Jasper County Democrat, Volume 6, Number 36, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 12 December 1903 — ST. JOSEPH’S COLLEGE [ARTICLE]

ST. JOSEPH’S COLLEGE

A Few Remarks About This Excellent Catholic Institution. Indiana is rich in the possession of several of our most renowned colleges. In the foremost rank of these institutions of learning is that celebrated institution in Jasper county known as St. Joseph’s College. Since its establishment in 1891 this College has been a potent factor in modern education and a boon to the Catholic youth. A deep debt of gratitude is due to the Fathers of the Most Precious Blood, who were its founders. An ideal spot is the site upon which this splendid pile of buildings rises. The buildings and groupds are located one mile south of Rensselaer, yet there are many people in Jasper county who have never seen these handsome and eostly structures. Far from the distractions of city life, the student finds himself surrounded by everything that tends to develope his physical and mental status. The recreation grounds are extensive and afford every facility for beneficial and manly sports. An artificial lake on the premises offers facilities for such health-giving exercises as boating, fishing and skating. The buildings are models of modern architectural design in many respects. The class-rooms are scientifically lighted and ventilated; the sleeping apartments are airy and bright; the food is selected with regard to the health of the students. Conscientious attention to the most minute details for the welfare of their charges is exercised by all in charge of the college. From a hygienic Joseph’s has few equals. The main building presents a frontage of 325 ft., and has ample accomodations for 150 students. Spacious class rooms, recreation halls, cheerful refectories, fine reception rooms, a beautiful chapel, comfortable private rooms, airy dor-, mitories, lavatories, bathrooms, a replete gymnasium, etc., form pArts of this modern establishment. A part of the building is devoted to the musical department of St. Joseph’s College. A spacious music hall, eight practice rooms, besides apartments for the use of the orchestra and band, belong to this department. Great success has been attained in this branch of the College work, and the management may point with pride to the proficiency of the students of music.

For pupils not sufficiently advanced to enter the regular courses there is an excellent Preparatory Department. For the completion of the Normal and Commercial Courses three years are rexuisite, while the Classical Department proper comprises the work of six years. The Normal and Commercial Courses are an ample and thorough preparation for a successful business career. The student goes forth with a practical and substantial knowledge of business principles, and is eminently fitted to carve out for himself a brilliant futnre.

The Degree of Bachelor of Arts is conferred on the student who has successfully completed the Collegiate Course. To obtain this distinction he must pass satisfactory examinations in Religion, Logic, Ethics, Dialectics, Latin, Greek, English, Trigonometry, Algebra, Geometry, Ancient, Modern and United States History, besides the Literature of Ancient and Modern tongues. A diploma is awarded to the students in the Normal and Commercial Courses for proficiency in Religion, English, Mathematics, Pedagogy, Physiology, United States History, Geography, Civil Government, and Penmanship. Book-keeping and Commercial Law form a part of the Commercial Course.

Knowledge is of little value save when coupled with a noble character. The professors of St. Joseph’s College have ever borne this in mind, and have sedulously sought to imbue their young charges with lofty, Christian principles. All that is manly and elevating is cultivated in the student of this college. Scattered broadcast among the community are men who attribute the foundation of their success to the training acquired at St. Joseph’s. Endowed with religious conscientiousness and a genuine love of that which glorifies and enobles mankind, they become the ideal citizens of an ideal nation.

The work done by the Fathers of the Most Precious Blood in the Diocese of Ft. Wayne will stand as a living monument to the zeal and ardor of these exemplary educators. We wish to make mention of an article taken from the American Journal of ‘Health, and shall give an extract from the periodical referred to:

“During our investigations we have come upon an establishment of learning which we believe to be an ideal boarding school from the view point of the hygienist. Reference is had to St. Joseph’s College, which is located at Collegeville, Ind. Its freedom from malarial influences is insured by reason of its location, and the pure air and pure water afforded are important factors in the high standard of health which prevails among the students. The greatest care is exercised at St. Joseph’s College regarding the health of students and their physical wellbeing, as well as mental growth is a matter of tealous Solicitude. The hygienist knows that without health the deepest learning or the most erudite knowledge is of no avail; but, when highest mental training and ample seem ity to health are alike assured, the pleasure one finds in bestowing commendation is doable.” Although St. Joseph’s College has been in existence only twelve years, it fills a proud page in the history of Catholic educational institutions. Some of our most enterprising business men, men who have sprung into professional prominence, and some who have been added to the ranks of Priesthood, have received their preparatory training at St. Joseph’s College. Reduced prices on ladies and childrens cloaks. *

ROWLES & PARKER.