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The building was soon begun on a lot donated by the city. The founders of Galveston, with praiseworthy discernment, had laid out the city on a previously agreed plan on which lots were marked for public offices and institutions. A lot had been distinctly labeled "For a College." The Bishop accordingly made application for the lot as the site for his contemplated Seminary-College which was erected with the grant of several thousand francs for the purpose from the Society for the Propagation of the Faith. 11 But the money proved insufficient and Bishop Odin had to make a second effort to raise additional funds to build a roof and secure equipment. Undaunted by misfortune and difficulties Bishop Odin and the faithful Oblate Fathers continued to labor to make the Seminary-College a success. Bishop Odin commissioned Father Parisot, O.M.I., to make an extensive tour through East Texas and Louisiana to solids funds in the rice planta- tions and parishes for the completion of St. Mary's Seminary and College. He set out from Galveston in May and was in New Orleans by July 4, 1854. The tour met with the success desired. The funds obtained proved rnfficient to complete the roof and equip the building that Father Baudrand had designed. A second tour was undertaken by Father Parisot, O.M.I., in the fall to recruit boarding students. By the end of 1854 the informal seminary and long expected college for boys was ready to be formally inaugurated.u Formal Inauguration of St. Mary's Seminary-College. The long cher- ished dream finally became a reality on January I, 1855. Under the direction of Father Julian Baudre, O.M.I., as President and Superior, the Seminary-College of St. Mary made its public opening on New Year's Day amidst general rejoicing. Father Baudre was assisted by Father Parisot, O.M.I., as Prefect of Students and Discipline, Professor of Greek, Latin and Mathematics; Father Vignolle, O.M.I., as Bursar and Spiritual Director; Brother James Cooney, O.M.I., Professor of English; Brother Julian Bodart, English; and two Texas lay teachers. The en- rollment in the college division was very encouraging. There were about sixty students in all, including boarding and day students, many of them from the best families in town and the surrounding country. 13 Before the end of the year there were eighty-three. The Bishop was delighted and at the end of the year took steps to 11Bishop Odin to Bishop de Mazenod, May 15, 1857, in Arclii-ves of tlte Pro- vincial House, San Antonio, Texas. llNotes for Oblate Hirtor1, 17. lS/bU., 19; Metrojolitan Almanac and Laity's Directory, 1855.
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