Belmont Abbey College - Spire Yearbook (Belmont, NC)

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the challenge to authority and tradition in both the College and monastery. Crisis loomed: college enrollments fell off nation-wide, and among the institutions hurt was Belmont Abbey College. A merger with Sacred Heart College (for girls) was con- sidered. In 1970, Abbot Walter pe- titioned the Holy See to ac- cept his resignation. On Febraury 11 of that year, the chair of Leo Haid was again vacant. Quickly, an election was held in the monastery chap- ter, and Father Edmund Mc- Caffrey, O.S.B. was elected fourth Abbot Ordinary. The young Abbot (only 37 years old) entered his office fully aware of the problems that confronted him; he assumed full leadership, and expected cooperation and goodwill from all fronts. As his first move, he appointed Father John P. Bradley, a secular priest, as President of Bel- mont Abbey College. This was the first time a non- Benedictine had occupied this position. Father Jude was appointed assistant to the President. Immediately, the ideology of Belmont Ab- bey College went under scru- tiny and overhaul, and a new image appeared. But the new Abbot was not destined for a long abbacy. In 1975, Abbot Edmund re- signed from office, and once again, the cathedra of Bel - Thirteen

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the third Abbot Ordinary of Belmont Abbey. Abbot Wal- ter undertook an ambitious expansion program, ably as- sisted by Father Jude Cleary, O. S.B. Within twelve years he had completed an expan- sion program costing over 4.5 million dollars, includ- ing the Taylor Library, the three dormitories, Wheeler Centers, and the Gaston Sci- ence Hall, among other projects. By 1964, these ad- ditions were paying off: res- ident students became the support of the Abbey, total enrollment was up 27% and, in 1969, 830 students were enrolled at Belmont Abbey College. Times were also changing: the faculty became, to a large degree, lay, students arrived with new ideas on individual liberty, and many restrictions were dropped. Vatican Council II called Abbot Walter to Rome from 1962-1965. By the time of his return, many problems had arisen, not the least was ' HAH Twelve - - - ' -- v™™ -™.™—.™-

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T E IES IMT S : [Per Session ok Five .Months.] Board. Tuition ami Washing $7.5 00 .Natiir.i! Philosophy ami Chemistry 10 00 Piano ami n-e of Instrument 1.5 00 Violin 10 00 Wrawiii;. ' S O o Stenography o 00 I ' su of Library | no K-iTPayment must be made invariably in advance. No deduction will be made for a Student leaving the Institution before the expiration of a. session, except in case of sickness or dismissal. Books, stationery, music and drawing materials can be pro- cured at the College, at current prices, provided there be depos- ited a sum equivalent to the probable cost of such articles. Medical attendance and medicines at Doctor ' s charges. Students remaining at the College during vacation will be charged $25.00. Caf ' Letters of inquiry should be addressed to the Director of St Mary ' s College, Garibaldi P. O., Gaston Co., North Carolina. Fourteen -, ..J 1 ;;q iamiBIMMIKBm.BmwilHBH»»MiniwCM