The Newman Club at Kirksville State Teacher’s College met in various locations on campus and Mary Immaculate Church. The local priest served as Chaplain to the Newman Club.
1893: “Newman Clubs” are established in the Church.
Catholic lay leaders take the initiative to establish “Newman Clubs” for Catholic college students, named after John Henry Cardinal Newman, to offer support, community, and instruction in our Catholic religious heritage.
1883: Catholics immerse in public universities.
Waves of Catholic immigrants come to America, especially from Ireland, Germany, and Italy. After the first generation of immigrants become settled, a growing number of Catholics start to attend public Universities. Catholic lay leaders work to keep Catholics on campus in touch with their Catholic faith.