1913: ST. FRANCIS COLLEGE

Did you know that St. Anthony of Padua Church on South Olden Avenue in Hamilton owes its existence to Immacualte Conception Parish? Along with St. Joachim's Church, "Immaculate" is alive with very interesting history. Over the oncoming years, I will be posting further fascinating historic photos and articles from the past as they relate to these two legendary landmarks.

Anonymous said...

Tom, Saint Francis College? I have never heard mention of this. Is there some relationship to the hospital?

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Michael said...

Tom: The only connection I am aware of between Immaculate, and St. Francis College; St. Francis of Loretto Penna. was the ultimate college for many Trenton Catholic graduates. There was a good amount of "steering" to this school. Hope this helps. Mike

Hi Mike-Hi Anonymous:

Thanks for your input. I have added the 1913 graphic above to explain the St. Francis College - Immaculate connection. Note the involvement of the Franciscan Fathers, all from the order of St. Francis.

Tom Glover

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Stephen said...

St. Francis College on Chestnut Avenue existed as early as 1882. According to "Chronological Index of Events in Trenton During the Year 1882" published by Trenton Daily True American on Monday Morning, January 1, 1883 (see: http://trentonhistory.org/Index/Index1882.htmlhttp://trentonhistory.org/Index/Index1882.html) on Dec 21, 1882 Bishop O’Farrell ordained three students of St. Francis College as Sub-Deacons at St. Mary’s Cathedral. St. Francis College was more akin to today's high school in that boys usually entered the schoool around the age of thirteen. It was a three year course of study for boys interested in the priesthood. Subsequent studies at other schools were more akin to today's four year colleges. Sometime around 1920 I surmise that St. Francis College and its functions relocated to Staten Island, NY. I found references to students attending St. Francis College on Staten Island in relation to studying for the priesthood. At some point it was renamed St. Francis Minor Seminary and closed in 1997. The Staten Island school was operated by the same order (Franciscans, OFM Conv.) as found at Immaculate Conception parish. St. Francis Minor Seminary was like St. Francis College, a college preparatory school (4 years instead of 3) for boys interested in the priesthood. The November 20, 1921 edition of the Trenton Sunday Times-Advertiser mention a play being performed to make improvements to the the building formerly housing St. Francis College and now being used by the nuns teachinng at Immaculate Conception Grammar School. Part of the building is also being used as a Catholic high school for 40 pupils and that it is the beginning of a high school in connection with the Immaculate Conception Grammar School. This building was constructed in 1898. Around 1938 the former St. Francis College building became the Administration Building for Trenton Catholic Boys High School. It is now a parking lot.

The new Immaculate Conception High School building was dedicated on July 19, 1925 and opened that fall to accomodate all Chambersburg pupils. Having become an all boys school in Fall 1936, it was renamed Trenton Catholic Boys High School in 1938. The cornerstone of the Immaculate Conception Grammar School was laid on June 24, 1906 with the first students arriving in September 1907. The enrollment figures for September 1907 showed that there were over 600 pupils attending Immaculate Conception Grammar School.

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Thanks you Stephen for the added information on the college. Like so many things of an historic nature, sometimes the newspapers publish differing accounts. The 1913 article I posted led me to believe that 1900 was the year of the college. However, I place more credibility in your findings and really appreciate the research you put forward. You are a special guy. Thanks much, and keep adding to our local history; that's what this site is all about------informed citizen input along with mine.

Tom Glover