1923 Yearbook
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Title
1923 Yearbook
Description
REV. C. J. DONOHOE
This short sketch sets forth very inadequately the work of one who has been most
intimately connected with St. Ambrose's history and most solicitous for her prosperity.
Few men better deserve recognition at her hands than does Rev. Charles J. Donohoe.
Father Donohoe commenced his student days here in 1890, when Very Rev. A. J.
Schulte, our first president, was directing the affairs of the college. Upon the completion of his philosophical studies in 1896 Father Donohoe went to the St. Paul Seminary,
where he acquired his theological training, being ordained May 27, 1899.
Recognizing the unusual ability of the young priest, Bishop Cosgrove sent him, in
company with Very Rev. W. P. Shannahan, to the Catholic University of America, at
Washington, D. C. After a year of post-graduate work at the University Father
Donohoe returned to Davenport and received an appointment to the Faculty of St.
Ambrose. For eight years he administered with the utmost success the important office
of Master of Discipline. Conditions at St. Ambrose at that time were very different
from those obtaining at present. He was called upon to face the many problems
peculiar to the management of a new, growing, and inadequately equipped college, and
he proved more than equal to them all.
In 1909 at the direction of Bishop Davis, Father Donohoe left the College to
undertake the work of organizing St. Paul's parish for the people of East Davenport,
who had hitherto been without a place of worship. Once more he had to meet the
difficulties of the pioneer, and once more he proved equal to the task, as the history of
his parish so amply testifies.
The cornerstone of St. Paul's Church was laid July 4, 1909, by Bishop Davis.
Hon. George W. Scott, then mayor of Davenport, and Very Rev. William P. Shannahan, at that time president of St. Ambrose, were the principal speakers on that great
day. On December 12, 1909, the first Mass was celebrated in the church; St. Paul's
parish was an actuality, thanks to Father Donohoe's untiring efforts.
The history of St. Paul's is a story of progress. In 1915 the church was enlarged to
more than twice its original capacity, and it stands today an edifice that can compare
favorably with any in the city of Davenport. A four thousand dollar pipe organ is
being installed at the present time. Valuable property has recently been secured near
the church, and upon this ground the parish will soon have its own school.
Aside from his arduous parish duties Father Donohoe is a member of the Bishop's
Council and Secretary and Treasurer of St. Vincent's Home, taking a great interest in
that very worthy institution. Moreover he is never too busy to assist St. Ambrose in
any possible way. He was one of the chief workers in the endowment campaign. Last
year, at no small inconvenience to himself, he taught here for several months during
the illness of one of the professors. No matter what the occasion, he is ever ready to
extend a helping hand to assist us.
St. Ambrose rejoices at the success of any of her Alumni who have proved their
worth in the various endeavors of life. In the case of Father Donohoe she has an
added feeling of gratitude for his years of faithful service to herself and for the splendid example he has set for those who are to become her Alumni in the future. May
his meritorious and highly useful work long continue.
Page 110
This short sketch sets forth very inadequately the work of one who has been most
intimately connected with St. Ambrose's history and most solicitous for her prosperity.
Few men better deserve recognition at her hands than does Rev. Charles J. Donohoe.
Father Donohoe commenced his student days here in 1890, when Very Rev. A. J.
Schulte, our first president, was directing the affairs of the college. Upon the completion of his philosophical studies in 1896 Father Donohoe went to the St. Paul Seminary,
where he acquired his theological training, being ordained May 27, 1899.
Recognizing the unusual ability of the young priest, Bishop Cosgrove sent him, in
company with Very Rev. W. P. Shannahan, to the Catholic University of America, at
Washington, D. C. After a year of post-graduate work at the University Father
Donohoe returned to Davenport and received an appointment to the Faculty of St.
Ambrose. For eight years he administered with the utmost success the important office
of Master of Discipline. Conditions at St. Ambrose at that time were very different
from those obtaining at present. He was called upon to face the many problems
peculiar to the management of a new, growing, and inadequately equipped college, and
he proved more than equal to them all.
In 1909 at the direction of Bishop Davis, Father Donohoe left the College to
undertake the work of organizing St. Paul's parish for the people of East Davenport,
who had hitherto been without a place of worship. Once more he had to meet the
difficulties of the pioneer, and once more he proved equal to the task, as the history of
his parish so amply testifies.
The cornerstone of St. Paul's Church was laid July 4, 1909, by Bishop Davis.
Hon. George W. Scott, then mayor of Davenport, and Very Rev. William P. Shannahan, at that time president of St. Ambrose, were the principal speakers on that great
day. On December 12, 1909, the first Mass was celebrated in the church; St. Paul's
parish was an actuality, thanks to Father Donohoe's untiring efforts.
The history of St. Paul's is a story of progress. In 1915 the church was enlarged to
more than twice its original capacity, and it stands today an edifice that can compare
favorably with any in the city of Davenport. A four thousand dollar pipe organ is
being installed at the present time. Valuable property has recently been secured near
the church, and upon this ground the parish will soon have its own school.
Aside from his arduous parish duties Father Donohoe is a member of the Bishop's
Council and Secretary and Treasurer of St. Vincent's Home, taking a great interest in
that very worthy institution. Moreover he is never too busy to assist St. Ambrose in
any possible way. He was one of the chief workers in the endowment campaign. Last
year, at no small inconvenience to himself, he taught here for several months during
the illness of one of the professors. No matter what the occasion, he is ever ready to
extend a helping hand to assist us.
St. Ambrose rejoices at the success of any of her Alumni who have proved their
worth in the various endeavors of life. In the case of Father Donohoe she has an
added feeling of gratitude for his years of faithful service to herself and for the splendid example he has set for those who are to become her Alumni in the future. May
his meritorious and highly useful work long continue.
Page 110
Date
1923
Rights
St. Ambrose University, 518 W. Locust St., Davenport, IA 52803
Identifier
http://cdm16810.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/ref/collection/p16810coll2/id/7720