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The Founding and Growth of Holy Trinity School
Shortly after the stone church was completed, the growing Holy Trinity parish recognized the need for a school. The original church building, located where the present rectory now stands, was renovated and converted into two classrooms along with living quarters for the Benedictine Sisters from Atchison, Kansas, who would staff the new school.
In the fall of 1912, Sister Lucina and Sister Simplicia became the first teachers at Holy Trinity School, instructing students in grades one through eight. As the parish community continued to expand, the school soon outgrew its modest facilities.
In response, Fr. Haefele and the parishioners made the decision to construct a new stone school building in 1917. Once again, the Zahner family generously donated the stone, and parishioners volunteered much of the labor to reduce construction costs. Fr. Haefele worked alongside his parishioners in the building effort. Fortunately, the parish included many skilled workers—mechanics, carpenters, electricians, and stonemasons—who contributed their expertise to the project. The new school was completed at a cost of $10,000 and featured three classrooms and living quarters for the Sisters.
For a time, Holy Trinity also offered a four-year high school program in addition to elementary grades one through eight. However, declining enrollment led to a reduction in the high school program—first to two years, and eventually to a two-year business course. The business course was later discontinued, as many students chose to remain at home to assist with farm work after completing eighth grade. Meanwhile, enrollment in the elementary school continued to grow steadily year after year.
Next: A New Rectory
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