USA > Minnesota > Stearns County > History of Stearns County, Minnesota, Volume I > Part 37
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Abbot Bernard projected the foundation of a dependency of St. John's at Lacey, Washington, and named it St. Martin's. He did not live to carry out the project ; his death occurred on November 7, 1894.
The present president is Right Rev. Abbot Peter Engel, who has held the office since January, 1895. He had been for twenty years one of the busiest and most popular professors at the institution; his specialties were philosophy and the natural sciences. He had equipped a physical and chemical laboratory, had established the first photographic studio in 1881, the first astronomical observatory in 1890, a meteorological observatory in the fall of 1892, and built the present astronomical observatory 1894-1895.
In the year 1895 he dedicated the new college, St. Martin's, in Washing- ton, and supplied it with a small staff of professors from St. John's. This college is at present in a flourishing condition and has recently taken posses- sion of its new building, which was erected at a cost of $75,000. Since 1904 the institution has been independent of St. John's.
St. John's has its own electric light plant since 1898. Power for the print- ing office and for the workshops is supplied by a storage battery which is charged by a turbine stationed at the Watab dam. In 1901 a special library building was erected off the southwest corner of the main group of buildings. It is a three story structure, built fire-proof, and its dimensions are 51 by 88 feet ; the cost exceeded $25,000. The first floor contains the library of the faculty, about 25,000 bound volumes; the second floor, a museum with an ex- ceptionally large collection of minerals and mounted specimens of birds and quadrupeds prepared, for the greater part, by the local taxidermist. In the third story are music rooms and the photographic studio. A few yards north of the principal group of buildings a gymnasium was built in the same year. Its dimensions are 120 by 60 feet ; the material used is brick. It contains two distinct gymnasiums, fitted up with all the apparatus suitable for gymnastic purposes. From that time physical culture was added to the curriculum. In 1908 a long-felt want was supplied by the erection of a separate infirmary a few rods west of the college; it is a three-story brick building and contains private rooms and wards. One of the handsomest buildings on the grounds is the Science hall, finished in 1911, and costing about $40,000. Its dimensions are 60 by 100 and it is four stories high, including the fine basement. The building is fire-proof and well equipped with laboratories and appartus. The most recent addition to the buildings is a three-story extension to the central building and occupied by the kitchen, a study-hall, typewriting room and dormitory.
Ever since its re-organization in 1867, the college has been under the
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immediate supervision of a vice-president, director or rector, appointed by the Abbot.
The first director in charge was Rev. Wolfgang Northman, 1867-1872, who subsequently took up missionary work and died at Meire Grove, February 8, 1876. Rev. Alexius Edelbrock, from 1872-1875, when he became abbot. Rev. Ulric Northman, who came to Minnesota in 1869, and was professor of music in the college, was vice-president from 1875-1885. After retiring he continued to act as professor until he died, January 21, 1890. His successor was Rev. Chrysostom Schreiner, who was in office from 1885-1891, when he resigned and left to establish the first Benedictine mission in the Bahama Islands. He resides at Nassau, the chief city of the group. Rev. Alexius Hoffmann, 1891- 1899 ; at present professor and librarian. Rev. Bruno Doerfler, 1899-1902; he is at present abbot of St. Peter's abbey at Muenster, in Saskatchewan. Rev. Leonard Kapsner, 1902-1905; at present pastor of St. Benedict's church, Avon, Minn. Rev. Albert Erkens, 1905-1909; at present pastor of Port Angeles, Washington. Rev. Alcuin Deutsch, Ph. D., 1909 to October, 1913; at present stationed in Minneapolis, Minn. The present occupant of the position of Rec- tor, Rev. Kilian Heid, was appointed October 28, 1913, upon the resignation of Father Alcuin. He is a native of Stearns county, received his education at St. John's and for a number of years was the principal of its commercial department.
The first degrees were conferred June 24, 1870; the first degree conferred was that of master of arts, on Father Boniface Moll; five candidates received the degree of bachelor of arts on the same occasion. The diploma of master of accounts was conferred for the first time in June, 1873, the first recipient be- ing Frank Schlick, at present one of the prominent business men of St. Paul. the degree of bachelor of philosophy was conferred for the first time in 1881, and that of bachelor of science in 1903. The whole number of academic de- grees conferred since 1870 was :
Bachelor of arts, 60; bachelor of philosophy, 77; bachelor of science, 6; master of arts, 21; doctor of divinity, 3; doctor of philosophy, 2.
St. John's has from the very beginning been a boarding school; it relies for its income chiefly upon the tuition paid by students, has no endowments and is supported by no other organization. It is a Catholic institution, con- ducted on the principles of the Catholic religion and all its professors, with the solitary exception of the director of the gymnasium, are members of the Benedictine order, who devote themselves to this work from religious motives and a desire to promote true education and enlightenment. While it en- deavors to offer students facilities of every kind to acquire an intellectual training, it emphasizes the importance of Christian education. That its ef- forts are appreciated through out the Northwest is evidenced by the fact that for the current school year 410 students have been enrolled and about 40 could not be admitted for want of accommodations.
The scholastic year begins early in September and closes in the latter part of June, with an intermission at Christmas.
In 1870 the only complete course offered students was the classical course and a few elective branches, such as music and drawing ; the nucleus of a semi-
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nary or theological course was formed about the same time. At a very early date a preparatory course was introduced. We have already mentioned the organization of a distinct commercial department in 1877. The following de- partments are operated at the present time :
1. The seminary, comprising the school of philosophy and the school of theology, with courses in scripture, church history, patrology, canon law, liturgy and homiletics.
II. The collegiate department, with courses in evidences of religion, philosophy, Latin (4 years), English (4 years), Greek, history, mathematics, civics, elocution, biology, chemistry, physics, astronomy, geology, drawing, French and German.
III. The academic department with courses in religious instruction, Latin (4 years), English (4 years), Greek, history, mathematics, elocution, biology, physics, chemistry, and German.
IV. The preparatory department.
V. The commercial department, with courses in religious instruction, English, arithmetic, bookkeeping, correspondence, commercial history and geography, commercial law, civics, political economy, parliamentary law and penmanship.
VI. Special departments: Shorthand and typewriting, music, drawing and physical culture.
For the assistance and encouragement of students desiring to fit them- selves for public speaking, several literary societies have been founded, some of which date almost from the foundation of the college itself. Several times during the year, members of the literary and dramatic societies prepare a liter- ary programme with which they entertain the faculty and student body in the university auditorium. In the course of the year several of the professors lecture publicly on interesting scientific subjects. A select home orchestra of twenty-four pieces furnishes first class music for festival occasions.
The attendance is recruited chiefly from Minnesota and the neighboring states and almost every nationality is represented.
Among the most prominent alumni of St. John's are Most Rev. Alexander Christie, archbishop of Oregon City; Most Rev. James J. Keane, archbishop of Dubuque, Iowa; Rt. Rev. Patrick R. Heffron, bishop of Winona; the late Bishops John Shanley, of Fargo, and Joseph B. Cotter, of Winona; Rt. Rev. Abbot Bruno Doerfler, O. S. B., of Muenster, Saskatchewan; Rt. Rev. Msgr. Edward J. Nagl, vicar general of the diocese of St. Cloud; Rt. Rev. Msgr. Max Wurst, John Caulfield, of St. Paul; Frank A. Gross, of Minneapolis; Joseph Rosenberger, Charles F. Ladner, Edward Zapp, Aloys J. Himsl, Herman Klasen and the late J. E. C. Robinson, of St. Cloud; Senator John Ahmann, of Rich- mond; John Hoeschen, of Melrose; Peter P. Maurin, of Cold Spring; Her- man Terhaar, of New Munich, and many others.
The institution has its own printing press and during the scholastic year "The St. John's Record" appears every month since 1888. In 1907 a history of St. John's University from 1857-1907 was published by the writer of this sketch.
ST. BENEDICT'S COLLEGE AND ACADEMY
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ST. BENEDICT'S COLLEGE AND ACADEMY.
This school for the higher education of young ladies is conducted in con- nection with St. Benedict's convent by the Sisters belonging to the latter insti- tution. It is located in the village of St. Joseph, eight miles west of St. Cloud.
"The building is constructed of brick on a basement of stone. Notable features of this instituton are its waterworks, electric light, steam heating, bathing facilities, open fire places, sanitary drinking fountains and an electric elevator. Extensive and beautiful grounds surround the building, where pupils have ample advantage for healthful exercise. Shady seats are provided at various points, and croquet grounds, basket ball and tennis grounds are in- cluded in the school grounds. In winter there are good opportunities for skating. Broad loggias and verandas, on the south side of the house, give shelter and opportunity for exercise in stormy weather or rest on warm after- noons. "
This quotation from the annual catalogue shows to what expense the Sis- ters have gone to make St. Benedict's resemble a home with all desirable comforts and attractions. How much different from the dingy establishment which housed the first class about thirty years ago!
The Sisters had come from St. Cloud to St. Joseph in 1864 and had always kept a small number of boarders, many of whom were candidates for the Sis- terhood. After 1875 girls and young women came in goodly numbers to be educated; aspirants asked admission to the community, and more dwelling room became a necessity that had to be supplied. The Sisters, therefore, con- cluded to erect a spacious convent and academy that would be in keeping with the brightening prospects. In the spring of 1879, the foundations were laid for one-half of the main building, which was finished before September of the following year. The Sisters now thought they had a sufficiently large house ; it was 100 by 56 with basement, three stories and mansard roof. In it they opened school with thirty-six pupils.
The first school year closed June 22, 1881, with well-attended commence- ment exercises. There was a rich programme, which revealed the ability of the teaching staff and the talent of the pupils.
In the same year Mother Scholastica Kerst was appointed superioress of both the convent and the acadamy. The development of the buildings under her administration and up to the present time is described in the sketch of St. Benedict's convent.
After the academy had been established in the new building the number of pupils increased remarkably and St. Benedict's soon became a favorite school for the young ladies of Stearns and adjoining counties. The first an- nual catalogue was issued in June, 1883. At this time the institution was pre- pared to offer quite an extensive curriculum ; there was a primary department of four grades; an intermediate department of three grades, and a graduating course. Besides there was opportunity for the study of instrumental and vocal music, domestic and fancy needle-work, dressmaking and domestic economy. The number of pupils was 65, mostly boarders; two pupils received graduat-
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ing diplomas. Two years later the number of graduates was 16. The academy was incorporated March 23, 1887.
It is under the immediate supervision of a Sister directress, supported by a number of disciplinarians. She is appointed by the Mother Superior of the convent. The present directress is Sister Dominica.
The following article regarding the institution has been prepared by the Mother Superioress :
The history of St. Benedict's college and academy is as pleasant and inter- esting as it is surprising. The wonderful growth of our state and its institu- tions is well portrayed and one cannot but recognize the invisible Hand of God guiding those whose motto in life is: "Ora et Labora," and who nobly under- took the work of educating youthful hearts in the pioneer days of Minnesota. The faithful daughters of St. Benedict answered an appeal for educators in the Northwest.
Over fifty years ago the Sisters came to Minnesota, then only a little more than a wilderness, with the intention of founding a convent and school. Pov- erty and want were the constant companions of the Sisters for many years. The indications of growth were slow and merely sufficient to encourage per- severance. School was taught in a small frame building, which had to serve for various purposes-convent, school and chapel.
After some years of struggle for existence, prospects finally grew brighter. An addition about the same size as the first house was erected. The old church and school house were next moved up to form a part of the convent structure, which thus assumed the appearance of a collection of dilapidated dwellings. However, the number of pupils increased, and with the growth of the religious community, more dwelling rooms became an absolute necessity. The Sisters, therefore, concluded to erect a spacious convent and academy that would be in keeping with the encouraging prospects.
In the spring of 1879 the foundations were laid for one-half of the main building, which was finished before September of the following year. The Sisters thought they had now a sufficiently large house; it was 100 by 56 feet, with basement, three stories, and mansard roof. In it they opened school with thirty-six pupils. Girls and young women came in goodly numbers to be edu- cated and aspirants asked admission to the community.
In 1883 it was again found necessary to have more dwelling room. Ac- cordingly an addition 100 by 56 feet, was erected in the same style as the first building and of the same material, brick and stone.
Again, the spring of 1892 found work started on another wing 90 by 50. The growth of the Institution surpassed all expectation. Indeed, it would have seemed presumptuous to even the most hopeful member of the community to have entertained the thought that their humble foundation would eventually develop into an educational institution of such prominence as is St. Benedict's today.
Upon the completion of the addition started in 1892 it might have been expected that now, at last, ample room had been afforded for all who would wish to secure their education at St. Benedict's. But in less than five years the space proved insufficient and another wing, 142 by 55 feet, was added.
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The latest building, completed in 1913, is 90 by 60 feet and strictly fire- proof. The present frontage of the building is 300 feet, giving a floor space of over 150,000 square feet. The latest addition includes a spacious assembly hall, commodious gymnasium, beautiful art rooms, sewing room, museum, recre- ation halls, and many private rooms, each supplied with hot and cold running water, and some with private bath. The buildings throughout are thoroughly modern and offer every convenience such as sanitary drinking fountains, elec- tric elevator, numerous baths, shower baths, open fire-places, etc.
The disciplinary goverment is mild and pupils are kept within the line of duty more by a sense of honor and justice than by fear of punishment. Pupils of all denominations are received; for the sake of uniformity and the preservation of discipline, however, all pupils are required to attend the public religious exercises.
The courses of study are complete. In addition to the regular work of the collegiate, academic, commercial, preparatory and primary departments, spe- cial advantages are offered in music, needlework, art, expression and domestic science.
The collegiate department affords young women an opportunity of re- ceiving their higher education in a Catholic atmosphere. The work in this de- partment has been outlined for four years, in conformity with the best edu- cational standards.
Applicants for admission to the freshman class of the college course must, by presenting diplomas or certificates, furnish evidence that they have com- pleted the preparatory requirements. Number of credits required for admis- sion are fifteen year-credits in high school subjects. The course includes re- ligion, English, logic, psychology, mathematics, philosophy, history, Latin, Greek, science, French and German.
The academic or high school department offers two courses of study, each covering a period of four years. The requisites for graduation are fifteen year- credits, or fifteen state certificates in high school subjects. Those desiring to take up a branch which is not in the course they have selected, are per- mitted to do so, provided the subject taken for the one omitted does not inter- fere with the course followed. The academy is accredited to the state univer- sities of Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and the Catholic University of America, Washington, D. C., which admits its graduates to Trinity College, Washington, D. C.
The classical course includes English, Latin, algebra, physiology, civics, Caesar, ancient history, plane geometry, Cicero, mediaeval history, physics, higher algebra, Virgil, physiography, modern history, American history, chem- istry, solid geometry, geology and botany.
The scientific course, in addition to the above mentioned studies, offers a complete course in German or French.
The commercial department enables a young lady to acquire a business education and make herself self-supporting. The work outlined requires two years for completion.
The preparatory and primary departments are complete in every respect. The aim of St. Benedict's College and Academy is to give an education at
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once thorough and complete. That it has fulfilled its aim, and still continues to do so, needs no further proof than that its enrollment increases with every new scholastic year. The present enrollment is about two hundred and sev- enty-five, with a faculty of thirty-two members, significant of the progress of our county and state. Thus, year by year, the progress of the school has continued, in the enlargement of the curriculum, introduction of new methods and new departments, ever keeping in touch with the times, today St. Bene- dict's College and Academy stands among the foremost institutions of the state for the education of young ladies. Its pupils and graduates may be found in every walk of life and various states of the Union, from the Gulf of Mexico, as far west as the Pacific coast. But within our county there stands the noblest monument typifying the change that time and progress have wrought. This monument occupies a central position in the building arrange- ment, and is none other than the beautiful Chapel of the Sacred Heart, a work of art, standing there in all its grandeur and magnificence, a worthy temple of the Most High.
The Chapel of the Sacred Heart is built in the Roman Renaissance style, carried out in all its classic details, and forms a harmonious whole which calls forth the admiration of every beholder. The corner stone of this edifice was laid on October 13, 1912. On March 25, 1914, it was dedicated by the Right Reverend James Trobec, D. D., Bishop of St. Cloud, Minnesota.
The length of the chapel is one hundred and fifty-seven feet, the width of the nave is sixty feet, while at the transept it is one hundred and ten feet. The extreme height of the building is one hundred and thirty-five feet. The structure, which is absolutely fireproof, is bnilt of white sand-lime brick, with terra cotta trimming; the foundation is of buff Kansas brick.
Cloisters, harmonizing with the general exterior of the chapel, connect it with the college, academy, convent and novitiate, giving the whole exterior an impressive monastic appearance, resembling the convents of the middle ages.
The beautifully-carved marble entrance, with its columns of white Italian marble, is very imposing. The chaste beanty of the interior of the chapel is truly soul-inspiring. The vaulted ceiling with its graceful arches is sup- ported by twenty-four majestic columns of polished Rockville granite, resting on bases of Minnesota marble, with sub-bases of Alps green marble. The four columns supporting the dome are cluster columns ingeniously put together.
The floors of the chapel, which are of terrazzo, contain artistically ar- ranged patterns of marble in the aisles, while the floors beneath the pews are of oak. The floor of the sanctuary, which is raised four feet above the chapel floor, and in the shrine niches at either end of the transept, are of Minne- sota marble. In this are beautiful designs of Tennessee, Pavanazzo and Nu- midian marble, chief among which is a dial six feet in diameter of polished Pavanazzo with a scroll of gold mosaic.
The woodwork, including the pews, choir stalls, four confessionals, and all the furniture in the sanctuary and sacristies is of southern red gumwood in natural color. All the doors are leather covered.
The altars, five in number, communion railing, and the ten statues adorning
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the various altars were all imported from Italy. They are of beautifully carved Carrara marble, true specimens of excellent Italian workmanship.
The main altar deserves special notice because of its singular artistic design. Among valuable sketches of altars, the sisters found one design drawn by the Reverend Andrea Puteo, S. J., at Rome, in the year 1719. This draw- ing gave them an idea and they requested their altar builder to draught a sketch, using the Reverend Puteo's design as a suggestion. This was done and a most beautiful altar was the result. The altar proper is surrounded by eight marble columns of Old Convent Sienna marble, which rest on bases of Georgia Creole marble. Above the columns and capitals is an entablature beautifully carved, given a metallic effect of gold and silver. Upon this en- tablature stand six large angels dressed in Levitical garments, holding aloft a large golden crown which forms a canopy for the altar.
The side altars consist of an altar of the Sacred Heart, and another of the Blessed Virgin. Besides these, there is an altar of St. Joseph in the south shrine niche, and an altar of the Pieta in the north shrine niche. All are built in harmony with the main altar. Many electric lights illuminate the arches. The cast brass chandeliers and other electric light fixtures are of special design.
Thus is described, in brief, the stately edifice erected after many years of diligent labor and patient endurance. While a large sum has been spent in the erection of the chapel, the Sisters of St. Benedict feel that it is the fruit of countless sacrifices and acts of self-denial, performed for the greater honor and glory of God. It is, in their estimation, but an humble tribute of gratitude for His graces and assistance in the past.
May the Chapel of the Sacred Heart, at the Convent of St. Benedict, be a lasting memorial and manifestation of the living faith that dwells in the hearts of the sisters! May this faith be enkindled in the hearts of all men! May there soon resound, from pole to pole, the heartfelt prayer, "Praised be the Sacred Heart of Jesus; to It be honor and glory, forever and ever !"
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CHAPTER XIX.
ST. BENEDICT'S CONVENT.
Arrival of the Sisters of St. Benedict in Minnesota-Boarding School Opened -First Convent Erected-Removal to St. Joseph-Colonies Sent Out- Privations and Denial-Orphanages-Indian Mission Work-Hospitals Established-Home for the Aged-Present Activities-By Rev. Alexius Hoffmann, O. S. B.
The first Benedictine Sisters were introduced into the United States from Eichstaedt, Bavaria, in 1852, and established themselves at St. Mary's in Elk county, Pennsylvania. Five years later they were invited by Bishop Joseph Cretin of St. Paul to take charge of schools in the German settlements of Minnesota. Five sisters, led by Mother Benedicta Riepp, arrived in St. Paul the same year (1857), where they were cordially welcomed by the bishop and by Father Demetrius de Marogna, the first Benedictine priest in the North- west. They were directed to St. Cloud, where they arrived July 7, 1857.
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