St Francis of Assisi Parish, Bend, OREGON: 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.