Nazareth Convent and Academy facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Nazareth Convent and Academy
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Nazareth Convent and Academy, 2007
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| Location | 13th and Washington Sts. Concordia, Kansas |
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| Built | 1898 |
| Architect | William P. Feth and Wilson W. Hunt |
| Architectural style | Romanesque |
| NRHP reference No. | 73000748 |
| Added to NRHP | January 18, 1973 |
The Nazareth Convent and Academy is a special building in Concordia, Kansas. It is the main home for about 160 Sisters of St. Joseph. These sisters are part of a religious group. The building was finished in 1903. It is so important that it's listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's a historic landmark!
Around the convent, there's a lovely place called Lourdes-Park. It was fixed up in 1990. People can walk there and enjoy nature. The convent also has a huge stained glass window. Many people call it "the beacon light of Concordia." It shines brightly over the whole community.
A Look at the Early Years
In 1884, a priest named Rev. Joseph Perrier invited the Sisters of St. Joseph to Concordia. He wanted them to open a school for the Catholic Parish. Mother Stanislaus Leary, who was in charge, and five other sisters accepted the invitation.
They came to Concordia and started the Nazareth Motherhouse and Academy. It was in a new building right next to the church.
The official ceremony to lay the cornerstone happened on May 15, 1902. The main building was finished by June 1903. A part called the Music Hall was added in 1906. Then, in 1908, a Chapel wing was built on the east side of the building.
Starting a Hospital
In 1903, the Sisters of St. Joseph also started St. Joseph's Hospital. They used the building that was once the academy. This was after the academy moved to its new home in the Mother House. The hospital later moved to a brand new building in 1950.
The sisters also opened a school for nurses in 1919. They ran this school in Concordia until 1964. That year, Marymount College in Salina started its own full nursing school. Marymount College was another project of the Sisters of St. Joseph.
Education for Young Women
The sisters quickly became well-known for teaching young women at Nazareth. They offered a strong school program. Students also learned about fine arts, music, French, and good manners. In 1903, the Sisters of St. Joseph began helping with health care in Concordia. They did this by opening St. Joseph Hospital. This hospital was on the original site of the academy.
The Sisters Today
The Sisters of St. Joseph are still very active today. They continue to help people in many ways.
Their work has changed over time to meet new needs. Today, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Concordia focus on helping others. They work for kindness, fairness, and human rights. They try to make a positive difference in the world. They go wherever people need love, help, and kindness.
