Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1875-08-05
ST. D0MIsIc,s DAY.
Reception at3St. Cecilia Academy Yes
terday.

A Religions Order Devoted 90 Teach.
Condition.
The Academy and Convent Of St. Ce-
ella, situated a short distance north Of the
city, is under the direction Of the Sisters Of
the order Of st. Dominic. Yesterday was
a gala day al the Academy, the 4th of Au-
gust being set apart IL the Roman cAlen-
dar to the honor Of that Saint. On this
day the doors Of the institution are thrown
open for the reception of visitors. Many
people who are not patrons or especial
friends of the School, take advantage Of the
opportunity to spend few hours pleasantly
and proftably.
Among the large number Of visitors to
St. Cecilia yesterday was a UNION AND
AMERICAN reporter. The guests were re-
ceived by the Sisters, who kindly explained
everything of interest about the building
from '.tllIret to foundation stone,n and
otherwise made every possible effort 10 en-
terrain their company in an agreeable
manner. The visitors were treated to
some excellent vocal and instrumental
music by both pupils and teachers. The
reporter took it upon himself to get his full
share of the delicacies served on the ocea-
sion. He also jotted down in his note
book some Interesting points about the his
tory of thet Dominican order, the found
alton of the academy, and its rise and
progress in the last fifteen years.
st. Cecilia was established in August,
1860, and has been in successful operation
since that time. It's founder was the BIT.
Rev. James Wheeling, former Bishop Of
Noehrilln u boc AOurfshad ,,rdo- H. 4;
rectiOn of the Sisters of the Dominican
Order. This is an ancient order founded
by Dominic de Guzman, Castilian noble
man, noted for his purity of life and gen
tleness of manner. The first nuns of this
order were established in France in the
twelfth century, in house at ProVille, a
village near Toulouse. The young ladies
of the nobility of that district were confided
to their care for education, so that from
the first this has been teaching order.
The next convent established under the
auspices OF the Dominicans was at Rome,
aud called st. Sixtus. It continued in its
work Of education till this year, when it
was taken possession of by the govern
meut of Victor Emanuel, the Italian King.
The members of this order consider teach
ing theif especial vocation and their sole
aim is to prepare themselves for the work.
Many members of the Dominican Order
have been distinguished for their attain
Ulents in literature, music, painting, sculp-
ture, etc.
Since the Sisters have had charge of st.
Cecilia, all Of its sessions have had a fat
tering attendance of pupils from this and
other States, but large proportion Of the
students are from the South. II is at
present under the supervision of Rt. Rev.
p. A. Feehan, Bishop of Nashville. There
has recently been a considerable addition
to the teaching corps, and every necessary
preparation is being made for the begin
ming Of the fall session, which commences
on the first Monday in next month.
The building is situated on an eminence
about two miles north Of the Capitol, and
is elevated several hundred feet above the
city, making it one of the most heElthful
locations around Nashville. The house is
well ventilated, and one hundred pupils
can be comfortably seated in the study
hall. There are also three large halls in
the building ID which the pupils can take
recreation when the weather is too inclem-
ent to permit their going out doors for ex-
ercise. The dOrmitory and every other
dUuuI tic lDLSE uaft UCEu put
in the neatest possible order, and present
a most attractive appearance. The origi-
nal plan Of the building has
not been fully carried ont, and
an additional wing, comprising music
rooms, reception rooms, etc, yet remains
to be erected, but It is contemplated to CON-
mence this work at no late day. Surround
ing the academy is tract Of ten acres of
land, a portion cultivated as g vegetable
garden, but enough reserved to constitute
a beautiful enclosure Of shrubbery and or
namental trees. The grounds are laid off
into winding walks, the sides of which are
lined with sweetly-scented and rare flowers.
To us St. Cecilia seems a place where one
could easily withdraw his mind from the
affairs Of the outside world and center it
on books for the whole year round.