Karl Joseph Alter

Karl Joseph Alter (August 18, 1885 – August 23, 1977) was an American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church. He served as bishop of the Diocese of Toledo in Ohio (1931–1950) and as archbishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati in Ohio (1950–1969).

Biography

Early life Karl Alter was born on August 18, 1885, in Toledo, Ohio, to John P. and Elizabeth (née Kuttner) Alter. His father was a cigar manufacturer and liquor dealer. Karl Alter attended St. John High School, and was a member of the first graduating class of St. John's College in Toledo in 1905. He made his theological studies at St. Mary's Seminary in Cleveland, Ohio. He then served as administrator of St. Mary's Parish in Leipsic, Ohio, until 1912, when he became a curate at St. John's Parish in Lima, Ohio. In 1944, he drafted a proposal for a joint declaration on world peace by Catholic, Jewish, and Protestant leaders. However, Alter did not believe that this would greatly interfere with children's religious education.

Retirement and legacy Pope Paul VI accepted Alter's resignation as archbishop of Cincinnati on July 19, 1969, and appointed him as titular archbishop of Minora. Alter held that post until December 31, 1970.

Karl Alter died on August 23, 1977, in Cincinnati at age 92. Archbishop Alter High School in Kettering, Ohio, is named in his honor, as was the former Alter Elementary School in Rossford, Ohio.