Why did we build this magnificent gymnasium when we already had one? The former school building at the South East corner of Hermitage and Addison had been converted into a gym customary for an elementary school.
The answer is because of the vision of Bishop Bernard Sheil.
Just as Saint Andrew’s third pastor (Monsignor Griffin) was transferred to become a bishop in another diocese, the parish was amazed when the pastor assigned to replace him already was a bishop. The fourth pastor, Bishop Bernard Sheil was appointed in 1935. He was an energetic man with nationwide connections and a popularity.
Bishop Bernard J. Sheil
“Benny” Sheil was born in Chicago in 1886. He took a liking to sports and became an outstanding baseball player. He was even drafted to play pro ball but instead pursued the priesthood and was ordained a priest in 1910 by Archbishop James E Quigley He served in World War I as a chaplain at the Great Lakes Naval Training Center.
He was well connected and in the photos you see here, had audiences with both president Roosevelt and president Eisenhower.
Bishop Sheil with President Roosevelt
