History of St. Peter RC School

By SPS

  • "Judge Piper's House"

    Judge Sherburne B. Piper built the structure that would eventually be called, Hennepin Hall. The four chimneys each cost $1000 and were the first to be made of cut stone. Interior woodwork was solid mahagany which was later painted over.

  • First Catholic Congregation begins.

    At first, they borrowed the Universalists Congregation and also held mass in private homes.

  • First stone church built.

    Reverend H.M. Dolan and the first parishioners built a stone church on Plain Street.
  • St. Peter's Parish bought Lewiston Manor.

    St. Peter's Parish bought Lewiston Manor.

    Under the direction of Reverend Michael J. Campbell, The price was $40,000. The Rev. Leo R. Smith, Auxiliary Bishoop of Buffalo blessed the building. Also present was Msgr. P.J. Tronolone, Rev. Msgr John Rochford of Sacred Heart Parish, Rev. Msgr. Patrick O'Dwyer of St. Mary's of the Cataract, Father John Heckel O.S.F.S., Superior of DeChantal Hall and students from Chantal Hall.
  • St. Peter's School opens.

    St. Peter's School opens.

    Lewiston Manor was renamed Hennepin Hall after Father Louis Hennepin, a missionary who accompanied Robert de LaSalle and is considered the first European to see Niagara Falls. There were 52 children enrolled in kindergarten and first grade. The Sisters of St. Francis of Penance and Christian Charity were entrusted with educational and spiritual development of the students.
  • The second year.

    The second year.

    Enrollment increased to 79 and the grades were extended to second.
  • Present school opens.

    Present school opens.

    Under the direction of Rev. Edwin Cuddihy the present building was completed and grades 1-6 were transferred to the new site. 277 students were enrolled.

  • First lay teachers hired.

  • First eighth grade class.

    Sister Bernadine become the first eighth grade teacher as the school completed it's expansion to 8th grade with 23 students, most of whom had attended the school since kingergarten.

  • Sister Rosemary Anthony (Mother Augusta) - principal

  • Sister Julie Ostroski becomes principal

  • Present church built.

  • Sister Jean Catherine Larkin becomes principal.

  • Sister Frances Clare Perry becomes principal.

  • Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph staff the school.

    They work at the school until 2000.

  • Sister Mary Fausta becomes principal.

  • Sister Mary Donald Mruk becomes principal.

    Sister Mary Donald Mruk becomes principal.

    Sister Mary Donald acts as principal from 1986 until 1999. She remained on the staff for a year after retiring as spiritual adviser for the school.
  • Gym built.

    Gym built.

    Under the direction of Msgr. Anthony J. Caligiuri a gymnasium was added adjacent to the school for $700,000.
  • First lay principal, James M. Allen.

    First lay principal, James M. Allen.

    Mr. Allen becomes the first lay principal after retiring from public education.
  • Mrs. Price cooks with students.

    Mrs. Price cooks with students.

  • Mr. Roulley's class.

    Mr. Roulley's class.

  • Recycling Program.

    Recycling Program.

    Initiated 2006 and continues to the present.
  • Cheerleaders.

    Cheerleaders.

  • Kami Halgash becomes first female lay principal.

    Kami Halgash becomes first female lay principal.

    Father Sebastion Pierro and Kami Halgash.
  • SPS gets a mascot!!!

    SPS gets a mascot!!!

    Peter Panther.
  • Pumpkin Mania

    Pumpkin Mania

    A favorite event every year under the direction of Mrs. Lemke in her fourth grade class.
  • Donkey Basketball

    Donkey Basketball

    Miss Rougeux enjoying her donkey ride during Catholic Schools' Week.
  • Maureen Ingham becomes principal.

    Maureen Ingham becomes principal.

  • Students

    Students

  • Girls's Basketball champs.

    Girls's Basketball champs.

  • Aladdin

    Aladdin

    The cast of Aladdin. One of many excellent muscials performed under the direction of Mr. McCarthy.

  • Denis Coakley becomes principal.

  • Administration

    Denis Coakley, Father Mike and vice principal Linda Calendrelli.
  • Cupcake Wars 1

    Cupcake Wars 1

    As part of Catholic Schools' week the students competed in the Cupcake Wars.
  • Cupcake wars 2

    Cupcake wars 2

    The wars continue.
  • Joshua Kumi competes in State Geography Bee

    Joshua Kumi competes in State Geography Bee

    Joshua Kumi, two year school winner, qualifies for and participates in the state level competition.

  • Maureen Ingham returns as principal.