The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1874-06-12

FATHER LEMKB AND HIS SCHOOLS
The many friends in Cambria county of the
venerable and much beloved Father Lemke
otherwise known Father Henry will
peruse with interest tho following from a
late issue of the Elizabeth On. j. Herald:
The tnsufRcency Of our public school accom-
modntions in Elizabeth, and The evident dispo-
sition to restrict them 70 the lowest possible
minimum has compelled, to a degree not often
seen elsewhere. the adoption OF other means
of instruction; and we have private schools in
celIence. In addition to these, too, parochial
schools. under the charge of pastors of the Ro-
oil the four parishes in which the city is dvi-
ded and as there may be many among the
extent and efficiency OF their operations a
short statement of their present condition may
not he without interest
SCHOOL OF THE BENBDICTINE SISTERS.
All the citizens or Elizabeth are familiar with
near the junction OF Reid street, in tho Third
ward and occupying, with the grounds, n
not yet very denseiy populated. the large build
ing dominates wide district; and, from the
surrounding country. Ii has little of the ira
ditiOnal gloom supposed to characterize the
but built in light modern stylo of architec-
tnre, 1t might be taken for college, rather
BEAUTIFULLY and Pleasantly located. and when
time has added to the growth of the tree. by
which ii Is surrounded. it will be n place OF un-
usual attractions. This is the convent OF the
Benedictine Sisters; or more properly st.
s
dict" Several years ago, on the application OF
twenty six ladies " no wished to devote them
selves to that life Of usefulness which they be-
Heved could be found in the education of their
sex within the seClusiOn OF q cloister. the Leg
islature granted a charter, and the Order was
founded. The erection of the building which
they now occupy is due to the excrtiOns and
sacrifi ces of Father II enry, at present the pas
tor OF St Henry's Parish: but then of ST.
Michael's Church on East Jersey street. He
purchased the ground on which the convent
stands from his own private means, and obtain
ed such donations and securities permitted
the completion Of the very elegant structure
which is now an ornament to theicity. Within
the building is the chapel. a tasteful room with
a small organ, and capable OF seating about
eight hundred people. Father Henry boasts
the finest music in the city. The organist is
young lady, whom he has trained from child
hood to the practice of the instrument; and
the choir is composed principally of some of
the Sisters of the Order.
The boarding and day school, which is the
main object of the institution. Is tho high
school under the charge OF the Catholics in the
city; and though at present suffering, in COM
mon with all other enterprises, from the ftnan-
cial distress, it is usually prosperous. Music
and needIe-wOrk are spccialities: and German
and all the higher branches OF English educa-
tion are taught thoroughly In addition to the
high school, parochal instruction is also given
in the Convent and nearly two hundred pupils
from the neigh OorhOod are in daily attendance.
Father Henry speaks hopefully OF the future
of the institution hen the extensive grounds
shall have aChed their highest state Of i'm
provemcnt, and time shall have added TO the
reputation and influence Of the school.