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A Time of Growth

- Fr. Paul Miller was successor to Fr. Staab in 1960. At that time, Holy Trinity had outgrown the rock school or “University” as it was fondly called. Under Fr. Miller’s direction and encouragement, a new two-story brick school was constructed and dedicated in 1963.
  
  Fr. Miller was transferred in 1967 and Fr. Quigley became pastor. Under Fr. Quigley’s direction, a new activities building was constructed. This brick building is on the corner of 92nd and Summit Street. In the beginning, it provided housing for the Sisters, upper-grade classrooms for the school, a library and religious education offices. The building was later used for the Holy Trinity Child Care Center and Pre-School.
  
  Lenexa continued to grow, as did Holy Trinity. In 1968, the boundaries of the parish changed and three hundred families in the eastern and southeastern section of Holy Trinity Parish became a part of the new Holy Cross Parish. By 1970, Lenexa had grown to a population of 5,240 people. In 1973, Holy Trinity underwent another split of the parish boundaries by creating the Good Shepherd Parish to the north.
  
  In 1974, the rock school and frame convent were demolished and a “Parish Center” was erected. It was dedicated in 1975. Fr. Quigley died in 1976 while still pastor of Holy Trinity.
  
  Fr. James F. Wright came to Holy Trinity as pastor in 1977. He was pastor of the parish for eleven years. During his years as pastor, it was very important to Fr. Jim that the children in both Holy Trinity School and its School of Religion have the best religious education possible. In addition to the Sunday Liturgry, he offered many programs for adults to enhance their spiritual lives through parish missions, bible study and speakers.
  
  As Lenexa continued to grow, bringing more Catholics to the parish, it was determined that another split of the parish was needed. In 1979, the parish boundaries once again changed creating the Prince of Peace Parish to the south. Lenexa’s population grew to 19,000 by the end of the decade. From 1980 to 1990, Lenexa had the largest percentage growth in all of Kansas, increasing by 82.6% to a population of 34,034. The once-spacious worship and education quarters gradually became overcrowded. It was determined that yet another split needed to take place and in 1980, Holy Spirit Parish was created to the east and south. Holy Trinity still grew from 1,200 to 1,500 families by 1990.
  
  Next: Responding to Our Physical Needs