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A History of St. John'sNorthwest Ohio was a lush forest teeming with wild life when the first Jesuits ministered in the Black Swamp region. The colonists had not yet declared independence from England when Fr. de Bonnecamber, a French missionary, traveled along the Maumee River and visited the Wyandot tribe in 1749.
Bishop Horstmann of Cleveland wrote to the Superior of the Buffalo Mission: "It is with greatest pleasure that I send you my public and official approval of the formation of a Jesuit College in Toledo, begging God to bless the work which I feel sure will be for the glory of God and the spiritual and temporal welfare of the growing city. May it be ad maiorem dei gloriam - the motto of the society - for the greater glory of God". American soldiers were battling with the Spanish in Cuba, and Samuel "Golden Rule" Jones was Mayor of Toledo when the 15 men who formed the nucleus of a faculty arrived. The names of those first teachers were telling: Frs. Schnitzler, Geisch and Meschenmoser: Brothers Huhn, Giehl and Nunlest. Property was secured at the corner of Superior and Walnut, "the exclusive section of the city" at the time. The three-story former Carrington residence was converted into a school, which also housed both faculty and students when St. John’s Jesuit opened in September, 1898. The Toledo Blade newspaper account called the event "one of the most colorful chapters in the city’s educational progress". The cream of German intelligentsia, schooled at the universities of Germany, the Jesuits brought their love of the homeland to their new school. "The German language, on account of its great practical importance, its valuable literature and its intimate connection with the English language, is obligatory". It wasn’t until the advent of World War I that the faculty reconsidered this requirement. 41 students enrolled in the academy - the term for the high school- that first year. They grappled with German, Latin and Greek, as well as courses in mathematics, science, history and sociology. The young men were kept busy from early morning until late afternoon with the academic challenges presented by their gifted professors. The student body nearly doubled the second year, and the first section of a high school building was constructed. A small barn at the rear of the property became the students’ first gymnasium, and an adjoining playground "served as a field for ‘kick ball," later supplanted by the game of football". A baseball team was organized to compete against the old Central high school. Nearly the entire student body participated in the athletic activities despite the 25 hours a week of rigorous academic studies. Sports had already begun to play an integral part in the St. John’s tradition. In 1902, the first students completed the four year high school program. There were no graduation exercises, as the Jesuits didn’t feel you had learned much until college was completed. 17 of the students who completed the academy enrolled as the college’s first class and St. John’s University was chartered. The strenuous, three-year academic program took its toll on the students, with only four surviving and graduating. But those four graduates began the tradition of producing community, business and church leaders. Karl Alter became Bishop of Toledo. Erwin Effler became an attorney with the law firm of Smith, Baker, Effler and Eastmore, and served as president of the Bar Association. Joseph Mertz became a construction engineer and George Metzler a chemist. Four years later, St. John’s began an evening law school. Prestigious and popular, the graduates made an impact on the Toledo area. The three year program, leading to a Bachelor of Laws degree, was offered until 1919. Always a colorful event, the closing exercises in 1905 were held at the Valentine Theater. The ceremony included a literary program dealing chiefly with various events in the life of St. Gregory the Great. The annual field day was the next day.
The extracurriculars grew in importance. The Valentine Theatre served as the backdrop for the scholarly pursuits- oratorical contests, orchestral recitals, elocution and drama were key activities. Debates, held at the Valentine, promoted the scholastic reputation of the school. Athletics quickly gained a foothold. A gymnasium in the basement of the building was the beginning of the basketball program, which quickly became the school’s major sport. The Westminster Auditorium served as the gymnasium and basketball became king at St. John’s. "I remember the locker room at Westminster was bitter cold in the winter but we were happy to have a gym after playing in the cafeteria."
The growth of St. John’s continued. In 1919, the Pomeroy home at Walnut and Huron Streets was purchased and remodeled to house the arts college. St. John’s now included a four-year high school program and a four-year program that culminated in a Bachelor of Arts degree. Graduates of this program could then proceed to a Master’s degree in arts and sciences. Alumni continued to assume prominent roles in the area, becoming leaders in the civic, professional and religious communities in Toledo. In 1921 the school boosters moved to raise $100,000 for school expansion. There were 900 pledges to the endowment though tough economic times were already evident. Distress at the dwindling numbers of academy graduates going on to the College, led to a letter from the president to patrons: "It is a true indication of hard times when only a few boys take advantage of higher education." To combat this, in 1922, the St. John’s Endowment League was organized. The League purchased 24 acres of land "fronting on Bancroft street across from Ottawa Park". There, the dreams of a new seven-building St. John’s campus began and construction of an athletic field. "I remember the mini billboard at the corner of Bancroft and Parkside heralding the future home of St. John’s. Little did we know.." In 1930, Rev. William Fitzgerald, rector of St. John’s, explained. "The college has 24 acres of property at the site chosen for the new building, which is planned to be a creditable structure with ample facilities for the future." Bishop Stritch was an enthusiastic backer. "I fervently hope the days will be shortened until we see the realization of a Catholic College in the diocese of Toledo such as you have planned." Amid the challenges of the Depression years, students handled the day to day chores with dedication. Always at the core of St. John’s were the larger lessons of life. "The teachings of the Jesuits made it clear that essentials in life were discipline, integrity and loyalty. While there was some camaraderie with the priests and scholastics outside of the classroom, inside the classroom it was strictly business." "Daily mass. Practicing Greek or Latin. Intra-school debating contests, three-day retreats. So many memories are fresh even today."
No one counted on the devastation caused by the stock market crash of 1929. The effect of the world’s monetary woes slowly took its toll on dreams of school expansion.. Tuition assistance needs far outweighed the amount of revenue being donated. The $100 tuition was fast-becoming an impossible sum for most students." Still in 1933, the graduating class had stars in baseball, football, golf, tennis and indoor handball. And the boys were far from perfect: "Fr. Mentag would mete out just punishments at JUG: 500 word essays on grass, for instance. And I can still hear Fr. Walter maintaining order in the cafeteria...calling out "boys! boys!" The Depression continued to erode the nation’s vitality, and efforts to build a new university were being replaced by concerns about the continued operation of the current school. As families struggled for finances, donations to the school became increasingly difficult to obtain. Then in 1936, after a thorough study by Bishop Karl Alter, Fr. Gerald Fitzgibbons, president of St. John’s, and the Jesuit provincial, the announcement was made that financial conditions made continuing operation impossible. St. John’s was forced to close. The remaining students would be accepted at Central Catholic. Speaking to the press, Father Fitzgibbons said, "It is not necessary, I hope, to say how keenly we regret to announce the end of our educational work in Toledo. That St. John’s had its problems for many years, and that the years of Depression have not acted kindly toward solving these problems is not, I believe, an item of news to anyone." In an open letter to the community, Bishop Karl Alter expressed his regret at the closing. "As a member of the first graduating class and as the first student to receive a degree from St. John’s, I experience a sorrow which cannot be adequately expressed." His sorrow was echoed by hundreds of alumni - men who never let go of the vision of a St. John’s in Toledo. The school had made an indelible mark on the community. Of the 661 graduates of St. John’s there were 100 clergymen, 104 attorneys, 67 doctors and dentists, 141 teachers and 19 social workers. A newspaper account read: "The Jesuits formed a nucleus of culture in the city which grew to permeate every walk of sound civic life." Distressed at the loss of their school, alumni held on to the values they had shared. Annual reunions which started in 1934 continued. In 1940, the alumni even produced a play, "The First Legion", dealing with Jesuit life. Ticket sales benefitted Jesuit education. Soon the world became gripped in war, and the men of St. John’s were there to serve their country. But as the war ended, and the soldiers returned home, the country turned to rebuilding families and homes. The 1950s brought prosperity and optimism, and with them, the baby boom. In the late 1950s, the need for another Catholic high school became apparent.. In 1963, Bishop Rehring invited the Jesuits to reestablish St. John’s. He pledged that the Diocese would raise $2million to finance the project and would provide 31 acres of land on Ryan Road near Reynolds. Fr. Nicholas Gelin, a graduate of St. John’s class of 1927, was charged with getting the new school "off the ground." He and a small contingent of Jesuits including Fr. Roman Weltin, Fr. Bob McAuley Fr. Dennis Schmitt and Br. John Sebian began the task with great joy. In June, 1964, the Ryan Road site was found "flat and poorly drained", requiring too much improvement to be an acceptable building site. Fr. Gelin wrote, "After investigating every available and adequate piece of land, we settled on 30 acres at the corner of Chicago Pike and Holland-Sylvania Road, as easily the best school site around. It is well elevated in scenic estate country, and yet readily accessible from all parts of the city." "People complained loudly--why are the Jesuits building way out there? It was such a lovely agricultural spot. Lots of wildlife and quiet. But there were projections that the city would grow out this way within the next 15 years. Looks like they were right." Plans for the new St. John’s were underway, and Msgr. Sawkins, the first student ever to register at old St. John’s, came to bless the site and assist with the groundbreaking. But the work had just begun.The pastors and parishioners of Toledo had given the Jesuits $2 million, but the cost of construction, equipment and furnishings pushed the total needed to nearly $3 million. The alumni were asked to help raise the additional funds. The Men for Others responded and The new St. John’s became a reality. Equipped with the latest in equipment and furnishings, St. John’s was the first school in northwest Ohio to have central heating and air conditioning. Carpeting was installed, classrooms, lecture rooms , labs , a language lab and a reading lab . The auditorium was designed for dramatics, debating, oratory, film study, and concerts. The gymnasium had seating for 1600. The chapel’s central liturgical focus was emphasized by a roof rising to a crown bearing the cross. In addition to the first cadre of Jesuits, lay teachers John Braucher and Joe Czernicki were recruited from St. Ignatius in Cleveland to help get the new school going. The two came and lived with the Jesuits as the school was forming. They laid the foundation and set the guidelines of the athletic program - destined to become a sterling part of the SJ experience. At the official opening Fr. Gelin said, "Today, St. John’s begins its second springtime with a planting that we pray will yield a harvest comparable to the first." Traditions from the old St. John’s were reflected in the new school. Although Greek wasn’t part of the curriculum, a strong academic program stressing logic and communication set the standard. The new school opened its doors with the gym, auditorium and chapel still under construction. The class that entered September 13, 1965 ruled the roost. As the only students in the building that first year, the class of 1969 developed a high degree of self-assurance and camaraderie. "There was an incredible feeling of community. We were taught from the first to care about our classmates. I remember our senior year when Coach Braucher called off football practice one night so we could watch our cross country team run. They won the City League that year. Everyone stressed being involved, being the kind of guys who went the extra mile for the others." "The Jesuits never let you sit down. We were encouraged to do more. Three hours of homework was standard. This after athletics or some other activity. It was tough but we always had fun." Although chartered as St. John’s Jesuit High School - the school was always referred to as St. John’s. And a mascot - Knights had been preempted by St. Francis. After a heated contest, Cougars and Vikings were axed. Titans reigned supreme following a student vote.
Although it wasn’t exactly a zoo those first four years, the tenor of the times in the late 60’s was definitely reflected in the student body. The total male environment - secretaries Mary Frances Bechtel and Jean Voegeli offering the only female influence - was apparent. With 16 Jesuits on staff and 8 male lay teachers, food fights, long hair, Vietnam protests and the "boys will be boys " attitude was supplanted by demerit cards, sport coats at games and the occasional corporal punishment. "Though there was a certain strict authoritarian code we all grew accustomed to, we’d regularly stretch the limits. A special seniors-only cheer was totally offensive. After all, it was the 60’s." In 1969, the first class graduated from the new St. John’s. The football team had placed second in the City Blue Division and the cross country team, formed just two years earlier, placed first in City, District and Regional competitions, finishing 11th in the state. Girls, though absent from classes, were plentiful on the social scene. A Homecoming Court was selected from St. Ursula and McAuley in 1970. And in 1971, the St. John’s football team rose to the top. Fr. McAuley called it "the Year of the Titans". "After only three years in league competition, we won our Division Championship. On the way to that title we defeated Central, Cardinal Stritch and St. Francis - all for the first time. No one expected us to be so competitive so quickly." The Blade reported "For the first time in five seasons, the Blue Division will have a different representative in the annual Thanksgiving Day Classic. St. Francis domination has ended." 1971 brought many changes: a winning basketball team for the first time, scoring over 1000 points in the season. A new device, a computer, made headlines in the Cavalier when the first one was purchased for the school. Adding to the flurry of activity senior year, the senior paper was instituted. And a new fund raiser, the Winter Carnival was created. Mothers Club and Fathers Club formed the backbone of this winter extravaganza. Fr. John Libens replaced Fr. Mott as principal. Fr. McAuley, the first principal of the school, began a seven year stint as president. The cigar-smoking cleric was known for his aura of calm competence. His cheerful support made him a source of strength for faculty and students alike. That same year, the Old Alumni Association established the Grant-in-Aid program, designed to assist needy boys with tuition through a school work program. Tuition rose to $600 in 1972, so there was a growing need for financial aid. Before long, more than 100 students were helped with tuition. Other advances in 1972 were the additions of soccer and hockey to the sports program. Technology rose to a new level in 1975 with a math department purchase of 35 pocket calculators. This was also the year that the senior project was introduced. Seniors shadowed professionals: lawyers, architects, and engineers..gained a glimpse of life beyond college.
After 20 years of winning athletics, the Titans gained their first state championship as the tennis team won the title in 1985. And in 1987, the Titans flexed their athletic muscles with another state victory in tennis and a golf team state title. "It was an unbelievable time. Two state titles in one year!" While Fr. Ted Walters was president, in 1986, 24 acres of land were bought for a baseball diamond as well as football and soccer practice fields. Purchased from a bequest from an alumnus from the old school, some viewed the buy as a waste of money. The years proved that the purchase protected St. John’s from the ever-growing encroachment of businesses and condominiums. And the athletic program benefited immeasurably from the additional land.A spring musical production stepped into the annual calendar, becoming an instant success with the first show- "once upon a mattress". With girls from local high schools participating, the experience gained great popularity. Under the direction of Fr. Ron Torina, the musicals grew in their professional flair. Fewer Jesuits meant not as many men needed housing. So in the fall of 1991, the Jesuit living quarters were renovated freeing up space for a college counseling resource area to assist students in college placement. College counseling became a hallmark at SJ. An 8,000 foot expansion featuring a new computer lab, writing lab, art classroom and studio, and a bookstore were part of the changes. Development offices were also added as the need to advance the school became more critical.
The school’s connection to the worldwide mission of the Society of Jesus was highlighted in the decision in 1993 to use Jesuit in the school name. Although charted as St. John’s Jesuit, the use of the word in the title was seen as novel. The 90s saw Christian volunteering increase with an annual trip to Appalachia and two overseas experiences. The Dominican Republic and Guatemala were additions to the service opportunities. "Living and working in the DR gave me a greater appreciation for what I have, but also showed me the closeness and concern families in the third world share. It’s so different from the life we have in the US." "Raising money to build homes for the people who live in a Guatemalan garbage dump is something that changed my life. I am so glad I had the chance to participate in something so worthwhile." Another special volunteer opportunity came into being in 1994 when Tom Kraus became the school’s first Loyola Volunteer. These volunteers are alumni who come back for a year of service in the school. Each year since there have been two graduates who bring back their special talents for student and faculty benefit. Titan Athletics stepped into a new arena in the 90’s. Football made it into the state playoffs for the first time and, in 1992, Coach ed heintschel and the basketball team journeyed to Columbus and finished as the state semi-finalist. "It was an awesome time at school and in town. Everyone was excited. To make it so far with so many teams--it was incredible." Golf and tennis, perennial favorites, continued yearly in the state finals. "We’ve been blessed with great students and coaches. Our guys stick with the program and that works for St. John’s." Bonfires, pep rallies, senior hallway, the Promethean, the Cavalier, and athletics were the mainstays of student life. But the 90s ushered in new demands. An admissions department was added to help spread the good news about St. John’s. An innovative program meant to attract qualified minority students, Toledo 2020, was another new outreach. "Coming to St. John’s has made a major difference in my life. I was able to go on to college and am well on my way. Without the 2020 Program, I’m not sure where I’d be in life now." Toledo 2020 is a St. John’s commitment consistent with the international Jesuit mission of a preferential option for the disadvantaged. "We hope to continue to grow the program and make Jesuit education a gateway for many talented students." Carl Wagner became the first alumnus to serve as principal in 1993. Already having been teacher, coach, associate and assistant principal, Carl saw the growth of technology and and the innovations it brought to the classroom. Progress is apparent throughout the school. In 1998, a $3 million Technology Center was opened. The new wing of the school features a new TV studio, a music technology lab, publication offices, a tiered computer lab with distance learning capabilities, and an expanded library. In addition, the Chapel has been expanded and renovated and is capable of holding the entire student body. Many are the achievements of St. John’s students and alumni. For 18 years of the last 25, St. John’s has won the City League All Sports Trophy - given to the best athletic program in the city. Academically, St. John’s leads the area in its number of National Merit Scholars and Honorees over the last decade. Graduates are offered millions in college scholarships and grants. Donors have helped create an endowment that yields over $500,000 to be given annually in tuition assistance. More than one-quarter of the 820 students receive need-based financial aid. Donors giving time, talent and treasure supply the lifeblood of St. John’s. Alumni, parents, and friends of the school, as well as corporate partners and foundations, who believe in the work we do, give strength to our mission.
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