On July 24, 1924, Leo Haid, abbot and founder of Belmont Abbey, died.
Born in Pennsylvania in 1849 as Michael Hite, he attended school at the nearby Benedictine abbey. Haid entered the order as a novice in 1868 and assumed the religious name Leo. Formal vows as a monk and priest followed four years later. He worked as a teacher and chaplain until 1885, when the Church promoted him to the abbacy of Maryhelp in North Carolina.
With its few dilapidated buildings, poor farm and small staff, Maryhelp needed strong management. Though young and untested in leadership, Haid vastly improved and exponentially expanded Maryhelp, constructing many fine buildings, making the farm productive, growing the number of monks to 70 and welcoming several hundred students. It became known as Belmont Abbey in 1913, and its success helped Catholicism become more accepted in North Carolina.
Dedicated to his post, Haid almost turned down his election as titular bishop of Messene and vicar-apostolic of North Carolina, only agreeing to the promotion when his superiors allowed him to continue as abbot. His accomplishments gained him a reputation as a skilled orator, writer and Church leader, especially in the area of Benedictine education.
He served as abbot and bishop until his death.
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