HOWARD, FRANCIS WILLIAM

Bishop, educator; b. Columbus, Ohio, June 21, 1867; d. Covington, Ky., Jan. 18, 1944. He studied at the Seminary of Our Lady of Angels, Niagara, N.Y., and at Mt. St. Mary Seminary of the West, Cincinnati, Ohio. He was ordained by Bp. John Watterson, on June 16, 1891, at St. Joseph Cathedral, Columbus. From 1891 to 1895, Howard was stationed at Holy Trinity parish, Jackson, Ohio. After three years at Columbia University, New York City, and a year of study in Rome, he returned to Columbus, where he received assignments in educational work. In May 1905, he was appointed pastor of Holy Rosary parish in Columbus, holding this pastorate until his appointment as bishop of Covington, March 26, 1923. He was consecrated by Abp. Henry Moeller of Cincinnati at St. Mary's Cathedral, Covington, July 15, 1923.

As bishop, Howard continued to labor for Christian education. He established in his diocese special schools known as "Bishop's Schools," with a specially adapted classical curriculum. They were open to talented boys at the completion of the sixth grade. Howard was convinced that such schools would elevate contemporary standards of education, and he hoped they would be established in other dioceses. He enjoyed international recognition as an educator. Howard served the interests of the national catholic educational association for more than 40 years as its first secretary general (1904–28), as its president (1929–35), and as chairman of its advisory board (1936–44). He always insisted that the association remain a voluntary organization and provide Catholic educators with a forum in which they could strengthen their agreements and debate their differences.

Bibliography: Archives, Diocese of Covington. p. e. ryan, History of the Diocese of Covington, Kentucky (Covington 1954).

[p. e. ryan]