USA > New York > Niagara County > History of the Seminary of Our Lady of Angels : Niagara University, Niagara County, N.Y., 1856-1906 > Part 3
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On the 21st of September in the same year the cornerstone of the central or main building was laid with ceremonies as impressive, no doubt, as those which had attended the opening of the south wing in the beginning of the month. No detailed information is recorded concerning the event, but a copy of the announcement placed in the cornerstone has been preserved. After reciting the vicissitudes through which the institution had passed, the paper con- cludes after the manner of similar documents: "Pius IX. being Pope of the Catholic world; Most Rev. John McCloskey, D. D., Archbishop of New York; Right Rev. John Timon, Bishop of Buffalo; Andrew Johnson, President of the United States ; Steuben Fenton, Governor of the State of New York; Very Rev. Stephen V. Ryan, Visitor of the Congregation of the Mission in the United
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States ; Rev. Thomas J. Smith, C. M., Superior of the Seminary, but absent on account of ill health; Rev. Robert V. Rice, C. M., Assistant and Acting Superior."
The professors composing the faculty at the reopening of the Seminary were, besides those mentioned: Fathers E. M. Hennessy, J. V. Kelly, H. J. Anen, and Mr. P. V. Kavanagh. Several minor classes were taught by seminarians, among whom were Messrs. E. Kelley, W. O. Donoughue, and J. P. Daley.
No item is more prosaic in narrative than a list of names unless it be a column of figures. For the general reader such data can have no special significance and will in all probability be passed over as uninteresting. But to those who have been in any way associ- ated with Niagara's history the mention of a former professor can awaken sentiments as dear as any within the keeping of memory.
From the fact that the Seminary was opened to receive back its scattered students just nine months after its destruction by fire, it must not be supposed that the task of rebuilding was an easy one. On the contrary, one of the most affecting chapters in the history of our institution is that which recounts the struggles, anxieties, and disappointments of those who had undertaken the work of reconstruction.
To a depleted treasury was added the greater discouragement of opposition from those who, indeed, lamented the catastrophe of December 5th, and who would have consecrated themselves to any project which seemed to them certain to bring back the former state of things. But, to build without funds was not a scheme which their prudence was able to sanction, and so it happened that for a while it looked as if "Niagara " was destined to live only in her ashes, as memory hovers about the graves of those departed.
To add to this discouragement the two chief officers of the faculty, Father Rice, Superior, and Father Kenrick, procurator, fell dangerously sick and were ordered to the hospital, where they were obliged to remain for several weeks without being able, on account of their condition, to do anything towards the coveted work of rebuilding the Seminary. As soon, however, as convalescence began, they consulted with Bishop Timon as to the best means for raising money enough to clear away the debris left by the fire and begin the work of erecting a new building.
The plan advocated by the Bishop was one which, like many another successfully followed by ecclesiastics, may be said to take its rise from apostolic times. The Bishop's advice was
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to beg for the necessary funds from those likely to contribute, and suggested that a letter detailing the loss of the Seminary together with a request for a donation towards its re-erection, should be sent to the Holy Father, Pius IX. The suggestion was eagerly fol- lowed and as a result the sum of one thousand dollars was graciously contributed by the Head of Christendom. The Superior General of the Vincentians, Father Etienne, sent a like sum to his brethren from Paris, and Bishop Timon, who had already given one thou- sand dollars on the day after the burning, supplemented his first gift by another, so that the resources at hand encouraged Father Rice to make a beginning towards accomplishing the purpose so dear to his heart.
About six thousand dollars had been collected, but on the other hand floating debts, which had to be paid, began to eat up this slender resource, until at the opening of spring, Father Rice found himself almost as poor as when he lay fever-stricken in the hospital without a dollar in the treasury. It was at this juncture that the discour- agement alluded to above began to make itself felt in a way which would have disheartened many a laborer in the Lord's vineyard; but when everything seemed darkest the indomitable spirit of Father Rice asserted itself so strenuously that his superiors were forced first to admire the man's determination, and finally to grant the longed for permission to " go ahead."
The tireless energy of Niagara's fourth president and those associated with him in the work of collecting funds for the new building was reciprocated in many quarters, and yet the result was far from assuring if only the financial side of the question be con- sidered. Much sympathy was expressed for the struggling Vincen- tians; generous assistance was also given in many directions, but, in addition, the institution became more widely known through the efforts of its faculty to secure much-needed funds, so that in a short while both the collegiate and seminary departments began to have increased attendance. It was this fact which above all encouraged Niagara's priests of that time to persevere in carrying out their design to place their institution on a substantial basis. Alms were good, sympathy was appreciated, but crowded halls were better than all, since increased attendance was proof practical that the friends of Catholic education endorsed the Vincentian Fathers in their project.
Nor has this view of the question altered with the lapse of years. While donations, good will, moral aid, are all gratefully
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acknowledged and deeply prized by those who have, under God, the destinies of Niagara in their hands, they candidly express their preference for a crowded register at $220 per annum for each name entered. Is this mercenary, lacking in apostolic spirit (which led St. Paul to pronounce money the root of all evil, and yet im- pelled him to announce collections for his indigent brethren) ?
Niagara is not primarily an eleemosynary institution, main- tained for the education of " poor but honest " pupils, to para- phrase somewhat the fourth lection of the breviary in the lives of most saints. Yet the charity which Niagara has done in the educa- tion of Catholic youth from 1856 to 1906 would, if converted into " coin of the realm," place $75,000 to our credit as a fund for the maintenance of fifteen burses. Our real estate crowning the highest point of Mont Eagle Ridge is roughly valued at $400,000, but until a few years ago it was so heavily encumbered by debt that we felt obliged almost to take off our hats to the holders of our mortgages and thank them for allowing us shelter from Ontario's icy blasts.
It is neither interesting nor necessary to give in detail the his- tory of Niagara's financial vicissitudes. Like most Catholic insti- tutions her inheritance has been one chiefly of debt, yet has she struggled on through all the years of her existence until to-day her financial condition, and especially her prospects, are sound enough to warrant her present administrators in the erection of a much needed building now nearing completion. It will be the first important one erected at Niagara since the construction of the Alumni Chapel, begun in 1874 and finished in 1886. We present it as our Golden Jubilee offering to Catholic education. In our cata- logue for the current year the following notice was published, together with a cut of the building as it will appear when opened a few weeks hence for the accommodation of our students :
" The increasing demands made upon the institution in recent years have made imperative the building now in process of erection. Besides the gymnasium proper the new building will contain a study hall and dormitory. The building will be located one hundred feet south of the present Alumni Hall, its dimensions being 160 feet running south, by 90 feet in width.
" The style of architecture, 'Collegiate Gothic,' modified to harmonize with the architecture of the present buildings, has en- abled the architect to give a design simple, but dignified, and in keeping with the purpose of the building.
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" The walls, built of native limestone, with trimmings of Ohio sandstone, the floors of cement and steel, the roof of steel and slate, will make the building fire-proof.
" The basement, or rather the ground floor, as the floor is but one foot below the pavement, is reached through a massive and molded stone portal, opening with a vestibule, 20 x 55. From this vestibule access is had to the club room, 40 x 60; the bath room, 40 x 85; lockers and dressing room, 30 x 45; the bowling alley, 20 x 115; and to the upper floor by a broad and easy stair- case. The story is fourteen feet in the clear. The bath room will be fitted up in the most modern and sanitary manner. The floor walls, and ceilings will be lined with white marble. The swimming pool, 20 x 65, will have a depth of four feet at one end and eight feet at the other. The bottom and sides will be of white tile; adjoining the plunge will be the showers, twelve in number, enclosed in marble compartments, as will also be the enameled tubs and toilets. The locker rooms adjoining will be fitted up with separate lockers, etc.
"In the bowling alley will be placed two regulation-size alleys, with raised seats at either end, and sides of the room.
" From the main vestibule, with its floor of tile and walls of ornamental pressed brick and panelled oak ceiling, a stair of iron and slate will lead to the floor above. On this floor will be located the study hall and general assembly room, 80 x 135, the Prefect's rooms, 17 x 20, and the vestibule, 20 x 20.
" The study hall will have high wainscoting of oak, and the ceil- ing will be deeply panelled with the same material. The height will be nineteen feet between floor and ceiling. Great care will be exercised in making this a model school room, so far as light, venti- lation and school furniture are concerned.
" The second floor will contain a dormitory, 80 x 125 feet, easily accommodating 140; adjoining will be located the lavatory, 35 x 65 feet, containing toilet compartments and individual marble basins. This story will be seventeen feet in the clear. The top floor will be used as a gymnasium, and will be 80 x 150, unobstructed by columns, the roof being carried on steel trusses of eighty feet spans. This room will have a double handball alley ; will be fitted for indoor basketball, baseball, tennis, running track, etc., and equipped with the best modern gymnastic apparatus. The height from the floor to the lower chord of trusses, and as much more between that and the apex of the roof, will afford room for the bars, trapezes, etc.
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Ample light will be afforded through windows at sides and ends and through four large skylights in the roof.
" No pains or expense will be spared to make this building the most complete of its kind in the country. Special attention has been given to the lighting, especially in the study hall, our own plants furnishing the gas and electricity. An efficient system of ventilation will always keep the air in the building pure and fresh. The heating will be steam piped from the present boiler house.
" The drainage, plumbing, and other sanitary arrangements will be as perfect as possible."
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THE NEW GYMNASIUM
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THE
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LIBRARY OF
THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY,
NEW YORK
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OUR SILVER JUBILEE
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CHAPTER IV
SILVER JUBILEE OF THE SEMINARY - MORNING EXERCISES - DIG- NITARIES PRESENT - AFTERNOON EXERCISES - ALUMNI Asso- CIATION FORMED - ALUMNI GAUDEAMUS.
O N November 21st, 1881, the Seminary of Our Lady of Angels completed its 25th year of existence as an insti- tution devoted to Catholic higher education. The cele- bration of this great event, however, was postponed for a few days, the better to accommodate visitors coming from a distance to attend "Niagara's Silver Jubilee."
"Early on the morning of the 23d ult." (we quote our entire account from the Jubilee Supplement of the Niagara Index, Decem- ber 3, 1881) "many alumni had already gathered to do honor to the great day. The weather, although a slightly cold wind sped along from the land of the Esquimaux, was fair. The band came out to wake the morning breezes by the sound of sweet music. So the time from morning prayers sped blithely on until the giant smok- ing steed on the R., W. & O. Railroad puffed into the precincts of the Seminary grounds at 10 A. M. The two palace coaches annexed bore over a hundred and thirty persons - the patrons, friends, and former students of Old Niagara. It was greeting from all sides as they stepped from the platform. But it was near the hour for the Mass, and the visitors wended their way to the new chapel. " The celebration of the Silver Jubilee was appropriately begun by solemnly offering up the Holy Sacrifice in gratitude to God for the many favors bestowed upon the Seminary during the last quarter of a century. Right Rev. Bishop Loughlin, of Brooklyn, was the officiating prelate; Rev. M. Carroll, '64, of Brooklyn, acted as Assistant Priest; Rev. James Rogers, '61, of Buffalo, as Deacon ; Rev. F. S. Henneberry, "79, of Chicago, as Subdeacon ; Rev. William McNab, '66, of Medina, N. Y., as First Master of Ceremonies ; Rev. Charles McMullin (seminarian), Second Master of Ceremonies. At the Credence Table were Messrs. J. Biden and P. Trauscht; Acolytes, Messrs. J. Hartley and J. Dolan; Mitre Bearers, Messrs. A. O'Rourke and M. Sullivan ; Crosier Bearer, W. Morrison ; Book Bearer, W. Dwyer; Candle Bearer, T. McCaf- frey; Censer Bearer, W. Wilber; Direct Attendants on the Bishop,
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Messrs. T. Brady, P. Whelan, M. Kean, J. McCormack, J. Theis, T. Haire, T. Milde, and E. Duffy.
" After the Celebrant and his attendants had vested in the Community Chapel, the seminarians, clergymen and venerable pre- lates all marched in solemn procession to the new chapel. As they slowly wended their way to the sanctuary the deep tones of the organ reverberated through the spacious edifice, and told in grave accents of the memorable occasion about to be commemorated. In the sanctuary were Most Rev. Archbishop Lynch, C. M., of Toronto; Right Rev. Bishop Ryan, C. M., of Buffalo; Right Rev. Bishop McQuaid, of Rochester; Right Rev. Bishop Walsh, of London, Ont .; Right Rev. Bishop Crinnon, of Hamilton, Ont .; Right Rev. Bishop O'Mahoney, Australia. The choir, under the direction of Father Kircher, occupied the gallery and rendered the Gregorian chant in a masterly manner.
"The Pontifical ceremonies, always grand and imposing, and commemorative of the most sublime truths of Christianity, were on this occasion particularly affecting, both from the number of officers and the gracefulness and composure with which they exe- cuted their functions. The bright array of gold vestments, the clear and musical intonations of the anthems, the notes of the " Gloria in Excelsis Deo," which seemed to unite earth with Heaven, aroused the soul to celestial contemplation. At the conclusion of the solemn rites the Te Deum was chanted, and then Arch- bishop Lynch, Niagara's Founder, delivered his memorable address, which we print in full elsewhere, and which was listened to with the greatest interest by all who were present. The Alumni and students learned the history of the foundation of their Alma Mater, and they felt their hearts touched by the simple recital of the trials and dis- couragements that beset the cradle of their college home. After the discourse, Solemn Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament was given by Bishop Loughlin. The services in the chapel being con- cluded on the intonation of the "Laudate Pueri," the former stu- dents and visitors repaired to the old refectory to discuss the pro and con of the Jubilee banquet.
" In the afternoon the conferring of degrees took place. Up to this time no degree other than that of A. B. had been given by the faculty of the College and Seminary of Our Lady of Angels. It would seem as if the Silver Jubilee were selected as an occasion most suited for showing a further appreciation of those who had finished the very complete course required by the authorities of this
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college. The exercises took place in the old Study Hall, so familiar to all those present. Seated upon the platform were Bishop Ryan, of Buffalo; Bishop Loughlin, of Brooklyn; Archbishop Lynch, of Toronto; Bishop O'Mahony, of Australia ; Bishop Walsh, of Lon- don, Ont .; Bishop Crinnon, of Hamilton, Ont .; Very Rev. Thomas J. Smith, Visitor of the Congregation of the Mission; Venerable Father Carroll, of the Chicago diocese, who had already spent sixty- five years in the ministry ; Very Rev. P. V. Kavanagh, C. M., Presi- dent of the Seminary; Rev. M. J. Kircher, C. M., Vice-President ; the other members of the faculty, and many of the visiting clergy and laity.
"Father Kavanagh opened his remarks by expressing the pleasure which he felt in being able to present to those who had previously received the degree of Bachelor of Arts the additional one of Master of Arts. The number of graduates was, indeed, small, only twenty-seven having received degrees from the institu- tion during the twenty-five years of its existence. But this fact should rather add to the worth of the diplomas about to be con- ferred, for it gave certain evidence that none but those really merit- ing them would receive them.
" The degree of Master of Arts was then conferred upon the following: Rev. James F. O'Hare, '67; Rev. E. W. McCarty, '67; Rev. Thomas A. Casey, '67; James Rafter, Esq., '68; Rev. Thomas Harty, '69; Rev. Edward O'Gorman, '69; Rev. John J. Hanlon, '72; Rev. John A. Reilley, '72; Rev. James Collins, "72; Rev. Michael Sally, "78; Rev. John J. Mallen, '74; Rev. Michael McLaughlin, '74; Rev. Patrick S. Dunne, '75; Rev. Nicholas Mc- Nulty, '76; Rev. James Lancaster, '76; Rev. James O'Loughlin, "76; Peter Trauscht, Esq., "78; John Biden, Esq., "78; Richard Moore, Esq., '78.
" The address to the graduates was then delivered by Right Rev. Bishop Ryan, C. M., D. D., and was a masterly effort. He voiced his opening sentences by congratulating the Faculty of the institu- tion, the Alumni and the present students on the celebration of this twenty-fifth birthday. The President, he said, had spoken of the material assistance which he (the Bishop) has given to the Semi- nary in the past, and the interest which he has ever manifested for its weal. Bishop Ryan recalled how, on the morning after his con- secration, when surrounded by a number of prelates, he had said that he would consider this institution as in an especial manner his own. It was, therefore, only natural, he said, if he had lent a help-
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ing hand in times of need. This was the institution on which he was to depend in no small measure for the education and training of the ecclesiastical students of his diocese.
" The education of young neophytes for the priesthood, he said with much fervor, was a subject very dear to him and was one that engrossed much of his attention. Catholic priests should be learned in the most subtle branches of education, while the severest curricu- lum of studies was advisable for those aspiring to the graduate's diploma. He rejoiced that the President of Niagara was able to say that degrees were conferred upon none who had not satisfac- torily passed the prescribed rigorous course of studies. He would advise him to relax in nothing the present severity of the course, but, on the contrary, to make it even more stringent, since then the high estimate in which the present degree course is held by the State authorities would be increased, and our diplomas would be valued by the educational world, no matter of what religious denomination.
" He would be proud to behold the graduates of the Catholic College able to cope in every department of even worldly knowledge with the best-trained minds of the day. Catholic priests, in partic- ular, would have to meet the greatest thinkers of opposite beliefs in the arena of religious controversy. The leading men of other creeds were well educated; some of them had received the very best training; and it was such men that the students of our seminaries would in after life be obliged to encounter. The necessity of solid knowledge was, therefore, apparent. In conclusion, he would give his voice to the sentiments of joy that the occasion had brought forth. He would congratulate the young men who had received the A. M. He remembered that on the occasion of the bi-centenary anniversary of the foundation of the Diocese of Quebec he had told the audience there present that the good Archbishop had invited him to the bi-centenary celebration, but on the tri-centenary he hoped to invite himself. He did not expect to be present in the hall where he was then, but he hoped to be a spectator looking down from the Upper Galleries. So here he might say the same. There were many who were here at our Silver Jubilee who would not be in this room on the celebration of the Golden Jubilee; but he hoped that all would be present in the Upper Galleries.
" Bishop Loughlin, of Brooklyn, on rising to speak, said that he had been called ' the old man of the assembly.' It would seem so, too, as it had been said that he was with the Seminary from the beginning - nobiscum ab initio. Three years ago he had celebrated
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the Silver Jubilee of his episcopacy, and on the 30th of October last he completed the fortieth year of his priesthood. For all that, on such an occasion as the present, he felt rejuvenated. If he had in any way been of service to the institution, it was in sending it students, and in rendering it material aid. Had he not the utmost confidence in the Seminary and in its management he would not have been here to-day. Many priests ordained from the Seminary were laboring with highest results in the Diocese of Brooklyn. He felt happy in stating that the warmest wishes of his heart were the further welfare of the Seminary, and he would conclude by repeat- ing the old motto, esto perpetua. Bishops O'Mahoney, Walsh, and Crinnon spoke briefly, and Archbishop Lynch made the concluding remarks.
" The performance of the band, under the leadership of Pro- fessor O'Neil, were well received. To the strains of an inspiriting march the audience left the Study Hall, and the ceremony of con- ferring, for the first time, the Degree of Master of Arts was brought to a successful close.
"One noticeable feature throughout was the good feeling that seemed to characterize every proceeding. All were delighted at the result, and if we do not be stowed away somewhere in the "Gal- leries " spoken of by Bishop Ryan, we will, beyond a doubt, be on hand to record the proceedings that will mark the Golden Jubilee, to be celebrated November 21, 1906. In anticipation, we invite all to keep us company on an occasion that promises to be even more memorable than the one whose doings we have just recorded.
" The visit of the old students to Niagara has resulted in the formation of an Alumni Association. The first steps were taken on Tuesday afternoon, November 22d, in the Niagara Index office. At that time some twenty of the old students, gathered from different sections of the country, came to the conclusion that it would be well to present this matter to those of Niagara's Alumni who would grace the Silver Jubilee exercises with their presence. The gather- ing resolved to hold an informal meeting in the college parlors on the evening of the 22d. At the appointed time all assembled. Rev. J. J. Mallen, "78, of Brooklyn, N. Y., was chosen chairman. The thirty persons in attendance pledged themselves, come what might, to adhere to the project of establishing a Niagara Alumni Associa- tion. A committee of three, consisting of Revs. M. J. Malone, "75, M. A. Taylor, "76, and J. J. Mallen, "78, was appointed to wait upon the older students upon their arrival, in order to ascertain
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their views, and to request some one of them to announce, at the Jubilee Banquet, that a meeting would be held on the afternoon of Wednesday, the 23d. Rev. Martin Carroll, '64, of Brooklyn, N. Y., consented to make the announcement. After the banquet the old students proceeded to the Study Hall. Rev. James Rogers, '61, of Buffalo, N. Y., called the meeting to order, and Rev. E. McCarty, '70, of Brooklyn, N. Y., was chosen Secretary. The meeting resolved to form a General Alumni Association, and, for the time being, the question of establishing local organizations was set aside. The greatest enthusiasm prevailed throughout the proceedings. Many fine speeches were made and it was proposed that the Niagara Index set aside a portion of its space to be devoted to the chronicling of Alumni matters. To expedite the business, a com- mittee on organization and by-laws was appointed. This committee comprised Gregory Doyle, M. D., '57, Syracuse; J. M. Everett, M. D., '68, Brooklyn; Charles Sutherland, "77, Troy; Revs. James Maney, "74, Albany ; William O. Mahoney, '74, Albany; M. Salley, '76, Port Jervis; M. Mclaughlin, "77, Chicago; P. J. Tinan, '81, Chicago; J. J. Mallen, '78, Brooklyn; N. J. McNulty, '80, Riverhead, L. I .; J. L. Reilly, "74, Albany ; E. McCarty, '70, Brooklyn ; James O'Connor, '68, Rochester. Rev. E. W. McCarty was selected chairman of the committee, while Rev. James Maney acted as secretary. In the few moments allowed for its delibera- tions the committee drew up the following plan of procedure:
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