St. Catharine's Broke Ground for Its School Addition in 1939

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During the first years of the 20th century -- certainly before 1903 -- St. Catharine's Church in the Village of North Pelham built a lovely Lyceum building adjacent to the church.  The Lyceum was used as, among other things, a social hall and community gathering space for the congregation and its guests.  The first rector of the church, the Rev. Father Francis McNichol, had greater plans for the Lyceum even when it was first built.  He planned to use it as a Catholic school for youngsters in the region.

The matter was far more complex than it first appeared.  Father McNichol first planned to build a convent to house sisters from the Order of St. Francis to run a Parish school.  Father McNichol oversaw construction of the convent in 1906, arranged for four sisters to move into the new facility, then opened his new school in the former Lyceum building in 1907.  To learn more, see, e.g.:  Tue., Oct. 10, 2017:  New Convent Building Erected at St. Catharine's in 1906 Permitted Opening of St. Catharine's First School in 1907.

By the late 1930s, the little parochial school had developed a reputation for academic excellence.  Consequently, the tiny little school was bulging at the seams.

The original building housed four classrooms.  The classrooms had "sliding walls" to permit rooms to be opened and closed for different purposes.  The school, at that time, handled 135 elementary pupils.

In the late 1930s, the congregation of St. Catharine's began preparing for an expansion of the tiny little school.  They planned to increase its capacity to 329 students with an additional expansion intended for later in the event more than 329 students registered.

On Monday, March 20, 1939, the Reverend Henry F. Hammer, the recently-appointed "administrator" of the Parish of St. Catharine's Catholic Church, oversaw a ground-breaking ceremony for the construction of a large addition to the school that would add four large classrooms.  Construction additionally involved renovations of the original facility to modernize it and ensure that the entire set of classrooms would look and feel like a single facility.  The Rev. Monsignor Michael J. Lavelle, Rector at St. Patrick's Cathedral turned the first spadeful of earth in a ceremony attended by a very large crowd.  The local newspaper reported on the ceremony and said of the planned facility:

"The new addition will be a one-story structure, 52 feet by 57 feet, extending along Second avenue on the South side of the present building and having the same depth towards First avenue as the original structure.  Build in the present school, it will provide four addition classrooms, bringing the total to eight, and will also include an auditorium, a medical room, kitchen, and offices.  The old building will be renovated and modernized.  C. B. J. Snyder, former Chief Architect for the Board of Education in New York City is the designer and the construction work will be done by James H. Keane of Mount Vernon, a member of St. Catherine's Parish."

Preparations for construction began immediately.  Shortly thereafter, at noon on May 8, 1939, a crowd of several hundred Catholic and governmental dignitaries and spectators watched as the Most Rev. Stephen J. Donahue, administrator of the Diocese of New York, officiated at the laying of the cornerstone of the addition.  Inside the cornerstone, the officials placed a small copper box to serve as a time capsule.  It contained "documents giving a brief history of St. Catherine's Church, a list of pupils registered in the school, some 1939 United States coins and two issues of The Pelham Sun containing details of the ground breaking ceremony held March 20 and the advance details of the cornerstone laying."

Over the summer, construction was completed on the expanded school.  The expanded school opened its doors for an expanded student body on Monday, September 11, 1939.

St. Catharine's Church in April, 2011.

*          *          *          *          *

"Begin Work on School Addition  The Rev. Monsignor Michael J. Lavelle

breaks ground for the St. Catherine's [sic] School addition.  The 82-year-

old priest scorned the carefully spaded ground which has been prepared

for the ceremony, forcing the spade into the hard ground, much to the

amusement of the spectators.  --  Photo by Pierpont.  Source:  Break Ground

For Addition To School -- Monsignor Lavelle, Rector of St. Patrick's

Cathedral Officiates at Ceremony at St. Catherine's [sic] School, The

Pelham Sun, Mar. 24, 1939, Vol. 28, No. 51, p. 1, cols. 3-4 & p. 5, col. 2.

NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

"Break Ground For Addition To School
-----
Monsignor Lavelle, Rector of St. Patrick's Cathedral Officiates at Ceremony at St. Catherine's [sic] School.
-----

St. Catherine's Roman Catholic Parochial School which has been educating children of the Catholic faith in the Pelhams for more than a quarter of a century in a small four classroom building adjacent to St. Catherine's Church on Second avenue, will be assured of increased facilities with the beginning of the Fall school semester.  On Monday in ground-breaking ceremonies the Rev. Monsignor Michael J. Lavelle, Rector at St. Patrick's Cathedral turned the first spadeful of earth.  The work of construction started immediately.  

Monsignor Lavelle officiated at Mass which preceded the ceremony.  He was assisted by the right Rev. Monsignor Joseph Donahue representing the Right Rev. Stephen J. Donahue, Bishop of the Archdiocese; the Rev. John Quinn, rector of St. Francis Xavier Parish in the Bronx, and the Rev. Henry F. Hammer, who was recently appointed administrator of the local parish.  Other priests included the Rev. Arthur A. Campbell and the Rev. Francis Mahoney, assistants to Father Hammer, and the Rev. Vincent J. Campbell, assistant to Father Quinn.

Monsignor Lavelle was welcomed by two young pupils of St. Catherine's School, Robert Strasser and Johanna Burke.  The eighty-two year old clergyman made sure that the earth was truly turned.  He 

(Continued on Page Five.)

BREAK GROUND FOR SCHOOL ADDITION
-----
(Continued from Page One)

took a firm grip on a gilded shovel, forced the blade into the ground with a step of his foot and brought up a shovelful of earth.

The children of St. Catherine's School sang 'The Star Spangled Banner.'  Monsignor Lavelle pronounced the Benediction.

To Open in September

Work on the renovation of the present school and the addition of the new structure, will begin immediately as the first section of the new plan, and be completed in time for the opening of the Fall term in September, Father Hammer has announced.  The new school will provide accommodations for 329 pupils, 190 above the present registration.  A second addition, contingent on the number of applications for admission received, will be started in September.

The new addition will be a one-story structure, 52 feet by 57 feet, extending along Second avenue on the South side of the present building and having the same depth towards First avenue as the original structure.  Build in the present school, it will provide four addition classrooms, bringing the total to eight, and will also include an auditorium, a medical room, kitchen, and offices.  The old building will be renovated and modernized.  

C. B. J. Snyder, former Chief Architect for the Board of Education in New York City is the designer and the construction work will be done by James H. Keane of Mount Vernon, a member of St. Catherine's Parish.

Bishop Stephen J. Donahue, Administrator of the Archdiocese of New York, will lay the cornerstone for the building, May 8th."

Source:  Break Ground For Addition To School -- Monsignor Lavelle, Rector of St. Patrick's Cathedral Officiates at Ceremony at St. Catherine's [sic] School, The Pelham Sun, Mar. 24, 1939, Vol. 28, No. 51, p. 1, cols. 3-4 & p. 5, col. 2.

"To Officiate At Cornerstone Laying  MOST REV. STEPHEN J.

DONAHUE, D. D."  Source:  BISHOP DONAHUE TO OFFICIATE

AT LAYING OF STONE -- Administrator of Diocese Will Confirm

Fifty Children at St. Catherine's [sic] Church on May 8th, The Pelham

Sun, Apr. 28, 1939, p. 1, col. 2.  NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

"BISHOP DONAHUE TO OFFICIATE AT LAYING OF STONE
-----
Administrator of Diocese Will Confirm Fifty Children at St. Catherine's [sic] Church on May 8th.
-----

The Most Rev. Stephen J. Donahue, administrator of the Diocese of New York will officiate at the laying of the cornerstone of the addition to St. Catherine's Parochial School in North Pelham on Monday, May 8.  The Rev. Henry F. Hammer, administrator of the local parish this week announced plans for the ceremonies, which will mark the consecration of the school building under construction on Second avenue adjacent to St. Catherine's Church.  Bishop Donahue will confirm a class of 50 children in the church prior to the laying of the cornerstone.  The speaker for the occasion will be Monsignor Fulton Shean, of Catholic University, Washington, D. C., who is one of the outstanding Catholic speakers, known for his radio addresses.  The program will begin at 11.30 o'clock.

The ceremony of Laying the Cornerstone will begin at noon.  Children of St. Catherine's School will participate.  Supervisor Harold W. Davis will make a short address.  Also included among those who will participate will be the Mayors of the three Pelham villages, Supt. of Schools Joseph C. Brown, Monsignor Michael J. Lavelle, rector of St. Patrick's Cathedral; Monsignor McIntyre Chancellor of the Archdiocese of New York, and prelates and priests from many Westchester County parishes."

Source:  BISHOP DONAHUE TO OFFICIATE AT LAYING OF STONE -- Administrator of Diocese Will Confirm Fifty Children at St. Catherine's [sic] Church on May 8th, The Pelham Sun, Apr. 28, 1939, p. 1, col. 2.  

"BISHOP DONAHUE WILL LAY CORNERSTONE OF SCHOOL ON MONDAY
-----

MSGR. SHEAN TO BE SPEAKER AT LOCAL FUNCTION
-----
Administrator of Achdiocese Will Confirm Children Prior to Ceremony at New School Addition.
-----

In consecration of the addition to St. Catherine's [sic] Parochial School in North Pelham, dignitaries of the Catholic Church will participate in ceremonies to be held on Monday beginning at 11.30 o'clock.  The Most Rev. Stephen J. Donahue, Administrator of the Archdiocese of New York will confirm a class of 57 children, all pupils in the school, and will also officiate at the laying of the Cornerstone of the school building, which is situated adjacent to St. Catherine's Church on Second avenue, near First street.

The speaker for the ceremonies at the site of the school building will be Monsignor Fulton Shean of Catholic University, Washington, D. C. who is recognized as one of the outstanding Catholic speakers of the day.  Monsignor Shean's sermons are broadcast by radio every Sunday.

The program has been arranged by the Rev. Henry F. Hammer, Administrator of St. Catherine's parish.  Supervisor Harold W. Davis will speak for the citizens of Pelham.  Also in attendance will be Supt. of Schools Joseph Brown the the Mayors of the Pelham villages.

The dignitaries of the Catholic Church who will attend will include Monsignor Michael J. Lavelle, Rector of St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Monsignor McIntyre, Chancellor of the Archdiocese of New York City, and prelates and priests from southern Westchester County parishes.

Children to be confirmed.

The following children are to be confirmed:  Robert Bowen, Charles Kenneth Baker, John [illegible], Donn Quinn, Gerard Goettel, Edward Campbell, Robert [illegible], John Jennings, Arthur [illegible], David Parsons, John [illegible], James Murray, John Milano, Robert Chandler, Donald [illegible], Gerald Donahue, Fred Miller, Robert Gerrity, Edward La [illegible], Richard Taferner, Raymond [illegible], Lawrence Nack, Louis Whitehead, Bruce Baker, George [illegible] Hammer, Robert Fallon, [illegible] Eberhardt, Jaclyn Kieley, [illegible] McCormack, Emedia Adinolf, Catherine Sullivan, Janet Lang [illegible] Kelly, Barbara Ann [illegible], Adele Drago, Jane Ellen [illegible], Ruth Schuck, Jane Coughlin.

Rose Marie Falciano, Virginia Bowen, Beatric La Voie, Virginia Beam, Teresa Isole, Marion [illegible], Anne Pisani, Marjorie Desno [illegible], Jean Dunham, Constance Coughlan, Betty Nimphius, Florence [illegible], Elizabeth Marsland, Dorothy Zobel, Dolores Seaman, Joan Auer, Marjorie Guilday, Ann Tierney, Joan Maust."

Source:  BISHOP DONAHUE WILL LAY CORNERSTONE OF SCHOOL ON MONDAY -- MSGR. SHEAN TO BE SPEAKER AT LOCAL FUNCTION -- Administrator of Achdiocese Will Confirm Children Prior to Ceremony at New School Addition, The Pelham Sun, May 5, 1939, Vol. 29, No. 5, p. 1, cols. 6-8.  

"Bishop Donahue Officiates at Cornerstone-Laying  Father Hammer

of St. Catherine's Parish addresses congregation after Bishop Donahue,

Administrator of Archdiocese of New York has consecrated foundation

stone of addition to St. Catherine's School in North Pelham.  Seated in

front of the platform in Monsignor Michael J. Lavelle, Rector of St.

Patrick's Cathedral.  Seated on the platform are Bishop Donahue, Msgr.

John Quinn, Msgr. Fulton Shean, Msgr. Joseph Donahue, Msgr. J.D.

Roach and Msgr. Joseph Breslin."  Source:  BISHOP DONAHUE

LAYS FOUNDATION STONE OF SCHOOL -- Monsignor Fulton Shean

Gives Inspiring Address at Ceremonies at St. Catherine's [sic] School in

North Pelham, The Pelham Sun, May 12, 1939, Vol. 29, No. 6, p. 1, col. 1

& p. 10, col. 2.  NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

"BISHOP DONAHUE LAYS FOUNDATION STONE OF SCHOOL
-----
Monsignor Fulton Shean Gives Inspiring Address at Ceremonies at St. Catherine's [sic] School in North Pelham.
-----

The new addition to St. Catherine's Parochial School was consecrated on Monday when, before a crowd of more than 400 church dignitaries of New York and Westchester, prominent officials of the Pelhams, and members of St. Catherine's Parish.  The Most Rev. Stephen J. Donahue, Administrator of the Archdiocese of New York, officiated at the laying of the cornerstone of the new school.  The ceremony followed the confirmation of a class of 57 children at a Mass held in the church at 11:30 o'clock.  

In a stirring address, Monsignor Fulton J. Shean of Catholic University, Washington, D. C. speaking on the anniversary of his birth, urged the members of St. Catherine's Parish to send their children to the new school that they might receive a religious education.  Pointing out that the Catholic Church had no objection to public schools, Monsignor Shean declared:  'We merely wish to be sure of a complete education.  The education of children is not complete if God is left out.'

The speaker deplored the lack of interest in religion on the part of the state.  'Our states take an interest in religion on the part of the state.  'Our states take an interest in religion when character has already been deformed.  Once the character is broken down, and men and women are behind bars in state institutions, the state says:

(Continued on Page 10)

Bishop Donahue Lays Cornerstone
-----
(Continued from Page 1)

'We will give you a chapel and a chaplain.'  'Then it is too late.  We should take an interest in religion early enough to develop character.  A child is so much plastic clay to be modeled into an image of Christ.  This ceremony today, if it was general in the nation, would create less need of chapels and chaplains in state institutions.'

What is the Source of Human Rights?

In a discussion of religion and democracy, Monsignor Shean declared:  'The basci problem before all nations today is what is the source of human rights, and the liberty of conscience?'  He pointed out that Europe today has given some answers to that question.

'In Italy,' said the Monsignor, 'it is held that rights and liberties are governed by the state.  In Germany by the race and in Russia, the class.  What is America's answer?  Our forefathers, who wrote those first documents (The Declaration of Independence) sought the answer to these same questions.  England said:  'In Parliament'; France said 'In the Will of the Majority, for the will can take away the minority.'

'But our forefathers found that base, and grounded their answers on God.'  Monsignor Shean here quoted the second paragraph in the 'Declaration of Independence':  'We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness."

'None of the signers of that document were educated in non-religious schools,' Monsignor Shean held.  'The laying of the cornerstone is the marking of a real opoch, it is a concrete manifestation of the link between religion and democracy.'

In the laying of the cornerstone, Bishop Donahue performed the ceremony from a platform with the Rev. Henry F. Hammer, Administrator of St. Catherine's Church on his left and Monsignor Michael J. Lavelle, rector of St. Patrick's Cathedral, at his right.  Encased in the cornerstone was a small, sealed copper box containing documents giving a brief history of St. Catherine's Church, a list of pupils registered in the school, some 1939 United States coins and two issues of The Pelham Sun containing details of the ground breaking ceremony held March 20 and the advance details of the cornerstone laying.

Directly following the ceremony, Father Hammer addressed the gathering and declared that 'This is a blessed day in the history of St. Catherine's Parish.  When completed, this school will be a magnificent unit in the system of Catholic Primary education.

'Primary Catholic education is not new in Pelham,' Father Hammer declared.  'In 1908 [sic; was 1907], as the result of a gift made to Monsignor McNichol by the Iselin family, the present school was built, and, despite the handicaps, has been successful ever since, through the efforts of Monsignor McNichol and the Sisters of St. Francis.'  Father Hammer thanked all those in the Parish who had made the new addition to the school possible.

Supervisor Davis Speaks

Town Supervisor Harold W. Davis then addressed the assemblage and declared the 'achievement of the forces of Education, Culture and Religion is the salvation of humanity.  With the completion of this educational unit, the town, county, state and country has been enriched.  I wish to pledge Father Hammer and members of the parish our hearty cooperation.'

Bishop Donahue was presented with a floral offering by Doris Ann Rhem, and Monsignor Lavelle, who attended the ceremonies on the feast day of his Patron Saint Michael, was presented with a floral wreath by Peggy Warde, both members of the Confirmation Class.

The ceremonies concluded with Bishop Donahue bestowing his blessing on the gathering, and the children's choir of the church, under the direction of the Rev. Francis A. Mahoney, singing 'Holy God We Praise Thy Name.'

Among the church dignitaries present at the affair were Monsignor Joseph Donahue, Pastor of the Ascension Church in New York City; Monsignor William Roche, Pastor of the Holy Spirit Church in New York City; Monsignor Francis Walsh of Peekskill, Dean of the Westchester Clergy; Monsignor Joseph Breslin of White Plains; Monsignor John J. Casey of New York City, former secretary to the late Patrick Cardinal Hayes; Monsignor Aloysius Dineen of New York City and the Rev. Robert I. Gannon, President of Fordham University.  More than 50 priests from all sections of Westchester count also were in attendance.

Among the prominent local officials who attended the affair were Town Supervisor Harold W. Davis, Mayor Dominic Amato of North Pelham and Mayor Edmund C. Gause of Pelham Manor; Superintendent of Pelham Schools Joseph C. Brown and W. W. Fairclough, Principal of Pelham Memorial High School."

Source:  BISHOP DONAHUE LAYS FOUNDATION STONE OF SCHOOL -- Monsignor Fulton Shean Gives Inspiring Address at Ceremonies at St. Catherine's [sic] School in North Pelham, The Pelham Sun, May 12, 1939, Vol. 29, No. 6, p. 1, col. 1 & p. 10, col. 2.  

"New St. Catherine's [sic] School Ready for Classes Sept. 11
-----
Construction on Parochial School in North Pelham Progressing Rapidly; Father Hammer Preparing for Inspection Day.
-----

The new St. Catherine's Parochial School in North Pelham, now under construction, will be ready for occupancy by pupils at the Fall semester, Monday, September 11, according to the announcement of the Rev. Henry F. Hammer, administrator of the parish.  When the pupils return to resume their studies they will be amazed at the change in the educational facilities which the school will afford.  Gone is the small building with its four 'sliding wall' classrooms, and in its place will be an attractive eight-classroom building with school equipment of the most modern type; a spacious gymnasium-auditorium, and with adequate medical office space so necessary to the efficient education of children.

Father Hammer will soon announce a date for Inspection Day at which time parents of school children and other members of the church congregation may view the new school building.  

St. Catherine's School was first opened in 1917 [sic; opened in 1907], and since that time it has been conducted by the Sisters of St. Francis.  Because of its lack of space it has been only able to accommodate 135 pupils in the elementary grades but in spite of the handicap under which the school has been conducted, it has maintained an enviable academic record with the State Board of Regents.  The old school building has been remodeled and tied in with the new construction.

Ground for the new building was broken by the Rev. Monsignor Michael J. Lavelle, rector of St. Patrick's Cathedral on March 18, and on May 8, the Most Rev. Stephen J. Donahue, who was administrator of the Diocese of New York laid the cornerstone.

Father Hammer is making elaborate plans for the dedication of the new school building."

Source:  New St. Catherine's [sic] School Ready for Classes Sept. 11 -- Construction on Parochial School in North Pelham Progressing Rapidly; Father Hammer Preparing for Inspection Day, The Pelham Sun, Aug. 25, 1939, Vol. 29, No. 21, p. 1, cols. 5-6.

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New Convent Building Erected at St. Catharine's in 1906 Permitted Opening of St. Catharine's First School in 1907

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During the first years of the 20th century -- certainly before 1903 -- St. Catharine's Church in the Village of North Pelham built a lovely Lyceum building adjacent to the church.  The Lyceum was used as, among other things, a social hall and community gathering space for the congregation and its guests.  The first rector of the church, the Rev. Father Francis McNichol, had greater plans for the Lyceum even when it was first built.  He planned to use it as a catholic school for youngsters in the region.

Father McNichol began an initiative to raise the funds for, and build, a convent next to the church to house nuns who would run the school.  Father McNichol made no secret of his plans.  Indeed, during the early years of the 20th century, people of North Pelham expected that St. Catharine's would erect a convent, but no one knew when.  Then, on January 25, 1906, a local newspaper reported a pleasant surprise.  It said:  "a fine new convent building will be built this spring on First avenue, costing it is thought, about $6,000.  It will be complete before next fall."

By the time of this news report, Father McNichol already had been long and hard at work.  He had retained a well-known architect, popular in New York circles, who happened to live in nearby Pelham Heights:  A. G. C. Fletcher.  Fletcher already was preparing architectural plans for the convent that were expected to be finished within weeks.  

Father McNichol believed the cost to construct the convent would be about $6,000.  By January 25, 1906, Father McNichol already had arranged pledges from parishioners and friends of the church totaling $4,000.  He further vowed to have the entire amount not only pledged, but also paid before the convent was completed.

As always, the energetic, dedicated, and passionate Father McNichol had been a busy bee.  He already had arranged with the convent of Sisters from the Order of St. Francis in Mount Hope, Westchester County to serve as a Mother House and provide nuns for the new convent.  Father McNichol's end game, of course, was not a convent.  Rather, it was a new Catholic school to be run by nuns of the new convent.  He planned to open the school in the Lyceum building by the fall of 1906.  According to a local newspaper:

"Beginning next fall a school is to be operated in the fine new building, known as the lyceum, located beside the church, and the Sisters will have whole charge of the work there.  Father McNichol says that the idea of bringing the Sisters here is not only to teach the little ones to love and serve God, but to have the Sisters visit the poor and sick, irrespective of creed.  He feels that there is great need of having such a work done in North Pelham."

Father McNichol was in the midst of building an important, much-needed, and full-service Catholic Parish.  Father McNichol was the first rector of St. Catharine's Church which celebrated its first Mass on December 8 1896.  At its beginning, the church was a mission of St. Gabriel's Church in New Rochelle.  A year or so later, however, it became an independent parish with Rev. Francis McNichol serving as the first pastor. 

Rev. McNichol was, indeed, a busy bee.  When he first arrived at the newly-constructed church, it was still unfurnished.  It also stood on the only land the church owned.  First, he raised funds and oversaw completion of the Church furnishings.  He then raised funds, purchased additional land, and oversaw construction of the first Rectory in 1899.  Shortly afterward, he raised funds again, and oversaw construction of the Lyceum -- the building he planned to use as a school.  By 1906, Father McNichol had arranged purchase of six pieces of land that gave the church a frontage on both First Avenue and Second Avenue.  He also funded the construction of an iron fence "of handsome pattern" enclosing the entire property.  The fence alone cost $1,400.  

Father McNichol was in the midst of an initiative to do more than build an important, much-needed, and full-service Catholic Parish.  He was in the midst of a passionate project to beautify a section of the community that, at the time, looked out over the spectacularly-beautiful "Pelham Reservoir" that still provided drinking water to local communities including Pelham.  By the time the project to build the convent was announced in late January, 1906, the church and Father McNichol already had expended an impressive $30,000 to develop the area, with the convent expected to cost an additional $6,000 (a grand total of almost $1,050,000 in today's dollars for a church still in its infancy).  According to a local newspaper, by 1906, "The buildings and property of the church are factors in making that locality of North Pelham the prettiest in the town."

Though there is no explanation for the delay, the architectural plans that, in late January, were expected "within weeks," were still not complete by late May.  They were, however, reportedly expected by that date within "a few days."  

The plans apparently were forthcoming.  As of May 29, a construction contract already had been awarded to "a Mr. Doran, of New Rochelle" whom research has not yet identified with certainty.  Additionally, construction began immediately in the hope that the convent would be completed by early fall so that the new school in the Lyceum could open to young scholars.  

The convent was planned as a small, but three-story "residence" overlooking the Pelham Reservoir.  On the first floor was a reception room, a musical room, and a chapel in the front portion of the structure.  A dining room and kitchen were in the rear of the first floor.  On the second floor was a communion room and a number of bedrooms.  The third floor had only additional bedrooms.  A "fine veranda" graced the front and side of the convent.  

Construction progressed but, nearly as always, was slower than expected.  By July 9, nearly seven weeks later, only the foundation of the building had been completed.  The frame of the building was under construction.  

A little more than two weeks later, the entire body of the building was complete.  Even more importantly, the entire roof had been shingled.  A local newspaper reported that the convent "will probably be completed by September."  Father McNichol suddenly seemed to realize -- the Parish would soon have a new convent that needed FURNISHINGS.  


Rev. Father McNichol began his next initiative.  By the end of August 1906, a local newspaper reported that "there has been given to him from various sources and from the friends of the church, furniture and furnishings for some of the rooms in the new convent now nearing completion.  He has a handsome dining room set which was the property of a well known person, a close friend of Rev. Father McNichol.  The name is not disclosed.  One has also donated to the convent a handsome altar."

It was apparent, however, that though much had been done, more had to be.  It seems that no attention yet had been paid to furnishing the convent under construction.  Father McNichol took control.  He arranged furnishings "from various sources and from the friends of the church," to fill some of the rooms of the convent that was nearing completion.  He arranged "a handsome dining room set which was the property of a well known person."  Additionally, an unnamed donor had gifted a "handsome altar" to the convent."

The convent needed more.  Things were not quite going as planned.  Something had to be done.  Everything was clear.  It was time to do what every church in the Town of Pelham had done when quick funds were needed since the 1840s -- sponsor a Church Bazaar!  This one, however, seems to have been a three-day doozy.  

In late September, St. Catharine's Church sponsored its three-day bazaar.  It resembled a fair with booths, dancing, games, and more.  The bazaar was a tremendous success and raised enough money for both the church and the convent so that furnishings could be completed.

At about this time, completion of construction of the new convent was delayed.  On October 16, 1906, a local newspaper reported that "Work on the convent is being delayed owing to the fact that there is a great lack of what is known in the language of carpenters as 'the trim.'  The factories are running nights, but that fact does not help out the present predicament.  In view of this fact, Rev. Father McNichol could not tell yesterday when the convent would be opened."

Things were not much better a month later.  On November 20, Father McNichol announced that the new convent likely would not be completed until about the middle of December.  

The convent was virtually finished on Saturday, December 15, 1906 when Father McNichol hosted the first mass in the chapel of the convent to celebrate the feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary.  Because the building was not quite complete, the archbishop was unable to bless the new convent on this occasion.

By Christmas Eve, four sisters from the Order of St. Francis were living in the new convent.  The Superioress of the new convent was Sister Bernadine.  That day, Father McNichol announced proudly that with the convent completed and the nuns in place, the new Catholic school would be opened in the first part of January, after the holidays.  According to The Daily Argus:  "The school will be conducted in the lyceum on Second avenue, for which purpose it was originally built.  The studies will be the same as those in the local schools."

Alas, like the completion of the new convent, the opening of the new Catholic school at St. Catharine's was delayed.  On Monday, February 11, 1907, the new school opened in the Lyceum building.  According to a local news report:

"The establishment of this school has been made possible through the efforts of Rev. Father McNichol and is the consummation of some of his plans formulated some time ago relative to the work of the parish.  The school was opened in the lyceum on Second avenue last Monday morning, under the direction of Sisters Bernardine, Florence and Emilian.  Rev. Father McNichol stated this morning that the regular studies which are taught in the public schools would be required of all the scholars.  The regents' examinations will have to be taken by the scholars of this school the same as any school, before they will be allowed to enter the high school."    

Pelham had a new school for young scholars.  It could be justly proud of the new institution.

Believed to be the Convent Erected in 1906.  Input and Confirmation

or Correction is Welcomed!  NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

Detail from 1908 Map Showing Location of St. Catharine's Convent.

Source:  Fairchild, John F., Atlas of the City of Mount Vernon and

the Town of Pelham:  Compiled from Official Records, Personal

Surveys, and Other Private Plans and Surveys, Plate 27 (Mount Vernon,

NY:  2d ed., 1908).  NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

*          *          *          *          *

"NEW CONVENT BUILDING TO BE ERECTED IN NORTH PELHAM
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Will Be Located on First Avenue in Rear of Church and Cost $6,000 -- Working on Plans.
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Following the news that a factory building was to be built shortly in North Pelham, which was given exclusively in the Argus Monday, comes the pleasing information that a fine new convent building will be built this spring on First avenue, costing it is thought, about $6,000.  It will be complete before next fall.

Effective Work.

This information was given to an Argus representative by the Rev. Father Francis McNichol, pastor of St. Catherine [sic] church, at the rectory, yesterday afternoon.  It is understood that the people of the village of North Pelham have been expecting the church would some time erect a convent, but just when, no one seemed to know.  The fact that it is to be built, positively, and this spring, too, comes as very pleasing news to the residents of the village.  Father McNichol has a happy faculty of keeping very steadily at work, but of doing it in a quiet and unassuming manner.  Whatever he has done -- which is a great deal -- since he has been in the village, has been accomplished without any blare of trumpets.

Working on Plans.

Father McNichol stated that the convent would be built directly in the rear of the church, facing on First avenue.  The church itself faces on Second avenue.  The plans are now being made by A. G. C. Fletcher, of New York, the well known architect, whose home is in Pelham Heights.  They will be completed in a few weeks.  As soon as they are done, specifications for the erection of the building will be given to reputable builders.

Cost $6,000.

Father McNichol stated that the convent would cost about six thousand dollars, as mentioned above.  Of this amount the parishioners and friends of the church have pledged over $4,000.  He expects to have the entire amount pledged and paid in before the building is completed.

Sisters of St. Francis.

The convent will be occupied by the Sisters from the Order of St. Francis, the mother house of which is located in Mount Hope, Westchester county.  Beginning next fall a school is to be operated in the fine new building, known as the lyceum, located beside the church, and the Sisters will have whole charge of the work there.  Father McNichol says that the idea of bringing the Sisters here is not only to teach the little ones to love and serve God, but to have the Sisters visit the poor and sick, irrespective of creed.  He feels that there is great need of having such a work done in North Pelham.

Great Growth.

When asked a few words about the parish, he stated that its growth during the past eight years has been phenomenal.  He is the first pastor the church ever had and came here eight years ago.  When he arrived on the ground he found the church unfurnished.  There was no rectory, and the only land the parish owned was that on which the church stood.  Since then the church has been beautifully furnished, and both a rectory and lyceum have been built, both of which, he wished it understood, are paid for.  Six pieces of land have been purchased since he has been here, giving the church property a frontage on two avenues.  The entire property is surrounded by an iron fence of handsome pattern which cost $1,400.

Factors in Town.

Thirty thousand dollars has been expended in making the above mentioned numerous improvements, and when the convent is completed the total expense will foot up to over $36,000.  The buildings and property of the church are factors in making that locality of North Pelham the prettiest in the town."

Source:  NEW CONVENT BUILDING TO BE ERECTED IN NORTH PELHAM -- Will Be Located on First Avenue in Rear of Church and Cost $6,000 -- Working on Plans, The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], Jan. 25, 1906, Whole No. 4225, p. 1, cols. 6-7.

"NORTH PELHAM. . . . 
Newsy Notes. . . . 

Rev. Father McNichol of St. Catherine's [sic] church announced Friday afternoon that the plans now being made by Mr. Fletcher of Pelham Heights for the new convent to be erected on First avenue, in the rear of the rectory, would be out in a few days. . . ."

Source:  NORTH PELHAM. . . . Newsy Notes, The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], May 24, 1906, p. 5, cols. 2-3.  

"WORK BEGINS ON BUILDING NEW CONVENT
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In North Pelham -- Contract Awarded to a Contractor of New Rochelle
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COST IS $6,000 AND TO BE COMPLETED THIS YEAR
-----

North Pelham, May 29.  --  Work on the new $6,000 convent for St. Catherine's church in North Pelham has been begun.  The contract for the erection of the building has been given to a Mr. Doran, of New Rochelle.  Rev. Father McNichol stated Monday that he hoped the convent would be completed by early fall.

As has been previously stated in these columns, this convent will be occupied by the Sisters of the Order of St. Francis.  A. G. C. Fletcher is the architect.  According to his plans, the building will be three stories in height and will be a frame structure.  On the first floor there will be a reception room, a musical room and a chapel, all of which will be located in the front portion of the house.  The dining room and kitchen will be on the first floor in the rear.  On the second floor will be found the communion room and the bed rooms.  The third floor will consist entirely of bed rooms.  The interior will be decorated and arranged in an attractive manner.  A fine veranda will grace the front and side of the house.

When the convent is completed the property belonging to the Catholic church will represent a valuation of $36,000.  Already the building and adjoining land on Second avenue form one of the pleasantest spots in Pelham and are a credit to the village and a monument to the energy and efforts of the present rector, the Rev. Father McNichol."

Source:  WORK BEGINS ON BUILDING NEW CONVENT -- In North Pelham -- Contract Awarded to a Contractor of New Rochelle -- COST IS $6,000 AND TO BE COMPLETED THIS YEAR, The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], May 29, 1906, Whole No. 4329, p. 1, col. 3. 

"VICINITY NEWS.
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NORTH PELHAM. . . . 

Good progress is being made in the construction of the convent of St. Catherine's [sic] church on First avenue, North Pelham.  The foundation has been completed and the carpenters are now at work on the frame of the building."

Source:  VICINITY NEWS -- NORTH PELHAM, The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], Jul. 9, 1906, p. 5, cols. 1-2.  

"VICINITY NEWS. . . . 

NORTH PELHAM. . . . 

Good progress is being made in the erection of the convent for St. Catherine's [sic] church in North Pelham.  The body of the building is up and the roof has been shingled.  It will probably be completed by September. . . ."

Source:  VICINITY NEWS. . . . NORTH PELHAM, The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY] Jul. 25, 1906, p. 5, cols. 1-2.   

"VICINITY NEWS. . . .
NORTH PELHAM. . . .
Several Gifts Received.

Rev. Father McNichol of St. Catherine's church of North Pelham, reports that there has been given to him from various sources and from the friends of the church, furniture and furnishings for some of the rooms in the new convent now nearing completion.  He has a handsome dining room set which was the property of a well known person, a close friend of Rev. Father McNichol.  The name is not disclosed.  One has also donated to the convent a handsome altar.  The proceeds of the bazaar or fair to be held the latter part of September, will be used toward furnishing the convent, as there are many rooms in the building."

Source:  VICINITY NEWS. . . . NORTH PELHAM. . . . Several Gifts Received, The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], Aug. 31, 1906, p. 6, cols. 3-4.  

"Events in North Pelham. . . . 
Other News.

The iron fence in front of the property of St. Catherine's church is being freshly painted a dark green.

Work on the convent is being delayed owing to the fact that there is a great lack of what is known in the language of carpenters as 'the trim.'  The factories are running nights, but that fact does not help out the present predicament.  In view of this fact, Rev. Father McNichol could not tell yesterday when the convent would be opened."

Source:  Events in North Pelham. . . . Other News, The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], Oct. 16, 1906, p. 7, cols. 1-2.  

"Events in North Pelham. . . . 

Rev. Francis P. McNichol, rector of St. Catherine's [sic] church, stated this morning that he expected the new convent on First avenue would be completed by the middle of December, and that the sisters would be occupying it by that time."

Source:  Events in North Pelham, The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], Nov. 20, 1906, p. 6, cols. 1-2.  

"NORTH PELHAM.
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NINTH ANNIVERSARY
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Of Rev. Father McNichol's Rectorship on Saturday.
-----

The Rev. Father Francis P. McNichol, rector of St. Catherine's church in Pelham, will observe Saturday, his ninth anniversary as pastor of the local church.

During his pastorate in Pelham, the local parish has grown steadily.  When Father McNichol arrived in Pelham, there was no rectory.  He found the church unfurnished and inferior in its appointments.  The only land the parish owned was that on which the church stood.  Since that time the church has been beautifully decorated and furnished.  The rectory, lyceum and the new convent have been built, all of which are three of the finest buildings in the town.  The convent has been in the course of construction since last spring and will be completed soon.  This building alone cost $6,000 and will be occupied by the sisters of the order of St. Francis, the mother house of which is located in Mount Hope, Westchester county.

The lyceum and the rectory face on Second avenue and the new convent on First avenue.  This building is a wooden structure but of the most modern pattern.  It will be furnished in an up-to-date style.  Thirty thousand dollars have been expended in making the above mentioned improvements and when the convent is completed the total expense will foot up to over $36,000.  The buildings are factors in making that locality of North Pelham the prettiest in the town.  The entire property is surrounded by an iron fence of handsome patter which will cost $1,400.  

Rev. Father McNichol recently bought the tract of land north of the rectory and extending from Second avenue to the convent.  This purchase has enlarged the property and given a good sized yard for the convent.

Rev. Father McNichol will say his first mass in the chapel of the convent next Saturday, when the feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary will be celebrated.  The archbishop would have been present on this occasion to bless the convent if the building had been completed.  On Sunday, in honor of his anniversary, the last mass will be followed by the Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.  There will be extra music for this service."

Source:  NORTH PELHAM -- NINTH ANNIVERSARY -- Of Rev. Father McNichol's Rectorship on Saturday, The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], Dec. 7, 1906, p. 5, col. 3.

"Events in North Pelham. . . .
New School Opening.

It is announced by the Rev. Father Francis McNichol, rector of St. Catherine's church, that the new Catholic school would be opened during the first part of January, after the holidays.  It has been known for some time that such a school would be started but the date for the opening could not be set owing to the fact that the convent had not been completed.  The latter is now practically finished and four sisters from the Order of St. Francis are now occupying it.  Sister Bernadine is the superioress.  The school will be conducted in the lyceum on Second avenue, for which purpose it was originally built.  The studies will be the same as those in the local schools."

Source:  Events in North Pelham. . . . New School Opening, The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], Dec. 24, 1906, p. 7, cols. 1-2.  

"NORTH PELHAM
-----
New Parochial School In Connection With Parish of St. Catherine's Church Opens
-----
COMPLAINS OF SIDEWALKS
-----
Political Matters May Soon Be Booming as Village Election is Not Far Distant -- Officers Elected of Ladies' Aid Society of the Congregational Church -- Services in the Churches.
-----

North Pelham, Feb. 16. -- A new school has been started at North Pelham in connection with the parish of St. Catherine's [sic] church.  The establishment of this school has been made possible through the efforts of Rev. Father McNichol and is the consummation of some of his plans formulated some time ago relative to the work of the parish.  The school was opened in the lyceum on Second avenue last Monday morning, under the direction of Sisters Bernardine, Florence and Emilian.  Rev. Father McNichol stated this morning that the regular studies which are taught in the public schools would be required of all the scholars.  The regents' examinations will have to be taken by the scholars of this school the same as any school, before they will be allowed to enter the high school.  The parish of St. Catherine's church is one of the most complete of its kind in Westchester county at the present time.  During the past year a fine convent building has been erected and this houses the sisters of the parish.  It was the purpose of Rev. Father McNichol to open this school just as soon as the convent was completed."

Source:  NORTH PELHAM -- New Parochial School In Connection With Parish of St. Catherine's Church Opens -- COMPLAINS OF SIDEWALKS -- Political Matters May Soon Be Booming as Village Election is Not Far Distant -- Officers Elected of Ladies' Aid Society of the Congregational Church -- Services in the Churches, The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], Feb. 16, 1907, p. 3, col. 2.

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