A photograph taken about 22 June 1909 of the first graduating class of the Sacred Heart School, Williamstown, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania.
The story that came with this picture:
In the Fall of 1908, Father J. J. Shanahan arrived with his two sisters who kept house for him. Father Shanahan was a jolly, heavy set priest who was happiest when surrounded by his school children.
The first class was graduated from Sacred Heart School on June 22, 1909. Members of the class were: Mary Maher; Josephine Smith; Sadie Punch; Veronica McAuliffe; and Richard Budd. Graduation exercises were held in the Town Hall. The class motto was “Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam” [For the greater glory of God] – their program, The Shephardess of Lourdes.
In the photo, the class members appear (left to right): Mary E. Maher; Sadie Punch; Richard Budd, seated; Veronica McAuliffe; Josephine Smink.
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This view and text were featured in the commemorative book published for the centennial of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Roman Catholic Church, Williamstown, 1875-1975 For availability of copies of this book, contact the Williamstown Historical Society.
Corrections and additional information should be added as comments to this post.