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On the occasion of Bishop Rohlman’s first official visit to St. Matthias Parish, Father Hannon publicly made a pertinent and generous remark. He stated that this parish had been served practically throughout its entire history by two pastors- Father Laurent and Monsignor Leonard. An added thought of his was that through their instrumentality had come the worth while things affected in this parish.
Only since June 6, 1926, has Father Hannon been pastor of St. Matthias Church. Although he has done good work during that brief period, yet in justice to him we should go elsewhere for the real accomplishments of his priestly life. At the present moment a brief narrative of his life will be given.
William L. Hannon, the fifth of eight children with whom Almighty God blessed the marriage of Thomas and Johanna Cash, was born at Holbrook, Iowa, on March 21, 1879. In the country school of the district he received his grade school education. Then, as his comrades of later years- Monsignor Shannahan and Father Charles Donohoe- had done before him, he went to St. Ambrose College, Davenport, for preparatory studies that would bring him closer to the priesthood. From 1893 to 1900 he attended that institution. Incidentally it is of interest that William L Hannon appears in the College Catalog as the winner of general excellence in the philosophical course. To Kendrick Seminary, St. Louis, he was sent for his final studies, theology and auxiliary subjects. On June 13, 1903 –twenty-five years ago- at Archbishop John J. Glennon’s hands was received his priesthood.
In the fall of 1903 Father Hannon received an appointment to St. Ambrose College as professor of Latin and History. Immediately he became associated with men whose names are famous in the Annals of that institution- the Very Reverend J. T. A. Flannagan, Monsignor Shan- …
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… nahan, and Father Charles J. Donohoe. When the St. Paul’s Parish, Davenport, was created in 1909 with Father Donohoe its first rector, Father Hannon became Vice-President of the College. Later, in 1915, with Father Shannahan’s appointment to St. Patrick’s, Iowa City, the Presidency of St. Ambrose was intrusted to him. In this office he served until June10, 1926, at which time he became pastor of St. Matthias’, Muscatine. Obviously we are who are interested in father Hannon’s career should go to St. Ambrose College for his life-work and there see how his activities reached out in ever widening circles over the State of Iowa.
To the Diocese of Davenport during the years 1903 to 1926 a unique and fine service was given by Father Hannon. To begin with Father Hannon was a really good teacher. He happened to be an educator who himself was educated. Perhaps because the modern vogue of narrow specialization did not have such a firm grip on students twenty-five years ago, a well balanced and widely distributed intellectual culture came to be his very early in his priesthood. A capable, cultured professor is even now more valuable than a financial endowment. Needless to say this same equipment served Father Hannon well the many years during which he has been a much-called-for- speaker. Because of it, too, an enduring force he became in enhancing the prestige of that institution in which successively he was professor, vice-president and president.
In making St. Ambrose a standardized college with full four-year college courses to Father Hannon perhaps more then to anyone else is due the credit. This he did in many ways. In 1915 St. Ambrose was ready to embark on a career of full collegiate work. Specialists had to be trained. With that work he went forward unremittingly every year form 1915- 1926. Our diocesan priests appointed to the College were to be found in the leading universities of our country pursuing graduate work in Science, Philosophy, History, English and other fields of collegiate work. As a matter of fact when Father Hannon left St. …
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… Ambrose College in 1926, that institution was fully prepared on this score to become a member of the best accrediting agency in the Middle West- the North Central Association of Colleges. Fifteen years ago many considered specialization an ultra-modern step and an unnecessary one. But Father Hannon’s judgment was in a different direction. He saw clearly then- all see clearly now- the need of that specialized training. It is an accepted fact. In 1926 at the close of his presidency at St. Ambrose College that were listed in the College Catalog fourteen professors having graduate degrees. Four of these held the highest degree, Doctorate of Philosophy; ten, Master of Arts. The number of students in the College Department increased from eighteen to one hundred and twenty-one during the period 1915-1926. Considering the early date at which the process was begun, and the adverse circumstances under which it was continued, the school-man today feels this achievement of Father Hannon’s was truly a notable one. The Diocese of Davenport is grateful for that service.
An unusual material expansion was effected also during his administration. In 1915-16 the Le Claire Gymnasium was erected at a cost of $103,000. Whether for food or ill athletics have become an integral part of our educational system. St. Ambrose was in need of better athletic facilities. Father Hannon adequately provided them. A few years later additional property for an athletic field was secured for $15,000. It was improved to the extent of $10,000. And St. Ambrose was handicapped in not having a class room and residence building for its college department. The first section of Davis Hall, erected in 1922, at a cost of $123,000 was Father Hannon’s response to that need. These are a few of the more important achievements during his administration at St. Ambrose College. Add to them the management of the institution, especially during the trying and costly days of the World War, and you have a condition that demanded real administrative ability. Genuine economy and careful spending were responsible for the figure of $80,000, the total current expenses for the year 1925-26.
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It was while St. Ambrose College had Father Hannon in the presidency that the Endowment Drive was so successfully conducted. About $900,000 was subscribed; nearly $600,000 has actually reached the endowment treasurers. Not a small one by any means was his share in that venture. A genial, resourceful priest of many years experiences, the Very Reverend John M. Walsh, was its director. Yet, invaluable helps in planning and publicity work came from Father Hannon. For instance, in the city of Davenport the organization was effected by him and his long time friend, Mr. Lee J. Dougherty. So well was the campaign arranged that about $180,000 was subscribed in the city of Davenport to the Endowment Fund. Father Hannon’s final contribution to the progress of St. Ambrose College was the placing of its finances on the Budget System.
Only briefly shall we here allude to his varied activities out side of the college. During the World War forceful, ready speakers were in demand. The great crisis that faced our country insistently demanded public men who could arouse our people and fire them with a holy enthusiasm to render patriotic services “til it hurt.” In Davenport, and other cities, too, Father Hannon’s appearance on the public platform during this crisis was most frequent. Always the message was driven home in a forceful manner. In the same way he has ever remained loyal to the Knight of Columbus. When Muscatine Council was formed, for instance, Father Hannon preached the sermon at the Mass attended by the Knights. At the preset time he is State Chaplain of the Knights of Columbus, Fourth degree. In that capacity he has shared in the exemplification of that Patriotic Degree. In justice to him it should be remarked that his witty, thoughtful addresses have enlivened many an otherwise drab program.
As a public man establishing dignified contacts with the lay world; as a manager and upbuilder of the diocese’s most important institution; as a speaker on occasions of every kind with power of impressing deeply and lastingly …
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… -in all these capacities Father Hannon has surely rendered a unique and an unusually fine service to the Diocese of Davenport. Fittingly, then, does our diocese show its gratitude on this, the occasion of Father Hannon’s Silver Jubilee- twenty –five years in the priesthood of Christ.
Before Monsignor Leonard left St. Matthias Parish he advised the congregation that a more satisfactory and equitable system of church finance was needed. Father Hannon, soon after his coming, began work on that problem. The weekly Envelope System was the outcome. Adequately it has taken care of current expenses, and dur- …
 Father Moore |
… ing its one year of operation has made an appreciable reduction on the parish indebtedness.
When Father Hannon came to St. Matthias’ he brought with him a rich and varied educational experience. To the school his interests naturally turned. His presence in the class-room as professor of Religion will surely stimulate the students in many ways, the fruits of which we may …
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… well look for in the lives of the future men and women of St. Matthias Parish.
Congratulations and best wishes for many happy fruitful years in the Priesthood!
The Reverend Paul D. Moore came to St. Matthias Parish as Assistant on June 10, 1926. Following his ordination by Archbishop M. J. Curley at the Cathedral in Baltimore, Maryland, he was appointed Assistant at Scared Heart Cathedral, Davenport. From there he came to St. Matthias’. To an unusual degree he enjoys the confidence of the pastor, Father Hannon. His conscientious performance of duty has endeared him to this congregation.
Our Thanks are due to Mr. E. L. Graham, of this city, for valuable data furnished. For many years he has preserved the First St. Matthias Church.
Mr. Wm. B. Fuller, of the Record Printing Co., has been very helpful in arranging this little sketch of St. Matthias Parish.
The Cover Design is the work of Mr. James Kelly, a Davenport artist.