Early Days
On Monday, January 2, 1888, Mother Beatrice opened the school with 103 students in attendance. The next year, Father Weibel procured a house where Sister Agnes taught children of the black race. However, due to prejudice in the area, the school for the black children closed three years later.
 |
Convent Maria Stein - 1888
(drawing by Father Weibel)
As more Sisters came from Maria Rickenbach and postulants joined, the community outgrew the original structure so additions was constructed. The Sisters learned the English language and schools were opened in Jonesboro and Paragould.
Sisters responded to requests when other parishes requested teachers. In addition to schools in Arkansas, Sisters taught in parish schools in Texas, Illinois, Missouri and Louisiana.
 |
Mother Walburga with Group of Sisters on Jubilee Day