The Jesuit commitment to Wheeling reaches back further than 1954, and during its 50th anniversary celebration, Wheeling Jesuit University will commemorate its strong partnership with its host city – a partnership with roots tracing back to 1749.
As Wheeling Jesuit embarks on a yearlong celebration of its first 50 years in Wheeling, the University will use its annual lecture series to share significant events in its history with the people of the Ohio Valley and to explore issues of interest to the Valley in the 21st century. On Tuesday, Sept. 21, Wheeling Jesuit University will stage the first of eight programs as part of the 50th Anniversary Lecture Series – Sharing Our History: 250 Years in the Life of the Jesuits and the Upper Ohio Valley.
Many remember the founding of the University in 1954, but few know the Jesuit’s dedication to the region reaches back to the middle of the18th century when French explorers, accompanied by a Jesuit priest, landed where Wheeling stands today. Local thespians will reenact that historic event at 7 p.m. at Wheeling Jesuit University in the Troy Theater. Following the reenactment, Margaret Brennan, president of the Wheeling Area Historical Society and Tracey Rasmer, archivist for the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston, will be among the panelists discussing the historical impact of that expedition.
The first program examines the 1749 visit of Rev. Joseph Bonnecamps, S.J. That year, French explorers from Canada began a southward expedition, claiming land in the name of the French king. Stopping along the shores of the Ohio River near the mouth of Wheeling Creek in mid summer, the explorers buried a metal plate, marking the territory for France. Bonnecamps, a cartographer, mathematician and Jesuit priest, acted as chaplain and mapmaker on the expedition.
Dan Shea, assistant professor and director of fine arts at Wheeling Jesuit, says the reenactment will look at the “human side” of the expedition.
“When I started to write the script for this program, I had to find the ‘hook’ that could be carried throughout the play. During discussions with Margaret Brennan, we talked about the idea that the burying of the lead plates to claim the land was like planting seeds, as if a Jesuit influence and presence was planted 250 years ago. From there, I thought I could really tell the story best by having each character talk about the expedition from their point of view,” he says.
The audience will be introduced four people: Luc Lemoyne, one of the boat’s paddlers, will be played by Ryan Sears of Wheeling; P.D. Gregg of Wheeling will play Commander Celeron de Blaineville, leader of the expedition; Wheeling Jesuit student Josh Sanders of Martins Ferry will bring to life Sosondowah, an Iroquios scout; and Fr. Bonnecamps will be played by Rob DeSantis of Weirton.
“For me, it’s important to look at this historic event not as a specific period in time, but rather from the human side and how this expedition ties the University to the people of the Ohio Valley,” Shea adds.
Rev. Brian O’Donnell, S.J., a key organizer of the Lecture Series, says in order for today’s residents to develop a blueprint for the future of the region, it’s important to understand the past. Wheeling Jesuit’s Lecture Series, he says, will provide that look back at the past.
“The first program raises issues about inner-cultural communication, which remains relevant today. Each of us can learn from the foundation they laid and then discuss how to use the lessons of the past to make a difference in the future”
Wheeling Jesuit University President Joseph R. Hacala, S.J., points out that each program in the Lecture Series, which continues through April, will examine the role the University has had in preparing men and women for life, leadership and service.
“Since its founding in 1954, Wheeling Jesuit has been committed to providing educational opportunities to the men and women of Appalachia. Fifty years later, the University remains committed to providing the people in the region with a Jesuit, liberal arts education. Sharing Our History will be a time for students, alumni, friends and the community to remember and examine significant events in our shared history, and explore what role Wheeling Jesuit will have in the future of this region.”
The University received nearly $20,000 from the West Virginia Humanities Council to stage Sharing Our History.
Judith Geary, co-chair of the 50th Anniversary planning committee and a member of the class of 1963, says the grant will bring Sharing Our History to life.
“The Lecture Series will be the core of the entire sequence of events commemorating our golden jubilee. Wheeling Jesuit has impacted many lives since 1954 and these eight programs will highlight events that have allowed the University to carry out its special mission to the people of Appalachia,” Geary explains.
Five of the events will include scripted re-enactments of historical episodes, and all will feature panel discussions. As part of the grant, presentations will be archived and developed into educational curricula for future generations to study, Geary adds.
“The Lecture Series is just one way the entire community can help us celebrate our 50th Anniversary. I invite everyone to join us as we begin our 50th anniversary celebration. Luceat Lux Vestra, (Let Your Light Shine), has been the motto of Wheeling Jesuit University from the beginning. The motto reflects our hope that we may come together at this special time to share our past and to let our collective light shine upon the future, thus preserving the tradition of St. Ignatius and the dream of Bishop John J. Swint,” she says.
In addition to the Humanities Grant, Sharing our History: 250 Years in the Life of the Jesuits and the Upper Ohio Valley is receiving additional support from Wheeling Jesuit University, Mount de Chantal Visitation Academy, WesBanco Arena, West Virginia Independence Hall and the West Virginia Catholic Heritage Center.
All programs are free of charge and open to the public. Seating for all events will be on a first come basis. Reservations are not required. For more information contact the Office of Performing Arts and Lectures at (304) 243-2095.
