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 33
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In 1895, at the suggestion of Bishop Horstmann, the Sisters started the publication of a paper in behalf of St. Vincent's Asylum; it is known as "St. Vincent's Union." The revenue derived from it has been and is now a considerable help in meeting the large expense of the institution.
St. Vincent's Asylum is in a flourishing condition and has a grand record that stands to the credit of the Sisters who have faithfully discharged the trust reposed in them-to be mothers to the orphans. They have also been nobly seconded by the bene- factors of the asylum among the clergy and the laity, to all of whom they feel deeply indebted, and for whom the daily prayers of the orphans ascend to the Father of orphans.
CLEVELAND.
HOUSE AND CONVENT OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD.
The Sisters of the Good Shepherd were invited by Bishop Rappe, in 1869, to open a House of Refuge and Reformation for fallen women and wayward girls. Four Sisters arrived in Cleve- land, July 19, 1869, from the Provincial House of their Order in Cincinnati and were guests at the Ursuline Convent for a short time, until they took possession of the house given them by the Bishop as their temporary abode. It was a two-story frame build- ing on Lake street, a short distance east of St. Mary's Seminary. Some kind friends, among them Messrs. H. Kramer, R. E. Mix, and S. Hogan, gave them some furniture and provisions and soli- cited more for the new establishment, which was opened a few weeks after the arrival of the Sisters in Cleveland. In February, 1870, Bishop Rappe deeded to the Sisters a large plot of land at the corner of Sterling avenue and Sibley street, the site now occupied by the institution. The foundation of the present main building was commenced in October, 1870. By degrees, as means became available, the work on the foundation and basement was continued
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A HISTORY OF CATHOLICITY
until the spring of 1874. On May 31, of that year, Bishop Gil- mour laid the cornerstone. , He also donated $1,000 towards the erection of the building. In the absence of Bishop Gilmour, then ill in Europe, it was dedicated on June 21, 1875, by Bishop Fitz- gerald of Little Rock. Exclusive of the stone, which was donated, it cost about $40,000. Of this sum Mr. W. J. Gordon, always a generous benefactor of the institution, though not a Catholic, paid $5,500. Nearly $10,000 were raised by means of fairs, concerts and lectures ; the balance remained a debt for some years. Repairs and needed changes in the building necessitated an outlay of about $4,000 in 1880.
The departments for the Magdalens and for the Preservation Class filling up so rapidly, it became quite evident that before another decade of years large additions would have to be built, which would occupy much of the space used as recreation grounds by the Sisters and their wards. Realizing this fact, the Sisters were anxious to enlarge their enclosure by the purchase of additional ground. This they did in 1885 by securing, at a cost of $11,000, the four adjoining lots, but not without encountering much opposition on the part of the owners who refused to sell to a Catholic institution.
In 1887 the Sisters sold the lots they owned on Lake street for the sum of $7,500 and with the proceeds of the sale reduced that much of their debt.
In 1892 plans were drawn and accepted for a brick building. It was commenced in the spring of 1893 and brought to comple- tion in May, 1895. On the 8th day of that month the building and the very handsome chapel in it were blessed by Bishop Horstmann. The building cost $58,000, about half of which sum remained a debt for a number of years. The balance was paid out of the savings of the institution, supplemented by a bequest of $5,000 from the estate of Mr. W. J. Gordon, and donations from friends. The latter also paid for the beautiful stained glass windows and handsome furnishings in the chapel.
The new building is a four-story brick structure, and in archi- tecture harmonizes with that erected in 1870. Its length is 150 feet and its width 30 feet. The kitchen is in the basement, the refectory on the first floor, the chapel on the second. the Sisters' choir and infirmary on the third, and the apartments for the Mag- dalens on the fourth floor. Together with the erection of this building, the four-story brick structure on the northeast end of the grounds was erected for the Preservation Class. It extends 65 feet, to Sibley street, and contains the refectory, laundry, class- rooms, parlors, infirmary and dormitories. The latter building replaced a poorly constructed and badly arranged frame house
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IN THE DIOCESE OF CLEVELAND.
which was part of the first Home on Lake street, whence it had been moved to Sibley street in 1875. The improvements and additions made between 1893 and 1897 cost upwards of $30,000. All the buildings are now heated by steam, have the modern con- veniences and provide a comfortable abode for the inmates.
The Sisters, by their maternal interest, endeavor as much as possible to make the inmates cheerful and contented, and to render their surroundings as homelike as practicable. There is no specific time for remaining in the institution, but it is not advisable to admit one for a period too brief to accomplish any lasting results in the way of reform. When any desire to remain during life they may do so, and many are found who do-unwilling to expose themselves to danger again.
The Magdalens are a religious community who occupy part of the building, but entirely separated from the rest, and are under the immediate direction of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd. They are cloistered and observe the rules of the Carmelites with some mitigations. The Community of Magdalens is not com- posed exclusively of reformed penitents, as some persons, admir- ing their seclusion, enter it from choice.
The Sisters of the Good Shepherd have charge also of an industrial school called the School of Preservation, into which none but innocent children are admitted. Many of these little ones are orphans, at least motherless, and also children of neglect- ful parents. These are solely dependent on the care of the Sisters. Again there are amongst them children of respectable widows, who have to earn their livelihood and, in order to do so, place their little ones in the safe keeping of the Religious. In this department the children specially cared for by the Sisters remain until they arrive at a mature age and are capable of earning their own living, when suitable provision is made for them.
Many members of the Penitent Class have been sent to the institution by the police and probate judges in Cleveland. yet thus far the City of Cleveland has never given a dollar towards their support, but has left the performance of that duty to the Sisters and private charity.
The several departments are entirely separate. having no communication, one with the other, neither in dining-room, recrea- tion grounds, nor even in the chapel. Different days for visiting are also assigned to each.
Various industries, such as plain and fancy sewing, embroid- ery, knitting, etc., are carried on, it being the aim of the Sisters to make the institution self-sustaining, which it is to a considerable extent.
At the close of 1900 there were in the institution 30 Professed
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A HISTORY OF CATHOLICITY
Sisters, 33 Magdalens, 130 penitents and 65 children in the Preser- vation Class.
For upwards of thirty years the Very Rev. N. A. Moes, D.D., has been Spiritual Director of the institution, and has at all times taken a fatherly interest in its welfare. The Franciscan Fathers have also during that long period filled the office of chaplain.
Following is a list of the Mothers Superior: Mother M. Alphonsus, 1869-80; Mother M. St. John Baptist, 1880 to 1898, and since July, 1898, Mother M. Agnes.
CLEVELAND. LITTLE SISTERS' HOME FOR AGED POOR.
The Sisterhood known as the "Little Sisters of the Poor," was founded in Brittany. France, by the Rev. August Le Pailleur, a priest of the diocese of Rennes. It has for its object the care of the aged poor, to give a home to old and destitute persons of both sexes, without distinction of birth or creed.
The Little Sisters of the Poor were invited by Bishop Rappe to the diocese of Cleveland, in 1869. They arrived in May, 1870, without a dollar to carry on their grand work of charity, and opened a Home in a frame building on Erie street, near the Cathedral.
In 1871 they bought several lots fronting on Perry street, between Creighton and Hazen streets-part of the present location. The interior of the commodius brick building on the property was changed to suit the wants of the community. The number of applicants increased so rapidly that the erection of another building soon became a necessity. Lack of means, how- ever, prevented the Sisters from beginning the new brick building until June, 1877. It was finished in February, 1878, and at once occupied by the aged wards of the Sisters. Its dimensions were 55 feet by 40 feet; its height, three stories, and its cost $17,000. To provide additional room for its constantly increasing number of inmates the institution was thrice enlarged since 1878. viz .: in 1890, 1897 and 1899. The first addition included the present large chapel, and cost $35,000. The total amount expended on the buildings approximate $60,000. All of this large sum, besides the support of the institution, was raised by contributions collected by the Sisters from the citizens of Cleveland, irrespective of creed or nationality. Many of the non-Catholics have been the most generous supporters of the Home. Among them were the late W. J. Gordon, J. H. Wade, H. Chisholm. J. B. Perkins and J. Huntington, each of whom gave large sums, not only to the Little Sisters, but to the Sisters of the Good Shepherd as well. The
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IN THE DIOCESE OF CLEVELAND.
1 Little Sisters of the Poor own the Home, its site covering half a block and all the property on the east side of Perry street, between Hazen and Creighton streets. Even from a temporal point of view the work of the Sisters has been remarkably successful.
In the Home are found representatives of various nationalities, languages, creeds and occupations. Although Catholics pre- dominate, not the slightest discrimination is made on account of religion. The loving, tender care of the Sisters wins the hearts and removes the prejudices of their charges. Poor men and women whose homes have been broken up by dissipation or misfor- tune find a permanent abode with those almoners of God's charity. The institution is a model, well managed home. Everything from basement to garret is as clean and as cheerful as can be made.
The sympathy which was manifested for the Little Sisters on their arrival in Cleveland, far from diminishing, has kept pace with the steady development of their work. The better they are known the more they are loved and appreciated by the generous people of the community whose liberality enables them to provide for the daily wants of their old and helpless proteges. Every day Sisters go forth with their wagon and call at the various hotels, restau- rants and private houses, where they are allowed to apply, collect- ing cold victuals, old clothing, etc., all of which are turned to good use for the benefit of the aged inmates of the Home.
The religious services of the house are conducted by the Fran- ciscan Fathers. Attendance is entirely voluntary, no inmates being obliged to participate against their will. At present there are 210 aged poor in the Home, and cared for by fifteen Sisters, who are aided by those of their wards able to do so.
CLEVELAND. ST. MARY'S HOME.
St. Mary's Home for Working Women was opened on Har- mon street by the Ladies of the Sacred Heart of Mary, in March, 1895. The building was known formerly as St. Mary's Orphan Asylum. In October, 1894, the orphans were removed to St. Joseph's Orphan Asylum, on Woodland avenue.
Cleveland possessed no Catholic Home for young women, and the want of such a place had long been felt. After the removal of the orphans, the house on Harmon street was completely reno- vated and remodeled inside, so as to be suitable for its new purpose -a pleasant, comfortable home for young women working in stores and offices, and for those out of employment. No sooner was the Home opened than many applicants presented themselves for admission : 118 were admitted during the first year.
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Miss Ann Hogan managed the affairs of the Home with suc- cess and zeal, until March, 1896, when she was called to her eternal reward. She was succeeded by Miss Teresa Metzger, who now has charge of the institution. The number of inmates averages from 25 to 30. A Franciscan Father is the chaplain and attends to the spiritual wants of the Home.
The moderate sum of $3 per week is charged to those occupy- ing a private room, and $2.50 per week to those preferring the dormitories.
The ladies in charge of the Home make up altar linen, sur- plices and cassocks. They also make altar breads and wash church linen. The proceeds from their labor and the sums paid by the boarders are the only means of support possessed by the institu- tion. Frequently it happens that the boarders are unable to pay their dues, but charity will not allow their being deprived of shelter and food, thus rendering it very difficult at times to meet the expenses of the Home. Donations of money, provisions and house linen are always most gratefully received, but such gifts are rare.
The Circle of Mercy has taken a kindly interest in the Home since its establishment, and has from time to time donated bedding and table linen. for all of which the ladies in charge of the Home, as also its inmates, are deeply grateful.
LOUISVILLE.
ST. LOUIS' ASYLUM FOR ORPHAN BOYS.
This institution was established by Bishop Gilmour in November, 1883, and placed in charge of the Sisters of Charity, of St. Augustine. The building was formerly known as St. Louis' College, and later as St. Joseph's Academy. It is practically a branch of St. Vincent's Asylum, Cleveland, whence it received its first complement oforphans, and to it are sent the younger orphans. who are housed at St. Vincent's only temporarily. On account of the original uses to which the building had been put, and the damage done to it during the few years it was unoccupied, it had to be remodeled and put in repair at a considerable expense, before it was even fairly fit for its new purpose. The expense was met in part by the diocese, and in part by the Rev. Louis Hoffer, pastor of Louisville, and by his parishioners. Until his death, November 1, 1897, Father Hoffer was a generous benefactor of the asylum. and at all times promoted its interests without sparing self. He also encouraged his congregation to contribute generously towards its support. He was the founder of the building, when
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ST. LOUIS' ORPHAN ASYLUM, LOUISVILLE.
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IN THE DIOCESE OF CLEVELAND.
it was erected for college purposes, and twice saw its failure as an educational institution. Now, that it was changed by Bishop Gilmour into an asylum, he felt that the building had not been erected in vain. He therefore made every effort to make the new venture a success, which it became, to a degree very gratifying, before he passed to his eternal reward.
The building is a substantial two-story brick structure, 54 by 110 feet, and has an ample basement. On the first floor of the main building are the reception and class rooms, on the second the dormitories, and in the basement the kitchen and refectory. The asylum was fitted up with a steam-heating system in 1890. A brick building, 30 by 40 feet, was erected near the asylum the same year. It contains the boiler room, laundry and bakery, and cost about $3,000. Previous to 1890 the asylum was unsatisfactorily heated by means of stoves. Since then its inmates have not been obliged to contend with the discomforts of cold blasts and a frigid temperature. Other improvements were added by degrees, so that now St. Louis' Asylum is in excellent condition and equal to any like institution. Besides receiving a pro rata share of the returns from the annual orphans' fair in Cleveland, it is generously supported by the people of Louisville. Canton and Massillon, as also by the faithful living in the south-eastern section of the diocese, which is annually visited by the Sisters. The number of orphans cared for annually by the Sisters is about 100.
In 1900 the present very neat chapel was built at a cost of about $8,000, including its furnishings; it adjoins the asylum at the east end.
The following Sisters have filled the office of local Super- ioress : Sister M. Louis, from 1883 to 1886; Sister M. Amadeus, to 1890; Sister M. Patrick, to 1892; again, Sister M. Louis, to 1897; Sister M. Liguori, till her death, February 1, 1899; and Sister M. Thomas, who is at present in charge. The Rev. F. Senner, pastor of Louisville, faithfully attends to the spiritual interests of the institution.
TIFFIN.
ST. FRANCIS' ORPHAN ASYLUM AND HOME FOR THE AGED.
The above named institution, which serves a two-fold pur- pose, as its name indicates, was founded in 1867 by the Rev. Joseph L. Bihn. One year later, in June. 1868, he also established a Sisterhood, known as the Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis, who have had full charge of the asylum and home since Father
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Bihn's death, in August, 1893. The institution is located in the eastern suburbs of Tiffin, on a tract of excellent land comprising about 400 acres. The same buildings house the Sisters, aged people who pay for their own support, and orphan girls. About one mile from the main buildings, the orphan boys and a few Brothers of the Third Order of St. Francis are domiciled. The latter, with some hired help, manage the large farm which affords the main support of the community. Some of the boys are taught trades, such as shoe-making, blacksmithing, etc., and all are so trained as to be able to earn their livelihood when they leave the institution. In like manner the girls are taught housework. sewing, etc. The asylum is in theory and in fact an industrial school. All the orphans are given a common school education by the Sisters, and are instructed in their religious duties by the resident chaplain-at present the Rev. J. Eugster.
Father Bihn had the institution incorporated in 1869, under the title of "The Citizens' Hospital and Orphan Asylum." The first building was a two-story frame structure which stood on a 58 acre farm, bought by Father Bihn. This was the humble beginning of St. Francis' Institute. In founding it he was aided financially by Mr. John Greiveldinger, whose widowed daughter, Mrs. Elizabeth Schaefer, together with her two daughters, and her sister-in-law, united their entire possessions with Father Bihn's patrimony and savings, for the benefit of the asylum and home. These ladies became members of the Sisterhood. Mrs. Schaefer, as Sister Frances, was the Superioress of the community, till her death, November 18, 1893.
The frame building was replaced in 1871 by a large and imposing three-story brick structure, to which additions were built from time to time. It has now a frontage of nearly two hundred feet. At the east end of the main building stands the beautiful chapel (40 by 70 feet), of Gothic architecture. Tastily frescoed, furnished with a fine marble altar and stained glass windows. it is one of the prettiest chapels in the diocese. It was dedicated by Bishop Gilmour, June 1, 1881.
The Sisterhood now numbers 54 members, some of whom are engaged as teachers of parochial schools, others as nurses in St. Joseph's Hospital, at Lorain, but most of them are connected with the asylum and home. The present Superioress is Mother M. Clara, who has been in office since July, 1894.
The institution is self-supporting and now provides home comforts for 95 orphans and 50 aged people.
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ST. FRANCIS' ORPHAN ASYLUM AND HOME FOR THE AGED, TIFFIN.
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IN THE DIOCESE OF CLEVELAND.
TOLEDO.
ST. VINCENT'S ORPHAN ASYLUM.
At the solicitation of the Rev. A. Campion, pastor of St. Francis' church, Toledo, and with the cordial approval of Bishop Rappe, St. Vincent's Asylum was established in October, 1855, by the Sisters of Charity, of Montreal, under whose management it has been ever since. The present building is a three-story brick structure, with basement. It was enlarged from time to time, as need required it. The building fronts on Cherry street and is located on a two-acre lot a short distance west of St. Vincent's Hospital. The early history of the asylum was one long contin- uous struggle for existence, its support being altogether depend- ent upon the Catholics of Toledo and the western part of the diocese, who were few in number, and poor. The first asylum was a rented frame house, and the accommodations for the Sisters and their orphan wards the most primitive. There they remained until May, 1856, when they secured a building on Erie street for their temporary abode. In August, 1858, the first part of the present asylum on Cherry street was ready for occupancy. The Sisters then had 47 orphans under their care. The building, as it then stood, had a frontage of 50 feet on Cherry street, and a depth of 40 feet. It was blessed by Bishop Rappe on the Sunday after the feast of the Assumption-the day the Sisters entered their new home. Part of the building-the third story-served as a temporary hospital, which was the beginning of the present flourishing St. Vincent's Hospital.
By degrees the financial condition of the asylum improved. As the institution and its grand work of charity in behalf of the orphans became better known, it gained in favor and received support. This has been its record for over forty years. The present building is of very plain architecture and is much the worse for wear. In fact a part of it was condemned by the building inspector of Toledo, some years ago, as being unsafe, and had to be put in good repair. The asylum was held by the Sisters as community property until December, 1900; it is now diocesan property .* There is great need of a new building, provided with the modern conveniences, and commensurate with the needs of such an institution. It is hoped that in the near future 'an orphan asylum will be erected, to replace the present unsatisfactory structure -- a building that will be a credit to the large Catholic population of Toledo.
*See pages 131-132, this volume.
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A HISTORY OF CATHOLICITY
For many years the Sisters Superior in charge of St. Vin- cent's Hospital had also the management of the asylum. This was changed in 1900, when a local Superioress was appointed for the asylum. Sister Mary Louise Couture, at present in charge, is assisted in her responsible duties by 12 Sisters. There are now 125 orphans in the asylum, of whom 60 are girls.
TOLEDO.
LITTLE SISTERS' HOME FOR AGED POOR.
Under the direction of Bishop Gilmour the Little Sisters opened a home at Toledo, June, 1885, in a rented house at the corner of Front and Platt streets. The lack of even the ordinary conveniences in the house added greatly to the hardships and trials of the Sisters during the three years in which they occupied it. In 1SS7 they bought a tract of land on Starr avenue for $6,000, and in the following year they built a large frame structure, at a cost of $4,000; there were 40 aged people to occupy it when com- pleted. In a very short time the building proved too small to accommodate the steadily increasing number of applicants. The Sisters therefore commenced, in 1893, the first section of a per- manent home-a wing and part of the main building-and com- pleted it in March, 1894, when it was opened for public use. It is a two-story brick structure of plain architecture, and cost $20,000. A very neat chapel was added in 1897.
At present there are about 100 aged poor in the home, who are cared for by 13 Sisters. These have the good will of the citizens of Toledo, regardless of creed and nationality, and receive from them a generous support in behalf of their aged wards.
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RELIGIOUS COMMUNITIES.
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CLEVELAND.
FRANCISCAN MONASTERY.
The Franciscan Fathers of Teutopolis, Ill., established a monastery at Cleveland in 1868. They built a monastery and chapel of brick on a large plot of ground which they purchased at the corner of Chapel and Hazen streets. The cornerstone of the chapel was blessed by Bishop Rappe on October 12. 1869, a few weeks before his departure for Rome, to attend the Vatican Council. The chapel was consecrated, and the monastery blessed, by Bishop Toebbe, of Covington, Ky., November 13, 1870. The monastery was enlarged in 1887 by an addition of 40 by 85 feet.
In 1892, with the approval of Bishop Horstmann, the Fran- ciscan Fathers sold to St. Joseph's congregation, for the sum of $12,000, the entire property fronting on Hazen street, and built their present large monastery fronting on Chapel street, imme- diately adjoining St. Joseph's church. This change of location had long been desired by the Fathers and has proved quite satis- factory to all concerned. The former monastery was at once remodeled into a parochial school and the chapel into a parish hall, each building serving most acceptably its new purpose. The new monastery was dedicated by Bishop Horstmann on June 13, 1893. It cost upwards of $30,000 and is a model building of its kind.
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