History of Christ the King School

The concept for Christ the King School began in 1956 when Pastor William J. Wrinn recognized the need for a parochial school in his rapidly expanding parish, and made plans to build a two-story 24 classroom school.  His idea, however, was met with opposition (older parishioners did not see a need for a school, and borough taxpayers filed a lawsuit against the sale of land for the school) which was thankfully overcome.

After the sudden death of Father Wrinn in August 1967, Father James E. Coley was appointed the new pastor of Christ the King and oversaw the completion of the new school.  Christ the King School opened on September 6^th, 1968 with two classes and 68 students.  Sister Marie of the Bernadine Sisters of Maryview was the first principal and taught 1^st Grade, while Sister Rose Catherine taught 2^nd Grade.  A new grade was added each succeeding year.  Bishop Ahr officially blessed the new school on October 27, 1968 (Feast of Christ the King).

While the new school was off to a good start, Father Coley had doubts that it would succeed.  He expressed his concerns in an open letter to parishioners on Palm Sunday 1968, citing the failure of the school building fund campaign and a poor response by the people of the parish (in 1968, only 37 new students had registered for the upcoming year)

Father Coley was replaced by Father John J. McGovern in November 1969, and the school flourished under his leadership.  Enrollment continued to increase and the school hosted a string of poplar events (basketball games and professional wrestling matches) during the 1970’s.

The Reverend Daniel Sloan and Sister Ann Kavanaugh navigated the following years through many changes.  Following Sister Ann, Sister Maryann Kasica and Sister Mary DeLourdes of the Felician Sisters continued to improve the curriculum.   Facility improvements during that time included new boilers, roof, water fountains, and new macadam.

Christ the King School has gone through many changes and fluctuations since its early days.  Reverend Boguslaw Augustyn (Father Bogie) of the Redemptorist Community was appointed to revitalize the school in 2008, and made many improvements including:  state-of-the-art computer and science labs, renovated offices and kitchen, new signs, lighting and landscaping.  Mrs. Christine Benson was hired as principal at the start of the 2008-2009 school year.  Mrs. Benson is leading the school into the future with many new exciting programs and additions to the curriculum.  Father Bogie and Mrs. Benson are providing guidance and dedication in this academic environment.  This is a true blessing to the families who are helping to maintain the values of Catholic education through this established and growing school.