St. Aloysius Shield
CRIMSON SHIELD
THE ONLINE MAGAZINE OF BROTHER MARTIN HIGH SCHOOL
St. Aloysius Shield
November 2013
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History of St. Aloysius - V

Part IV
The September 5, 1892, issue of the Times-Picayune reported on the dedication of the new facilities at Esplanade and Rampart.
Solemn Blessing of the Magnificent New Edifice.
The solemn blessing of the handsome new chapel and spacious school building of St. Aloysius' Commercial Institute took place yesterday evening in the pres­ence of a large and interesting assemblage.
The event was one of great importance in the Second and Third districts. For more than a quarter of a century, these renowned and progressive educators, the Brothers of the Sacred Heart, have been connected with every prominent educa­tional movement in this city, by reason of their enlightened methods, and the flourishing literary and commercial institute which they so successfully conduct­ed.
This institution was founded in 1869. The management was intrusted to teachers whose reputation in the intellectual training and advancement of youth was na­tional, and it rapidly took a foremost rank among the leading high schools and col­leges of the city. Twice since its inception have the steady influx of pupils necessi­tated extensive addition to the original college buildings. Notwithstanding these increased facilities and accommodations the late elegant location, corner of Char­tres and Barracks streets, proved too circumscribed, and recently at an outlay of about $25,000 the purchase of the handsome building corner of Esplanade and Rampart streets, which was formerly used by the Ursuline nuns as an academy, was consummated; the buildings were refitted and remodelled at immense ex­pense and is now one of the most thoroughly equipped school structures in New Orleans.
The dedicative ceremonies of yesterday were of a most impressive nature, and were conducted by his grace, Most Rev. Archbishop Jannssens, assisted by Very Rev. G. Bogaerts, vicar general; Mgr. Frain, of the church of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart; Rev. Father Subileu, of St. Augustine; Rev. Father Ritter, of the cathedral; Rev. Bournigalle, of the Ursulines chapel; Rev. F. Thebault, of the archbishopric, and Rev. Father Aveilhe, of St. Maurice's church. The solemn procession was formed at the college entrance, the reverend clergy and acolytes and brothers led, followed by the pupils of the institute, some 300 in number, the invited guests bringing up the rear.
To the grand notes of the triumphal "Te Deum" the imposing cortege proceeded to the beautiful new chapel on the second floor. Here, the choir of St. Augustine's church, led by the Misses Maureau and Mrs. Geo. Trudeau, sang heartfelt an­thems of thanksgiving while the archbishop, with prayer, holy water and incense, consecrated the sacred oratory. And then, on and on through the spacious and well-filled libraries and parlors and reception rooms of the handsome building, which the brothers have fitted up for their special purposes, and over the broad galleries and flagged courtyard to the great college building, where classroom after classroom was blessed and consecrated, the figure of the crowned savior was hung up on the wall of each apartment with symbolical pictures of the sacred heart, of Jesus and Mary, to whom this brotherhood is particularly devoted. With the blessing of the immense playground, 150 by 100 feet, the buildings and ground were formally placed in the hands of Rev. Brother Justin, the superior of the order, to whose untiring energy and zeal so much of its success in this city is due. His grace then gave the papal benediction and the interesting ceremonies concluded. The new college buildings are situated in a delightful portion of the city, amid the most refined and picturesque surroundings. The classrooms are commo­dious, splendidly ventilated, and furnished with all the modern furniture and ap­pliances of school life. The playgrounds are extensive, secluded from the street and during recreation the pupils are constantly under the supervision of a prefect.
Eight brothers will be engaged in teaching this session. They are a body of men devoted to teaching as a life profession and will bring to their work methods and experience which public opinion for years has stamped as unexcelled. In addition to St. Aloysius Commercial Institute in this city, they have for many years conducted St. Stanislaus Commercial College at Bay St. Louis. The course of study is thorough and practical and while the general cultivation of the languages and sciences which forms the basis of the learned profession is a prominent fea­ture of the curriculum, the institute is particularly designed to prepare youths and young men for the active duties of business careers.
St. Aloysius Commercial Institute
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