History of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School

Chiseled in the cornerstone is the year "1964". It was the year construction of St. Vincent de Paul School and convent began. One year earlier, this prime parcel of approximately 20 acres of land, was filled with apple and pear trees. At this time and with a leap of faith, Father Mark Benvegnu, pastor of St. Vincent de Paul church in Murray, Utah was approached about the need for a Catholic School in this area. Initially, he was adamant not wanting to build a school as we had a greater need for a new church. However, after considerable thought, he agreed and the thought became a reality.

In the spring of 1963, twelve acres between Spring Lane and King's Row would be purchased from Mr. and Mrs. Long. William “Will” Louie would be the architect, Cecil Holland would design the present church and rectory and ground would be broken for the school and convent.

In the fall of 1963 – the first kindergarten class of sixty-four children taught by Ms. Louise Best attended school in the basement of the church on Wasatch Ave. Father Benvegnu appealed to Bishop Lennox Federal for teaching nuns and the Bishop suggested making application to the Bishop in Ireland, It would take two years for Father’s request to become a reality and in early summer of 1965 the Presentation Sisters arrived. They were Sister Annunciata Keough, principal (deceased), Sister Evangelist Ryan, principal, Sister Lelia O’Sullivan, principal, Sister Mary Casey, Sister Assumpta Buckley (deceased).

For many years, there were five sisters on the faculty. Over the years, lay teachers were added to the faculty and some of the sisters were reassigned. However, St. Vincent School would be privileged to have the presence of the Presentation Sisterswho were also a dynamic influence in the parish and community. Other sisters who came to us were: Sister Mary Kelly, Principal, Sister Maria Goretti, Sister Assumpta O’ Rourke, Sister Cabrini Riordan (deceased), Sister Marilyn Omieczynski, Sister Winifred Harnett, Sister Cecilia Cannon, Sister Theresa Doucet, Sister Vianney, and Sister Danita Donata

Our appreciation and affection for them is infinite. The last class to graduate under the sisters’ leadership was the class of 1994.

Following the Sisters departure Dr. Galey Colosimo became the first lay principal to lead the school. After a year and a half, Dr. Colosimo left to plan the construction of the Skaggs Catholic center. Antionette Houstin the assistant principal became the principal and led the school for three and half years. The present principal, Mark Longe has been at the school for nine years, three years as the assistant principal and six years as the principal.

Since the Sisters’ departure, a dedicated staff of lay people have continued the Sisters fine work of education. It also should be noted that the parents of the students throughout the past forty years have contributed greatly to the success of the school.