USA > New York > Niagara County > History of the Seminary of Our Lady of Angels : Niagara University, Niagara County, N.Y., 1856-1906 > Part 20
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30
Digitized by Google
218
NIAGARA UNIVERSITY
study hall of a generous and affectionate prefect; and the faculty of a valued and trusted confrere."-Index, April 1, 1898.
In the records for 1886-1887 occurs this legend: "Rev. James O. Hayden, C. M., graduate of Cape Girardeau, professor of read- ing, composition, declamation, in the Preparatory Department ; pro- fessor of mental philosophy in the Senior Department." In Sep- tember, 1887, he is Director of Seminarians, professor of arithmetic and mental philosophy. A year later he is totally engaged in the Senior Department, having bequeathed his arithmetic class to Father Grace. The next two years leave him quiescent in the duties of the previous year, but the opening of studies in 1891 finds him with the additional duty of vice-president or assistant to Father Kav- anagh, having succeeded to that office upon the transfer of Father Edward Antill to Saint John's Seminary in Brooklyn. In Sep- tember, 1893, he retires from the directorship in favor of Rev. James J. Sullivan, C. M., 1874, and in September, 1894, he has consigned " San Severino " likewise to the care of the new director.
Unlike most of the members of our faculties hitherto mentioned, Father Hayden's service at Niagara projects into a future reign, that of Father McHale, under whom he continued to hold the office of assistant besides taking on, in September, 1896, the office of treasurer, and continuing therein until his transfer to Germantown, in 1900, as Superior of the Mother House.
As soon as Father Hayden became assistant to Father Kavanagh he began to plan, in accordance with the rights of his office, for a material renovation of our institution. It had been in existence for something over thirty years, and because during the greater part of that time it had been heavily encumbered with debt, no improve- ments worth the name had been made, while a dilapidated condition of things had already begun to manifest itself. In 1891 we had so far emerged from the blanket of debt which covered us that we were able to see our way towards needed repairs and necessary improve- ments. The collossal energy which Father Hayden possessed, and which shall not have entirely petered out even when the trump of Gabriel re-echoes through Niagara's gorge, overcame one obstacle after another, even the conservative disposition of Father Kavanagh.
Father Rice is called Niagara's second founder ; Father Hayden may well be termed Niagara's rejuvenator. He found our ceilings of cracked or threatening plaster ; he left them of blocked tin, painted and secure. Bathrooms and toilets were meagre in their accommoda-
Digitized by Google
!
219
NIAGARA UNIVERSITY
tions ; he left them tiled, labled, and altogether comfortable for the purposes intended. The corps de cuisine could not be differentiated at a single glance from those " addicted to the glebe." Father Hayden, with his scrupulous habits of neatness, soon catechized the chef, and taught him the relation between an immaculate apron and a savory roast. For years before the Devil's Hole trolley began to run we depended upon the drivers of our " college rig " to bring information, or doctor, or pills to those in need of such comforts. Father Hayden rested not until a telephone was installed and com- munication with the outside world was systematically established, November, 1891. Bad roads, balky horses, delinquent drivers, made the transmission of our college mail to and fro irregular and unsatis- factory. Father Hayden was instrumental in having Niagara made a fourth-class post-office, which has been in successful and lucrative operation since 1888. The Seminarians' quarters for chapel and classroom were very undesirable, and it was not long before they had their present chapel, one of the coziest in any seminary. When Father Kavanagh's successor decided to push forward the decorations of the Alumni Chapel, he entrusted the details to his assistant, Father Hayden, who secured frescoers and other artistic workmen, over- seeing their plans with a business eye, exacting every detail called for by the specifications until one of the most tastefully decorated chapels in the State was reopened for service on January 25, 1898.
With such an energetic assistant who was not afraid to go ahead when he received the word, but who knew his subordinate position too well to assume the initiative or dictate improvements, Father Kavanagh was able, when his time for resignation came, to hand over a practically new Niagara to his successor. An acetylene gas plant and an electric plant were among the many pointed improve- ments which Father Hayden was largely instrumental in introducing at Niagara. And although from the sordid computation of the price of tallow dips per dozen these introductions have proved more costly than our old methods of illumination, they are found to be indispensable, especially that of electricity.
Father Hayden is a nephew of Very Rev. John Hayden, C. M., fourth Visitor of our Congregation in the United States, who was born at " The Barrens," Mo., in 1831. He was baptized by Father Timon, C. M., afterwards the first Bishop of Buffalo, took his vows in our Community in 1851, and was ordained priest, December 8, 1855, in Saint Vincent's Church, St. Louis, Mo., by Archbishop Peter Richard Kenrick. His companions in ordination were: Very Rev.
Digitized by Google
220
NIAGARA UNIVERSITY
James McGill, C. M., our present Visitor, and the present venerable Archbishop Ryan of Philadelphia. On the appointment of Very Rev. Stephen V. Ryan, C. M., Visitor, to succeed Bishop Timon in the diocese of Buffalo, Father John Hayden was promoted to the office left vacant by Father Ryan's elevation. " His beautiful char- acter," says a confrere who knew him well, "impressed and won everybody. On the mission field and at home he was the delight of his brethren, of the secular clergy, and the people." He paid Niag- ara an official visit in October, 1872, going thence to Cape Girardeau, Mo., where he developed pneumonia and died, to the great affliction of his religious brethren, after only a few days' illness. His body was brought to Germantown, Pa., and buried in the vault beneath Saint Vincent's Church, where reposes the dust of so many of Saint Vincent's children. Requiescat.
Thus, love for the Congregation, which is one of Father James O. Hayden's strong characteristics, may be said to have been inherited through his noble uncle. While the nephew may not possess all the angelic suavity of demeanor which seems to have made his revered uncle's government a subject of pleasant remembrance, he possesses a most fair sense of justice, and he cannot be said to have exacted from others what he refused to do himself. His anxiety to have his brethren enjoy all liberties and comforts consistent with their state of life is as well known as any of the other characteristics which have shown him to be among the most efficient men of our Congregation. At present writing, Father Hayden is pastor of Saint Joseph's Church, Emmitsburg, Md., one of the most important missions in our province, principally because of its proximity to the Mother House of the Sisters of Charity, where about three hundred inmates are dependent for spiritual ministrations upon their Vincentian brethren.
Another " Cape " student who served on Niagara's Faculty under Father Kavanagh was the Rev. Dennis J. Downing, C. M., of mis- sionary fame. He was one of our local band of evangelizers with Father Frank O'Donoughue, C. M., but accepted the office of prefect in the boys' department about October, 1889, by way of temporary respite on account of unsatisfactory health. Tall, willowy, muscu- lar, ascetic in appearance, determined in manner, he drove the fear of God into the few boys who were given to nomadic habits, and ad- vanced along the road to holiness the many who appreciated his efforts in their regard. The drudgery of his office, however, was greatly minimized through the punctual co-operation of Messrs.
Digitized by Google
221
NIAGARA UNIVERSITY
Edward L. Carey, C. M., and John Cribbins, C. M., afterwards prom- inent educators at Niagara, both of whom, though only clerics at the time, were consummate masters of the minutis connected with the office of assistant prefect. It was rarely, indeed, that either of these active young aids failed to ring the class bell on the second, although they had to descend from the cupola or thereabouts to the first pre- fect's office on the ground floor before they could "manipulate the tintinnabulum." Father Downing retired from the prefectship before the completion of a two-years' course, taking up the work of a simple professor. In the autumn of 1895 he was again placed on the missions, and has remained in that field practically ever since. He is at present located in Springfield, Mass., at Saint Vincent's Mission- ary Home.
Rev. Leon X. Dufour, likewise a " Cape " student, joined Niag- ara's Faculty at the opening of studies in 1889, after lengthy service in our college in Brooklyn. He was a professor in the commercial department, and during the two years that he remained here he was greatly beloved by his brethren and the students for his agreeable disposition. He is at present located in Chicago, doing most satis- factory work in one of the larger parishes of that great city.
The treasurer for 1891-1892 was Rev. John A. Maloney, C. M., who had been on Niagara's Faculty as early as 1872, as professor of mathematics and languages. He remained here until the close of studies in 1894, when he was transferred to our house in Brooklyn, of which at one time he had been Acting Superior. He was a man full of information, owing to his wide and judicious reading ; a most zealous worker, especially in those fields which were congenial to him, as parish duty or those of procurator. He was highly esteemed, especi- ally by the elder members of the Community who knew his worth better than those of a younger generation. He died at Mount Hope Re- treat, of which he was chaplain, February 14, 1901. Requiescat.
Other priests besides the many whom we have mentioned served under Father Kavanagh during his sixteen years of presidency, but as they served also under his successor, and as some of them are yet here under Father Likly, we shall leave them for the present, taking them up in due course as the narrative on our two remaining presi- dents proceeds. We feel that perhaps we have injected an element of monotony into our volume by the formal manner in which we have treated the career of each of the priests connected with Niagara since her inception. Our narrative has about it a sameness which could be eliminated only by an artificial process of composition
Digitized by Google
222
NIAGARA UNIVERSITY
wherein a sophomoric struggle for novelty of plan would defeat the prime object of this book,- to give tender, sincere, and reverent testimony of the great men who lived here before us, of the good men who come close to our own time, and of the men who are re- sponsible for Niagara's present condition.
Our scheme does not contemplate the recording of minute events in the history of those who have made our institution what it is. Neither have we allowed analytic criticism, especially of the adverse sort, to pervade our pages under the plea of dissecting character, that the naked truth may be known - and delicacy offended to no good purpose. Our readers, as a rule, will be those who need no analysis from our pen. Their memory will go back as ours has gone, farther, too, than some of us have been able to reach even with the aid of historic reference. They would not commend us if, in our puerile attempt to display the skill of an anatomist, we were to lay bare those faults, those eccentricities, which cling to the noblest of characters, but which, in the case at least of Niagara's priestly heroes, soft-fingered Time has covered over.
Digitized by Google
CHAPTER XVIII
FATHER KAVANAGH'S SILVER JUBILEE - HIS DEPARTURE FROM NIAGARA - HIS SICKNESS, DEATH, AND BURIAL
T HE event of greatest importance in the career of Father Kav- anagh as President of Niagara was the celebration, on the 14th of October, 1891, of his Silver Jubilee in the priesthood. The exact date would have been on the preceding 19th of July, but as a celebration on that day would occur in vacation, when Niagara's Faculty and students are scattered, it was decided by those having the affair in charge to choose some suitable date after the opening of studies. The 14th of October was selected, the friends of Father Kavanagh notified, and our institution put in readiness for the occa- sion. The protests, long and vehement, of the prospective jubilarian against a public celebration were ignored by the Faculty Committee and those of the alumni with a determination which for once, at least, was superior to his own decisive manner.
On the day itself the Niagara Index, to which Father Kavanagh had always been a consistent friend, came out in holiday attire with this legend on its front cover: "Silver Jubilee, 1866-1891, Niagara Index, Complimentary to the Very Rev. P. V. Kavanagh, C. M." A fine half-tone likeness of the celebrant was inserted as frontispiece, followed by the following "Jubilee Sonnet ":
Father and friend! our simple praise to one All simple thro' the circl'd years now flown ; Tho' high exalted, mindful of his own However low; 'tis thus Saint Vincent's son Ere that he dies hath earned the words " Well Done!" Repeat not here the precious treasures sown ; Kind silence keep; he would not have them known ; Another sees the crowns that he has won. Veil all that might his modest face suffuse ; Awake not here the strains of fulsome song, Nor yet the heartfelt tribute here refuse; All chorus'd then our voices roll along: God bless our friend! May prayer choice blessings bring! Howe'er we try what better can we sing?
Digitized by
224
NIAGARA UNIVERSITY
This was followed by a sketch of Father Kavanagh's life and an editorial entitled "To-day's Celebration."
" The numbers of those who live to celebrate the 25th anniversary of their ordination to the holy priesthood are comparatively few. The majority of the laborers in the glorious field of salvation are called to their reward before the quarter century mark has been reached. To those, however, who have been permitted to continue their work of love, the long term of twenty-five years seems as a day. It is not to be wondered at, then, that the announcement of the Silver Jubilee of one of God's anointed is heralded with more than usual joy by Catholics as well as by the immediate friends of the priest. It is seldom that the approach of the completion of so nota- ble a period of years has created the excitement and sent such a thrill of joy throughout the country as did the announcement made some time ago that Very Rev. P. V. Kavanagh, C. M., the beloved and revered President of Niagara University, would soon complete the twenty-fifth year of his successful career in the ministry of God. The friends of Father Kavanagh are not confined to any diocese or State, but are found in vast numbers in almost every city in the Union, and, in fact, throughout the old and new worlds. His influ- ence and care have been felt with profit by a large army of men in every profession and walk of life.
"The efforts made by the more interested friends of Father Kavanagh to render the celebration of his 25th anniversary as a min- ister of God a day that will ever be remembered by him have been determined and untiring. The protests of the very reverend gentle- man have been in vain, and it was resolved that, as a fitting opportunity had presented itself, it was not to be allowed to slip by without show- ing the appreciation which his brother priests throughout the coun- try have for so beautiful and fatherly a disposition, and for such untiring and self-sacrificing zeal.
"For the twenty-five years of his priestly life Father Kavanagh has been almost constantly at Niagara, and during that time large numbers of God's workers have gone forth on their chosen missions. A heavy debt of gratitude is owed to him by all who have had the happiness of feeling at some time or other the benefit of his wise counsels and guiding care. The dearest moments in the lives of many are those passed while here at Niagara, under the directing hand of the one whom to-day we honor.
"The characteristically modest nature of our dear President would not permit, were his will consulted, anything like the demonstra-
Digitized by Google
225
NIAGARA UNIVERSITY
tion with which he is greeted. Be it said to the glory of the mem- bers of Niagara's Alumni and to the friends of Father Kavanagh, that in spite of his protestations made about a year ago at a meeting of the Alumni Association, when it was made known that the time for a fitting tribute to be paid to him was fast approaching, they took it entirely from his hands and resolved not to heed, in this in- stance, his admonitions and refusals. Little did that generous heart dream of the sentiment which filled each breast at that meeting ; still less did he imagine that his wish to let his anniversary pass without a celebration would go unheeded.
" The several committees in the East and West have left nothing undone in their desire to fulfill their pleasing task. The surprise of this morning for Father Kavanagh must have been something akin to that happiness which comes alone from the consciousness of having faithfully done one's duty, and of unexpectedly meeting with old friends and companions. It is with the greatest pleasure and with boundless joy that he grasps the hand of each alumnus as he enters once more his Alma Mater. Many and glowing would the tributes be were each of the hundreds of clergymen and laymen who have already arrived, and who will continue to come throughout the day, allowed to relieve his mind of the sentiments that must remain pent up on account of the feelings of Father Kavanagh.
" There can be no more appropriate testimonial to the regard in which he is held by all than that proclaimed by the large numbers who have hastened to revisit their Alma Mater and to pay their respects to him towards whom all our thoughts now turn. It is, moreover, with justice that they do so, for the foundations upon which their success rests have been firmly laid by him.
" In congratulating Father Kavanagh on the completion of so many fruitful years of labor, the Index does so with the consciousness that Niagara's journal owes its success and prosperity to him. It is the earnest and heartfelt wish of not only the present staff, but of those whose places we now occupy, that many, many years to come may crown him with the success that has met him in the past, and that his joys to-day may be but harbingers of the happiness that is deservedly his."
Consulting the files of the ever handy Index, we find in the issue for November 1, 1891, the subjoined exhaustive account of the way in which Niagara's fifth President was honored by Niagara's children and Niagara's friends in general:
Digitized by Google
226
NIAGARA UNIVERSITY
"NIAGARA'S GALA DAY
" It was our desire to publish in the Jubilee issue of the Index a complete programme of the exercises to be carried out on the occa- sion of the 25th anniversary of Father Kavanagh's entrance to the holy ministry. Circumstances, however, prevented the execution of our plan. It will interest those of our readers who were unable to be present on the 14th ult. to learn in what manner Niagara's sons and friends thought best to honor and manifest their love and esteem for so kind a Superior and so true a friend. Nature seemed to smile a pleasing assent to the celebration and to lend her aid in making it a success. The fear was frequently expressed on the preceding days that the cold and rain which then prevailed would continue on the 14th, and thus dampen the festivities. A glimpse, however, of the sun on the eventful morning put all fear aside and made the hearts of hundreds leap with joy. The day was all that could be desired. For several days the decorators had been busily engaged in transforming both the interior and exterior of the University from its wonted classic and severe appearance into a fairyland of bunting and silk. The designs were novel and pretty and produced a pleasing effect.
"Often has it fallen to our lot to witness her in her gala attire, but never was she so gorgeously or richly dressed as on the 14th. The front of the building was fairly hidden behind a covering of flags, streamers, and banners. Under each window was placed a shield surmounted by two American flags, while from the gables of the side wings of the University, and crossing each other in the center, were wide streamers of bunting and strings of flags of all nations. The striking feature, however, of the front of the building was, perhaps, the drapery and combination of colors that seemed to emanate from a central point just over the main entrance. A large banner, artistic- ally worked and bearing the ensign of our country, was made the radi- ating point from which were extended on either side long streamers of bunting. Flags of different nations were likewise extended from the corners of the gables of the main building, and produced a happy effect as they toyed with the gentle breeze. Above the banner were three large flags, the American holding the place of honor, while on either side were the Papal colors and the emerald banner of Erin. Festoons, wreaths, and rosettes on a background of bunting lent an additionally bewildering effect as they appeared along the rail over the veranda.
"The first thing to proclaim a welcome to the arrivals was the large arches that had been erected at the entrances to the college
Digitized by Google
.
227
NIAGARA UNIVERSITY
grounds. It would seem that so much had been done to make the exterior of 'Old Niagara' attractive and gay that the interior would of necessity become forgotten. This, however, was not the case. The corridors and halls received their share of attention, and were ornamented in a manner at once fitting and appropriate. The P. V. K. Hall drew from every one exclamations of admiration and elicited unstinted praise for the decorators. A complete description of the hall as it appeared when the finishing touches had all been made would be a task too difficult to attempt. The ceiling and walls with their silk banners, gold-fringed hangings, groups of swaying flags, and Japanese ornaments gave a pleasing and artistic effect. The college color, purple, was predominant, and occupied the most conspicuous place, being drawn in the form of a curtain on both sides of the stage.
" It may be truly said that never since Niagara was founded had she looked so bright, nor had such efforts been put forth in the line of decorations. Too much praise cannot be given Father Hayden, in whose hands the whole matter rested, for the zeal and taste he man- ifested in the arrangement and selection of the various ornaments, draperies, and hangings.
" The influx of visitors on the 13th gave promise that the number of those who would be present on the following day to pay their respects and do honor to Father Kavanagh would be beyond expecta- tion. The arrivals were continuous and eager to compliment the reverend gentleman, and only a knowledge of what was to come served to check their enthusiasm. Time was not allowed to slip away on ยท the morning of the 14th. As early as 7 o'clock the University Band was on hand to welcome the Western delegation of Niagara's Alumni, who arrived a few minutes later in their Pullman car. The coach was decorated with streamers of red, white, and blue, and with a profu- sion of the college colors. It was, indeed, a pleasing sight and be- spoke the love of Niagara's Western sons for their Alma Mater and the dear President whom they were resolved to honor. From that hour until long after 10 o'clock the throng of visitors continued to arrive.
" The carriage service at Suspension Bridge and Niagara Falls was unable to cope with the pressing demand, and the New York Central kindly consented to stop their train on the bank near the University. Fully one hundred availed themselves of this opportunity, and were favored once again with the familiar scenes along the Niagara River. The delegates from the East reached
Digitized by Google
288
NIAGARA UNIVERSITY
Suspension Bridge on the preceding day, and were warmly received as they entered the University on the 14th. The hearty handshake with which each new arrival was greeted by Father Kavanagh, as well as the joyous meetings of old companions and friends, was char- acteristic of Niagara's faithful children. The lessons they had learned while under Father Kavanagh had not been forgotten, and the same spirit that has ever placed a seal of distinction on the stu- dents of our college home still burned as deep as in the days of yore. Many and joyous were the exchanges of greetings, and the radiant countenances of all bespoke more clearly than words the happiness and consolation that were felt in one once more visiting 'Old Niag- ara,' and in seeing the kind face of Father Kavanagh, so dear to every alumnus of this institution.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.