The Founding of SBU
Nicholas' parents were devote Catholics who instilled their
beliefs onto their children. Nicholas carried these principles with him
when he came to America. In fact, it is said that after Nicholas arrived
he attended mass in New York City and when the donation plate came to him he
donated one of only three gold pieces he had remaining in his possession. When
someone asked him if he was positive he wanted to make a donation he claimed it
was to give thanks to God for a safe passage from Europe.
Nicholas held his beliefs close to his heart all his life and
was always working to help improve the Catholic Church. In 1819 Nicholas
and his brother John helped establish the first Roman Catholic church
west of Albany when they became the main benefactors of St. John's Church in
Utica. Prior to the establishment of St. John's, Roman Catholic services in
Utica were
held at John Devereux's house in Utica.
During a business trip to Hartford in 1829 Nicholas helped out a
desperate group of Catholics by giving them the money they needed to purchase a
church building.
It was partially because of Nicholas' steadfast religious
beliefs and partially because of his interest in Western New York that St.
Bonaventure University came to be. Due to Nicholas' land holdings in
Western New York and his interest in opening up the country with new railroads
he saw the need for more churches in the area to accommodate railroad
workers. Nicholas became very good friends with Bishop Timon of Buffalo
and helped him establish several churches in and around that city.
Bishop Timon. |
In 1854 Devereux traveled to Rome with his wife and a letter
written by Bishop Timon to the Franciscan head. During this visit Devereux
also had an audience with the Pope. He was directed to Father Pamphilus da
Magliano, a priest who was eager to travel to the United States. Devereux
pledged $5,000 and some land near his farm in Allegany City to the
priests. Pamphilus agreed to come with a few other priests who were
interested in working in the United States. Thus, St. Bonaventure was
founded. |
Devereux ended up making a second trip to Rome. This time he
requested that a college be opened in Rome specifically for American priests.
When it did open he made the first donation.
Unfortunately Nicholas Devereux didn't live long enough to see
St. Bonaventure open its doors for the first time in 1858 because he died on
December, 29 1855 after suffering from a short illness.
For More information on the earliest days of the
University click the following link.