St Mary of the Mount High School - St Mary Yearbook (Pittsburgh, PA)

Page 83 text:

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All study and recitation classrooms are lighted from the preferred direction south of east. The classrooms thus have the benefit of sunshine during the early hoius of the day. By a happy coincidence this aiTangement also makes available to all classrooms, without sacrifice in orientation, the breath-taking view across the city and up the Monongahela River Valley. Sharing the site of the high school is the new convent. Excepting that the sisters may enter the school corridors directly from the convent, the structures are com- pletely separated. The site plan arrangement provides separate outdoor recreation areas for the occupants of each building, screened from each other, and both courts screened from Grandview Avenue. Needless to say, those using the landscaped courts may enjoy the view across North Hills and down the Ohio River Valley. Designed by Marlier and Johnstone, Architects, the buildings are of steel frame and masonry. Fireproof construction, they are designed in the Contemporary man- ner. The exterior brick and stone trim match the old school across the street and thus indicate their relationship. But the new building is not a copy of the old. It incorporates the new window-wall technique wherein steel and glass replace the old weighty wall areas of masonry between windows. In addition to the added interest in contrasting textures of brick, steel and glass this new technique provides an opportunity to enhance the exterior design with contrasting colors. The introduction of strong exterior color, in turn, invites such decoration as the colored ceramic panel and painted metal cross adjacent to the main entrance. It seemed becoming, ho ve ' er, to apply this lively treatment to the school only. The same kind of design approach is used for interiors. For example, brick walls, laid in a decorative design, are used in the main lobby. It creates a study room of stone, brick, quarry, tile and metal as a transition to the more customary materials in the rooms beyond. This is characteristic of the work in Contemporary design which, among other things, adds interest to buildings by what might be called an architectural change in pace . Literally, it is a change in texture, color and combination of materials for the sake of animation in design. Obviously, the possible combinations are infinite but usually cost enters as one of the considera- tions and tends to establish limits. Within the areas of instruction, materials and equipment used are those cur- rently considered most appropriate for the various purposes. Where several possible methods or materials might have been used, the final choice was made for reasons of cost or durability or ease of future servicing or maintenance.

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It is generally recognized that the physical environment o£ the school has a pro- nounced infltience on the pupils. If mean and cramped quarters in drab surround- ing will dull the spirit of teachers and pupils alike, may we not be justified in expecting opposite reaction? Truly, few schools in this city or any other city enjoy as commanding a site as the new St. Mary of the Mount High School and Convent. Few excel in standards of physical plant. The dedication of this school and convent is a memorable day for Father Sullivan, his assistants. Fathers O ' Neil and Bryan, for the loyal members of the parish and for the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart. It is the omega of a dream come true and alpha of great things to come. May its completion bring greater honor and glory to God. With justifiable pride in a work well done. Father StiUivan and his people are not content to add finis to their parish ' s expansion, but both priest and people are looking to the future in terms of a parish hall and gymnasiimi to provide the means for the physical, social and culttual development of the jiarishioners. Ever alert and anxiotis to the needs of his Hock, Father Sullivan not only has given encouragement and support to the existing Church organizations, but he has been the moving force behind the inatiguration of the Women ' s Guild. The purpose of the gtiild is t- vofold: to provide an outlet for the energies and enthusiasms of the women of the parish, and to give them an opportiuiity of active participation in the furthering of parish projects. From the very beginning the response to Father Sidlivan ' s suggestion was heartening. At the first meeting in November, 1952, one hinidred women met in the school atiditorium and elected as their first officers the following women: Mrs. Robert Edwards, president; Mrs. Vincent Testa, vice-president; Miss Dorothy Doyle (Mrs. John Weinheimer), secretary; Mrs. Charles Murray, treasurer. These same officers were reelected the following year and capably lead the activities of the guild until 1954. Varied and sundry are the responsibilities assumed by the Women ' s Gtiild. Immediately following its organization, the women launched a series of money- raising projects destined to benefit their church. Certain funds were ear-marked for the building fund and for the improvement of the living conditions of the Sisters. The proceeds from spaghetti dinners, bake sales, bazaars, and fashion shows have greatly augmented the parish ftmds.