USA > Ohio > Cuyahoga County > Cleveland > A history of Catholicity in northern Ohio and in the diocese of Cleveland from 1749 to December 31, 1900, Volume I, pt2 > Part 29
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Another great improvement in the building of St. Mary's Seminary was made during the year 1884. Up to this time the seminary chapel had occupied the first and second stories of the center building, with a number of dingy, "stuffy" rooms over- head, which had been occupied by the students. The Bishop now ordered these rookeries to be torn down, and had the seminary chapel placed on the second floor, leaving the first, a spacious hall, 25 by 53 feet, to serve the two-fold purpose of lecture hall and library. The library now contains upwards of 10,000 volumes, contributed largely by Bishop Gilmour and his successor, the Rt. Rev. Ignatius F. Horstmann, and some by the priests of the diocese.
The chapel, 24 by 68 feet in size, is unique in its architecture. The handsome oak trusses supporting the ceiling, tastefully decorated; the stained glass windows, admitting light from their lofty positions in the surrounding, neatly frescoed walls; the beautiful sanctuary with an array of statuary-all contri- bute in their way to make it a fitting place of meditation and prayer. The cost of the new chapel amounted to about $5,000. The total cost of new wing and renovating of chapel was nearly $19,000. Of this sum the clergy of the diocese contributed about $1.700.
In September, 1894, Bishop Horstmann bought a lot having a frontage of 50 feet on Hamilton street, and in July, 1896, another lot having a frontage of 35 feet on Lake street. The latter purchase included a two-story brick house which now serves as a comfortable residence for the Sisters who have charge of the domestic economy of the seminary. The beautifully kept semi- nary grounds have now a frontage of 290 feet on Lake street, and 305 feet on Hamilton street.
Up to the time of Bishop Gilmour the regular course of studies in St. Mary's Seminary comprised three years, the first of which was devoted to philosophy, the two following to theology. Shortly after his accession to the Episcopal See of Cleveland, he added a year to each of the two departments of studies, so that henceforth the philosophical course embraced two years and the theological three. About the year 1885 he further added one half year to the theological course. Finally, in 1896, Bishop Horst- mann extended the regular seminary course to six years. in accordance with the requirements of the III Plenary Council of Baltimore. The students of the seminary therefore devote, at present, the first two years to the study of scholastic philosophy, after which they spend four years in the pursuit of the different branches of the sacred science of theology.
Candidates for admission into the seminary must have com-
ST. IGNATIUS' COLLEGE, CLEVELAND.
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pleted a classical course of six years and are required to furnish sufficient testimony of good moral character, and pass a satis- factory examination before the seminary faculty in Latin, Greek, History, and other collegiate studies.
After admission into the seminary, students are given board, and tuition free of charge, but are expected to pay for their books and furnish their own clothing, unless in exceptional cases. Today the seminary takes high rank for the intellectual and moral train- ing given to its students; in this respect it compares most favorably with other institutions, which are older and far more pretentious.
With few exceptions, the secular clergy of the diocese of Cleveland are all alumni of St. Mary's Seminary, some having attended it on Bond street (1848-50), others on Lake street in the old Spring Cottage (1850-60), others in the present building, from 1860 until now.
The diocesan seminary is a standing monument to the earnest faith and unfailing generosity of the good Catholics of the diocese of Cleveland, who, aside from their many other charities, yearly contribute the sum of twelve thousand dollars for its maintenance.
It is hoped that St. Mary's Seminary, which, ever since the days of its foundation by the saintly Bishop Rappe, has creditably fulfilled the noble mission for which it was intended, may continue its sublime work of educating a learned and pious clergy, full of zeal and devotion to their calling, ever ready to sacrifice them- selves for the cause of God and the salvation of immortal souls in our beloved diocese of Cleveland.
CLEVELAND. ST. IGNATIUS' COLLEGE.
For want of support Bishop Rappe was obliged in 1859 to close St. John's College .* From that time forward, with exception of a few years -- from 1875 to 1878 -- Catholic parents in Cleveland, desirous of giving their sons an education more advanced than that afforded by a parochial school, were obliged to send them elsewhere. Bishop Gilmour, always on the alert to promote the cause of Catholic education, made several ineffectual efforts to have a college for boys again established in his episcopal city. After long negotiations with the Jesuit Fathers, of Buffalo, they finally agreed to open a college in Cleveland, one of the conditions being that a parish church in close proximity to the proposed
* See page 709, this volume.
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college be assigned to them. The Rev. S. Falk, pastor of St. Mary's church, being informed of this condition, most generously resigned his pastorate, in August, 1880, in order to enable the Bishop to put into effect his long cherished plan. For various reasons, however, the project was delayed until 1886, when, on . September 6 of that year, the doors of St. Ignatius' College were - opened. The first building, a plain two-story frame structure. was erected during the summer of 1886, near the corner of Carroll and Jersey streets, on lots the Jesuit Fathers had bought a short time previous. It afforded scant accommodations to the steadily increasing number of students, until the north wing of the present building was erected in 1889. Two years later the south wing was added, thus giving to the beautiful and imposing four-story brick structure a frontage of nearly 200 feet on Jersey street and a depth of 80 feet on Carroll street. It is one of the largest, costliest and best appointed buildings in Cleveland, devoted to educational purposes, and its architecture is far beyond the ordinary.
The college course has been steadily strengthened, year by year, and now embraces a complete collegiate curriculum, as good as the best offered anywhere. This includes a thorough training of the students in classic literature, as well as in the higher mathe- matics. Two years ago the study of mental philosophy was also added.
St. Ignatius' College has made wonderful progress during its comparatively short period of existence. It has fully come up to the expectations of the Rt. Rev. Bishop Horstmann and its host of friends among the clergy and laity, acquainted with its excellent work. The institution has long since passed the experimental period; it is a potent educational factor in the community and diocese.
In September, 1900, 210 students were enrolled, and the faculty numbered 10 professors, each a master in his own branch of studies.
The moral training of the students goes hand in hand with their mental development, and is based on the practice of the precepts of religion, and the frequent use of the supernatural means of grace, the distinguishing feature of every Catholic educational institution. Nor is physical development neglected ; on the contrary, students are encouraged and trained in this direction as well, and are given every reasonable facility, in line with the rule: "A sound mind in a sound body."
St. Ignatius' College has also gained great repute in con- nection with its meteorological observatory which. since its opening in 1891, has been in charge of the Rev. F. Odenbach, S. J.,
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who has gained national fame as a meteorologist. The observatory ranks with the best under control of the United States, and Father Odenbach's efficiency is recognized by government officials.
Following is a list of the Jesuit Fathers who have filled the office of President of St. Ignatius' College: The Revs. J. B. Neustich, from 1886 to 1888; H. Knappmeyer, to 1893; J. LeHalle, to 1897, and since then, the Rev. G. Schulte.
CLEVELAND. ST. JOHN'S COLLEGE.
In 1853 Bishop Rappe bought several lots at the corner of Fulton and Carroll streets, near old St. Patrick's church. On the property were several unfinished frame buildings. These the Bishop fitted up for college purposes, and for the accommodation of boarding pupils. The college was opened in September, 1854, about 30 pupils being enrolled. The Rev. Philip Flum was appointed President of the institution and professor of Latin and
Greek. The other members of the faculty during the first scholastic year were the Rev. N. Ponchell, Professor Wakefield- a layman and convert,-and two of the more advanced students. One of these was Mr. Seraphin Bauer, the present rector of St. Joseph's church, Fremont, who had just then come to this country and was received by Bishop Rappe as a student for the diocese. The students were a motley collection of boys, young and even middle-aged men, of native and foreign birth, and of varied talent -all mixed together in one study room and in classes. It was truly a Western pioneer college. But among that varied collec- tion of students there was sturdy ambition, and love of study had rather to be restrained than fostered.
In September, 1855, the Rev. L. Molon succeeded Father Flum as President of the college, then already on the wane for want of support, in consequence of which its doors were closed in January, 1856. The college had then only 16 boarders and a few day scholars.
In September, 1856, the building was given as a temporary residence to the Brothers of Mary, who at that time took charge of St. Patrick's parish school ; in one of the rooms they taught the smaller boys of St. Patrick's.
The college property was sold to the Brothers in 1858, and in the same year they opened a boarding and day school for boys, but not receiving sufficient support the institution was again and finally closed in June, 1859.
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CLEVELAND.
ST. JOSEPH'S COLLEGE.
St. Joseph's College was established in September, 1875, by the Rev. Kilian Schloesser, O.F.M., at that time pastor of St. Joseph's church. With an enrollment of 24 students, taught by two Franciscan Fathers and a secular priest, the first scholastic year was passed in part of the building of St. Joseph's parochial school, on Chapel street, near Woodland avenue. In September, 1876, the Franciscan Fathers transferred the college to the two- story brick building they had erected on Chapel street, during the spring and summer of that year. They expended for the ground and building nearly $11,000.
The Rev. Meinolph Schmitz, O.S.F., was appointed the first director of the college, in January, 1877. Previous to that time the Rev. Kilian Schloesser had acted in that capacity, besides attending to his pastoral duties. During the scholastic year which began in September, 1876, the attendance of students increased considerably. This necessitated a corresponding increase in the staff of professors, six of whom were now engaged, half the number being Franciscan Fathers. The college was chartered in 1878, and thus empowered to confer the ordinary college degrees. At the opening of the third scholastic year 80 students were enrolled. With very few exceptions they were day scholars and from various city parishes; a small number were received by the Franciscan Fathers as boarders. Although the college had reached a prosperous condition within four years after it was established the Franciscan Fathers were regretfully obliged to close it to secular students in June, 1879. This step they were forced to take because they were unable to provide a sufficient number of professors for this and two other older and larger colleges under their control in Illinois. Hence the Cleveland institution had to yield to the wants of its seniors.
From September, 1879, until June. 1893, the college building was used as a parish school for boys. It was then re-opened as a college for members of the Franciscan Order only, and has been thus used since then. The building is part of the present Franciscan Monastery.
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NOTRE DAME ACADEMY, CLEVELAND,
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CLEVELAND.
NOTRE DAME ACADEMY AND CONVENT.
The Community of the Sisters of Notre Dame of Cleveland, is a branch of the order founded by the Venerable Mother Julia Billiard. It was called into existence by the Rev. Theodore Elting, a zealous priest of Coesfeld, Germany, who desired to found a religious community whose members should devote themselves to the education of youth. The execution of his plans demanded financial resources and intellectual ability on the part of candidates. Divine Providence, favoring his design, inspired a young lady of wealth with the desire to devote her fortune to the education of poor children, while a friend of hers, a teacher of ability, was eager to instruct the poor. Thus the two friends, Misses Wolbring and Kuhling, became the first Sisters of Notre Dame of the German branch, being initiated into religious life by three Sisters of Notre Dame, from Amersford, Holland, as Sisters Aloysia and Ignatia.
God's signal blessing rested upon the newly established community at Coesfeld. The number of novices and sisters rapidly increased, thus enabling them to open a Normal School for the education of teachers. In a short time pastors of different parishes in Westphalia and Rhenish Prussia applied for Sisters to teach the children of their schools, and as the official examinations passed by the Religious proved them competent to teach, the Prussian government readily consented to their appointment on condition, however, of their independence of foreign authority. This occasioned the separation from Amersford. In June, 1855, the convent at Coesfeld was made the Motherhouse and Sister Mary Anna was appointed General Superioress. In less than twenty-five years the community numbered three hundred Sisters and thirty convents. When the "Kultur-Kampf" broke out. in 1871, the Religious at Coesfeld were among its first victims. They were obliged to leave their dear native land and seek a new field of labor. Through the influence of the Rev. F. Westerholt, pastor of St. Peter's church, Cleveland, the first exiled Sisters, eight in number, came to the diocese of Cleveland and were kindly welcomed by Bishop Gilmour, in July, 1874. Shortly after their arrival, Bishop Toebbe, of Covington, Ky., applied for Sisters to teach in his diocese; hence more Sisters were summoned from Germany. Thus the number kept on increasing until in October, 1877, about two hundred Sisters of the community were engaged in this country as teachers.
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For a time Covington, where the Sisters had erected an
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Academy near the Mother of God's church, was the central station of the American province. From the beginning, however, it was determined to establish the Motherhouse in Cleveland. Therefore, in the autumn of 1877, Mother M. Chrysostom who, at the death of Mother M. Anna, in 1872, succeeded her in the office of General Superioress, let the contract for a structure at the corner of Superior and Huntington streets. The work progressed rapidly and the new convent was under roof before winter set in. A second building, comprising classrooms and a beautiful chapel, was erected in 1880. In 1879 the Rev. H. Kikum arrived from Germany and was appointed spiritual director of the com- munity, which responsible office he filled for ten years. He returned to Germany in October, 1890, where, as the revered pastor of Ascheberg, he died, April 8, 1898.
A cherished project of Mother Chrysostom was to open an institution for children whose circumstances denied them the benefits of a good home training. Woodland Hills, where the community owned eleven acres of land, was the site chosen. In 1883 the building was commenced, and on January 27, 1884, Bishop Gilmour dedicated the chapel. "Mt. St. Mary's," as it is usually called, has gradually developed into a flourishing boarding- school, well adapted to the needs of parents who wish to have their children fitted for the duties of life at a small expense.
In 1886, the Prussian government allowed the return of the Sisters who had been expelled at the time of the "Kultur-Kampf." Mother Chrysostom desiring to re-open an institution in Germany left for Europe on May 12, 1887, accompanied by three Sisters. After an absence of ten years from their native land they were joyfully welcomed at the convent in Vechta, Oldenburg, where about twenty-five Sisters had been permitted to remain in charge of a boarding school. Mother Chrysostom lost no time in selecting a site for a new Motherhouse, her choice being the picturesque village of Muehlhausen in Rhenish Prussia, an ideal place for a boarding school, which soon became, as it is now, a flourishing institution.
In September, 1891, Mother Chrysostom visited the Ameri- can province. She returned to Europe the following year, with no thought that she had bid her last farewell to the Sisters. A sudden illness cut short her earthly career, April 24, 1895, and her unexpected death plunged the community into the deepest grief. The election of her successor took place on August 27, 1895, and Sister M. Cecilia was chosen to fill the responsible office. .
The rapid increase of the community soon made the need of more commodious apartments imperative. The convent grounds had been enlarged by the addition of two more lots. In
OUR LADY OF LOURDES' ACADEMY, CLEVELAND.
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March, 1896, the work of excavation was begun, and in October of that year a new three-story brick building, fronting on Hunt- ington street, and fitted up with all modern improvements, was brought to completion. It was dedicated on October 25, 1896, by the Rev. F. Westerholt. This was the last of the many kind offices which he had rendered to the community ; for scarcely three weeks later he answered the summons of Death. On February 1, 1897, the new auditorium in the same building was formally opened by the Rt. Rev. Bishop Horstmann.
The course of study pursued at Notre Dame Academy com- prises all the branches requisite to a solid and refined education. Besides the preparatory, commercial and scientific departments, there are special departments for music and art; likewise a class for boys under 12 years of age. The first graduates went forth from the Institution in June, 1882, it having been incorporated under the laws of Ohio in that year.
The present Provincial Superioress is Sister M. Louise. The community now has about 350 members in this country. They conduct schools in 23 parishes in the Cleveland diocese; an academy, eight parochial schools and one orphan asylum in the diocese of Covington; also an orphanage and two parochial schools in the archdiocese of Cincinnati. : 1
CLEVELAND. OUR LADY OF LOURDES' ACADEMY.
This Institution was established in September, 1892, under the direction of the Sisters of the Humility of Mary, whose Motherhouse is located at the Villa Maria, Pa. The academy was first situated on Lorain street. It was incorporated in February, 1896, under the laws of Ohio.
On March 25, 1897, the Sisters purchased the beautiful residence of Mr. J. Weidemann, at the corner of Franklin avenue and Franklin court. The residence was at once remodeled to suit the purposes of an academy. It was opened for the reception of pupils in September of the same year, and placed under the patronage of Our Lady of Lourdes. In the spring of the follow- ing year the attendance of pupils had become so large that more commodious quarters became a matter of imperative necessity.
An additional building, adjoining the academy and fronting on Franklin court, was therefore commenced in the summer of 1898, and by April of the following year it was brought to ' completion. It is a handsome brick structure and has all the
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modern appointments necessary for a fully equipped educational institution.
The aim of the Sisters conducting the academy is, to train the minds and hearts of the pupils, to inspire them with a love and taste for learning, with ambition for self improvement, and with a sincere respect for intellectual and moral excellence. The course of studies embraces a thorough English education, and special attention is given to elocution, physical culture, music, drawing, and in fact all the branches necessary to prepare the pupils for the practical duties of true Christian womanhood, which is the salt of society. If what has thus far been done by the Sisters in behalf of their responsible charge. in the short career of the Academy, is a criterion, it augurs well and most promisingly for the future of the Institution.
CLEVELAND.
URSULINE ACADEMY AND CONVENT. i
When, in 1839, Bishop Purcell, of Cincinnati, passed through England on his way to Rome, he kindly took charge of two young ladies who were going from London to attend school in the Ursuline Convent at Boulogne-sur-mer. This simple act of courtesy on the part of the bishop was rich in consequences to the diocese of Cleveland. The chaplain of the French Convent at Boulogne was the Rev. Amadeus Rappe, a zealous young priest, who thus formed the acquaintance of the American bishop and learned from him of the great need of priests in his vast diocese, and of the many souls who were left without the comforts of Holy Religion. These facts so impressed the young priest that two years later he resigned his chaplaincy and devoted himself to the American missions. Northern Ohio became the field of his zealous labors.
In 1847 Father Rappe was consecrated first Bishop of Cleveland. He went to France in 1849 to seek aid for his diocese. His efforts were blessed with success, for on his return he brought with him, not only material assistance, but also priests, students and a colony of Ursulines from the Convent of Boulogne-sur-mer. This colony consisted of Mother Mary of the Annunciation (Miss Mary Beaumont), Superior, Mother M. Charles (Miss Victoria Bourdelier), Mother des Seraphines (Miss Teresa Young), Sister M. Benoit (Miss Sylvia Picquot) and a young English lady, Miss Arabella Seymour, a convert whom Bishop Rappe had received into the Church while he was still chaplain at Boulogne. On July 16, -1850, they bade farewell to the associations of home and
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community and three days later embarked at Havre for America with Bishop Rappe. They reached New York on the 6th of August and were met on board of ship by the Most Rev. John Hughes, then Archbishop of that city, who cordially welcomed Bishop Rappe and the band of missionaries and Sisters. On their arrival in Cleveland. two days later, the Sisters were immediately conducted to the home prepared for them on Euclid avenue. This home was the former residence of Judge Cowles. It was situated on the south side of the avenue, a few hundred feet west of Erie street, and had been purchased for them by direction of Bishop Rappe. In an improvised chapel, on an altar made of traveling trunks, the Very Rev. L. De Goesbriand, V. G., after- wards Bishop of Burlington, Vermont, celebrated the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass for the little community, for the first time, on the day after they reached Cleveland. The simple chapel, the hastily constructed altar, the young missionary priests and five brave women in a strange country, sure of nothing but the magnitude of the work that lay before them and the overshadow- ing care of the Master, Whose call had led their feet into hard and untried ways-all this is an illustration of the planting of the tiny spiritual mustard seed, with whose wondrous growth the subsequent portion of this sketch is concerned.
On September S, 1850, the Ursulines opened their boarding and day schools. They also fitted up a parochial school in one of the frame buildings of the convent grounds; and at once the schools were filled by the many pupils seeking admission.
The first two candidates for the novitiate were received on the following October 15, one of them being Miss Seymour, the convert alluded to above. She brought to the convent not only distinguished virtues of heart and mind, and accomplishments beyond the ordinary, but also a large fortune-which, under kind Providence, was the chief means whereby the community and schools were maintained for years. These candidates were clothed as Ursuline novices by Bishop Rappe on December 26, 1850. Miss Seymour, who received the name of Sister Mary Austin, pronounced her vows on December 28, 1852. Miss Catharine Bissonnette, a truly valiant woman, received the name of Sister Mary Ursula. Later, at the request of Bishop Rappe, she sacrificed her Ursuline vocation to become a Sister of Charity. She pronounced her vows on October 21. 1852. and on the same day left her loved convent home to take charge of the Sisters of St. Augustine, as their first Superioress.
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