Columbianism in Texas
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High Mass was sung by Monsignor J. S. Murphy, assisted by Fathers F. O'Brien of Texarkana and William Blakeslee, C.S.P., Chaplain of the Newman Club of the University of Texas. Six A. and M. College cadets served as acolytes. The Bishop warmly thanked the Knights of Columbus of Texas for their generous contribution to the diocese of Galveston. It would help Catholic students and professors greatly in keeping up the practice of their Faith. For the good chaplain, Father Gleissncr. it was the happiest day of his life, for he loved the fine young men of A. and M.. who revered him. The chapel "stood resplendent, bathed in the glory of the Texas sun, a memorial to the . .. generosity and faith of the Texas Knights of Columbus!" remarked an observer of the ceremonies. Gone were the days of trudging through dust or mud for six long miles to attend church on Sunday and holidays. More important still, the Aggies would receive more adequate spiritual ca.re; their faith would no longer be in danger because of neglect. Others who felt attracted hy the outstretched arms of the Cross atop the little chapel would be able to receive instructions on the beliefs and practices of the Church, if they desired them. Father Gleissner, who had been raised to the dignity of Dean, said "now you may ask, 'Was it worth while for the Knights of Columbus to spend $20,000, and for the generous benefactors to donate a magnificent altar, communion railing, statues, and stations?' Let those who doubt come on a Sunday morning and see the chapel well filled with deYout worshippers, a choir of cadets rendering inspiring music ... a congre- gation listening attentively to a sermon, a body of from ten to forty-five approaching the communion railing, and they will have the answer to their question." Every year thereafter Father Gleissner reported regularly at each annual convention the progress made at the Aggies' chapel. By 1940 the interest aroused in the work of the Knightly benefactors led several stu- dents to ask for membership in the Order. The degrees of the Order were consequently conferred on a group of young cadets at Bryan that year. Good and faithful Father Gleissner was made a monsignor by His Holiness in recognition of his work. Nine years later, in 1949, a Council was instituted at the College, the first to be organized in a state supported educational institution in Texas. The number of Catholic students had grown by leaps and bounds. As early as 1941 the work had become too heavy for one man. Monsignor Gleissner was given an assistant, Father
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