Journal chronicles 1895 move to St. Augustine's Convent
As South Boston NDC makes progress on transforming the former St. Augustine's Convent into McDevitt Senior Homes, we'll be doing periodic stories about the building and the Sisters of Notre Dame who lived there.
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In 1894, Reverend Father O’Callaghan had applied to dear Sister Superior Julia for Sisters to take charge of the new school. She had more to give them but promised him a colony later. During the summer of 1895 the first members of the new community were chosen from several Houses in Massachusetts. August 26, 1895, our beloved Sister Superior Julia came to South Boston accompanied by Sister Albertina, Superioress of the foundation, Sister Georgiana, Superioress of Waltham, Sister Agnes Mary, Superioress of Philadelphia, and three sisters destined for St. Augustine's. The other members of the new community soon arrived with their respective Superiors.
The cities and towns of Massachusetts were in holiday dress August 26, 1895. The Knights Templars were visiting the Old Bay State. Public and private buildings were elaborately decorated. Appropriate mottoes were suspended amid the draperies. “Welcome” greeted the eye at every turn, and such cheering words as “God Speed Thee on Thy Way.” We accepted the good wishes as if addressed to ourselves, and prayed as we went that God's blessing might accompany us and guide us on our way. Each group of Sisters walking down E Street from the electric car received many a kindly smile and gracious word of welcome.
The convent, which is near the school, is a brick building, or rather three distinct houses so built as to present outside the appearance of one structure. It is three stories high. The first residents of the house were the parents of one of our Sisters, and the families of her two uncles.
Before our arrival, two of the houses were repaired and connected by means of doors made in the strong brick walls. No. 211 is still occupied by a good Catholic family whose children attend our school. We expect soon to be put in possession of the third house of which we are in great need.
Painters and plumbers were still on the premises the day of our arrival. Freshly painted floors prevented our entering some of the rooms, others were strewn with shavings, straw, etc. One of the parlors was furnished. In the refectory was a table covered with crockery, whilst the adjoining room contained a large range. The second and third flats were unfurnished with the exception of a table in our future Holy Family and one or two chairs. The room destined for the Chapel was in the possession of several men engaged in setting up the pretty little altar sent us by our dear Sisters of Berkeley St.
The preceding observations were made by those who after greeting our beloved Sister Superior Julia went to visit the house. Returning to the refectory, we met Reverend Father Lane and Reverend Father Hearkins, two of the assistant priests of St. Augustine's. They presented the regrets of Rev. Father Clexton, the first curate, who had gone to make his retreat.
Bye and bye Rev. Father O’Callaghan was announced and we were soon being introduced to him and several ladies who had come to assure us that we would always find them ready to render a service. We were then invited to visit the school building, none of whose attractions were passed over by the happy Pastor.
In the meantime, dear Sister Superior Julia left us for Berkeley St. accompanied by Sister Georgiana. Sister Sylvia came to invite our visiting Sisters to dine at Broadway and to assure us that our dinner would soon arrive. A repast for twenty soon came. This was the first of many acts of kindness shown us during those first weeks by dear Sister Sylvia and her community. Eight Sisters of St. Augustine's sat to dinner, also a cousin of Reverend Father O’Callaghan. This good sister left us in the afternoon to return to Lawrence.
Our first dishwashing was a novel experience. Hot water and dish cloths we had none. How pleased we were with the Sister who found a small piece of soap that helped on our work! After recreation, we unpacked the large baskets of crockery and glassware. A white dinner set was soon in a dish closet, except the pieces we would need to supply our simple wants -- these later were arranged in our pantry. A tea set, which was at the recent fair in aid of the new school, had also found its way into our house. Before we were aware of it, the church clock struck four and we enjoyed the chairs which were offered to us, as well as Sister Sylvia's hot coffee. We continued putting things in order until six o'clock when we left for Broadway, not having any beds at home.
