History of St. Mary’s Cathedral Parish Cheyenne, Wyoming 1940-1950

History of St. Mary’s Cathedral Parish
Cheyenne, Wyoming
1940-1950
[“O.K.” handwritten. Ed.]

It can be favorably noted here that the city of Cheyenne has enjoyed a growth of 9,000 persons in the decade ending with the close of 1950 to the present population of almost 32,000, which is considerably more than in any comparable period of its history. The major portion of this increase occurred within the cathedral parish, and is noticeably reflected in both the enlarged membership and the enrollment at St. Mary’s School.

During this period the parish has had the continued capable administration of the Very Reverend James A. Hartmann as pastor, aided throughout by two assistant priests. It is worthy of mention that Father Hartmann is now serving the parish in his thirty-ninth consecutive year.

At the beginning of 1940 there was a debt of approximately $53,000.00 against the new St, Mary’s high school, which was opened in the fall of 1938. By the close of 1943 this indebtedness was completely liquidated, and the pastor now began looking forward to the erection of separate structures to replace the old Academy building, which had by then served the dual purpose of convent and school for close on sixty years. By July of 1949 a new convent containing thirty private rooms, a beautiful chapel and all modern conveniences was completed at a cost of $200,000.00. It was fully paid for the day it was ready for occupancy. It is considered to be without equal in these Western dioceses.

About this time it became evident that the hazardous condition of the old Academy building made the erection of a new grade school an imperative necessity. Through a financial campaign launched in October 1949 for this purpose a total of $142,000.00 in pledges and cash was secured, and this was deemed adequate to proceed with the project. Plans were accordingly prepared for the erection of a modern fire-proof structure consisting of sixteen classrooms for the grades, a kindergarten room, a spacious cafeteria and kitchen, and all other necessary facilities. A contract for its construction was approved in August 1950 at a cost, including architect’s fees, of $455,000.00. At the present writing, January 1951, the foundations are already laid and the superstructure is progressing satisfactorily, giving confidence that the building will be ready for occupancy at the opening of school next September. Although, when completed there will be a debt of $200,000.00 against it, this is not considered an excessive load for the parish to bear.

The past decade has shown a marked increase in attendance at St. Mary’s school. In 1940 there were 643 pupils attending, with 143 in the high school and 500 in the grades. The present enrollment has jumped to 185 and 695 respectively, for a total of 880. Since most of the increase has occurred in the grade school, and will undoubtedly be further augmented with the opening of the new school, it is easily seen how heavily taxed the present high school facilities, built to accommodate 200, will become in a few short years. The teaching staff consists of 14 Sisters in the grades, 8 in high school and 2 music teachers. Following a thorough examination by the proper authorities St. Mary’s High School was officially accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools in 1943, a, fact in which all friends of St. Mary’s take justifiable pride. It was affiliated with the Wyoming State Athletic Association in 1947, since when its teams have earned favorable recognition in football and basketball.

The parish enjoys a healthy spiritual life as is evidenced by the notably large number of weekly communions, a condition which frequently evokes favorable comment from visitors. The membership has increased to better than 900 families. The Legion of Mary continues to show fruitful results through its interest in negligent Catholics. Three successful two-week missions have been given; in 1943 and 1946 by priests of the Chicago Mission Band, and in 1949 by two Dominican Fathers from Denver. Missions in Spanish nave been provided at about similar intervals for the Mexican people. The Daughters of Isabella have sponsored an annual three-day retreat for the women of the parish, and the Knights of Columbus have recently adopted a similar plan for the men. A bi-weekly course of instructions has been conducted annually through ten months of each year by the pastor, bringing an average of around 40 converts a year into the Church.

Confirmation has been administered every second year, the last time being on May 8, 1949, by Coadjutor Bishop Hubert M. Newell to a class of 178, about one fourth of which were converts. On May 21, 1950 a class of 170 received First Communion, partly indicating the increased birth rate of the Second World War years, and the problem of providing future adequate school facilities for them.

During World War II St. Mary’s parish gave 340 of its members to the Armed Services, five of which paid the supreme sacrifice for their nation.

Back to INDEX		History of St. Mary’s Cathedral Parish Cheyenne, Wyoming 1940-1950 [“O.K.” handwritten. Ed.] It can be favorably noted here that the city of Cheyenne has enjoyed a growth of 9,000 persons in the decade ending with the close of 1950 to the present population of almost 32,000, which is considerably more than in any comparable period of its history. The major portion of this increase occurred within the cathedral parish, and is noticeably reflected in both the enlarged membership and the enrollment at St. Mary’s School. During this period the parish has had the continued capable administration of the Very Reverend James A. Hartmann as pastor, aided throughout by two assistant priests. It is worthy of mention that Father Hartmann is now serving the parish in his thirty-ninth consecutive year. At the beginning of 1940 there was a debt of approximately $53,000.00 against the new St, Mary’s high school, which was opened in the fall of 1938. By the close of 1943 this indebtedness was completely liquidated, and the pastor now began looking forward to the erection of separate structures to replace the old Academy building, which had by then served the dual purpose of convent and school for close on sixty years. By July of 1949 a new convent containing thirty private rooms, a beautiful chapel and all modern conveniences was completed at a cost of $200,000.00. It was fully paid for the day it was ready for occupancy. It is considered to be without equal in these Western dioceses. About this time it became evident that the hazardous condition of the old Academy building made the erection of a new grade school an imperative necessity. Through a financial campaign launched in October 1949 for this purpose a total of $142,000.00 in pledges and cash was secured, and this was deemed adequate to proceed with the project. Plans were accordingly prepared for the erection of a modern fire-proof structure consisting of sixteen classrooms for the grades, a kindergarten room, a spacious cafeteria and kitchen, and all other necessary facilities. A contract for its construction was approved in August 1950 at a cost, including architect’s fees, of $455,000.00. At the present writing, January 1951, the foundations are already laid and the superstructure is progressing satisfactorily, giving confidence that the building will be ready for occupancy at the opening of school next September. Although, when completed there will be a debt of $200,000.00 against it, this is not considered an excessive load for the parish to bear. The past decade has shown a marked increase in attendance at St. Mary’s school. In 1940 there were 643 pupils attending, with 143 in the high school and 500 in the grades. The present enrollment has jumped to 185 and 695 respectively, for a total of 880. Since most of the increase has occurred in the grade school, and will undoubtedly be further augmented with the opening of the new school, it is easily seen how heavily taxed the present high school facilities, built to accommodate 200, will become in a few short years. The teaching staff consists of 14 Sisters in the grades, 8 in high school and 2 music teachers. Following a thorough examination by the proper authorities St. Mary’s High School was officially accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools in 1943, a, fact in which all friends of St. Mary’s take justifiable pride. It was affiliated with the Wyoming State Athletic Association in 1947, since when its teams have earned favorable recognition in football and basketball. The parish enjoys a healthy spiritual life as is evidenced by the notably large number of weekly communions, a condition which frequently evokes favorable comment from visitors. The membership has increased to better than 900 families. The Legion of Mary continues to show fruitful results through its interest in negligent Catholics. Three successful two-week missions have been given; in 1943 and 1946 by priests of the Chicago Mission Band, and in 1949 by two Dominican Fathers from Denver. Missions in Spanish nave been provided at about similar intervals for the Mexican people. The Daughters of Isabella have sponsored an annual three-day retreat for the women of the parish, and the Knights of Columbus have recently adopted a similar plan for the men. A bi-weekly course of instructions has been conducted annually through ten months of each year by the pastor, bringing an average of around 40 converts a year into the Church. Confirmation has been administered every second year, the last time being on May 8, 1949, by Coadjutor Bishop Hubert M. Newell to a class of 178, about one fourth of which were converts. On May 21, 1950 a class of 170 received First Communion, partly indicating the increased birth rate of the Second World War years, and the problem of providing future adequate school facilities for them. During World War II St. Mary’s parish gave 340 of its members to the Armed Services, five of which paid the supreme sacrifice for their nation. Back to Top