St. Benedict's Academy (1883-1909); St. Benedict's Monastery (convent), St. Joseph, Minnesota. Academy class of 1883-1884, front row sitting left to right: Neville Ensor, Mary Schwartz, Elizabeth Spies, Tillie Keppers, Barbara Venne, Margaret Sanz, Ursula Glatzmeier, Anna Herron, Bertha Linnemann, Carrie Smith, Alta Letson, Frances Pfannenstein, Lena Bernick, Mary Rhodes, Lucretia Mutschlechner. Second row sitting: Rose Black, Mary Merten, Anna Brockmann, Theresa Schreiner, Margaret Klein, Stella LaComb, Margaret Kerst, Josephine Friend, Anna Wagner; (Third row sitting): Anna Kahl, Laura Bosworth, Margaret Lauermann, Magdalen Theisen, Barbara Eich; (First row standing): Eliza Darbelly, Louisa Maurin, Sister Alexia Kerst, Mary Roach, Clara Otto, Mary Kennedy; (Second row standing - next to building): Johanna Madigan, Mary Brockmann, Jennie McLean, Sister Bonaventure Kapsner, Margaret Claesgens, Margaret Farrell, Sarah Farrell, Louise Wall, Mattie Bosworth, Josie Smith, Mary Zimmer, Sarah Kelly, Lavina Huber, Sister Pius Roche, Sister Celestine Marschall, Josie Gerard, Mary Hoffmann. While the sisters rejoiced at the increasing enrollment, they were concerned about maintaining a small enough number to assure a homey atmosphere and a community spirit. In the early 1880s, because many of the students were of grade-school age, there was a built-in family atmosphere in the academy. Gradually, however, the academy drew students of high school age and older; by 1909, the academy was ready to consider offering college classes (Saint Benedict's Monastery Archives).
First 5O years of the College of Saint Benedict (CSB). At first the college shared the facilities of the academy in Cecilia and Gertrude Halls. Cecilia Hall, built in 1881, is described in the 1926 College Bulletin: "Five dining halls with service rooms occupy the basement floor, five reception rooms the first floor, seventeen music practice rooms and five teacher's studios the second, while the third was remodeled in 1924 into a residence hall with an infirmary area. The private rooms are furnished with vanity dressers, tables and settees; each has a large private wardrobe and hot and cold water. A trained nurse is at all times in charge of the perfectly equipped infirmary. A secluded cottage (infirmary/guest house) on the campus, also in charge of a trained nurse, is used in case of contagious illness." Gertrude Hall, built in 1898, is also lauded in the 1926 College Bulletin: "In the basement is the service room fitted with the most convenient shampooing apparatus, irons, electric attachements, etc.--also cloak rooms, locker rooms, a stationery store, a confectionery store, and a kitchenette fully equipped for the serving of light lunches or 'spreads.' On the first floor are administration offices and the chemical and physical laboratories. . . On the second floor is the botanical laboratory and classrooms, well-lighted and each furnished with a special library open to the use of the students. The third floor provides airy pleasant dormitories for those who do not wish to rent private rooms." However, many of the activities of the college centered in the two new buildings, Teresa Hall and Sacred Heart Chapel, which were as up-to-date as Benedicta Arts Center and Regina Hall seem to us now - perhaps more so. Teresa Hall was the height of luxury! It had a library on 1st floor, an auditorium/study hall on 2nd floor, a rotunda (residence area) on 3rd and 4th floors (where some rooms had private baths and every bedroom had hot and cold water) and a gymnasium on the ground floor. (Gable, OSB) The chapel inspired by new architecture, very moderate baroque with its Carrara statues and Sienna marble pillars from Italy (and majestic, granite pillars from Rockville, MN), was a perfect example of its baroque type -- Newman's favorite. However, the college faculty was concerned about the later interior decorating of the chapel. In 1958, members of the art department, Sisters Johanna Becker and Jacquelyn Dubay as art consultants, helped the community restore some of the chapel's original lightness which had seemed so right in the beginning. (Gable, OSB)
Early ventures in St. Joseph, Minnesota (1880-1890). Because the government opened the contract for any number of students to attend St. Benedict's Industrial School, an addition was constructed on the west end of Marmion Hall so that the building could accommodate 150 students. When in 1896, the government dropped the contract system of Indian education, the school remained open for two more years when it was forced to close due to lack of funds. The west addition to Marmion Hall was then converted to a school for little boys (ages 6-12), often referred to as "Bethlehem School for Boys." The sisters reserved the east end of Marmion for the formation of its new members (Saint Benedict's Monastery Archives; McDonald, page 122).
Aerial view of St. Benedict's Monastery. This aerial view (taken 30 years after the construction of the chapel) shows how the Sacred Heart Chapel, though constructed at the back door of the convent, became the center of the campus. The Scholasticate (now Rosamond North) was built immediately west of Marmion for potential candidates, many of whom came to attend high school. Farther west, St. Walburg's was built to house the vestment and sewing departments, as well as to provide living quarters for some sisters. A garage replaced the farm buildings near the tower. However, it took another 15 years to move all of the farm buildings farther west.
St. Benedict's Academy; Sisters of the Order of Saint Benedict
Date Created:
1883
Description:
1883 Annual Catalogue was published for the St. Benedict's Academy in St. Joseph, Minnesota. Contents include description of the institution, course of studies, lists of students, awards and closing program.
St. Benedict College and Academy; Sisters of the Order of Saint Benedict
Date Created:
1919
Description:
1919-1920 Annual Year-Book was published for St. Benedict's College and Academy, St. Joseph, Minnesota. Contents include calendar, fees, description of railway and telephone connections, buildings and grounds, dormitories, library, laboratories, museum, religious training, league of the sacred heart, social training, reports and standings, departments and courses, list of students, regulations for wardrobe and terms for the scholastic year.
St. Benedict College and Academy; Sisters of the Order of Saint Benedict
Date Created:
1917
Description:
1917-1918 Annual Year-Book was published for St. Benedict's College and Academy, St. Joseph, Minnesota. Contents include calendar, description of institution, description of railway and telephone connections, description of grounds, dormitories, reading rooms, assembly hall and laboratories. Reports and standings, courses, departments, roster of students, regulations for wardrobe and fees are listed.
St. Benedict College and Academy; Sisters of the Order of Saint Benedict
Date Created:
1921
Description:
1921-1922 Annual Year-Book was published for St. Benedict's College and Academy, St. Joseph, Minnesota. Contents include calendar, railway and telephone connections, buildings and grounds, dormitories, library and reading rooms, laboratories, museum, religious training, Sodality of the Blessed Virgin, social training, alumnae and student associations, reports and standings, departments and courses, readings and lectures, list of students, regulations for wardrobe, terms for scholastic year, general information and donations.
St. Benedict College and Academy; Sisters of the Order of Saint Benedict
Date Created:
1922
Description:
1922-1923 Annual Year-Book was published for St. Benedict's College and Academy, St. Joseph, Minnesota. Contents include description of institution, railway and telephone connections, private rooms and dormitories, library and reading rooms, laboratories, museum, health and comfort, religious training, social training, alumnae and student associations, departments and courses, reports and standings, list of students, regulations for wardrobe, general information and terms for scholastic year.
St. Benedict College and Academy; Sisters of the Order of Saint Benedict
Date Created:
1918
Description:
1918-1919 Annual Year-Book was published for St. Benedict's College and Academy, St. Joseph, Minnesota. Contents include calendar, description of institution, description of railway and telephone connections, buildings and grounds, dormitories, library, reading rooms, laboratories, museum, alumnae association, reports and standings, courses, departments, list of students, regulations for wardrobe and fees.
St. Benedict's Academy (1883-1909). The fact that a room was already set aside for art in the late 1890s attests to the sisters' desire to cultivate the love of beauty. The academy catalogues show the variety of courses that were available including oil painting. St. Benedict's Academy (later College) has produced notable artists, for example, Sister Thomas Carey, among its faculty and students throughout its history (Saint Benedict's Monastery Archives).
First 50 years of the College of Saint Benedict (CSB). For those who wish to study painting, china decorating, or crafts, the art studios offer special inspiration. Sun-flooded rooms with paneled ceilings, richly carved, a wide fire-place with hand-painted tiles, rare statuary, including pieces from Beuron--all contribute an atmosphere calculated to inspire the student with love for her work (College Bulletins).
College of St. Benedict; Sisters of the Order of Saint Benedict
Date Created:
1958
Description:
1958-1959, 1959-1960, College of St. Benedict, St. Joseph, Minnesota is an annual catalogue published for the College without including the Academy. During the period of 1926-1962, the college operated under auspices of St. Benedict�s Monastery before the College was separately incorporated in 1962. Contents include correspondence, table of contents, college calendar, general information, aims, history, accreditation and membership, location, buildings and grounds, library, information for new students, admission, application, educational plan, counseling and other student services, fees and expenses, financial information, student expenses, special fees, laboratory and course fees. Also included are scholarships and student aid, grants-in-aid, service contracts, academic information, academic regulations, registration, credits, class attendance, grading system and honor points, requirements for degrees, courses of study, divisional organization, course information, campus life and organizations, ideals, religious life, discipline, health and recreation, campus organizations, publications, leadership point system, faculty-student council, alumnae association, administration and faculty, board of advisers, administrative officers, educational policies committee, faculty and index.
College of St. Benedict; Sisters of the Order of Saint Benedict
Date Created:
1954
Description:
1954-1955, 1955-1956, College of St. Benedict, St. Joseph, Minnesota Bulletin is an annual catalogue published for the College. The catalogue was published without including the Academy during the period of 1926-1962. During this time, the college operated under auspices of St. Benedict�s Monastery before the College was separately incorporated in 1962. Contents include table of contents, college calendars, general Information, aims, history, accreditation and membership, location, buildings and grounds, library, financial information, student expenses, special fees, laboratory and course fees, scholarships and student aid, grants-in-aid, service contracts. Academic information, requirements for admission, registration, academic regulations, requirements for degrees, scholastic attainment, programs of courses for freshmen, courses of study, course information, divisional organization, campus life, ideals, religious life, discipline, health and recreation, campus organizations, alumnae association, administration and faculty and index are also included.
College of St. Benedict; Sisters of the Order of Saint Benedict
Date Created:
1960
Description:
1960-1961, 1961-1962, College of St. Benedict, St. Joseph, Minnesota is an annual catalogue published for the College without including the Academy. During the period of 1926-1962, the college operated under auspices of St. Benedict�s Monastery before the College was separately incorporated in 1962. Contents include how to address correspondence, table of contents, college calendar, general information, aims, history, accreditation and membership, location, buildings and grounds, library, information for new students, admission, the educational plan, counseling and other student services, financial Information, fees and expenses, refund policy and deductions. Also included are scholarships, grants-in-aid, service contracts, academic Information, academic regulations, credits, class attendance, grading system and honor points, classification of students, grade reports and transcripts, requirements for degrees, scholastic attainment, courses of study, divisional organization, course information, special courses, campus life and organizations, ideals, religious life, discipline, health and recreation, campus organizations, publications, leadership point system, faculty-student council, placement bureau, alumnae association, administration and faculty, board of advisers, administrative offices, educational policies committee, faculty and index.
College of St. Benedict; Sisters of the Order of Saint Benedict
Date Created:
1956
Description:
1956-1957, 1957-1958, College of St. Benedict, St. Joseph, Minnesota is an annual catalogue published for the College without including the Academy. During the period of 1926-1962, the college operated under auspices of St. Benedict�s Monastery before the College was separately incorporated in 1962. Contents include correspondence, table of contents, college calendars, general Information, aims, history, accreditation and membership, location, buildings and grounds and library. Information for new students, admission, educational plan, counseling and other student services, fees and expenses, financial information, scholarships and student aid, grants-in-aid, service contracts, academic information and regulations, requirements for degrees, courses of study, course information. campus life, alumnae association, administration and faculty, and index .
College of St. Benedict; Sisters of the Order of Saint Benedict
Date Created:
1938
Description:
1938-1939 with announcements for 1939-1940 is a Bulletin of the College of St. Benedict, St. Joseph, Minnesota, an annual catalogue published for the College without including the Academy. During the period of 1926-1962, the college operated under auspices of St. Benedict�s Monastery before the College was separately incorporated in 1962. Contents include table of contents, location and communication, accreditment, the Board of Advisers, faculty and administrative officers, divisions, buildings, grounds and equipment, student rooms, aims and ideals, religious training, social development, traditional events, clubs, location and cultural advantages, vocational opportunities, scholarships and opportunities for work, placement bureau, administration, courses, divisions and departments, student roster, index.
College of St. Benedict; Sisters of the Order of Saint Benedict
Date Created:
1940
Description:
1940-1941 with announcements for 1941-1942 is a Bulletin of the College of Saint Benedict, Saint Joseph, Minnesota. An annual catalogue was published for the College without including the Academy during the period of 1926-1962. During this time, the college operated under auspices of St. Benedict�s Monastery before the College was separately incorporated in 1962. Contents include calendar of 1940-1942, table of contents, location and communication, accreditment, the Board of Advisers, faculty and administrative officers, divisions, general information, the Benedictine Heritage, buildings, grounds and equipment, student rooms, religious spirit, guest speakers and artists, clubs, day students, student council, student publications, traditional events, vocational opportunities, scholarships and opportunities for work, placement bureau, alumnae, admission, registration, classification of students, requirements for graduation, lower and upper division, a suggested program for the B.A. degree, courses of instruction, general information, departments, student roster and index.
College of St. Benedict; Sisters of the Order of Saint Benedict
Date Created:
1942
Description:
1942-1943 with announcements for 1943-1944 is a Bulletin of the College of Saint Benedict, Saint Joseph, Minnesota. An annual catalogue was published for the College without including the Academy during the period of 1926-1962. During this time, the college operated under auspices of St. Benedict�s Monastery before the College was separately incorporated in 1962. Contents include calendar, table of contents, location and communication, accreditment, the Board of Advisers, faculty and administrative officers, divisions, general information, the Benedictine Heritage, buildings, grounds and equipment, student rooms, religious spirit, social and recreational opportunities, guest speakers and artists, clubs, day students, student council, health, leadership, student publications, traditional events, vocational opportunities, scholarships and opportunities for work, placement bureau, alumnae, drama, admission and registration, classification of students, requirements for graduations, record of work, lower and upper division, a suggested program for the degree of bachelor of arts, courses and departments, student roster, index and advertisement for St. John's University.
College of St. Benedict; Sisters of the Order of Saint Benedict
Date Created:
1948
Description:
1948-1949 with announcements for 1949-1950 is a Bulletin of the College of Saint Benedict, Saint Joseph, Minnesota. An annual catalogue was published for the College without including the Academy during the period of 1926-1962. During this time, the college operated under auspices of St. Benedict�s Monastery before the College was separately incorporated in 1962. Contents include table of contents, college calendar for 1948-1949 and 1949-1950, location and communication, accreditment, the Board of Advisers, administrative officers, faculty, divisions, aims, the Benedictine Heritage, buildings, grounds and equipment, student rooms, religious spirit, social and recreational opportunities, guest speakers and artists, clubs, day students, student council, health, leadership, student publications, traditional events, vocational opportunities, scholarships and opportunities for work, placement bureau, alumnae, admission, registration, classification of students, expenses, wardrobe and room furnishings, requirements for graduation, scholastic attainment, record of work, lower and upper division, suggested program for the degree of bachelor of arts, general information, divisions and departments, student roster 1947-1948 and index.