Mothers Guild HISTORY

The Mothers Guild has a proud history of service and support to Loyola High School. During the 1929-1930 school year, while Father John C. Ward, S.J. was the Rector/ President at Loyola, a group of fifteen or so women attended weekly classes in ethics, logic, psychology and ontology at the school. These women were so eager to participate that they decided to form an organization. While many did not have sons at Loyola, these women organized themselves into a Guild, functioning more as a study club than a mothers’ club.

Six months later, led by Guild President Mrs. Eugenie Hannon, a program was presented at the Ebell Club and the proceeds of $1,000 were presented to Father Ward. In their second year, the Guild sponsored a lecture by Father Hubbard and was able to give Rector/President Father Harold Ring, S.J. the same amount.

From this nucleus, the Mothers’ Club was formed and a constitution was adopted, which stated that the purpose of the club was “to assist worthy boys who otherwise would be unable to obtain a Jesuit education.” Mrs. Charles Von der Ahe was elected President in 1931, with Father Ring as moderator. During Mrs. Von der Ahe’s term, the organization became an effective instrument for social and fundraising activities, and the first birthday luncheon was held.

The Guild had no official name until 1931. At the suggestion of Father Ring, it became the Henry Welch Guild named to commemorate the life and dedication to Loyola of Father Henry Welch, S.J. Rector of Loyola High School from 1918 to 1926. In 1965, the name was changed to the Loyola High School Guild. It is now known as the Loyola High School Mothers Guild.

Today, the Guild embodies that same sense of support of others by serving as a hospitality and welcome group for Loyola High School and by conducting a variety of fundraising activities resulting in a much appreciated annual gift to Loyola High School, earmarked for faculty enrichment. The Guild created opportunities for service to the school and fellowship among the mothers of current students. In 2001, Rev. Robert T. Walsh, S.J., President of Loyola High School, awarded the St. Ignatius Medal of Honor to the Mothers Guild. The legacy of the Mothers Guild’s service to Loyola continues to flourish.