ST. VINCENT'S SEMINARY SURVIVES MANY STORMS

In the middle of the seminary's circle drive off Morgan Oak Street, which actually is the rear of the building, words inscribed on the pedestal of a statue of Christ read: "You have not chosen me but I have chosen you."

Those who were chosen were visited by several calamities during the seminary's long life, including one flood that destroyed all the college's crops and an epidemic that killed two members of the faculty early in its history.

In 1849, a boat carrying 1,500 barrels of gunpowder exploded on the river below the grounds, shattering windows and doors and shaking the plaster from the walls.

The next year, a tornado ripped the roof off the main building and killed the seminary's gardener. A south wing was added to the college in the wake of the tornado.

The west wing, which expanded dormitory space and provided a chapel and lecture room, came along in 1871 when the college decided to add commercial and classical courses to its theological curriculum.

The seminary, which was known as St. Vincent's College during most of its existence, maintained an enrollment of about 100 well into the 20th century.

Twelve boys were in the seminary's final graduating class in 1979.