01/27/08

History of Saint Joseph Catholic School

the following is taken from the St. Joseph Centennial Program Book

     Under the leadership of Reverend Andrew Plunkett, ground for St. Joseph Catholic School was broken on Sunday, March 20. 1927.  (The spade was the same used for the ground breaking of the church 20 years earlier).  The ceremony began with a 7:30am High Mass attended by more than 600 people.  Following the Mass, a procession was formed and proceeded down the center aisle (of the church) to the music of "Onward Christian Soldiers".  Those in attendance walked from the church to the site of the future school where the groundbreaking ceremony took place. 

     The school's cornerstone was laid on Sunday, June 26, 1927 by Bishop Nilan.  The ceremony started at 4 o'clock in the afternoon with a solemn Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.  Twenty priests were in attendance along with parishioners, church officials, and area dignitaries, as reported in The Evening Sentinel newspaper.  Seccombe Brothers of Ansonia donated the cornerstone for the new school.

     The dedication of the completed St. Joseph School took place only eleven months after the laying of the cornerstone.  On Sunday, May 23, 1928, in the presence of many visiting priests, church officials, parishioners and area dignitaries, the school was dedicated by Bishop Nilan.  A bronze tablet was erected in the main vestibule of the school, giving tribute to those who contributed between $100 and $5,000.

     The first graduating class of St. Joseph School received their diplomas in 1932.

     The construction and completion of the new eight-classroom addition to St. Joseph School was completed in 1959.  On Sunday, December 6, 1959, the school was dedicated with the Most Reverend Lawrence J. Shehan officiating at the laying of the cornerstone.