The morning star and Catholic messenger., 1877-02-18
LETTRR FROM GALVESTON, TEX.

GALVESTON, TEXAS, Feb. 13, 1877.
Editor Morning Star:
ST. MARY's INFIRMARY OR THE SISTERS
HOSPITAL
Right Rev. G. NJ. Dnbuis, Bishop of Calves
ton, recognizing the moral and physical evils
of his diocese and the poor means of counter
acting their influence, went to France in 1866
and made an appeal in behalf of his people to
the Sisters of the "Incarnate Word" con-
gregation specially dedicated to works of
charity. Three of those generous, devoted
women offered themselves to the worthy pre-
late and resolved to follow him to his far dis
tant diocese. Arriving in Galveston on the
25th September, 1866, they Immediately COM
menced their good work by building q tempo
rary construc to receive the poor, the sick
and the dying.
The noble object and purpose of the oongre-
CATION OF the "Incarnate Word" had such An
effect that new subjscts fiocked to their stand
ard from France and other places, 80 that they
were able to extend their Community to San
Antonio in 1869. Aud soon they found them
selves Obliged to build the magnificent struc-
ture that is now under heir charge in this city.
ST. Mary's Infrmary, more generally known as
the Sisters Hospital, is a threestory structure
desi gned in an adaptation of the Renaissance
style, consisting of a main building with q
central and four aanking pavlions, surmounted
with Manssrd roof with the ueuai dorme <
openings, designed with buttress consols and
the usual moulded and constructive decoration
in pediments, trimmed ornamentation, etc.
The general effect aud the detail of this struc-
ture are pleasing-the outline being symmetri-
cal, the disposition of the several parts
aiding the general effect: The Dimensions
are 125 feet in length by 46 feet in
breadth, exclusive of the projections of the
psvilions from the main building, ten feet or
more, which are used for bath rooms, water
closets, etc. corridor ambulatory, nine
feet wide and over one hundred long, extends
along on the north front, leading into the sew
eral wards which face the south ard are ven
tilated thoroughly. Tho latest improvements
in elevators steam, gas fixtures and appsra.
tus are either supplied or are to be, upon the
completion of q spacious kitchen and refectory
to be built this Spring. The location ia pictu-
rescue, overlooks the Gulf and Bay and is
wholly unobstructed in view-the accommoda
tions, as might be inferred, are fully up to the
req uirements of the times the building will
accommodate about $50 patients. There are
at present twenty-six Sisters in the establish
ment and some ninety patients. Besides
this hospital and the one at San Antonio, the
good Sisters have also under their care the
Orphandge, situated about four miles from
Galveston, noble structure, planned and de-
signed like the hospital by the talented and
accomplished architect, Mr.. N. j. Clayton, and
which at present contains ninety poor children
entirely depending the efforts of the good
Sisters and the voluntary support of the con-
gregations of the diocese. Let me conclude
this letter by saying that Mr. Clayton seems to
be the architect of Texas. He is quite young
man, an Irishman. Competent critics of this
city compliment him on having produced the
most perfect specimens of artistic skill to be
found in Texas Certainly, the Sisters Hospi-
tai, st. Patrick's church, the altars of the
Cathedral and the fremont House here evince
architectural geniHF. Adios, HARRY.