From the Archives: A Look Back at the Construction of the Residence Wing

As we celebrate the renovation of the Province Center’s Residence Wing, here are some photos showing the wing’s construction from September 1979 to February 1980. The last two photos are from the blessing ceremony on November 30, 1980.

Fr. John Palmer, CSV 1941 – 2023

Fr. John Palmer, CSV, was a Viatorian for 57 years and a priest for 52, but in reflecting on his many years of ministry, his confreres always described him this way: “He was a consummate musician.”

Fr. Palmer died April 2 after being hospitalized two days earlier. The Nova Scotia native was 81.

“Fr. Palmer was an extraordinary musician and a man of deep faith,” said Fr. Mark Francis, CSV, Provincial. “He was also an exceptional teacher whose students remember and appreciate him year after studying with him.”

Fr. Palmer was already a classically trained musician when he joined the Viatorian Community in 1966. His training included earning an MA in Music at Northwestern University, a performance diploma for organ at Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto, a Licentiate in piano and a fellowship in organ, both from Trinity College of Music in London.

As a performer, Fr. Palmer gained recognition as an organist, giving recitals each year at Yorkminster Park Church, in Toronto, and as part of the distinguished artists series for CBC Radio in Canada. He also played at the Washington National Cathedral and the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington.

“While he was a seminarian he was invited to give an organ concert at the National Episcopal Cathedral in Washington DC,” recalls Fr. Patrick Render, CSV. “That was the first time many of us fellow seminarians saw his great skill and talent. His musical competence was extraordinary.”

Fr. Palmer also played several recitals in New York, from St Patrick’s Cathedral and St Thomas Church on 5th Avenue, to Columbia University. Overseas, he performed at several churches in England, including St. Paul’s Cathedral in London.

For most of his career, Fr. Palmer served as professor of music at Benedictine University at Lisle, IL, where he taught from 1971 until he retired in 2004 as Professor Emeritus.

Fr. Palmer also provided sacramental ministry on weekends at St. Petronille Parish in Glen Ellyn, IL from 1987 until 2020.

Fr. Arnold Perham, CSV, recalled that Fr. Palmer was asked to play a concert at Saint Viator High School, before it merged with Sacred Heart of Mary High School.

“We were still an all boys’ school at the time, and there were some concerns that a classical concert might not go well,” Fr. Perham says. “But the combination of his narration and what to listen for – and his spectacular playing – well, you could have heard a pin drop.”

In retirement, Fr. Palmer moved in 2022 to the Viatorian Province Center in Arlington Heights, where he lived among his retired confreres, taking part in daily Masses and evening prayers.

“One of his last projects was to study Bach’s Mass in B Minor,” Fr. Francis added. “He told me he was in awe of this great musician who wrote music that revealed a profound spirituality and confidence in God in Christ. I imagine John listening to these heavenly chords now with Bach in the divine presence.”

A Mass of Christian Burial took place April 5 at the Province Center. Fr. Palmer was interred with his Viatorian confreres at Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Hillside.

He will be missed.