Remarks: Sr. Maryla Farfour, IHM St. Mary's School,
May 2008
The IHM story here at St. Mary's and my story as a Goldsboro native intertwine from the
school's beginning days in the late 20's as SMS student Rosette Marie Farfour for 9 years and then again
in 1983 when I returned to join the faculty for 5 years as Sister Maryla Farfour, IHM, BM from
Marywood College, MM from University of Notre Dame and MS in R Stu, Marywood University.
DRUM ROLL
Spotlight: Goldboro, N.C. This small Wayne County Parish was served by Msgr. Arthur Raine
Freeman since 1915.
Among the members at the time were many of Lebanese origin with large families and a heritage
of staunch Catholic faith, strong devotion of Mary and who were educated in Church Schools in
Lebanon by French sisters.
Story has it that in the mid-20's, Msgr. Freeman was greatly encouraged to open a Catholic
School...perhaps PESTERED would be a better word according to my mother, Georgina, who was one
who kept after him, saying she had been taught in a Catholic school in Lebanon by French sisters and
wanted her five children in a Catholic school too.
SO, responding to an invitation of Msgr. Freeman, Mother Casimir sent 3 sisters from
Scranton who arrived Aug. 27, 1927; Mother Kathleen, Sisters Maureen and St. Clare.
Enrollment that opening day in September was 45- from K-7. Ms. Eunice Freeman, cousin of
the pastor, was also on the teaching staff.
I, Rosette Marie, born in June of 1923, of the John J. Farfour family, was enrolled as a student in
Kindergarten and stayed through 9th grade as did my two brothers and 2 sisters, and cousins, relatives,
and friends. There were 2 other Farfour families, 2 Kannan families, Baddours, Hollows, Mansours,
Heedens, Shelby, Josephs. There were Monks, Williams, Carreres, Lassiters in these beginning years
who were also Catholics but the vast majority of students were NOT Catholic.
The IHMs gave us an excellent foundation in all the basic subjects as well as music and art and
the knowledge about our Catholic faith, the Saints and Sacraments, prayer and the Mass. We had all
kinds of challenges, competitions in writing, poetry, oratory, spelling bees, and many opportunities in
extra-curricula’s: plays, operettas, recitals, music programs, and performed publicity either at the William
Street School Auditorium or GHS auditorium.
I was greatly inspired by the joy and cheerfulness of the Sisters that taught me at St. Mary's.
They were really dedicated to their work, generous in sharing their time and fun-loving.
In addition to school, they helped in the parish as sacristans and catechetical instructors. In
1939, Sr. Bonaventure and Sr. Adalbert even traveled to Rocky Mts. on Sundays at the request of Msgr.
McNerney to teach catechism before they opened a school there.
I took piano lessons from third grade on, also learned the organ and played for church services,
and choir accompanist. I was reported at age 13 to be the youngest organist in the State. One of the
Sisters, a priest and I used to go to Bowden and Mt. Olive on Sunday afternoons for Mass and
Catechism classes.
The academic foundation and music training served me well the 2 years I was at GHS -we did not
have 12th grade at the at time. St. Mary's was ahead in English/Reading/, Grammar, Literature so I was
able to take typing, Gregg Shorthand, bookkeeping and business English, as well.
My music experience allowed me to serve as Glee Club accompanist, concert/assembly
soloist; rep GHS at State Piano Competitions in Greensboro and voted Most Talented in my class in
1939.
[An aside: I entered the work force before College, working as a secretary/stenographer for an
insurance adjuster; thru Civil Service for Seymour Johnson Air Base in MP Unit/J Department]
I was taught again by IHMs at Marywood College, from 1944 -1948, relying greatly on
foundations in self-confidence, organizational skills and study habits I had learned in St. Mary's and
GHS. I graduated with honors as President of the Student Body; I entered Who's Who and was awarded
the Music Medal.
I was invited to join the music faculty of Marywood College after graduation in 1948, teaching in
both the undergraduate and graduate departments. I was influenced so much, I wanted to become a totally
giving woman serving God, so, I left home in 1952 to enter the congregation I loved so much – the
IHMs!! I have never regretted it.
August 1983 found me back in Gouldsboro living in a beautiful convent on Edgerton Street and
teaching grade school at my alma mater. I taught music K – 9, first year Latin and American History and
helped in Parish activities…all in the school which had grown considerably. I took part in Christmas
programs or a Spring Musicale which included dance, solos, chorus, and instruments. [We discovered
great talents in our students and helped to develop their gifts.] We formed a student council, competed in
Math Courts at ECY, as well as Science Fairs, and a strong PE program and sports program. We had
Krispy Kreme Donut sales, service projects and dances; giving students many experience in working
together and developing personalities.
I saw SMS grow from 45 in '27 to a peak of 510 in '63 after SM was reactivated from a tiny
white wooden combination school/convent to a magnificent red brick educational center.
While a student at SMS in the '20's and 30's, I saw great cooperation from parents, parish and
civic communities. As an IHM teacher in the mid 80's, I experienced that same support and assistance
with even greater enthusiasm as I worked with wonderfully capable lay teachers.
While IHMs will not be physically present after June, I believe "the torch has been passed" to a
group of adults who embody the IHM spirit, who have shown and will continue to show their
professionalism and devotion to education and will encourage and challenge students to realize their Godgiven potential.