FORMER PRE-NOVITIATE BUILDING IN OMAHA TO FACE THE WRECKING BALL

Several Oblates and other alumni have recently received an e-mail inviting them to a “farewell party” for a building that once housed an Oblate formation program from 1972 until 1989.  Many have fond memories of their time there.

Creighton House (formerly Creighton Hall), built in 1913 to accommodate Catholic working women, is located at 2104 Davenport St., in Omaha, Nebraska.  The property has been acquired from Creighton by the Omaha Public School District and is scheduled to be razed this May as part of an expansion effort at nearby Omaha Central High School. Creighton is exploring ways to maintain the Creighton House concept.

THE OBLATES IN OMAHA

In 1968, the Oblates of the former Central Province closed Pine Hills, the scholasticate overlooking Bay St. Louis near Pass Christian, Mississippi.  At that time, all of the students were studying for their degree in philosophy.  Creighton University in Omaha was chosen as the site for their continued studies.  Scholastics from both the former Central and Southern Provinces were part of the move to several buildings facing California Street, just a block from the Creighton campus.

Oblates also took up a role in teaching in the philosophy department at Creighton, and eventually, Father Francis E. George, OMI, now Cardinal Archbishop of Chicago, became head of the department.  Fr. Jim Datko, OMI, taught at Creighton for many years, even after the rest of the Oblates left.

The U.S. Oblates decided a couple of years later that ordinarily, candidates should complete their B.A. and philosophy studies before going to the novitiate.  That decision gave rise to various new pre-novitiate programs throughout the five former provinces.

THE OBLATES AT 2104 DAVENPORT

In 1972, the Oblates of the former Central Province decided to move their pre-novitiate candidates from Lewis University in Lockport, IL, to Creighton.  They were able to lease from the Jesuits at Creighton a building that was ideal for the formation program, Creighton Hall.  There were a large chapel and dining room, as well as 30 or so private bedrooms.  There were actually a lot of candidates in those days!

Various Oblates served as director of the house on Davenport over the years: Fr. Allen Maes, Fr. Darrell Rupiper, Archbishop Roger Schwietz, Bro. Pat McGee, and Fr. Lou Studer.

In the late 80’s, however, the Oblates decided that since Omaha was somewhat removed from other Oblate communities, it would be opportune to move once again, this time to St. Louis University in Missouri.

CREIGHTON HOUSE NOW

Since the Oblates left, “Creighton House,” as it is now called, became alternative living and learning community for Creighton University students. Up to 30 students live in the house in a community environment, sharing responsibilities, seminar-type discussions, and opportunities for service to the campus and Omaha community.

The academic focus of the House is communication arts (debate, forensics, creative writing, theater, and related areas). The house is made up of students of all majors and from all of Creighton's undergraduate schools, but all residents have a healthy respect for the house theme. And thus, the house motto is Magna Corda, Magnae Mentes, Magna Ora (Big Hearts, Big Minds, Big Mouths). Students meet weekly to discuss community issues and share responsibilities within the House and meet weekly and one Sunday a month for dinner. In the fall, they attend a weekly series of after-dinner talks involving faculty from across the University. In the spring, they participate in other activities.

After the building is demolished, Creighton hopes to continue the present focus of the residence on another site.

Some information for this article came from Creighton University’s web sites.