A few more photos from Old St Francis School

A class of 4th Grade students, possibly from the 1980s

Sign above St Francis' Theater

Trophy presentation at Old St Francis

Fr Luke Sheehan

Fr Luke's funeral in Ireland

Decals and Stencils outside present-day McMenimans

A few more old photos

Students with Bishop in front of St Francis church

Here are a few more photos from down Memory Lane, especially for all those who remember the Old St Francis School, which is presently known as McMenimans. Photos show various events that took place over the years and other artifacts still on display.

An old pulpit which is displayed in the theater

The old Rectory and the church being built during a snowstorm, 1920

Franciscan Capuchins and other priests gathered for dinner

More photos hanging on walls, and an old pew, on display

More from the old Saint Francis

A plaque with the motto of the school, "FORWARD"

Here are more photos from the collection of photos I took while visiting McMenimans recently. Some photos may be a little distorted, as I had to take them at an angle, to avoid the glare of the glass, but they are visible nonetheless. Please click on each photo to get a larger resolution.

A mural done after the school moved to NE 27th Street.

Students of Saint Francis, possibly in the 1960s

The health spa and pool at McMenimans

Knights of Columbus members, Bishop and priests on a snowy day.

The Old Saint Francis School

A metal sculpture outside McMenamins

Transformation, adaptation and clever interior decorating! That’s what happens when an old school gives way to a newer school, built here in Bend and opened in 2000, as part of my parish. The old school, which opened in 1936 and closed in 2000 was sold to a corporation that transformed it into a hotel, restaurant, movie theatre, spa and an all-around historic attraction, which finally got my attention to discover a little bit of its history. 

So a few days ago, I went around the entire complex when I thought everyone was still sleeping at 6 AM, and started taking some photos of the stencilling and sculptures on the outside of the complex. Lo and behold, at 6:15 AM, one of the employees spotted me and after introducing myself as the pastor of Saint Francis, she gave me the grand tour of what is now McMenamins. 

Bishop Francis Leipzig during a visit to the school

Lots of old photos are hanging on the walls of the corridors that used to be the home of students, now rooms for guests visiting Bend. The school was the dream of Father Luke Sheehan who came to Bend in 1910 and eventually built the church, the school, a hospital and a convent. All this during the Great Depression, but the school which started with 145 students, soared to over 300 and more classrooms had to be built in 1953 and 1960. Later on a gym, a parish center and meetings rooms were built. The classes were taught by the Sisters of the Holy Names from Marylhurst University campus south of Portland.

A photo from the 1970s, girls with one of their teachers

Artifacts from old St Francis, including an original water fountain

More photos to come - also check www.fatherjulian.blogspot.com August 1 entry