The Pews of Jesuit Hall

In the summer of 1912, the Jesuit Community was preparing to move into their new home at 18^th and Thompson – the building we call today “Jesuit Hall” (see photo).  With its mosaics, brass sconces, and large stained glass windows, the chapel was to be the most spectacular room in the building (photo, ca. 1927).  Great care was taken by our president, Rev. Charles Lyons, S.J., to procure the best pews at the best price.  In the holdings of the Villiger Archives are found bids for the pews from four competing firms, including the winning bid from the American Seating Co. for $633.80 (scan).

The Chapel and her pews, circa 1927.

So what was $633.80 worth in 1912?  For the average workingman, that sum was equal to around seven months’ wages.  And for that amount, the shrewd Fr. Lyons was able to squeeze eighteen pews plus 124 oak chairs out of the American Seating Co.

The American Seating Company: For Churches, Opera, Railroads, and the Prep.

These pews are constructed of ¾” quartersawn oak backs and sides, with 1½” thick elm seats.  Sadly, the oak chairs have long since disappeared, and only eight of the original eighteen pews remain, and can be found on the 2nd floor of Jesuit Hall and in the 3rd floor link.  These pews are the only original furniture left from the opening of the building, the centennial of which we will celebrate next fall.  After a hundred years, some of the pews have fallen into disrepair. 

The cost of Pews in 1912 = $633.80
The satisfaction of getting it right = Priceless

Over the 2011-2012 Christmas break, a generous alumnus paid to have the worst of them repaired.  See the photos of “before” and “after”.  They are not only quite valuable on the antique market, but they are the last remaining physical strands that tie us to the Jesuit Community House - an important chapter in the history of the Prep and the College (SJU). 

If you are interested in a tour of the chapel and the newly renovated Jesuit Hall, or if you would like to sponsor the restoration of one of the century-old pews in the name of a loved one, please get in touch with Bill Conners at wconners@sjprep.org.