St. Peter's Catholic School History

In 1957, the large number of small children in the parish pointed up the need for a parochial school as soon as possible. Since the old convent would be inadequate for the number of Sisters needed to staff a school, a new convent would also be needed.

Having no funds to begin the project, McCarthy Brothers of New York City was hired to conduct a parish campaign to reach a goal of $150,000.00. Eventually pledges totaled $172,000.00, including the Memorials and Founders.

After looking over many new schools and convents and getting the advice of our Auxiliary Bishop, Most Rev. David F. Cunningham, Rev. Mother General of the Sisters of St. Francis and due consideration being given to the site and the probable further need of enlarging both the school and convent, a unique plan of building a spacious convent on the second floor of a ranch type school was adopted. Mr. Frank Delle Cese, the architect, included many original ideas in the final plans which were approved by our Bishop, Most Rev. Walter A. Foery in December, 1957. Bids were opened early in 1958 and contracts awarded to various Utica contractors. The contracts, together with furnishings, some of which came from the old convent, cost $395,000.00.

Ground was broken for the the new building in the spring of 1958. The building was sufficiently completed so that the Sisters could occupy the convent during Holy Week, 1959. All was completed, including landscaping, blacktop on playground and parking lot, for the blessing and dedication by our beloved Bishop, Most Rev. Walter A. Foery following the eleven o'clock Mass, Sunday August 16, 1959.

Two hundred children were enrolled in our new school. Priests, Sisters, parents and children had a hard time waiting for the opening day.