Did you know that the story of Parroquia San José is deeply intertwined with the history of German-Chilean settlers in Bariloche? Let’s step back in time and uncover the origins of this iconic church.
Bariloche began as a small settlement. It grew from a shop called La Alemana. Carlos Wiederhold established it in 1895. He was a German-Chilean entrepreneur. This shop marked the start of modern Bariloche.
The late 19th century saw the Argentine government assert its authority. This happened after explorations by Francisco Moreno. Campaigns during the Conquest of the Desert also helped. The government saw the area as a natural extension of the Viedma colony. The Andes were considered the natural border with Chile.
German settlers had begun arriving in southern Chile in the 1840s. Some became leather merchants. They obtained leather from indigenous communities across the Andes. In the 1880s the Argentine Army displaced these communities. This disrupted the leather trade. Merchants from Chile crossed the Andes for supplies. Many of these entrepreneurs then established businesses. They dealt in cattle and trade around Nahuel Huapi and Lácar lakes.
Carlos Wiederhold played a crucial role. In 1894-1895 he crossed the Andes from Chile. He navigated poorly known mountain passes. Antonio Millaqueo guided him. Daniel Márquez from Chiloé helped with lake navigation. Wiederhold bought provisions in Puerto Montt. He transported them across the Andes. He then sold them in the Nahuel Huapi area.
Wiederhold’s shop La Alemana became the cornerstone of Bariloche. When Wiederhold became the German consul in Puerto Montt he left Bariloche. His business partner Federico Hube took over. Hube was also a German-Chilean from Osorno. By 1900 Chilean merchants controlled trade. They dominated the mountain passes.
The church’s early days were influenced by priests. They resided in Barón. This arrangement lasted until 1968. Before that several priests served the Iglesia San José. Matthias Saxier and Francisco Kutsche were among them. Joseph Fuchs served from 1930-1933. Guillermo Wasel had two terms. The first was from 1933-1939 and the second from 1940-1946.
Francisco Grzezik briefly served in 1939. Wilmuth Adolfo followed from 1946-1951. Carlos Riedrich also had multiple terms. They were 1951-1956 and 1959-1962. Honorio Gildenberger served twice too. His terms were 1956-1959 and 1962-1968. Juan Kellermann and Máximo Fibiger also contributed.
Today Parroquia San José stands as a testament. It reflects the blend of cultures. It embodies the perseverance of early settlers. It also reminds us of the strong connections between Argentina and Chile. It is a place of worship. It is a symbol of Bariloche’s rich past. It also links to the present and future.