Loyola University Maryland - Evergreen / Green and Gray Yearbook (Baltimore, MD)

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Laying of the Corner Stone of the New Science Building HE afternoon of November 7, 1922, was a memorable one in the life of Loyola College. The event of that afternoon will stand out in the history of the new and greater Loyola. On this day, in the presence of His Grace, the Most Rev. Michael J. Curley, Archbishop of Baltimore, in the midst of students, members of the faculty, and friends of the college, was laid the cornerstone of the new Science Building at Loyola College, Evergreen. Those present that afternoon witnessed a very simple but withal a most important ceremony. It was an occasion that marked a far-reaching development in the new life of Loyola ; another step by our esteemed Alma Mater to a position of commanding influence. They certainly felt proud, did the sons of Loyola who were on hand tha memorable afternoon; proud to see their Alma Mater rise amid most ideal sur- roundings and go forth to future greatness. Leading up to the laying of the cornerstone, we recall the blessing of the site and the breaking of the ground for the Science Building, which took place on Commencement Day, June 12, 1922. With the propitious aid of the elements, work on the new building progressed rapidly and the foundation having assumed definite form we come to the laying of the cornerstone. Rarely had Evergreen looked more charming than on the afternoon of November 7, 1922. The surrounding country had assumed that melancholy beauty characteristic of the last days of autumn and the mild rays of the sun striking the stately Garrett mansion disclosed the beautiful features of Evergreen. The fine weather and large and appreciative gathering combined to make the event a notable one. The crowd that visited Evergreen that afternoon came not, however, to view its autumnal beauty. Their attention was attracted by a mass of stone and steel girders; about this they spread in a wide semi-circle. For here was the seat of a future nursery of learning and they had come to witness the laying of its cornerstone. The commencement of the ceremony scheduled for 4.30 P. M. was eagerly awaited by everyone. Over in the administrative building groups of students could be seen strolling about. Presently an approaching motorcar indicated the arrival of the distinguished orator of the occasion, Mr. James A. Flaherty, Supreme Knight of the Knights of Columbus. This was a signal for all to be in readiness and the procession was quietly formed. The entire student body, followed by 13

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tatorian and he took as his subject: Cardinal Gibbons, Priest and Patriot.” John Jacob Coniff was the Valedictory speaker who used as his theme: “Pope Benedict XV, Pontiff of Peace.” Those who were graduated and who received the degree of Bachelor of Arts were Roger Joseph Blankfard, Robert Emmett Bradley, Clarence Joseph Caulfield, John Jennings Clark, Arthur Adams Coniff, John Jacob Coniff, Robert Aloysius Coolahan, Frank Rosario Di Paula, Kenneth Leo Graham, William Davenport Hodges, Edward Aloysius Kerr, Thomas George Marcin, Andrew Paul Menton, Carroll Albert Read, William Joseph Sweeney and Ferdinand Cornelius Sybert. The First Commencement Was Held in Front of the New College The coveted diplomas were awarded amidst the cheering and applause of the graduates’ friends and fellow students and then came the distribution of the medals and prizes which were awarded to the few fortunate. Immediately after the ceremonies, the Alumni held a reunion at which the newly graduated were welcomed into the Alumni Association. Edw. J. Brannan, 1924. 12

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Alumni, members of the faculty and distinguished guests marched fromj the Assembly to the building now under construction, where a large crowd had gathered. His Grace, the Archbishop, formally opened the ceremony with the intonation of the “Veni Creator.” The Archbishop then paused before the cornerstone and pronounced the words of blessing, thus forming a solid and holy foundation upon which is to rise an edifice of Catholic sanctity and learning. There followed the significant act and the cornerstone of the Jenkins Science Building was placed in position. The Rev. Joseph McEneany, president of Loyola College, then pro- ceeded to acquaint his hearers with a few facts by reading the inscription to be inclosed within the stone. Archbishop Curley Blessing the Cornerstone of the Science Building Perhaps the most impressive feature of the ceremonies was the procession of students, alumni and friends of the colleges. The students preceded by the band and attired in collegiate cap and gown made an inspiring and rather distinguished appearance, while the presence of the crossbearer and acolytes seemed to lend a touch of solemnity to the procession. His Grace, erect and dignified, and easily the most conspicuous figure of the gathering, followed the procession as it slowly bent its way across the beautiful campus to the unfinished structure. Bishop Owen B. Corrigan, Vicar-General, a number of priests and leading Catholic laymen were present at the ceremony. The principal speaker of the occasion was Supreme Knight James A. Flaherty of the Knights of Columbus; short addresses were made by Archbishop Curley and Rev. Joseph McEneany, Rector of Loyola College. 14