The Sauk Centre herald. (Sauk Centre, Stearns County, Minn.) 1886-current, 1912-06-13

doesn't take more than fraction of
a minute to get acquainted with Faith
er John. And the longer you know
him the better you like him. Father
Johns present is potent cure for the
worst case of crouch or pessimism
that ever came down the pike.
Father John arrived at St. Johns in
1867, a youth. He has lived there
ever since. He is one of the fixtures
as we'll as one of the attractions of
the institutions. In edition, he is
one of the most experienced and ac-
complished horticulturists in the
Northwest. On the grounds of the
institution is a fine orchard, every
tree in which was planted by Father
Johns own hands. Last year this
orchard produced three hundred BUSH
els of apples. During the visit of the
Sank Centre party Father John show
ed them over this orchard and eX-
planned to them the methods of graft
ing and other operations necessary
to the raj ing of good fruit.
His opinions on hort cultural
subjects are sought for far and wide
and highly valued.
Father Alcuin, whose province is
to have a general oversight of the in
struction in the school, appeared
shortly after Father John had extend
ed the glad had to the Sank Centre
visitors. Father Alcuin is short of
stature, a younger man than Father
John, but whose Welcome was none
the less cordial. He is fine scholar,
a genial companion and an enthusiast
in his work. He and Father John
showed the party through the insti-
tuition. First in order, however, was
the quite necessary as well as essen
tial function of attending to the
wants of the inner man. The party
arrived too late fo- the regular dinner
but in very short time they were
seated around a table where a boun-
teous repast was served, and to which
all did ample justice.
Then following the ffagant Ha-
va mas, came the tour through the in
stitution with Father Alcuin and
Father John as guides. The time be-
ing limited only cursory glance was
taken but that was enough to give
the visitors pretty good idea of the
size and value of the institution.
The main building of brick, archi-
tectually attractive, forms the
sides of a hollow square and so large
that look down the main halls forms
long vista. The first part of the in.
stitution to be inspected was the
church. 1t is of size sufficiently
large to meet all the needs of the
institution for years to come and has
one of the finest interiors on the con
tinent. The wood work is solid black
walnut, the affairs and steps polished
white marble, the floors of mosaic
the mural decorations expensive ant
beautiful. 1t must be seen to be ap
preciated.
From the church the party went t(
the gymnasium, ample of size, fitted
with all modern appliances and fur
nishings. Thence to the new science
hall, completed within the year and
in charge of Father SEVERN. This il
a fine brick building absolutely fire
proof. conveniently arranged and
fitted with modern scientific appli
ances. The institution also has fin,
astronomical observatory.
The inspection Of the grounds ant
the campus and their appliances fol
the use Of the students furnished en-
tertainment for some time to tn
Sank Centre party. Base ball ant
foot ball fields, hand ball courts and
similar conveniences showed that TIN
Benedictine Fathers had not been I'm
mindful of the athletic needs of tn
young men.
Down the hill at the rear of TIN
large central building the two Father
led the way to several trout pond
where sported in the waters hundred
of speckled trout of all sizes. So tam
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