Arnold Fargus, OFM

1901 – 1975

Br. Arnold Fargus, OFM, was born on Dec. 20, 1901 in Hopkins, Pa. At the age of 48, he felt called by God to follow St. Francis of Assisi as a Franciscan brother.

After graduating from high school, Br. Arnold spent a year hitchhiking and working his way around the world in one year. He returned to Carnegie Institute of Technology in Pittsburgh to complete his education. He transferred to Ohio State University, where he received his bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering in 1924. Br. Arnold worked as an analytical chemist, and at the time of his entrance into the Order, he held the position of chief engineer.

He received the habit at St. Bonaventure Friary, Paterson, N.J., in 1953 and professed temporary vows one year later. Br. Arnold served as a cook at St. Francis College in Rye Beach, N.H., until 1957, and then worked for 14 years at Christ the King Seminary in Allegany, N.Y. He made his solemn profession in 1958.

Br. Arnold worked hard to maintain and improve the physical surroundings of the seminary in Allegany. He cleared the woods behind the seminary, laid out sylvan paths, and erected the Stations of the Cross. Br. Arnold loved the beauty of nature and the taste of mountain stream water. Physical stamina and athletic ability remained characteristic of Arnold until the day he died.

He died on Oct. 19, 1975 at St. Bonaventure Friary in Allegany, N.Y. He was 73 years old, a professed friar for 21 years.