MT. ST. SCHOLASTICA’S ACADEMY.
One of the first sights to impress the visitor to Atchison is the imposing collection of buildings which crowns its southern hill, now commonly known as Mt. St. Scholastica.
Mt. St. Scholastica is practically as old as Atchison itself, the first sisters having come here in 1863. Few who gaze upon the massive and commodious array of buildings, surrounded as they now are by well-kept lawns, spacious meadow and woodland, stop to think of its humble beginning and the many trials which beset the early foundation. But the first sisters were in time to feel the effects of the Civil war and the hardships attendant upon the same.
At the request of Rev. Augustine Wirth, O. S. B., then prior of St. Benedict’s College, and the first pastor of the church in Atchison, Rev. Mother Evangelista and six companions were sent from the Benedictine convent in St. Cloud, Minn., to establish a school in Atchison. Two more sisters were sent the following April. As these latter were on their way, they were detained at Hannibal for two days. The funeral cortege of President Lincoln having reached that city at the same time as the sisters, one of their sad privileges was that of attending the obsequies of the martyred President before continuing their journey Kansasward.
The little convent, situated at the corner of Second and Division streets, near St. Benedict’s church, was the cradle of the present institution. Second street at that time was not a street at all, but rather a passageway cut through the hazel brush, then so abundant in Atchison.
The academy organized its classes December 1, 1863. It was incorporated in 1873. Its roster bears the names of many of Atchison’s best families of both town and county.
In the summer of 1877 the Price villa was purchased. A new building was added in 1889. The third building was commenced in 1900. The buildings are surrounded by thirty-eight acres of woodland and meadow.
Besides the academy in Atchison, the sisters supply teachers for a large number of missions or parochial schools in Kansas, Nebraska, Missouri, and Iowa, also one large school in Walsenburg, Colo. The institution in Atchison is the center or mother house of all these branch houses, and in vacation all the sisters from the missions assemble here for the annual retreat, and for the summer normal.
Mt. St. Scholastica’s Academy, Atchison, Kan.
The venerable Mother Evangelista, the first mother and foundress, was succeeded in office by Sister Theresa, who governed the community as Reverend mother for the next twelve years. Since that time Mother Aloysia has ably carried on the work of her predecessors.
The early days of Mt. St. Scholastica, like the early days of Kansas, were times of struggle and hardships. Yet, these brave pioneer sisters were of the true Kansas type, and tell us that they never for a moment regretted their mission to the Sunflower State. They tell us, too, that the sunflower itself had a strange power to cheer and encourage their early days. Its sturdy stalk and bright disk seem so fit a type of faith, labor and grateful content, that, even to the present day this rustic flower always finds a place in the convent garden.
The later history of Mt. St. Scholastica is too well known to need repetition. Its actual growth began with the purchase of Price villa in 1877, since which time progress has been steady and vigorous.
A most comprehensive plan of study is pursued at Mt. St. Scholastica. It includes all branches needful for a thorough, literal and refined education, the outcome of long years of experience and thoughtful consideration. That this fact is appreciated, not only by neighboring cities and towns, may be seen by consulting the academy roster, which records a long list of names from many and various sections of the country. Besides the academic or classical course, Mt. St. Scholastica furnishes a complete commercial course, together with special advantages for the study of music and art.
The home life of Mt. St. Scholastica is ideal. The association of fellow-students amid wholesome environments has the tendency to bring out and develop every noble and womanly quality, while the beneficient and judicious guidance of the sisters wisely leads to the attainment of those lofty principles so needful to right living.
Sacred Heart parochial school, in Atchison, is also controlled by the Benedictine sisters, and is supported by tuition. Its curriculum extends through the grades, and the school is under the direction of Sister Monica, O. S. B., and one assistant. Both boys and girls attend, and the enrollment in 1916 is seventy-four.
St. Louis College is another parochial school, offering work through the grades, and admitting both boys and girls. It is maintained by St. Benedict’s parish. Number of teachers employed is six, and the Rev. Gerard Heinz, O. S. B., is principal. Enrollment in 1916 is 293.
St. Patrick’s parochial school is located near St. Patrick’s church, in Union District No. 2, about seven miles south of Atchison. Two teachers are employed in the school, and Ven. Sr. Merwina, O. S. B., is directress. It is controlled and supported by St. Patrick’s parish, and its curriculum extends through the grades. Boys and girls attend the school, and the enrollment in 1916 was sixty-seven.
St. Ann’s school is a Catholic parochial school, at Effingham. It is controlled and supported by St. Ann’s parish. Both boys and girls enroll in the school, which completes the work of the grades. The past year, forty-six pupils were in attendance. Two teachers are employed, one of whom is Sister Sr. M. Marcellina, O. S. B., the directress.
The Trinity Lutheran parochial school is controlled and supported by the Trinity Lutheran parish, corner of Eighth and Laramie streets. The curriculum extends to the eighth grade, and work is offered to both boys and girls. The enrollment in 1916 is fifty-three, and Rev. Carl W. Greinki is principal.