heart of Mary Sisters of Africa. Similarly, Br. Fidelis joined Br. Brian Fraher in working on the minor seminary of Saint Pius X. which laid the foundation for many of the diocesan priests in both Shinyanga and Musoma.

1954 brought ever more changes to the work in Tanganyika, for that year saw the start of a new area that was to become in the next year the Diocese of Shinyanga. It also saw the arrival of Br. Peter Agnone, who worked in Musoma dealing with Procuration, hospitality and bookkeeping in the growing prefecture. 1955 saw the arrival to the Diocese of Shinyanga of two of the most unique brothers yet to grace the African continent. In that year Br. Cyril Velicig and Br. John (Ernest) Wohead began a long career as Brothers in Shinyanga that extends even to this day.

Throughout the 1950s work in construction continued in Musoma. In 1957 the prefecture was named a Diocese and the first Bishop John Rudin was consecrated. Work was begun on the Bishop's house by Br. Brian and by 1958, it was opened. Br. Peter Agnone began work there and was joined by Br. Hubert Bacher. When Br. Peter moved to Nairobi, Br. Hubert continued work at the Bishop's House until the early 1970s.

With the establishment of the Diocese of Musoma, it would have been thought that there would be requests for more brothers, but it never happened. The jobs to be done were taken over by priests and the Brothers in construction either left or changed their work.

Br. Fidelis left in the late 60's. He worked at Glen Ellyn then continued working in jobs at the Development Houses until his death in 1975. After his years in construction Br. Brian moved to Dar es Salaam, where he worked with Fr. Delbert Robinson who was instrumental in setting up the Tanzania Episcopal Conference. Br. Brian ran the house that was used. His skills in the area of house management and relating to the staff served him well. His final years in Tanzania were at the Language School in Makoko where he worked with Fr. Phil Sheerin and Sister Anita MacWilliam. He returned to the United States in 1978. Br. John Walsh went on to do town planning for the town of Musoma. He also supervised the construction of the Parish in Tarime Town, the Maryknoll Language School and the Cathedral in Musoma.

Later, he began a new career as an architect working at first with the Nairobi City Council. Eventually he had an office where he dedicated his skills to many of the new church projects in Kenya. He also kept in touch with Musoma. He designed and oversaw the work on the parish of Mugumu, making frequent trips from Nairobi to there. He has been chosen to serve on the Regional Council in Kenya and, while still continuing to spend time at the office, offers his skills and advice to one and all.

Following the rapid growth in Musoma (30 missionaries by 1953). It was seen that a place for relaxation and personal procuration was needed so in the early 1950s a plot of land was secured and the Nairobi Society House was born. Father Thomas Quirk and John Rudin were instrumental in the expansion of the house. Br. Peter, joined the staff early, but it was with the arrival of Br. Ronald Rak in 1960 that the house was truly formed. Ron's hand in the training of the staff is evident even today. The attraction of Nairobi - availability of hard to get goods, relaxation, movies, golf and restaurants - was equaled by the spirit in the Society House.

Down South in Shinyanga Br. Cyril and Br. John were kept busy. In the beginning they worked, like their confreres in Musoma to better the existing missions. But in Shinyanga, when Maryknoll took over, there were more parishes. The White Fathers left established parishes at, Sayusayu, Kilulu, Gula, Busanda, Nassa and Buhangija. From the start the Brothers in Shinyanga were given areas/deaneries to work in and be responsible for. This was different than the system in Musoma where there could be two or three brothers working on one large job.

Bishop Edward McGurkin directed the rapid expansion of his See. The original six parishes were shortly joined by Malili, Ilumya, Chamugasa, Malampaka, Nyalikungu, Ng'wamapalala, Oil Maswa, Ndoleleji, Bugisi, Shinyanga Town, Mipa, Wira and Salawe. This expansion was helped by the large number of Maryknollers assigned. Within a short time, Br. George Carlonas had arrived. He was followed by Br. Victor Marshall in 1958, Br. Carleton Bourgoin in 1959 and Brs. Frank Norris and Keiran Stretton in 1961. So for the early years until the mid sixties there was a flurry of repairs and construction for all the men.

But in truth, the work of these Brothers was not confined to the construction field. Br. George Carlonas worked on church architecture and decorations. The church at Nassa-Mwanangi is a prime example of his artistic perception and the innovative use of available materials. Br. Cyril Vellicig, in addition to his labors in erecting new mission compounds, also helped Fr. Mathias Koenens (W.F.) bind up his mammoth work – a combination Kisukuma grammar/dictionary, catechism/translation of the Gospels and a compendium of the social customs of the Wasukuma, which was an enormous help to the early missionaries in there language/cultural studies.

In the years to follow Br. George, was also a great help in the planning and erecting of the Catechetical School established at Mipa Parish by Fathers James Lenihan and George Weber. This was begun in 1959 and completed in 1961. Brothers Victor Marshall and Frank Norris used their skills in mechanics and plumbing respectively. They have left a much more vivid memorial than the buildings they worked on. They trained local craftsmen in their trades and even to now Shinyanga is benefitting from this legacy.

Br. John Wohead's career has spanned the length and breath of Shinyanga Diocese - from Kilulu bordering the Serengeti to Nassa next to Lake Victoria. Many of his jobs are still seen, like his work at the Language School/Center House in Makoko. His final job was the beginning of the Shinyanga-Cathedral in 1988, which is an immense building in Ngokolo (Shinyanga Town) the new Center of the Diocese. Br. John retired in 1990, but his presence is still enjoyed - as are the vegetables from his garden. Br. Kieran Stretton, was involved with the Diocesan Health Programs. He assisted in the mobile 'out reach' program that travelled many miles to bring these clinics to the farthest villages.

Br. Cyril Vellicig left construction and became the treasurer of the Shinyanga Diocese (a position he still holds at the time of this writing). Most of the other Brothers could not make the changes and they returned to the states. Some sought new assignments overseas and they continued their work in the Phillipines, Samoa and Hong Kong, others worked in the U.S Region and for a period it seemed as if there was no place for the Maryknoll Brothers in Africa.

Then in the early 70's a new style of Brother came to East Africa. Br. James Fahy (66) was the first to arrive in 1972. He began work in Musoma Diocese but soon, moved to the new area in Kisii, Kenya. There he soon became involved with the young Christian students and general youth work. Br. James moved on to Nairobi and was instrumental in the founding of Amani (Peace) Counseling center. His expertise also allowed him to be of service with the severe problems of street children which is endemic to Nairobi.

Br.Kevin Dargan arrived in 1980. He was involved in pastoral work at first working in parishes in Musoma Diocese. Then followed a period of work in the Pastoral Training Center. (Makoko Family Center). In the last years, he has been involved in the Youth Center with Fr. Marvin Deutsch and also teaching religion in the Secondary Schools throughout the Diocese of Shinyanga.

The last few years have seen a steady stream of Brothers continue to contribute to the success of Maryknoll's work in Africa. While most have gone to Kenya, in Tanzania, Br. John Frangenberg arrived in 1987. He has added to the success of the Baraki Sisters' Farm (Musoma ) begun by Fr. Art Wille and has served tirelessly on the Regional Council for the past six years with a voice of maturity and down to earth common sense.

The continued success of Maryknoll's Mission work in East Africa has been due not only to the Brothers' talents but also their spiritual example. They are an essential part of Maryknoll's story in Africa.

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