The History of Our Parish

School Develops

Our parochial school continued to develop under the direction of the Ursuline Sisters.  In 1920 they initiated a two year high school curriculum which became accredited by the University of Missouri Accrediting Association.  However, eminent difficulties were in store for the school.

In 1922 the Ursuline Sisters, who had labored here so successfully for thirty-three years, withdrew from St. Henry's.  Father Petri succeeded in keeping the school functioning, heading the school himself while employing three lay teachers:  Miss Helen Test (who would later become Sister Mary Stella, C.PP.S.), Miss Leta Newcum (later Mrs. Leta Hunt), and Miss Dora Beauregard.

Four years later, Father Petri received word that the Sisters of the Most Precious Blood of O'Fallon, Missouri, had accepted Charleston as one of their teaching missions.  Mother Wilhelmine sent a group of Sisters to Charleston, and appointed Sister M. Xavier as the first Superior and Principal.  The enrollment that year reached a total of 167 pupils.

During this period Father Petri renovated and enlarged the old rectory which Father Klein had built in 1881.

On July 15, 1925, our parish family rejoiced with Father Petri and his priest friends, celebrating the Twenty Fifth Jubilee of his ordination.

Five years later, on May 24, 1930, Father Petri entered into eternal life.  He was buried in Calvary Cemetery in Charleston according to his request.  Older parishioners remember Father Petri with love and gratitude, praising God for all that was accomplished during his pastorate.

Excerpted from St. Henry Church 1873 - 1973.