To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the former St. Benedict’s Catholic School, an open house is planned Sunday, July 9, following the 10 a.m. Mass and annual family picnic.
The settlement of Benedicta in 1834 was the product of a utopian vision of Bishop Benedict Fenwick of Boston. Here on 11,258 acres of land he purchased from Massachusetts, he hoped to establish a seminary to educate future priests and provide opportunities for the Boston area’s immigrants, primarily Irish. Although some of Bishop Fenwick’s plans never came to fruition, the Catholic community flourished. The early settlers built three small schools spread out at both ends of the town where their children could be educated. Eventually St. Benedict’s School for grades 1-12 was built by local citizens. The school opened and the first class graduated in 1923, 100 years ago. The last class graduated in 1967.
During those 44 years, students were taught by the Sisters of Mercy and a few lay teachers. Class sizes ranged from 0 to 11. For many years, the students were divided into four multi-graded classrooms: baby room K-3; 4-8; 9-10; and 11-12. During later years, the grade 7-8 classes were taught upstairs.
The curriculum was a traditional academic one with business courses being added some years. Latin was always the second language taught. Most students who attended school said they received a solid education and were well prepared for further education. Because it was a parochial school, students had religious instruction, attended Mass weekly, and went to confession.
Students brought their own lunches and ate at their desks or at a table in the classroom. During recess they played baseball and other games.
In the early years, students walked or rode to school in a horse-drawn buggy. It was a welcome change when they could ride in buses. Through the years, three of the bus drivers were Bobby Duffy, Bill O’Roak, and Gary Moody. Moody, who was legendary for nicknaming every rider, was also the custodian, maintenance person, groundskeeper, and friendly nemesis of the long-suffering nuns.
Since its opening, the building has been the gathering place for community events and celebrations. The upstairs with its kitchen, hall, and stage has been the site of countless 4th of July meals, St. Patrick’s Day shows, annual church bazaars, benefit dinners, wedding receptions, anniversary parties, funeral luncheons, summer Bible school classes, First Communion breakfasts, and family reunions. Now called the Parish Center, it continues to function as a gathering spot for the church and community.
To commemorate the 100th anniversary, we will have an open house on Sunday, July 9, following the 10 a.m Mass and annual family picnic. Everyone is welcome to come and bring guests. We are gathering memorabilia to display from the school’s 100-year history, such as pictures, booklets, St. Patrick’s Day show costumes, basketball uniforms, or any other items, which you have saved and would like to add to the display. If you have questions, call Anna Qualey Robinson at 207-460-9881, Cathy Duffy at 207-365-4254, Lana Robinson at 207-267-5456, or Rose Rush at 207-365-4254.
