Will County IL Archives Biographies.....Munch, Rev Mother Alexander 
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Deb Haines ddhaines@gmail.com September 7, 2007, 9:31 pm

Author: Genealogical & Biographical Record

REV. MOTHER ALEXANDER MUNCH, who is at the head of the community of Franciscan 
Sisters, located at Joliet, has for years been a potent factor in the 
advancement of its work and growth.  St. Francis' convent, which the Sisters 
have in charge, was founded in 1865, its first location being on the corner of 
North Broadway and Division street, Joliet, but in 1882 it was removed to the 
present location, in the most elevated part of the city, away from the din of 
the busy streets.  The cornerstone of the large main building was laid in 
1881, but the building was not completed until 1882.  From the time of its 
establishment in 1865 this convent has been the mother-house of this 
community. About 1874 St. Francis' Academy was started, and it is now one of 
the best schools of its kind in the county. The building is provided with 
dormitories, class rooms, music rooms, studio, a recreation hall, an extensive 
library and scientific apparatus and specimens for illustrating the various 
branches of science.  The course of study comprises three departments, each 
consisting of four grades, and each grade requires one year's time. Special 
attention is given to the department of music, which aims at thoroughness and 
adapts the most improved  methods to the cultivation of correct taste and an 
appreciation of classical music. Students are drilled in harmony, the 
technique and theory of music.  Attention is also given to oil painting and 
water colors.  The large studio affords the students excellent facilities for 
the study of drawing and painting; a special feature has been made of china 
painting, and a kiln for firing is in charge of one of the  Sisters.  As a 
stimulus to effort, gold medals are awarded each year to those attaining the 
highest standard of excellence. The work of the academy has been thoroughly 
systematized, so that the best results may be obtained from the pupils, and 
their progress in study is judiciously promoted.

Upon the establishment of the convent in 1865, Rev. Mother Alfreda Moes, a 
French lady, was placed at its head.  She was followed successively by Rev. 
Mother Alberta Stockhof, Mother Mary Frances Shanahan, Mother Mary Celestine 
Sontag, Mother Lucy Raub (a native of Joliet), Mother Mary Angela Rosenberger 
and Mother Alexander Munch.  Mothers Sontag, Raub and Rosenberger each held 
the position for six years. In August, 1899, Rev. Mother Alexander Munch was 
placed at the head of the convent.  She was born in Joliet, a daughter of 
Xavier Munch, and received her education in Catholic schools, graduating in 
1870, since which time she has been connected with the work of the Franciscan 
Sisters.  Under the supervision of the Franciscan Sisters of this community 
are thirty mission houses in various parts of this state, Ohio, Wisconsin, 
Missouri and Pennsylvania, where they have charge of the instruction of eight 
thousand children, including St. John's, St. Joseph's and Holy Cross parochial 
schools in Joliet.  In 1898 they established the Guardian Angels' Home for 
Children and erected a building on Buell avenue with accommodations for 
sixty.  Already fifty-five orphans have been placed under their care in this 
institution.  In the rearing of the children given to their charge they show a 
painstaking thoroughness and the most earnest desire to implant in their 
hearts pure and lofty purposes and to cultivate good morals.


Additional Comments:
Genealogical and Biographical Record of Will County Illinois Containing 
Biographies of Well Known Citizens of the Past and Present, Biographical 
Publishing Company, Chicago, 1900

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