Images of the Past - STA

For the September 30th Reunion at St. Martin de Porres, a short slide video comprised of many of the images provided by STA Alums over the past several months, and posted elsewhere on this Blog, was prepared.

With the crowd at the Reunion, it was impossible to show it there so it is presented here......  Enjoy!






Video production: Elaine McIntyre Beaudoin, Class of 1960

Reunion Registration Update - September 29, 2012

As of today, September 29, we have 158 individuals who have said they plan on attending the STA Reunion tomorrow.  The classes represented include:

1936 – 1

1951 – 6

1952 - 3 - 60th Reunion Class

1954 - 1

1955 – 5

1956 – 5

1957 – 5 - 55th Reunion Class

1958 – 9

1959 – 8

1960 – 23

1961 – 4

1962 – 12 - 50th Reunion Class

1963 – 7

1964 – 9

1965 – 5

1966 – 3

1967 – 7 - 45th Reunion Class

1968 – 8

1969 – 1

1970 – 2

1971 – 2

1972 - 2 - 40th Reunion Class
1973 - 1
1986 – 1
Unknown - 3

Guests – 25

Total: 158

Looking forward to a wonderful day at St. Tommies!

Final Update for September 30 Reunion Gathering

Email sent to all STA Alums on September 29, 2012 for whom an email address is available.

Hi STA Alums -

We are gearing up for tomorrow and wanted to share a few last minute items.

1. PARKING -- The Austin Police Department will grant "courtesy parking" from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the vicinity of the Church and School.  Meaning, they will not issue any tickets for cars parked in restricted areas.  So, you are free to park on the street, even if it says, no parking in front of school, etc.  Also, each parking lot will have an Alum to assist with the early arrivals so we are able to make the most use of the space.  There is a lot at the corner of  Leamington and Washington as well as at the corner of West End and LeClaire.  Each will hold about 20 cars.

2. GROUP PHOTO -- Due to the absolutely wonderful response to the Reunion, i.e., 160 so far, we will take ONE group photo, immediately after Mass.  Please gather in the rear of the Church around the Baptismal font.  Dan will be in the choir loft with his camera.   If you wish to gather your classmates together as the day goes on, please do, and Dan Carr will be happy to take additional photos.  But, we wanted to let everyone get over to the Canteen and have time for some refreshments, renewing friendships and then time to take a walk through the school before it gets too late.

3. NAME TAGS -- Tags have been prepared for all who have said they plan to attend.  Please pick your name tag up when you arrive at the Canteen after Mass.

4. SHARE THE INFO -- Many of you confirmed attendance for your siblings and friends.  Please share this information as well as the schedule for the day which is repeated here.

10:00 a.m. -- Gathering at the Church and enjoying the beautiful surroundings
10:30 a.m. -- Mass with the Parish's Youth Ministry
Immediately Following Mass -- Large group photo in the Church
Noonish -- Canteen for pastries, coffee, and renewing friendships. If you would like to share photos or other items from your days at STA, bring them along, there will be a memorabilia table set up
Following -- A stroll through the school building which is currently occupied by the Plato Learning Academy Charter School.  The school administrator has graciously agreed to open all the classrooms.

A few other items:

Handicapped Accessibility:  Both the Church (enter on the west side off of Leamington) and the School (enter on the southside, near the entrance to Canteen) are handicapped accessible

Location: In case you have forgotten -- the Church is located at 5112 W. Washington Boulevard.  The entrance to the Canteen is on the south side of the School.

Donation: A donation of $5.00 will be accepted in the Canteen to cover maintenance staff services, paper products and miscellaneous items. Donations received in excess of costs will be donated to the Parish. Pastries, coffee and bottled water are being generously donated by Alums -- thank you all so much.

Fr. Peter Premarini, MCCJ, has opened up St. Martin de Porres Church to us and has arranged for our use of the Canteen and access to the school building.  Your generosity at Mass will be most appreciated by the Parish.

See you all tomorrow!!

Elaine McIntyre Beaudoin, Class of 1960
elaine.beaudoin@gmail.com
http://stthomasaquinasreunion.blogspot.com

P.S.: To those who receive this note and are unable to join us on Sept. 30 know we will miss you.  You will all be with us in spirit. 

Church Scaffolding, 1950s

Does anyone remember when the Church was full of scaffolding in the early 1950s?   I really don't recall what the interior of the Church looked like prior to Msgr. Long's extensive renovation.  What I do remember is walking into the Church after all the scaffolding had been taken down and thinking the space was absolutely magnificent.  Oh, how my breath was taken away seeing the artistically decorated walls full of Saints' pictures with extensive gold leaf paint and the ceiling all brightly colored.

Notice the two sisters working on the altar with their aprons on.  I believe the man with Msgr. Long is John A. Mallin.  His company was responsible for the interior art decoration of several churches in Chicago, including St. Thomas Aquinas.

Source: Chicago Historical Museum

Photos of 1950s Church Redecoration

After the extensive art work was completed at St. Thomas Aquinas in the 1950s, the John A. Mallin Company produced a small pamphlet showing architectural photos of its work.   The Foreword, shown below, was certainly an interesting marketing piece.

Source: Chicago History Museum

Class of 1966, Eighth Grade

This is our first photo for members of the Class of 1966. It has been provided by Diane Callahan Mazzucchi Class of 1966.

She believes this might be Room 16 and the teacher might be Sr. Margot.  Thank you Diane.

First Holy Communion - Class of 1961

First Holy Communion photos are always so beautiful.  This one from 1954, certainly is.  Students in the photo went on to be the Class of 1961.

Another great photo from Linda Del Monico Wallin, Class of 1961.  Thank you so much.

Class of 1961 Graduation Photo

This wonderful 1961 Graduation photo was provided by Linda Del Monico Wallin, Class of 1961.

This might have been the first year the school photo had all of the students in their graduation gowns.

Linda, thank you so much for sharing this photo.

September 30th Reunion Update

Sent to all STA Alums on September 23, 2012  for whom we have an email address. Please continue to spread the word.

STA Alums -

It should be a grand day -- we have 135 Alums planning on attending the September 30th reunion at St. Martin de Porres Parish, formerly, St. Thomas Aquinas.

The plan for the day includes:

10:00 a.m. -- Gathering at the Church and enjoying the beautiful surroundings
10:30 a.m. -- Mass with the Parish's Youth Ministry
Immediately Following Mass -- Large group and Class photos in the Church
About 12:30 p.m. -- Canteen for pastries, coffee, and renewing friendships. If you would like to share photos or other items from your days at STA, bring them along, there will be a memorabilia table set up
Following -- A stroll through the school building which is currently occupied by the Plato Charter School.  The school administrator has graciously agreed to open all the classrooms.

A few other items:

Handicapped Accessibility:  Both the Church (enter on the west side off of Leamington) and the School (enter on the southside, near the entrance to Canteen) are handicapped accessible

Parking: Two lots, one just west of the Church, at Leamington Avenue and Washington Blvd and one at West End and LeClaire (where we used to have recess) will be cleared for parking. Additionally, there is street parking around the Church and school. If you can, you might consider car-pooling.  The Austin Police Department has been notified of the reunion and a request to assist with traffic has been made.

Photos: Immediately after Mass, we plan on taking a full group photo of all Alums attending.  Following the large group photo, individual class photos will be arranged.  Several volunteers will be organizing the photo taking effort, so please listen to directions immediately following Mass.  Photos taken on Sept. 30 will be posted or linked from the STA Blog.

Location: In case you have forgotten -- the Church is located at 5112 W. Washington Boulevard.  The entrance to the Canteen is on the south side of the School.

Donation: A donation of $5.00 will be accepted in the Canteen to cover maintenance staff services, paper products and miscellaneous items. Donations received in excess of costs will be donated to the Parish. Pastries, coffee and bottled water are being generously donated by Alums -- thank you all so much.

Update/STA Blog: Please continue to check the STA Blog at http://stthomasaquinasreunion.blogspot.com for any updates. 

RSVP: If you haven't already, and would like to RSVP and/or be put on the mailing list, please send your email and class year to elaine.beaudoin@gmail.com.

Fr. Peter Premarini, MCCJ, has opened up St. Martin de Porres Church to us and has arranged for our use of the Canteen and access to the school building.  Your generosity at Mass will be most appreciated by the Parish.

See you all next week!!

Elaine McIntyre Beaudoin, Class of 1960
elaine.beaudoin@gmail.com

1962 Football Team

Paul McCaffray (Class of 1964) shared this great photo of the 1962 St. Thomas Aquinas football team.   It looks as though the photo was taken in STA's gym.

Does anyone know names to go with these young faces?  If so, please add them via the comment section below.

STA 1962 Football Team

Thanks Paul for sharing a treasured memory.

1961 C.Y.O. Champions

1961 was a great year for the St. Thomas Aquinas football team. They were C. Y. O. Section Champions.

Seated on Ground - Equipment Managers  Left to Right:  Joe Holmes, Michael Jones, John Brady
First Row: Left to Right: Jack Ryan, Bob Ciancio, Tony Ranella, John Jones, Dan Kelley, David Segerson, Mick Prendergast, Dave Reardon, John Fahey
Second Row: Left to Right: Kevin Kane, Paul McCaffray, Michael McGuinnis, John Stapleton, Pat Prendergast, Bob Kelley, Tim Kelley, John Dobias
Third Row: Left to Right: Pat Kane, Tom Graham, Michael Segerson, Michael Amorella, Steve Hurley, Vince Giangrego, Pat Falco, Jim Duff,  Dan Heffernan
Fourth Row: Left to Right: Bob McGowan, G. J. Le Jeune, Tom D'Amato, Gay Heffernan, Gary Kelley, Chuck McElhany, Vince Caponighi, Dan Redding, Assistant Coach
Fifth Row: Left to Right: Fred Walsh, Bob Birkett, John Birkett, Coach - Len Tyrell, Assistant - Bob Wohlberg


Thanks to Paul McCaffray (Class of 1964) for sharing this wonderful picture, listing the names of all the members of the team.

Fourth Grade, 1957 - Class of 1961

The fourth of a series of photos provided by Linda Del Monico Wallin (Class of 1961).  Here we have 50 students in the class. Did anyone ever think we were in overcrowded classrooms?   Isn't it amazing!

Grade 4, Room 7, March 1957

Does anyone have 5th through 8th grade photos from the Class of 1961?

Thank you for the great photos and memories, Linda. 

Third Grade, 1965 - Class of 1961

Who is the teacher in this photo?  In the prior year, I believe the teacher in this third grade classroom was Mrs. Lane.

Grade 3, Room 5, April 1956

The photographer certainly was able to get all the students to smile.   Looks like a very happy classroom.

Linda Del Monico Wallin (Class of 1961) thank you for this photo.

Reunion Registration Update

As of today, September 18, we have 130 individuals who have said they plan on attending the STA Reunion on September 30.  The classes represented include:

1936 – 1

1951 – 5

1955 – 5

1956 – 4

1957 – 3 - 55th Reunion Class

1958 – 7

1959 – 5

1960 – 25

1961 – 4

1962 – 9 - 50th Reunion Class

1963 – 6

1964 – 8

1965 – 4

1966 – 4

1967 – 6 - 45th Reunion Class

1968 – 9

1969 – 1

1970 – 2

1971 – 2

1972 - 2 - 40th Reunion Class
1973 - 1
1986 – 1

Guests – 16

Total: 130

Yesterday, we told the Pastor at St. Martin de Porres we thought we would have over 125 indivduals attending the September 30 reunion.  He was so moved.  Please continue to spread the word.

Second Grade, 1955 - Class of 1961

Here are second graders, who in six short years, will be graduates of the Class of 1961.  Does anyone know who the teacher was this year?  You might notice there are 48 students in this classroom photo -- my bet is that a few students might even have been sick that day.  The Sisters of Mercy didn't know about overcrowded classrooms!

Second Grade, Room 2, 1955

Notice the thoughtful teacher wrote the exact date of the photo on the back blackboard: February 4, 1955.

Thank you Linda Del Monico Wallin (Class of 1961) for this wonderful photo.

First Grade, 1954 - Class of 1961

Class of 1961 Alums, you are going to be treated to a series of four wonderful classroom photos over the next couple of days thanks to Linda Del Monico Wallin.

First Grade, Room 4, 1954

I think many of us will recognize this classroom which "belonged" to Sr. Immaculata, pictured in the rear of the photo.

Thank you Linda Del Monico Wallin (Class of 1961) SO MUCH!

The Chicago Neighborhoods Project - Austin

If you haven't noticed, for the past couple of years Steve Shanabruch has been designing logos for each of the neighborhoods in Chicago.  Here is what he writes about his design of "love!"

About This Project

One designer's take on Chicago.

I love Chicago and I love design. I decided it was about time to mash those two loves together, and the logos you see here are the result.

Some of these logos are based on personal experiences and intimate knowledge of certain neighborhoods (such as Beverly, where I grew up), but in most cases these logos come from inspiration gleaned from various sources, including online research and conversations with current and past residents.

I know branding a neighborhood is quite subjective. My experiences and knowledge are obviously different than those of someone else, especially a long-time resident, so let's call this project "One designer's take on Chicago." My vision might not match yours, but I hope that we can agree that a neighborhood with a logo is better than a neighborhood without.

Check back frequently! It is my goal to post a logo every Monday, Wednesday and Friday until I reach the end...whenever that may be.

Steve Shanabruch

He recently released his design for Austin

For each of his logos, he writes a little bit of history. On our Austin neighborhood he writes:

Austin, first established as a 280-acre subdivision in 1865, has grown into one of Chicago's largest community areas, in both size and population. Originally home to the government seat of the Township of Cicero, Austin became a part of the city in 1899 after "people from other parts of Cicero Township resented the influence and the dominance of Austinites and began an election to have" it annexed into Chicago. Residents of the neighborhood didn't like this, and they fought to maintain an independent identity after annexation. One example of this was the 1929 construction of Austin Town Hall, which was modeled on Philadelphia's Independence Hall.

Aided by the presence of street railways and the Lake Street "L" (now the Green Line), Austin was one of the "best-served commuter areas" in the city by 1920. "Commerce in Austin followed transit lines" and the population exploded. The community had more than 130,000 residents living within its borders by 1930, and the area transformed from a village filled with large frame homes into a densely populated area that featured "brick two-flats, small frame houses, and the ubiquitous brick story-and-a-half bungalow." Austin's "nineteenth-century village" feel is not completely gone, though. The "residential core is still visible in the Midway Park area," and it boasts "stately neoclassical and Queen Anne–style homes, many designed by architect Frederick Schock, as well as several structures by Frank Lloyd Wright and his students." One of Austin's other "crown jewels" is Columbus Park, which was designed by Jens Jensen in 1920, and includes "a lagoon, a golf course, winding paths and an imposing refectory overlooking the lagoon. "

Click on The Chicago Neighborhoods Project for more information, to see the logos for Chicago's other neighborhoods, or to even buy a T-shirt with the logo.

Priests in the 1950s

During the 1950s, both Fr. Rabbitt and Fr. Buck served at St. Thomas Aquinas Parish under Msgr. Long.  Later, they each went on to become pastors in the Chicagoland area.

Rev. Francis J. Buck, 70, a priest for 45 years, died Saturday in Lutheran General Hospital, Park Ridge.  For 22 years, until his retirement last month, Father Buck was pastor of Our Lady of Hope Catholic church, 9711 W. Devon Av., Rosemont.  He is survived by a brother, Gerald.  Mass will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday in the chapel at Our Lady of Hope.
Chicago Tribune, September 9, 1979, page B21

Rev. Patrick J. Rabbitt, August 28, 1978, pastor of St. Francis de Sales Church, dear son of the late Patrick and Delia; beloved brother of Mary E.  To lie in state Tuesday at St. Francis de Sales Church, 102d and S. Ewing, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.  Mass of the Resurrection Thursday at 10:30 a.m. Interment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.  Please omit flowers.  768-0632.
Chicago Tribune, August 30, 1978, page B7

Memorial Cards courtesy: Elaine McIntyre Beaudoin, Class of 1960

Early Reunion Registration Numbers

Registration for the September 30, 2012 
Reunion at St. Martin de Porres Church
Formerly St. Thomas Aquinas
Surpasses 100!

Many different graduation classes are represented.  As of Monday, September 10, we anticipate seeing members from the following classes:

1936 – 1

1951 – 3

1955 – 5

1956 – 4

1957 – 3 - 55th Reunion class

1958 – 7

1959 – 5

1960 – 24

1961 – 2

1962 – 8 - 50th Reunion Class

1963 – 5

1964 – 6

1965 – 4

1966 – 2

1967 – 6 - 45th Reunion Class

1968 – 8

1969 – 1

1970 – 1

1971 – 2
1973 - 1
1986 – 1
Class Unknown - 2

Guests – 11

Total: 112

Note: In some cases, students moved from St. Thomas Aquinas Parish prior to graduation.  They have been counted in the class from which they would have graduated.

Fr. Edward McKenna Sends Best Wishes

We received a note from Fr. Edward McKenna, Associate Pastor at St. Thomas Aquinas (1965-1974) -- the last three years as Administrator of the Parish – and now a Senior Priest with the Archdiocese of Chicago.  Unfortunately, for us, he will be embarking on a chaplaincy for a cruise on September 30^th.  He calls this “a priest’s luxury vacation on the cheap!”

He shared the following memory:

I was never happy with the decision by the Office of Divine Worship committee to cover with beige paint the only known replica/copy of Francisco de Zurbaran's Apoteosis de Santo Tomás de Aquino that graced the back wall of the sanctuary.  An arrogant "expert in liturgy" made the decision to modernize [the] sanctuary, and had no thought of the artwork!

[Cardinal] Bernardin's renovation money was well intended; and I am proud of the present condition of the church, with all the surrounding parishes destroyed! It was a difficult time to be ‘pastor/ administrator’ and Cardinal Cody was always at a distance with the complex problems we had to deal with.

That it's all going today is a kind of miracle!

I bet a future redecoration could remove the offending paint and restore the original!  Oh, those progressive liturgists of yore.”

All the best with the beloved STA groupies!
Fr. Edward

Thanks Fr. Edward for your memories and best wishes for our September 30 reunion.  We hope you, too, have a grand time on your cruise!

Additional information about the original painting:

In 1627, Franciso de Zurbarán (1598-1663) began the painting of the great altarpiece of St. Thomas Aquinas, now in the Museum of Fine Arts of Seville.  It was executed for the church of the college, also named St. Thomas Aquinas, and completed in 1631.  This is Zurbarán’s largest composition, containing figures of Christ, the Madonna, various saints, Charles V with knights, and Archbishop Deza (founder of the college) with monks and servitors, all the principal personages being more than life-size.

The style is baroque and the original painting is 486 x 385 cm or approximately 16 feet by 12 ½ feet.

Sources: Wikipedia.com and HISTORIA DE LA PINTURA ESPAÑOLA http://www.deyave.com/Arte/Pintura/historia-de-la-pintura-espanola/7-sigloXVII-Zurbaran.htm

1964 Graduation Photo

Click on image to enlarge

We are thankful to Rita Kernaghan Thornton (Class of 1964) for locating her 1964 graduation photo. Also, thanks to her sister, Eileen (Class of 1958), for sending it.

Eighth Grade, 1962

Eilleen Kernaghan Mullane (Class of 1958) shared her sister Kathleen Kernaghan Xaverius' (Class of 1962) eighth grade photo from Room 16.

Eighth Grade Class, 1962, Room 16

And, we even have a list of those in the photo!

Thanks Kathleen and Eileen.

St. Thomas Aquinas Church History, 1909-1978

Published in 1980 in observance of the Centenary of the Chicago Archdiocese and Sponsored by John Cardinal Cody, the 2 volume work entitled "A History of the Parishes of the Archdiocese of Chicago," contains a condensed history of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, 1909-1978.  The following is a transcription from the work.  

Although this was published previously on the STA Blog in early 2011, in anticipation of our gathering on September 30, a reminder of the past seemed to be fitting.

St. Thomas Aquinas Church

St. Thomas Aquinas Church at Washington Blvd. and Leclaire ave. on the west side of Chicago was founded in 1909 to serve Irish Catholics who lived in the territory between St. Catherine of Siena Church (then located at Washington blvd. and Parkside ave.) and St. Mel Church at Washington blvd. and Kildare ave.

Although 1908 has been listed as the founding date of this parish, contemporary newspaper accounts make it clear that not until July 1909 was Rev. Daniel J. Luttrell appointed pastor.  He came to the Austin neighborhood from St. Genevieve church where he had been pastor since 1904.  The new parish was bounded by Kinzie st. on the north; Madison st. on the south; Lotus ave. on the west; and Kenton ave. on the east.

On Sept. 25, 1909, The New World reported that:
          "The new parish, of which Rev. Daniel Luttrell is pastor, has been dedicated to Blessed Joan of Arc.  It is situated at 51st (Laramie) avenue and Washington blvd., and ground will be broken for the new church, Oct. 1.  It will cost between $50,000 and $60,000."

While construction was underway on a brick combination church-school structure at 116 N. Leclaire ave., Mass was celebrated in a temporary frame building.  By the time the new church building was dedicated on Sept. 11, 1910, the name of the parish had been changed to St. Thomas Aquinas.

The Sisters of Mercy from St. Patrick Academy at 2303 W. Maypole ave. opened the parish school on Sept 6, 1910 with an enrollment of 200 students.  A rectory was completed at 5112 W. Washington blvd. and the Sisters took up residence in a two flat building at 103 N. Laramie ave.

The Catholic population of the Austin neighborhood increased rapidly.  The first permanent church of Resurrection parish, located at 5072 W. Jackson blvd., was dedicated on June 11, 1911.  In that year, the mission of St. Lucy at Lake st. and Mayfield ave. was reorganized as a parish.

Work on the present church of St. Thomas Aquinas began in 1923.  A history of the parish written in 1973 contains the information that when Archbishop George W. Mundelein:

          "objected to the height of the twelve-story tower (still the highest structure in the entire Austin area), Msgr. /then Father/ Luttrell went ahead and dedicated the cornerstone in 1923 without the Archbishop's presence."

On Apr. 25, 1924, Father Luttrell was named a Domestic Prelate with the title Right Reverend Monsignor.   Unfortunately, he did not live long enough to see St. Thomas Aquinas Church completed.  Msgr. Luttrell died on Dec. 13, 1924 and his funeral Mass was the first Mass to be celebrated in the newly roofed-in structure.

On Jan. 1, 1925, Rev. Edward L. Dondanville began his work in the parish; previously, he had served as pastor of Maternity, BVM Church since 1921.  Under Father Dondanville's leadership, the interior of the Tudor Gothic edifice was completed.  St. Thomas Aquinas Church, which is located at the northeast corner of Washington blvd. and Leclaire ave., was designed by Karl Vitzthum, a member of the parish.

To accommodate the 700 children enrolled in the parish school, the former church quarters in the combination building were remodeled into classrooms.  A magnificent altar, designed by Henry Schmidt, was blessed on Thursday, Mar. 7, 1929.  A distinctive feature of the main altar was a 30' bronze tower which contained "twenty clear standing figures."

In 1930, approximately 1,300 families belonged to St. Thomas Aquinas parish.  With the generous support of his congregation, Father Dondanville was able to finance the construction of a spacious convent at 127 N. Leamington ave. in 1931.  A community center was also completed at the same time.

At the closing of the World's Fair of 1933, Father Dondanville purchased the Kilger organ and this instrument was dedicated on Jan. 27, 1935 during a special concert in the church.  A history of the parish published in The New World of Mar. 12, 1937 noted that the buildings of St. Thomas Aquinas parish were "prominently set out by the curve in Washington Boulevard near Laramie Avenue, the beautiful broadside of the church commanding a full view of this busy thoroughfare entering the city from the west."

Father Dondanville died on Apr. 26, 1938 at the age of 68.  His successor, Rev. William P. Long, came to the Austin neighborhood in June 1938 from the north side of Chicago, where he had been pastor of St. Bonaventure Church since 1927.

In March 1947, Father Long was named a Domestic Prelate with the title Right Reverend Monsignor.  Under his leadership, St. Thomas Aquinas Church was redecorated.  According to a 1973 history of the parish, the effect of the renovation program was to modify the "smooth linear Gothic line of the Church with a series of paintings.  The once darkly burnished wood of the ceiling presently is an array of brightly mottled colors."

During Msgr. Long's pastorate, parish membership increase to nearly 2,000 families.  At the time of his death on Apr. 6, 1959, 785 children were enrolled in the parish school.

Rev. Laurence W. Fitzpatrick, former pastor of St. Joseph and St. Anne Church, was named pastor of St. Thomas Aquinas church in June 1959.  In the 1960s, the South Austin neighborhood in which the parish is located began to change racially, from a white to a black community.  As white families moved away from the parish, enrollment in the school declined steadily, from 748 students in 1965 to 597 students in 1968.

In March, 1968, Father Fitzpatrick was named pastor emeritus.  He died on Sept. 29, 1969 at the age of 71.

Rev. Peter A. Franzen, former assistant at St. Martha Church in Morton Grove, Ill., was named pastor in March 1968.  His brief pastorate, cut short by two heart attacks, was marked by the entry of St. Thomas Aquinas parish into a transitional, more community-oriented phase.  Not only did Father Franzen incorporate the changes handed down by Vatican II, but he supported the efforts of parishioners to stabilize their community.  By 1970, the South Austin neighborhood in which this parish is located was 40% black.  Among the groups which worked to combat panic by unscrupulous real estate dealers was the Organization for a Better Austin (OBA).

After a two year study, the Sisters of Mercy announced that by September 1971, members of their order would be withdrawn from 10 Archdiocesan schools.  On July 17, 1970, The New World reported that:

          "Withdrawal of the Sisters of Mercy from a school does not mean the school must be closed.  The Sisters have encouraged each local school to continue with an all lay faculty if at all possible. Primarily it is shortage of Sister personnel which has forced the withdrawal process."

The decision of the Mercy Sisters to leave St. Thomas Aquinas school received much publicity in December 1970.  Enrollment in the parish school numbered 455 students, nearly all of whom were black.  Parents protested the withdrawal of the nuns was racially motivated -- a charge denied by the order and by the chairman of the Archdiocesan school board.

An article published in The New World of Dec. 25, 1970 reviewed the controversy and noted that: "The withdrawals did not hit inner-city schools alone.  Three of the schools are mostly black, seven are mostly white."  When St. Thomas Aquinas school reopened in the Fall of 1971, the faculty included 12 lay teachers, one Sister of Mercy, one Franciscan Sister, and one Oblate Sister of Providence.

In 1971, Rev. Edward J. McKenna, a former assistant at St. Thomas Aquinas parish, was named administrator.  Father Franzen served as associate pastor of St. William Church from September 1971 until June 1975, when he was appointed pastor of Holy Redeemer Church in Evergreen Park, Ill.

On Nov. 11, 1973, Auxiliary Bishop Michael R. Dempsey, Vicar Delegate of the West Side for John Cardinal Cody, presided at the 50th anniversary jubilee of the construction of St. Thomas Aquinas Church.  Father McKenna, who received a master's degree from the University of Chicago in music composition, planned a special liturgy for this Mass.  According to The New World, the music he composed incorporated "full congregational participation, both sung and recited."

At the time of the jubilee, a team ministry was in operation with Rev. Edward J. McKenna, Rev. John J. McCarville, and Rev. Charles J. Tobin as team members.  The parish history noted that:

          "In the past our Church was a symbol of the faith, devotion and dedication of a community that was largely Catholic . . . Today the building is still here and the tower still stands tall as a symbol of Christian service and leadership and a fortress of love, faith and vision to a diverse and largely non-Catholic community."

The priests, nuns, and people of St. Thomas Aquinas parish are leaders in the Austin community.  Through their efforts, block clubs have been organized and better community services have been secured.  Members of the parish have worked to ensure that buildings in the neighborhood remain in compliance with city housing codes.  With the cooperation of the people of nearby Resurrection parish, a Community Service Center has been established on Madison st.  St. Thomas Aquinas Church is a member of the West Side Parish Cluster."

In 1978, 400 children were enrolled in the parish school under the direction of one Franciscan Sister and 13 lay teachers.  Rev. John J. McCarville is administrator of the parish and Rev. John W. Murray is associate pastor.  Three permanent deacons -- Francisco Serna, Arthur Burton, and James R. Davis -- have been ordained from St. Thomas Aquinas Church.

Source: A History of the Parishes of the Archdiocese of Chicago, Rev. Msgr. Harry C. Koenig, editor, The Archdiocese of Chicago, 1980, 2 vol. pages 935-939.

Graduation Photo - Class of 1962

In 1962, the graduation photo was in color!

Eileen sent another copy of the photo in which some of the names are a little easier to read.

Click on Photo to Enlarge

Thanks to Eileen Kernaghan Mullane (Class of 1958) for sharing her sister Kathleen Kernaghan Xaverius' (Class of 1962) graduation photo.

2012 STA Reunion -- Labor Day Update

This message was emailed  on Monday, September 3, 2012 to all the STA Grads who have provided their email addresses.


STA Grads:

We are expecting a great turnout on September 30 – nearly 100 have RSVPd so far. STA grads from 1936 - 1986, a 50 year period, have said they plan to join us.

In case you didn’t notice the announcement on the STA Blog – we WILL BE TOURING the school building! Following our get together in the Canteen, access to the school, for a walk through, will be made available.

Some items to think about in anticipation of the day –

1. Consider arriving early/car-pooling. Parking is available in the small lot to the West of the Church as well as on the streets surrounding the Church and School. The Austin Police Department will be notified of the reunion with the anticipation they might aid us with parking.

2. Bring your memorabilia. A few tables will be set up in the Canteen for you to display memories from your days at STA. Be sure to label items with your name, year and contact info.

3. Don’t forget your cameras.

4. Continue to spread the word about the Reunion

And, watch the STA Blog for updates at http://stthomasaquinasreunion.blogspot.com
See you all in 4 weeks.

Enjoy the Labor Day Weekend.


Elaine McIntyre Beaudoin (Class of 1960)
elaine.beaudoin@gmail.com

Second Grade, May 1921 - Class of 1927

This photo was taken along the wall of the School (then Church) on May 24, 1921, more than 91 years ago.  Helen Mae Sullivan (Class of 1927), mother of Elaine McIntyre Beaudoin (Class of 1960), is the little girl in the middle of the second row with the big bow in her hair.

Second Grade, May 24, 1921

Photo courtesy: Elaine McIntyre Beaudoin, Class of 1960.