Hunt, Herbert and Floyd C. Kaylor. Washington: West of the Cascades. Vol. II. Chicago: S.J. Clarke Publishing Co., 1917. p. 515-516. REV. F. A. MOENS: Rev. F. A. Moens, rector of St. John Evangelist Catholic church of Chehalis, was born on the 30th of May, 1870, in Termonde, East Flanders, Belgium, a son of Peter and R. Malsche Moens. By occupation his father was a distiller and farmer. During his boyhood Father Moens attended the parochial schools of Belgium and at the age of twelve years entered the college at Termonde as a boarder, remaining there eight years and graduating in 1890. He next attended St. Nicholas College, where he pursued a special course in philosophy for one year, and then became a theological student in the University of Louvain, there preparing for the priesthood. He was ordained a priest for the diocese of Nesqually on the 28th of June, 1895. On leaving the university Father Moens spent his vacation in Belgium and then came to America, his destination being Vancouver, Washington. On his arrival here he was appointed by Bishop Younger of Vancouver as assistant priest of St. Leo's church at Tacoma, were he remained two years. He was next appointed rector of missions in Clark county, Washington by Bishop O'Dea, and while laboring in that field built the parochial residence at St. John's and churches at Pioneer, La Camas and Washougal. In 1903 he was appointed rector of St. John Evangelist church at Chehalis, where he has since remained. During his pastorate here St. Helen's Hospital has been built and many improvements made to the property belonging to the church, including the purchase of three new altars. The number of families in the parish has increased from sixty-five to one hundred and thirty- five, making quite a growth in membership and there are now about one hundred children in attendance at the parochial school, which is conducted by the Dominican Sisters. Father Moens is a member of the Knights of Columbus and is trustee and spiritual director of the commandery at Chehalis. He took out his first naturalization papers at Vancouver, Washington, in 1895 and his second in 1901, at which time he was admitted to citizenship. He is liberal in his political views, supporting the men whom he believes best qualified to fill the offices regardless of party ties. He takes, however, a deep and commendable interest in public affairs and does all in his power to promote the welfare of the community. He is widely and favorably known not only among the people of his own congregation but among those of other denominations. Submitted by: Jenny Tenlen * * * * Notice: These biographies were transcribed for the Lewis Co., WA GenWeb Project. Unless otherwise stated, no further information is available on the individual featured in the biographies.