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Reverend Harold G. Durkin, third
pastor of St. Matthew’s Parish in East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania,
had succeeded Reverend John T. Butler who died in 1943. It was
Father Butler who had led the parish in building St. Matthew’s
Church, school and convent over the years 1932-1934. (268)
Having inherited this imposing physical plant, Father Durkin’s
thoughts turned to building a parish high school. This was an
eighteen-year dream that never reached fruition before the September
8, 1961, death of this beloved pastor. (269)
About a month later, on October 12, 1961, Right Reverend Monsignor
Thomas J. Cawley was appointed pastor of St. Matthew’s.
There must have been more than a dream left behind by Father
Durkin, since important background planning for a high school
was underway within seven months of Monsignor Cawley’s
arrival. On May 2, 1962, Monsignor Cawley met with newly elected
Mother Beata about the possibility of procuring IHM Sisters
for the proposed high school. She promised sisters for 1967.
By September 11, 1962, Monsignor Cawley had also obtained Bishop
Jerome D. Hannan’s permission for a fund-raising drive
for the new school. (270)
Anticipating that additional space would be needed for the sister-faculty
for the high school, phase one of the total building project
became the renovation and expansion of the existing convent.
On March 3, 1963, Monsignor Cawley presented the sisters with
the first draft of the new addition to the convent. The plan
included a remodeled kitchen, enlarged community room, new chapel,
sacristy, sewing room, an all-purpose room, six bedrooms, lavatory
facilities, and a garage. (271)
With plans advancing rapidly, it was time for Monsignor Cawley
to share more widely with the parishioners of St. Matthew’s.
The first meeting was held in the parish auditorium on July
21, 1963. One hundred seventy-two men of the parish attended
the meeting at which spirited talks were given by Monsignor
Cawley and by the parish assistant priests, Fathers Barrett
and Essef. After lengthy discussion, the men unanimously agreed
that a high school should be built. (272)
At subsequent meetings, the men addressed the issues of size
of the school, location, fund-raising and costs. It was projected
that the school would serve students from a radius of 200 miles,
including St. John’s Parish, Bushkill, St. Mark’s,
Delaware Water Gap, St. Luke’s and St. Matthew’s,
East Stroudsburg. They estimated a twenty-five year goal of
one thousand students. The structure envisioned, with large
library, cafeteria, and gym facilities, was estimated to cost
$1,300,000. (273)
The addition and renovations to the convent were to begin in
the summer of 1964. After school closed in June, the sisters
dismantled the entire convent, covering furniture, packing dishes,
removing pictures and clearing the way for the workers. On June
22, 1964, the doors were locked and the sisters all left for
other residences for the summer. No surprise to those who had
experience with construction delays, upon the sisters’
return in August, nothing was done except a back wall removed
and plaster torn from the ceiling in the kitchen.
Yes, things were at a standstill because the Diocesan Building
Committee had not approved the plans and new plans had to be
submitted. (274) The sisters adjusted, setting up a temporary
kitchen and refectory in the basement laundry. Construction
continued through the winter months and by May 1964 they were
able to say, “Nothing is wanting to make the convent home
comfortable and attractive. Everything is in excellent taste
and will be a monument to our worthy pastor, Monsignor Cawley.”
(275) Amazingly, the total cost of the addition and renovation
was only $103,750 including furnishings—and it was entirely
paid for by October 1964. (276)
A forty-acre plot was purchased in East Stroudsburg, about two
miles from St. Matthew’s Rectory, as the site for the
new high school. The site had easy access from several main
streets and a view of the Delaware Water Gap. Ground was broken
on April 22, 1966, with priests, sisters, officers of parish
organizations and pupils from St. Matthew’s grades five
through eight in attendance. Monsignor Cawley, pastor, conducted
the ceremony. (277)
The IHM faculty for this opening year of Notre Dame High School
were Sisters Immaculee Cavanaugh, principal and English teacher,
St. Genevieve (Joanne) Pickard, mathematics, Helaine O’Dea,
history, and Antonina Williamson, librarian. (278) In 1968-1969,
Sister Mary Frances Krystofik was added to teach science classes
for grades seven through ten. (279)
The high point in IHM staffing of Notre Dame High School was
reached in 1971-1972 when ten sisters were assigned. Sister
Mary John (Jean) Conaty was appointed principal with the following
IHM faculty: Sisters St. John Ortner, Elizabeth (Edwarda) Collins,
Marinus Krumenacker, Teresa O’Malley, Helene Fee, Jean
Leonard, Margot Worfolk, Kathleen Joy Steck and Marylin Grosselfinger.
(280)
From the beginning of the school, art and music classes were
offered by Sisters Joanne Pickard and Mary Frances Krystofik.
A lay teacher, Mr. Allsworthy formed and directed the band classes.
Sister Marie Lourdes Vanston, prinicipal of St. Matthew’s
Elementary School, assisted with the glee club. Dramatic and
musical productions were an annual event at the high school.
In addition to these involvements, the sisters from both Notre
Dame High School and St. Matthew’s were engaged in religious
education in St. Matthew’s Parish, in music ministry at
St. Luke’s Parish, in interfaith activities in Stroudsburg,
and in campus ministry on the East Stroudsburg State College
campus. (281)
IHM principals who served at Notre Dame High School included
Sister Immaculee Cavanaugh, 1966-1970; Sister Jean Conaty, 1970-1972;
Sister Electa Schmidt, 1972-1976; Sister Margo McCormick, 1976-1980;
Sister Mary Persico, 1980-1986; Sister Rosemarie Mozzachio,
1986-1990. Mr. Jeffrey Lyons became principal in September 1990
and continues to serve in this role as of this date in 2002.
Throughout Mother Beata’s tenure, and on the present date
in 2002, Notre Dame High School continues as an outstanding
high school. Only one IHM, Sister Carol Lubas, continues as
a junior high teacher at Notre Dame at this time. (282)
References:
268. Sister Immaculata Gillespie’s file on St. Matthew’s
School, East Stroudsburg, PA. p. 2, 4. Archives
269. Annals of St. Matthew Convent, East Stroudsburg, PA, 1961-1962
270. “The Story of a High School.” January, 1964,
p.2
271. Annals of St. Matthew Convent, 1962-1963
272. “The Story of a High School.” op.cit. p. 4
273. Ibid. p.8-9
274. Annals of St. Matthew Convent, 1963-1964
275. Ibid.
276. “The Story of a High School.” op.cit. p. 2
277. Annals of St. Matthew Convent, 1965-1966
278. Ibid. 1966-1967
279. Ibid. 1968-1969
280. Ibid. 1971-1972
281. Ibid. 1977-1978
282. Ibid. 2001-2002
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