Remember My Church

As the frame for what would become the combined church and parish school building for St. Gregory was being built, the community was already quickly growing. Families were arriving ready to settle down in the neighborhood and send their kids to school. To welcome these new families, a grand lawn party was thrown by St. Gregory for the whole neighborhood. Not only did this foster connections and enthusiasm for the parish, but it also helped raise more money for the very important building fund. This party would start the tradition of St. Gregory’s lively social gatherings, whether that be through card parties, festivals, or carnivals; these festivities were integral to life at St. Gregory. 

The Stages of the St. Gregory School

With the money raised through the building fund, St. Gregory was able to finish their first church and school building within only two months of plans being drawn. Less than a year spent in that building yielded a need for more space, however. There were simply too many current and incoming students for which the quaint school could provide. Despite the discomforts of such a crowded parish, the community loved their first little church the entire time the second building was being constructed.

The St. Gregory school would go on to experience many renovations, additions, and revamps in the coming years. Monsignor Klasen’s dedication to educating the youth of the St. Gregory community shined even during the difficult period of the Great Depression and World War II, with the parish gathering funds to construct a whole new school building in 1935 and Monsignor Klasen’s vision for a high school addition being completed in 1940. 

A Glimpse of The Gregorian