The record-union., 1891-10-13
SISTERS OF MERCY.
Their Convent School and Grounds to
be improved.
Inauguration of q Movement to That
End-The Ball is Started Rolling
in Good Earnest.

Some time since number of gentle
men of this city were forced TO the conclu-
sion that the Sisters of Mercy Convent
was sadly in need of repairs, a complete
overhauling, general cleansing, and thor
ough Improvement in every particular.
Two plans were under consideration-one
to purchase block Of land in the eastern
portion of the city, there erect new con-
vent, with all the auxiliary buildings,
grounds, ETC., and make there a school
such as would be the pride not only Of
those of the Catholic faith, but at the
same time would be an ornament to the
city, credit to the cause of education
and an honor to this section of the State.
The other was to fill the block on which
the present convent stands up to the high
grade, put the center building and all the
surroundings into perfect sanitary condi
ton, improve the streets, build sidewalks
of artificial stone all around the block,
tear down the old buildings and put new
ones in their place, build modern and
ornamental fence around the grounds,
beautify the garden, and in every way
make the place attractive and healthy.
Both of these plans were thoroughly
and earnestly discussed for long time
last evening by the committee of gentle
men in Bishop Manogue's residence.
Finally it was decided that the Sisters
should remain where they are, and that no
effort be spared to make on the present
site new convent in almost every par
ticular.
These good Sisters, who have done so
much for others, who have been the
blessed angels at many a bedside of pain
and death in this city, who have known no
creed nor sect in their ministrations
to suffering humanity, have recently
fallen into sore straits. The prevalence
OF sickness in the vicinity of their con-
vent, caused by the bad sewerage and the
accumulation of water on low lots. had
done much to keep pupils away, and tc
lose to them some of their best scholars.
The result was that the convent had been
gradually but surely falling off in scholar
ship, and that the various expenses of the
institution have had to be met by the
contributions of those who knew the
wants of the Sisters and appreciated them
for the good deeds they had done.
1t was to place THESE noble teachers
again in a Selt-reliant position that these
meetings have been held, which resulted
last night In final determination that the
present convent should be entirely reno
waited, improved and made complete
throughout. To do so will require the
outlay of several thousands of dollars.
The plumbing will have to be entirely
replaced by new and sensible methods,
and thorough system of sewerage and
drainage inaugurated at once. Then, in
addition to all the other improvements
and the tearing down of old buildings,
accommodations for boarders will have
to be provided, buildings erected for pri-
mary and kindergarten schools, chapel
for Sisters and boarders, music rooms,
studio and embroidery rooms, etc.
The committee having charge Of these
matters are determined that nothing
shall be done by halves, and that the
Sisters school shall be brought back to
the position it once occupied among the
educational institutions of the State. To
start the ball rolling, the following sums
were Immediately contributed at the
meeting: Rt. Rev. Bishop Monogue,
$3.50; A. Coolot, $500; General T. w.
Sheehan, Sl00; Hon. Frank D. Ryan,
500; Colonel James McNasser, 500;
c. Green, Sl00; William Doyle,
500; d. Mccarthy, $500; B. Lucey,
Sl00; Father Grace, $500; Father Haupts,
500; w. j. O'Brien, 500; James Nc
CATCHY Il Co., 500.
a subcommittee was appointed to
formulate plans for filling up the lots,
rectifying sewerage evils, improving
drainage. providing for new buildings.
etc. a thorough canvass of the city will
then be made, and fairs may be held TO
help along the good work.
Sacramento has already done wonders
for the Protestant Orphan Asylum, and
there Is no bOubt that she Will do equally
as well tor this convent school of the
good Sisters, who have done so much for
Sacramento, and have received SO little.