Marquette University - Hilltop Yearbook (Milwaukee, WI)

Page 19 text:

The Story of Marquette Over half a century has come and gone since the cornerstone of Gesu church was laid. Over half a century ago since a great com- munity was established, for around Gesu church grew the University we know so well today. In 1891 subscription hooks were circulated to members of St. (jail’s and Holy Name parishes who wished to combine to form a Jesuit parish. With the approval of pastors and parishioners it was named for the historic church of the Jesuits in Rome. On December sixth. 1894, Gesu church was formally dedicated by Archbishop Katzer and from that day forth it has been a living symbol of Truth. Gesu has been the good ground which has received the Word of God. It has nurtured the tender Seed so that It could fructify into a great Catholic university which would propagate It to the entire community. Gesu church stands the center of the Uni- versity. In the 1890's there merged forth out of many ideas the plan to build both church and college. It was a slow process, but there was persistent determination to carry out the plan. Although some land had been purchased in the vicinity of Gesu church in 1892 for erect- ing a school building, it was not until the fall of 1898 that construction was actually begun. The completion of the school was realized the following year, and classes were started in the school named for the stately Gesu church. Archbishop Henni had purchased the prop- erty where the University is now located with hopes of establishing an educational institu- tion. but it was not until 1907 that his dreams were realized. After years of planning and waiting for the completion of the college, he saw his dreams fulfilled just two days before his death. Archbishop Henni named the college in honor of the pioneer Jesuit father, Jacques Marquette. Liberal Arts was the first of the colleges to be represented on the campus. Through the good will of Robert A. Johnston, Johnston Hall was built next to the church. Since then nine other professional schools have been added to the Jesuit university. Now. as then. Gesu church sets forth the Christian ideals that motivate the actions of Marquette students. It fosters Christian vir- tues that enable men to live in harmony with their fellow men. It promotes Christian princi- ples that are the basis for a just and lasting peace.