Christian Brothers High School

1858 -- 1970

Christian Brothers High School for boys opened in 1867 in St. Joseph. The school had been built in 1860, but had been used as a hospital for Union troops during the Civil War. Father Thomas Scanlan, who had been instrumental in bringing the Sacred Heart nuns to St. Joseph, asked the Christian Brothers to open a similar school for boys. Bishop Charles Helmsing, the bishop at the time of Christian Brothers' closing said the Brothers had expressed an overextension of the commitments of the Christian Brothers, a distinct shortage of Brothers for the duties faced, the declining enrollment and the costs of school operation as reasons for the school closing in 1970. Enrollment at the time of the closing was 274, about 100 less than had been enrolled six years earlier. Christian Brothers High School, in the Lasallian tradition, had been known for excellent discipline, colorful athletic teams and an outstanding academic preparation. The Christian Brothers Alumni Association remains strong and holds an annual alumni banquet each year. The CB Alumni Association also provides valuable support to Bishop LeBlond High School.