Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1913-05-01

Among the apecial features that have
enhanced the history of Mt. St. Marys
College during over hundred years of
its existence, there appears in bright ar
ray galaxy of lay professors of excep-
tionally high standard. Much as these
men excelled by their brilliant intellects
| and their success in imparting secular
knowledge, they excelled more by the
example of their lives which mirrored so
many powerful object lessons of devotion
to duty, singleness of purpose and loyal
ty to the College.
While these laymen taught the sciences,
they showed themselves powerful ad-
juncts toward the formation of the many
peerless characters of which Mt st.
Mary's College is justly proud. Time and
again as occasion presented itself, has
the story been told of the long succession
of clerical professors who in their day
sh.ne' at the Mountain by their piety and
self sacrifice, their zeal for the education
of youth and the uplifting of this com
munity and their scholarly and cultured
attainments. If in the present instance
attention is directed to tie departed lay
professors who have adorned Mt. st.
Mary's, it is because to their roll of hon.
or has just been added one who in point
of veneration and esteem, attachment to
duty and length of service, depth of in
telIect, and excellence of merits has been
surpassed by no other.
Professor Charles Henry Jourdan, a
devout member of st. Anthony's parish,
an able and esteemed professor of Mt
St. Mary's College for upwards of forty
years, and highly respected and vener-
ated citizen of this community, passed
away quietly at his home at Pleasant
Level on Monday. April 28th, at II p. m.
The story of his lengthy career and sue
cessful professorship at the Mountain is
best told by those that were longest as
sociated with him in the work of that in
sltution. The praise and glory that will
Justly attend the memory of Professor
Jourdan's life and labors at the College
should not eclipse or overshadow him in
his capacity of husband and father, mem
Der of St. Anthony's Parish, and citizen
of this community.
The most edifying traits of this noble
mans character must remain somewhat
! obscure because of his innate modesty
ard retired disposition. OF the divine
Master the prophet foretod: 'He shall
not contend, nor cry out, neither shall
any man hear his voice in the streets.
| The bruised reed he shall not break: and
smoking flax he shall not eXtinguish. y
Matt. xii l8, 10. While these words were
| literally fulfilled in Christ, we recall
them as we admire the modesty, meek
ness and humility Of this faithful follow
er of Christ. Those that were privileged
to enter the sanctuary of the Professor 5
home and to witness his devotion and
affection for his wife and children, will
ever remember him as the model husband
and father.
He shared the joys of family and
friends more deeply than he expressed;
but his great Christian soul appeared
best in the two keenest sorrows of his
married life, the loss of fond daughter
and beloved spouse. This last afliiction
was intensified by its occurrence in the
sunset of his life. Because thou vast
acceptable to God, it was necessary that
temptation should prove thee" lob, xii
l3. "Gold and silver are tried in the fire,
but acceptable men in the furnace Of
humiliation" Eel. ii, s.
The keen anguish and profound grief
hidden in his soul on the occasion of these
severe blows were equaled only by his
strong faith, heroic endurance, and com
plete submission to the divine will.
AS citizen of this community, he took