Menard Memorial High School - Menardian Yearbook (Alexandria, LA)

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MENARD MEMORIAL HIGH FOUNDED SEPTEMBER, i893 Observance of the centennial of the inauguration of the educational labors of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart in the United States recalls their contribution to education in North Louisiana where they currently conduct one of the outstanding educational institutions for boys-Menard Memorial High School. The school opened its doors in September, l893, with an enrollment of 57 boys, under direction of Brother Felix, S. C., principal. The other Brothers who taught these first pupils were Brothers Robert, German and Austin. The noted school was the realization of a dream of many years on the part of Alex- andria's beloved and ever-remembered Rev. Louis Menard, pastor of St. Francis Xavier church --now Alexandria's Cathedral. After the convent school had been built, Father Menard turned his attention to the erection of a boys' school in l892. Cornerstone-laying ceremonies took place October Zl, l892, after a Solemn High Mass. To staff this school, Father Menard turned to the Brothers of the Sacred Heart who were teaching at Mobile, Bay St. Louis and New Orleans. His dream was to have a school where the youth of the parish could be placed under the influence of men who devoted their lives to the education of boys and the preparation of advanced young men for commercial fields. lt was for these reasons that he appealed to the Sacred Heart Brothers. Down the years they have rendered great service in the preparation of the youth of North Louisiana, molding young men into worthy Christian citizens. The school was originally known as St. Francis Xavier Commercial college. The num- ber of students increased steadily, so that another school was built in l903, but by l9l5, it was necessary to add new accommodations. Disaster struck the institution in November, l923, when fire swept through the edifice. Classes were held after that in three different buildings, generously loaned to the Brothers. Already before the fire, plans were under way for a larger and more modern building, Property had been bought on Elliott street, between l9th and 2O'th streets. When the old school burned, it was decided to abandon the old site of St. Francis Xavier college and to build on the new one. The new structure was named after its founder, Father Menard. The present Menard Memorial High School was dedicated on January 4, l925. Brother Felix remained principal for one year, until l894, then Brother Suarez became head of the college. He was followed by Brother Jerome, then by Brother Louis Emile, who was principal for ll years. Brother Humbert was the next principal, until l9l8, when Brother Louis Emile returned for another year. Succeeding principals were Brothers llbertus, Humbert, Edmund, Sebastian, Cyril, Julius, Jerome and Gerald. At present the principal is Brother Patrick. In I9-43, the Brothers of Menard and the people of Alexandria celebrated with fitting pomp the Golden Jubilee of the school. The lamented Bishop Daniel F. Desmond presided at the celebration which was attended by Reverend Brother Albertinus, Superior General of the order, and by numerous Brothers from other schools, as well as by a large delegation of diocesan clergy and Menard alumni and friends. During the recent war, Menard went on a military footing and a military unit was formed among the students. Under the inspiring religious guidance of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart, Menard has been a nursery for vocations. A number of graduates and pupils of Menard have be4 come diocesan or religious priests and some l4 of them have become Brothers. ln the music field, athletics, sodality work, mission projects and in national, state and local movements, Menard students have always stood out with their contributions and participation. ' Besides Menard Memorial High school, the Brothers of the Sacred Heart also conduct- ed another school in North Louisiana for a time. This was St. John Berchmans at Mansura, which was built in the fall of l906. This college was later discontinued. For more than 54 years the Brothers of the Sacred Heart have made substantial con- tributions to the cause of education in the Diocese of Alexandria, and many civic and business leaders have received their training under the zealous and capable direction of these Brothers. North Louisiana has been fortunate in having them in the educational field, because of their tremendous influence for good. 4011. J- M055-. ,

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WHERE THE MASTER REIGNS 1847 - 1947 LOBBY AND OFFICE