“From the Archives” 1918 Spanish Influenza

Coronavirus-19 is not the first such epidemic to have a serious impact on Alexandria. As World War I was waning, an even more devastating plague – the “Spanish Influenza” – struck the Western world. It killed more people worldwide than were killed in the war, which lasted over four years.

Alexandria was not spared. The flu hit its peak in October 1918. Newspapers published long lists of victims each day, often several from the same family or household. An example from Saint Mary’s records is the Adcock family. Hugh Adcock, a young husband, and his infant son died. His wife and daughter survived. There were similar sad stories throughout the area. On Monday, October 14, 1918, The Alexandria Gazette reported 19 deaths in our small city. There had been 14 burials on Sunday alone.

Church services and public gatherings were canceled. Church halls were transformed into emergency hospitals. Drivers went up and down the streets, their horses pulling wagons, and calling out, “Any sick or dead?” Most of the victims were young, otherwise healthy, adults. So many were dying that undertakers could not provide enough coffins. The city health department was forced to hire workers to construct coffins and dig graves. To keep up with the death toll, gravediggers worked throughout the night and many burials were at night. The National Guard was mobilized to help deal with the emergency. The Armory in the 200 block of South Royal Street was used to store the dead until burial.

Despite exposing themselves to infection every time they visited the sick, the priests of Saint Mary never hesitated to minister to their flock. Father Louis Smet, pastor, and his two assistants, Father Lawrence Kelly and Father William Winston, tirelessly went from one funeral to the next. They also administered Extreme Unction to critically ill parishioners. The dead were not brought to the church for a requiem Mass. In addition to the risk of further spreading the disease, there were so many deaths that there was only time for the priest to perform a graveside service. God certainly blessed Saint Mary’s priests with special graces because they never contracted the flu.

Throughout this tragic episode, Saint Mary parishioners compassionately and diligently performed the corporal and spiritual works of mercy. They responded to the extraordinary demand for nurses, hot soup and medical supplies. Volunteers worked in hospitals as well as from home. The Red Cross established an influenza committee to coordinate volunteer services. Our parish ladies’ organizations urged their members to go to the Red Cross workroom at King and Pitt Streets to make hospital garments and supplies. Ladies who were afraid to work with a large group could pick up fabric and work from home. The Red Cross also began a fund drive to help the indigent with hospital bills or burial costs. Michael Ahern, leader of Saint Mary’s Saint Vincent DePaul Society, was the largest known contributor.

As we are seeing in today’s health crisis, the priests and parishioners of Saint Mary responded with the love of God in caring for those in need.

— Kitty Guy, Parish Historian

Throughout 2020, the Basilica of Saint Mary will present “From the Archives.” It is a weekly feature online and in our bulletin spotlighting the history of the parish. All of our “From the Archives” features are located here.