St Mary Star of the Sea Catholic School

One of the Oldest Boston Area Catholic Schools

Read School Board President Neil Corcoran's comments on our 80th Anniversary

Sisters of Notre Dame from St. James, Salem, had been coming to St. Mary's, in Beverly, for Sunday School from January 1898 to September 1925. When Reverend John Degan became pastor in 1916, he saw the necessity of erecting a school. He began work, and on June 15, 1924, the cornerstone was laid.

The school was opened on September 11, 1925, following the Mass of the Holy Spirit, which was sung by Father Degan. There were 81 students registered.

In 1927, Fr. Degan purchased the Giddings House on Chapman Street next to the school. After undergoing renovations, it was opened as a convent on September 5th.

The first eighth grade graduation took place on June 21, 1932. There were 18 boys and 21 girls. St. Mary's High School was opened in September 1932 with 21 girls. The last high school class was graduated from St. Mary's in 1962.

 

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