Cathedral High School - Crusader Yearbook (Belleville, IL)

Page 14 text:

On the afternoon of September 1, 1905, the first Brothers of Mary arrived Irom Dayton, Ohio, to take over the upper grades and to inaugurate a commercial high her 1 at the Cathedral. Brothers Charles Aul, 1 homas Seebald and Philip Fink were the pi oneers. I he Very Reverend H. J. Hagen, pastor, had negotiated getting the Brothers and he and the Right Reverend Bishop Janssen welcomed them most cordially. CLASSES GET UNDERWAY Venerable William Joseph Chaminade, founder of the brothers of Mary , preached an intense filial piety toward Our Blessed Mother, and our teachers continue to instill that love of a son for His Mother. I he above portrait of Father Chaminade was painted by Bay Kuehn, a grad of 1941 and presented to the librarian through the generosity of Mr. Kenneth Kain and Mr. Kuehn. epidemic of scarlet fever closed the school twice durii February 3 till March 2, 1913 and again from Marc] School opened September 6, 1905 with an attendance of 129 pupils. As the commercial high department increased the grades were gradually taken over by the School Sisters of Notre Dame save for the eighth grade which the Brothers retained until 1932. Father Joseph Schlarmann advised the organization of a regular high school in the scholastic year 1923-24 so the commercial high was discontinued. I he first group of four-year men was graduated in 1927. Brother Charles, the first principal re¬ mained until 1910 when he was succeeded by Brother Custavus I letterich who guided the school for the next three years. An Brother Gustavius’ last year at Cathedral. From 20 till April 2 classes were dismissed. MORE TRIALS TO ENDURE Brother Francis Weber, who a year or two ago celebrated his diamond jubilee as a religious, held the position as principal from 1913 till 1923. During the trying years of the first great war Brother Francis had many difficulties with which to contend. The school playground had to be leveled. The influenza epidemic closed Cathedral’s doors again in October 1918. Conditions became so serious that the Health Department forbade any public gatherings and the school hall was used as an emergency hospital where some seven deaths occurred—the school janitor being among them. Classes had resumed on November 25 hut were forced to close again on December 6 not to reopen until the early part of January, 1919. Brother Charles Kirsting took over as principal in September 1923 when the regular high school was begun with an enrollment of 78 pupils. Including the grades still conducted by the Brothers the total en¬ rollment was 164 boys. Unfortunately, Brother Charles was stricken with paralysis on January 27, 1925. Brother John Hettich replaced him and continued to serve until 1931. During Brother John’s tenure of oi l ice the enrollment was constant hut small. The bui ding was extensively remodeled during the summer of 1929 when new maple floors were laid in all the roams and new desks added much to the comforts of the students. SERIOUS MISFORTUNE DISAPPEARS—REAL PROGRESS IS AT HAND When school opened in 1931 Brother Ambrose Loasbrock was here as dean. He retained the office until 193 . Monsignor Schlarmann had in the meantime become Bishop of Peoria and was succeeded bv Father Joseph M. Mueller as pastor of the Cathedral and President of Cathedral High School. Father Mueller was made a Right Reverend Monsignor in May 1939. Cathedral has made great strides since the able hand of Father Mueller has been guiding it. ( Continued to last page )

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Rt. Rev. Msgr. Joseph Mueller Principal Brother William Baer, S. M., came to Cathedral at the beginning of our junior year. I le replaced Brother Urban Fleege who was called to the Catholic University in Washington, D. C. As in size so also in personality there was a big difference. “Leadership is dominating; never domineering,” seems to be the gospel advocated and followed by Brother William since becoming principal. At times we have seemingly taken advantage of the situation but eventually discovered our error and returned to the straight and narrow. Gentlemanly conduct is the order of the day, but some have been slow to compre¬ hend. We, nevertheless, feel that definite progress is being made. Brother William. The general let-down in all walks of life following the cessation of hositilities has made itself felt even here. Our realizing that condition has tended to make it easier for us to counteract its evil effects. We sincerely admit that you have been doing much toward keeping up the morale of the school and appreciate your patience in bearing with us so long. President Father Mueller became President of Cathedral in 1930. Since that time the school has made notable progress under his careful direction. We realize full well. Monsignor, that your duties are numerous and burdensome yet in spite of it all you have found the time to show deep interest in us. We have at times perhaps appeared ungrateful as we moderns tend to take so much for granted. Your sterling example of a deeply religious spirit has helped much to make us realize the importance of a solid and practical spirit of faith. 1 he continued insistence on the importance of attendance at 1 loly Mass and the frequent reception of the Sacraments has made its impression but un¬ fortunately has not yet come to full fruition. We sincerely hope the future will permit the seed so carefully planted to fructify. Our sincere thanks, Father, we ll never forget. May the good example of your Cathedralites serve as jewels in the crown of your memories. Time will tell. Bro. William Baer, S. M.