Accounts of the history of the Crescent Church and College, including short histories, notes, chronologies, lists of rectors etc. Includes handwritten and typewritten documents, as well as newspaper cuttings and magazine articles.

Accounts re. 15, 16 & 17 Newenham Street, Limerick - list of outgoings and income for the Sacred Heart College in relation to nos. 15, 16 and 17 Newenham Street, including rents to be paid and received,
valuations, rates etc.

File containing papers relating to the admission of Stephen Bates to the Society of Jesus and his subsequent life as teacher and superior of the Jesuit community at The Crescent, Limerick.

Parties:
1) Mary Anderson of George Street in the City of Limerick
2) Michael Hayes of Wickham Street, Limerick, and Peter Maguire of Barrington Street, Limerick

Property:
All that and those that piece or plot of land known as South Henry bounded on one side by the Waterford & Limerick Railway and on the other side by Dixon's Lane and situate lying and being in the Parish of Saint Michael and City of Limerick

Terms and Conditions:
Mary Anderson agrees to let and the other parties agree to take as yearly tenants the above property subject to the payment of the yearly rent or sum of £9., £9: 10: 0 payable quarterly on every 1st day of November, 1st day of February, 1st day of May and 1st day of August in each year, and subject to the tenants paying all relevant rates and taxes. Mary Anderson to have free use of half or more of the shed on the above property. The occupation of Patrick O'Shaughnessy of one acre of the land ‘shall not be deemed to be a breach of this agreement'.

Details of work to be carried out in relation to the erecting of dressing rooms and a concrete boundary wall - off Dixon's Lane. Compiled by R.W. DeCourcy, Architect

Handwritten document with printed letterhead 'Alfred J. Sexton, Auctioneer'. Advises that the rent of the field be purchased from the landlord.

Documents relating to the admission of Patrick Brady into the Society of Jesus, including certificates of baptism and confirmation, letters, catalogue entries, obituary and memorial card.

File relating to the admission to the Society of Jesus of Peter Cunningham and subsequent correspondence with Irish Fr Provincials, and catalogue records.

Two handwritten documents detailing building work to be carried out, with estimates of costs involved.

Copy case issued by Dundon & Treacy, solicitors, for William Binchy, BL ‘to advise Jesuit Fathers, Crescent College, Limerick’ in relation to the proposed purchase of a field from the Jones family in Dooradoyle. Gives a history of the Jones holding and of its proposed sale. Asks Counsel to consider the matter and advise Querists accordingly, and to draft an indemnity from Kate and Patrick Jones if he believes that the Querists could be adequately protected by such an indemnity.

Documents relating to the events organised in 1959 to celebrate the centenary of the return of the Jesuits to Limerick. Includes invitations to a 'Triduum of Thanksgiving' in the Sacred Heart Church, of which the Pontifical High Mass was celebrated by Dr Henry Murphy, Bishop of Limerick, on Sunday 8 March. Correspondence includes telegrams and letters, and comprises of congratulations from other Jesuit houses, the Fr General and the Vatican, as well as from lay organisations, such as the National Bank and An Garda Siochana, and replies to invitations to attend the ceremonies. Also includes the typed transcript of a sermon preached at one of the centenary ceremonies, as well as souvenir programmes for the play 'The Strong are Lonely' by Frtitz Hochwaelder, staged by the Old Crescent Players in February 1959 as part of the centenary celebrations, newspaper reports, and souvenir cards. There is also a handwritten document with the heading 'Centenary', which lists the names and addresses of subscribers and amounts pledged.

Handwritten list of terms of sale with regard to the transfer of ownership and responsibility for the field and property associated with it, such as the dressing room, hockey and tennis nets, livestocketc., as well as the transfer of financial responsibility

Document issued by the Inland Revenue stating the duty payable on a conveyance relating to Doyle’s yard. Accompanied by a type-written [draft] certificate stating that ‘the transaction hereby effected does not form part of a larger transaction…’

Lessor:
Rev. Laurence B. Potter, Rev. Charles Byrne, Rev. Patrick J. Kennedy and Rev. Daniel Roche, all of the Sacred Heart College, The Crescent in the City of Limerick, Members of the Society of Jesus

Lessee:
Michael Doyle of New Street in the City of Limerick, Builder

Property:
Plot of ground with buildings thereon in Newenham Street adjoining Richmond Place or the Crescent in the Parish of Saint Michael and City of Limerick as now and lately in the occupation of the Lessee, bounded in front to the south by O’Connell Street (formerly George Street), on the west by Newenham Street, on the north by the dwelling house no. 18 Newenham Street, and on the east by the Crescent College

Terms and Conditions:
To have and to hold from 1 November 1922 for the term of 99 years, subject to the payment of a yearly rent of 25 pounds. The lessee to execute a sub-lease to the lessors, if they should require it and after their having given 12 months’ notice, for so much of the premises as they (the lessors) may require as a site for a lecture hall.

File includes two copy-books containing handwritten accounts by Lily Doyle. One consists of her memories of the Crescent College (1879-), which was attended by her brothers Charles (Charles), James and Dan (Daniel Simpson). Refers to Charles' academic achievements, to individual Jesuits connected with the college, to pupils, and to important events, such as school theatricals etc. The other consists of four separate pieces on technical education in Limerick, Fr John Gwynn SJ, an altar in the Sacred Heart Church, and the church choir. Also includes an undated newspaper article entitled 'The Last of the Doyle Sisters' relating to Lily Doyle and her family, a copybook containing handwritten essays by James Doyle (1877), and Daniel Simpson Doyle's First Holy Communion certificate from the Church of the Sacred Heart, 15 June 1876.

Correspondence between Fr Redmond Roche SJ and Irish Fr Provincial John R MacMahon re. the purchase of a playing field. Discussion of the two fields proposed as possible alternatives to the Crescent field: Cussen's field and Baker's field. One letter is accompanied by a detailed map of the proposed ground [in Baker's field] (included).

Letters from John Dundon, solicitor - one to Fr Patrick O'Mara SJ of the Crescent College, and one to Michael Doyle - re. the latter's proposal. Refers to a sub-lease of 21 August 1923 (Doylesyard/8-9)

Correspondence regarding the Tontine buildings, the proposed purchase of the Tontine buildings from the Marquise de Fontanelle, and in relation to the rent paid to the latter. Includes letters to and from the Jesuits, the Marquise, as well and solicitors for both parties. Also includes notes setting out the details of the situation.

Handwritten note. States that the houses were bought in 1950 and queries whether the cost was £1,200.

Document by William Binchy in relation to the legal status of the field, which deals specifically with the question of whether or not 'a subsisting and enforceable contract' exists between Mrs Pearse and CIE. Concludes that there would be a risk involved in the proposed purchase.

Four versions of William Binchy’s opinion re. the ‘Lands near Dooradoyle’. Response to the Case for counsel issued by the Vendors’s solicitors (Jonesfield/3). Concludes that the Querists (Jesuit fathers of the Crescent) would not be adequately protected by any Indemnity. Accompanied by a covering letter from Dundon & Treacy, solicitors, which also refers to the Crescent playing field and Mrs Pearse's position regarding it.

Agreement between Peter Maguire and Alfred Wylde letting shed and use of field to the latter (1 item, 1905); agreement between Ignatian Sodality and Wylde (2 items, 1912). Documents from case brought by Maguire against Wylde re. non-payment of rent.

Document issued by the Jesuit fathers of the Crescent regarding the defects in title in relation to Jones’s Field, with reference to William Binchy’s assessment of the situation (Jones field)

Letters from solicitor's for Mrs Pearse's estate to representatives of the Crescent College. One requests payment of rent; the other states that the rent asked for in the latter was applied for in error.

Gives information regarding the details and terms of the lease, including the names of the lessee, and present occupier (Mary Anderson and Peter Maguire respectively); the extent of the property; rent; term of years; and the stipulation that if the property is required 'by the "Railway Co." or other public works, or buildings, the same to be given up & compensation paid for [ ]'.

Documents on Jesuits' property rights in relation to the Crescent House. Handwritten notes regarding the position of the community in relation to Maunsell's house, in light of the fact that no rent had been paid since 1907. Includes a quoted opinion of Fr Masterson on the matter, and some extracts from legal documents in Latin.

Lessor:
Rev. Laurence B. Potter, Rev. Charles Byrne, Rev. Patrick J. Kennedy and Rev. Daniel Roche, all of the Sacred Heart College, The Crescent in the City of Limerick, Members of the Society of Jesus

Lessee:
Michael Doyle of New Street in the City of Limerick, Builder

Property:
Plot of ground with buildings thereon in Newenham Street adjoining Richmond Place or the Crescent in the Parish of Saint Michael and City of Limerick as now and lately in the occupation of the Lessee, bounded in front to the south by O'Connell Street (formerly George Street), on the west by Newenham Street, on the north by the dwelling house no. 18 Newenham Street, and on the east by the Crescent College

Terms and Conditions:
To have and to hold from 1 November 1922 for the term of 99 years, subject to the payment of a yearly rent of 25 pounds. The lessee to execute a sub-lease to the lessors, if they should require it and after their having given 12 months’ notice, for so much of the premises as they (the lessors) may require as a site for a lecture hall.

Lessor:
Mary Anderson of the Crescent in the city of Limerick, widow

Lessee:
Richard Hartigan of the Royal George Hotel, O'Connell Street, in the City of Limerick, Gentleman; Peter McCarthy Junior of 38 O'Connell Street, in the City of Limerick, Gentleman; and Hugh O'Brien Moran, of Catherine Street, in the City of Limerick, Solicitor, acting as Trustees for and on behalf of the Ignatian Sodality of the College, Limerick.

Property:
All that and those a plot of ground containing three acres, two roods and ten perches, bounded on the north side by the Railway premises and on the south side by the houses (Mrs Anderson's property) erected on Carey's Road, on the East Side by Mrs Thornhill's holding, and on the west side by the old wall separating the premises in question from the holdings of Samuel Dickson. All of which said demised premises are situate lying and being at Boherbuoy in the Parish of Saint Michael and city of Limerick.

Terms and Conditions:
To have and to hold from 1 August 1911 for the term of 50 years, subject to the payment of a yearly rent of £13 and 5 shillings, and to the condition that the lessees, within the space of 6 months from the date of the execution of the lease, erect or cause to be erected concrete walls to replace the existing two separating the property from the holdings of Mrs Thornhill and Samuel Dickson.

Dvds produced by Jesuit Communications: 'Memories' and 'Closing Mass 30th June 2006' on the occasion of the closure of the Sacred Heard Church.

Photocopy of page of contract, which refers to the leasing back by the purchasers to the vendors certain rooms occupied by Jesuits.

Documents relating to the events organised to mark the centenary, including the staging by the Old Crescent Players of the play 'The First Legion' in March and April 1956. Includes letters addressed to Fr Robert Tyndall SJ, Rector of the College, in reply to his invitation to attend the play. Also includes a souvenir programme, a poster, and photographs of the cast of the play, as well as newspaper announcements and reviews. A newspaper article from January of the same year reports on a sermon preached by Fr J. B. Stephenson SJ, Mungret College, on the important links between the Jesuits and Limerick.

File containing Donal Mulcahy’s admission papers and correspondence with provincials concerning his renunciation of property and his years of work at Tullabeg, Gonzaga College and the Milltown Institute.

File containing papers relating to Francis Hennelly's admission to the Society of Jesus; his initial studies; family visits; time as a teacher at Clongowes Wood College; periods of residence at Mungret, County Limerick; St Ignatius College, Galway; Tullabeg, County Offaly; Gardiner Street, Dublin; ongoing illness and death.

File containing material relation to Gerard A McLaughlin's admission to the Society, his teaching positions at Crescent College, Limerick and Belvedere College, Dublin, and notice of his death.

File containing Henry Lawlor's admission papers; correspondence relating parish work in England and ‘The Eucharistic Crusade’; newspaper cuttings relating to stance on television censorship.

File containing Jack Smyth's admission papers and brief correspondence with Irish Fr Provincials concerning work at St Francis Xavier’s Church, Upper Gardiner Street, the Church of the Sacred Heart, the Crescent, Limerick and as Assistant Director of the Pioneer Total Abstinence Association.

File relating to Fr Redmond F Roche SJ, including application to join the Society, correspondence with Irish Fr Provincials, catalogue entries, memorial card and (57) photographs of Jesuits, on holiday, plays, and outdoor scenes (some of the same photographs are in the papers of Fr William R Prendergast SJ, IE IJA J/365).

File relating to Fr William Saul SJ, including application to join the Society, correspondence with Irish Fr Provincials and catalogue entries,

'Ground Plan of Sacred Heart Church and College'. Shows church, college and surrounding property, including Doyle's yard.

Handwritten note re. valuation of buildings - Heading: 'Corrie Ward'. Discusses possible uses of building(s) if sold. Refers to estimated price - £600,000 IRL.

Handwritten documents relating to the history of the Jesuit College and residence in Limerick. Includes history of the College, 1862 - 1865; Historia Domus Limerick, 1868; annual letters, 1868. (In Latin).

Assessment form and receipts for tax payable on the property, here referred to as 'Field Dickson's Lane'.

Notes and lists re. value and ownership of the Crescent field, and also information re. structures on the land, and income and expenditure associated with it.

Handwritten note. Includes information regarding size, rent and value of the property, which comprises 2 fields (probably Baker's Field and Cussen's Field). The name and address of Christopher McGrath appear on the page.

Letter from Fr John Grene SJ to Fr William Ronan SJ on Crescent property deeds. Sends Fr Ronan deeds relating to a property fronting
onto Richmond Place and later known as 'Number 3' Newenham Street, consisting of what was once known as Russell's House and other premises (not included). Refers to other deeds and documents, such as agreements in relation to the Tontine buildings, a fee farm grant and negative searches.

Letter from Fr Laurence Potter SJ to Fr Byrne in relation to the Jesuit property in the Crescent. Refers to the Marquise de Fontanelle's interest in the Tontine buildings ('the three school houses'), and states that the ground rent 'of the other two houses' (Russell's House and Maunsell's House) was bought out by the Jesuits when Fr Michael Browne SJ was Rector.

Letter from Fr Michael Browne SJ to Fr Laurence Potter SJ, Rector of the Crescent College, on Jesuit property in the Crescent. Refers to deeds regarding Jesuit property in the Crescent. Gives details of the proprietorial history of 'Russell's House', which later became known as 'Crescent House'.

Letter from Fr Michael Browne SJ to Fr Patrick O'Mara SJ, Rector of the Sacred Heart College re. the Jesuit property in the Crescent. Refers to a letter from John Dundon on 'the difficulties' regarding the property, which he returns (not included). Refers to the Tontine buildings, Maunsell's House ("the Maunsell Holding") and Russell's House/Crescent House, as well as to Anne Stone Maunsell and the Marquise de Fontanelle.

Refers to monetary gifts given towards the field's development. Also refers to John Walsh and to the Ignatian Sodality's connection with the field. Advises against the purchase of the field, and recommends buying Mrs Pearse's interest in it.

Letter from Fr William Byrne SJ to Fr Robert O'Dempsey SJ in relation to the Tontine buildings. Discusses the history of the Tontine buildings and the existence or otherwise of relevant deeds.

Letter from Great Southern Railways re. rent payable for access to Crescent field. From the Company's secretary to Fr W.F. Byrne SJ of the Crescent College, clarifying the details of rents demanded from the College with regard to the Company's property. Refers to a fence at Nelson Street, and an encroachment at Carey's Road.

Letter from Irish Fr Provincial John Fahy SJ to Fr Laurence Potter SJ, Rector of the College, re the proposal to purchase the Crescent field. Writes that the Father General agrees to the purchase of the lease of the field 'for ever' if the College has the money. Also refers to Fr O'Donoghue and Republican meetings - 'we must avoid all politics'.

Letter from John Dundon to Fr O'Mara SJ in relation to the title to the Maunsell holding. Asserts that the Crescent community have acquired 'an absolute estate in fee simple' of the Maunsell holding, by reason of their possession of the property for 20 years without paying any rent.

Refers to an enclosed 'letter of agreement' (not included), which enables the Crescent College to take full control of the field.

Letter from Michael Sheahan to Fr Redmond Roche SJ re. 'field at Ballinacurra'. Informs the Rector that he is not in a position to sell or let the field.

Letter from Dundon & Treacy to Fr Redmond Roche SJ. States that the lowest figure for which Michael Doyle is prepared to dispose of the property is £1,000.

Letter accompanying draft assignment of field from Richard Hartigan & others (Ignatian Sodality) to Fr Laurence Potter SJ and others (Crescent College).

[author and addressee unknown; written from the Sacred Heart College to 'Fr Socius'. Discusses the reaction of 'Father Kennedy' to an article by Fr Francis Finegan SJ in the Record. States that it has been decided to 'stop all further sales' of it.

2 letters and part of a third. Discusses the use made of the field by the caretaker Mr Hennessy, and by Mr Mullins. Advises on allowing the use of the field for other sports, including baseball and cricket. Also includes a note stating the rights of the Ignatian Sodality in relation to the field.

Discuss difficulties arising in relation to the proposed purchase of the field.

Refers to monetary gifts given towards the field's development. Also refers to John Walsh and to the Ignatian Sodality's connection with the field. Advises against the purchase of the field, and recommends buying Mrs Pearse's interest in it.

Draft list and typewritten list of deeds relating to property in the Crescent, which later came into the possession of the Jesuits and formed part of the buildings of the Sacred Heart Church and College.

Handwritten list compiled by [Mrs] V. Pearse of tenants who, she claims, 'persecuted' her. The list is divided by road/lane: Sparlings Lane, Carey's Road and Dixon's Lane. [Written on reverse of paper from 1912]

Hand-drawn map of property in the Rosbrien/Janesboro area. Gives dimensions of the two fields (Baker's and Cussen's) and surrounding property, as well as the size of other property in the vicinity.

Two newspaper articles, one from 1909 and one from 1929, relating to the fiftieth and seventieth anniversaries (respectively) of the return of the Jesuits to Limerick, and the establishment of the College. Also includes an invitation to a Mass of Thanksgiving in the Sacred Heart Church on 30 June 2006, to 'mark the service given to Limerick City and County by the Jesuit Community...'

Article giving an account of a court case involving number 18 Newenham Street, which resulted in the Jesuits retaining possession of the house and the long-time tenant receiving money in compensation for vacating the property.

Handwritten note regarding the proprietorial status of the field, eg, its transfer to the Crescent community, and the interest of the Railway Company in it.

Typewritten notes on the proprietorial history of 'Community House & Church' (aka "Mansion House & adjoining ground"/Russell's House), the school buildings (aka the Tontine buildings), and 'Builder's Yard' (aka Doyle's Yard).

Includes handwritten notes on history of Doyle's yard which sets out main terms and conditions of the 1923 lease of the property on Newenham Street to Michael Doyle. Also refers to an earlier lease from Miss de Courcy to the Crescent College.

Handwritten notes, and one typewritten, regarding the three Tontine buildings (nos. 12, 13 & 14 Richmond Place). Includes information re. the establishment and running of the Tontine Society; descriptions of various deeds executed in relation to the property; information on how the Jesuits came into possession of the buildings. Refers to those connected with the property, including the Earl of Limerick, members of the Maunsell family, the Marquise de Fontanelle.

Photographic album by Fr Stephen Bates SJ. The photographs depict Jesuits and outdoor scenes such as on villa at:

• Ballytrent, Wicklow (1929 and 1930);
• Rathfarnham Castle, Dublin (1928);
• Gormanstown (1928);
• Clydagh, County Galway (1926, 1927);
• the play 'Pinafore', Mungret College, Limerick (1931);
• Lough Bray, Wicklow (1928);
• Aloysus Dando, Donald Roset and John Moran, Jersey (17 March 1929);
• Milltown (1928);
• Cliffs of Moher (1933);
• Ballydavid, Kerry (1935);
• Kilkee, Clare (1933);
• Killarney, Kerry (1932 and 1945);
• Waterville, Kerry (1931 and 1932);
• Caragh Lake, Kerry (1932);
• Clongowes Wood College, Kildare (1932);
• Clane, Kildare;
• Prosperous, Kildare;
• Maynooth, Kildare;
• Mount Brandon, Kerry;
• Killaloe, Clare (1943 and 1945);
• Keeper Hill, Tipperary (1944 and 1945);
• Quin Abbey, Clare (1944);
• Lough Derg;
• Sacred Heart Church, Limerick;
• Long Avenue, Limerick;
• Manister Abbey, Limerick;
• Junior Rugby Team, Crescent, Limerick (1944 and 1945);
• Dromore Lake, Limerick (1945);
• aeroplanes at Rineanna, Clare (1946);
• Tramore, Waterford (1946);
• new College extension at Crescent (January 1946);
• Crescent rugby City Cup winners (1946) and match at Mardyke, Cork (1947);

Photographs relating to the Centenary of the Sacred Heart College and Church, and to the Fourth Centenary of the death of St Ignatius Loyola. Include scenes from during and after the Thanksgiving Mass celebrated to mark the former, as well as photographs of Limerick Jesuit community members and others, such as Irish Fr Provincial Michael O'Grady SJ during the period of celebrations. Includes a group photograph of the cast of 'The First Legion', and a photograph of the stage used in the production. Also includes an image of a picture of the Sacred Heart, which commemorates the dedication of the church to the latter on 10 October 1932.

Documents including letters from solicitors and Jesuits, and newspaper cuttings, re. CIE's proposed compulsory purchase of the Crescent College playing field, owned by Mrs Pearse. Includes a number of letters from Irish Fr Provincial MacMahon to Fr Roche, Rector of the College on the subject (9 September 1945 - 15 June 1947,13 items). Some documents contain suggestions re. possible alternative fields, e.g., Cussen's field and Baker's field. Suggestion that the field be bought from Mrs. Pearse.

Letters from Irish Fr Provincial John R MacMahon SJ to Fr Redmond Roche SJ in relation to the proposed purchase of Doyle's yard from Michael Doyle.

Demands and receipts for payment of various charges, eg. water rates and poor rates. Issued by Limerick Borough Council.

Lists of requirements drawn up by the solicitors of the purchasers of the Crescent field ('Rev. L. P. Potter & others) for Richard Hartigan & others (Ignatian Sodality) including the production of leases, receipts and other evidence of proper title to the property. Includes handwritten replies supplied by the vendors' solicitors.

Memorandum drawn up by Dundon & Treacy, solicitors for the Jesuit Fathers of the Crescent. List of suggestions in relation to what steps could be taken to ensure that the Fathers would have security of tenure with regard to Jones’s Field. Accompanied by a covering letter from the solicitors to William Binchy asking him to give his opinions on the proposals (included).

Sermon notes by Fr Henry King SJ preached on Easter Sunday at the Crescent, Limerick.

Correspondence between Dundon & Treacy, solicitors for the Society in the Crescent College, and Tynan & Co., solicitors for the Jones family, in relation to the title of Jones’s field, and the interest of various members of the Jones family therein. Also includes a letter from E. Treacy of Dundon & Treacy solicitors, to Fr Redmond Roche SJ, rector of the Crescent.

Letter from John J. Dundon, solicitor to Fr John J MacSheahan SJ in the Crescent. Dundon asks that the Crescent records be checked to see if any rent was paid out of a plot of ground at the corner of the Crescent and Newenham Street between 1886 and 1923.
Refers to accompanying letter from James Welply & Sons, solicitors, to John J. Dundon, solicitor (included), which discusses the property in question, referring to various leases made, and to the Jesuits’ interest in it. Leases of 1875 and 1923 (from Alderman P. Hogan and Mary DeCourcy respectively) referred to in the latter letter are not included.

Costs issued by E.D. Hunt, solicitor, to Fr Laurence B. Potter SJ and others re. ‘Lease & Co-Part, premises in Newenham St. Limerick.’ Detailed list of costs accrued in relation to the drawing up of a lease from ‘Miss DeCourcy to Revd. L.B. Potter & others’.

Report (draft and final version) compiled by John J. Dundon, solicitor, regarding the Jesuits' title to buildings and property in the Crescent. Gives details of various deeds in relation to Russell's House, Maunsell's House and the Tontine buildings, all of which were to form the Sacred Heart Church and College. Includes a covering letter from Dundon to Fr Patrick O'Mara SJ, Rector of the Sacred Heart College, in which he refers to the report, and also to a an issue regarding the 'Maunsell Holding'.

'Some reminiscences of the College of the Sacred Heart, Crescent Limerick of October 1864 and of Aug. 1884 - to August 1887' by Fr James Daly SJ. Addressed to Fr Potter. Account of his visit with his father to the Crescent in 1864, before entering the Society, and an account of later years spent there.