The Sisters of Saint Joseph, their lay partners and associates celebrate more than 150 years of faithful and creative service in McSherrystown, PA. Here the SSJ spirit, "ready for any good work," has been expressed through the sisters' response to a variety of critical needs throughout the last century and a half.
| 1854 |
Sisters of Saint Joseph arrive in McSherrystown on May 2, 1854 to establish their Motherhouse, Novitiate and Saint Joseph Academy |
| 1856 |
At the request of Bishop John Neunann the Sisters established an orphanage |
| 1858 |
Motherhouse and Novitiate transferred to Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia |
| 1868 |
Mother Magdalen Weber (Weaver), born near Littlestown, became Superior General of the Sisters of Saint Joseph of McSherrystown |
| 1880 |
New Academy constructed |
| 1882 |
Sisters Aquinas opened a school for blind children |
| 1887 |
Boys were admitted to SJA |
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New Chapel constructed |
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| 1900 |
Academy closed for repairs |
| 1901 |
Orphanage discontinued |
| 1902 |
Vincent O'Bold gave the Sisters a 166 acre farm |
| 1908 |
The convent was razed and the Academy was rolled back 100 feet from the street to its present location |
| 1919 |
Saint Joseph Academy received Affiliation with The Catholic University of America |
| 1928 |
Auditorium/Gymansium built. Play, Musicals and the school newspaper introduced. The Percolator begun. |
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| 1951 |
Extensive renovations were made possible through the support of the Alumnae Association |
| 1954 |
Centenary Celebrated 1854-1954 |
| 1958 |
Fire towers built through the generosity of Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence B. Sheppard |
| 1969 |
Swimming Pool completed |
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Priest's Cottage built |
| 1973 |
Neumann Hall Dormitory dedicated |
| 1974 |
O'Bold Farm sold |
| 1978 |
Saint Joseph Academy High Shool closed |
| 1979 |
Saint Joseph Academy Elementary School closed |
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Nursery and Kindergarten opened |
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Use of Auditorium and Dining Room by McSherrystown Senior Center for activities and noon meal provided by the Sisters |
| 1982 |
Academy Village apartments dedicated: four apartments in Neumann Hall; one in the former priest's cottage |
| 1984 |
Pre-School for 3 and 4 year olds replaced the Nursery and Kindergarten |
| 1988 |
McSherrystown Inter-Faith Village broke ground for 47 apartments for elderly and handicapped persons |
| 1992 |
Three acres sold to Hanover General Hospital for Family Medical Center |
| 1997 |
New site of Saint Joseph Academy Pre-School blessed |
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Ground broken for Saint Joseph Village: 40 apartments for Seniors |
| 1999 |
Dedication of Saint Joseph Village |
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| 2000 |
Saint Joseph Academy CARES After-School Progam initiated |
| 2004 |
Sesquicentennial Celebrations May 4 and September 19 |
| 2006 |
Ground broken for Cecilian Village |
| 2007 |
Dedication of Cecilian Village |
| 2017 |
CARES Program closes |
| 2019 |
Saint Joseph Academy Pre School closes |
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