Perhaps you’ve wondered about the story behind Hingston Hall. Hingston Hall stands here on Concordia’s Loyola Campus. It is more than just a student residence. It’s a place with a past.
Hingston Hall opened its doors in April 1964. It was designed to house 308 male students. This was a significant moment for Loyola College. It marked a new era in student accommodation. Before Hingston Hall, the first boarders lived in temporary spaces. These were in the West-end campus in 1915. Later, they stayed in the Junior and Administration Buildings. They were on the third and fourth floors. They continued a long tradition of Loyola boarders. This tradition began at Collège Sainte-Marie. It continued in the Bleury and Drummond buildings. It even extended to makeshift spaces on West Broadway.
Hingston Hall is named after William Hales Hingston. He was a Jesuit priest. He lived from 1877 to 1964. More importantly, he was the oldest son of Sir William Hingston. Sir William was a distinguished figure in Montreal. He was a surgeon, mayor, and senator. Father Hingston was educated at Collège Sainte-Marie. During his time as Rector from 1918 to 1925, he modernized Loyola College. He gradually changed the academic program. It moved away from the collège-classique tradition. He also directed Loyola’s first fund-raising campaign. He founded the Loyola COTC. He built the first stadium. He even enlarged the Administration Building. Hingston was one of the best known family names in English Catholic Montreal.
Interestingly, Loyola College became co-educational in 1959. In 1967, the first women’s residence opened. It was on Sherbrooke at Mariette. It housed 90 students. This residence was named Langley Hall. It was named for Susan B. Langley. Her bequest funded the purchase of the house. The women’s residence closed in June 1995. Hingston Hall remains a vital part of the Loyola Campus. It provides housing for undergraduate residents. It stands as a reminder of the college’s rich history.
Today, Hingston Hall continues to serve its purpose. It provides a home for students. It connects them to the legacy of William Hales Hingston and his family. As you pass by Hingston Hall, remember its story. Think about the generations of students who have lived here. Consider the building’s role in shaping Concordia University. Hingston Hall is not just a building. It is a symbol of Loyola’s past and present.