In 1868, the Sisters of Holy Names of
Jesus and Mary initiated their 123 years of ministry to Key West by
establishing the first Catholic School in South Florida, a school for
girls. In this same year, the pastor of the church, Father J.B.
Allard, established a parochial school for white boys taught by
laymen. One year later, Father Allard established St. Francis
Xavier's, a school dedicated to the education of black children.
The Ten Years War in Cuba, fought from
1878, forced a large number of Cubans to flee their native land. Many
of these refugees settled in Key West. This influx prompted the
Sisters of the parish to open a school dedicated to the education of
Cuban girls in 1874.
In 1875, the Sisters began the
construction of the Convent of Mary Immaculate. The initial structure,
facing what is today Truman Avenue, was built from native coral rock.
The structure was expanded in 1904 to nearly twice its original size.
Upon its completion, the expanded Convent was generally considered the
handsomest educational facility in Florida.
The Convent was more than an educational
facility, however. During the Spanish-American War, the Sisters,
demonstrating the apostolic charity characteristic of their ministry,
would turn the Convent, along with the two school buildings, over to
the U.S. Navy for use as a hospital.
In 1881, the Sisters established St.
Joseph's School. Dedicated to the education of white boys, this
institution replaced the school founded by Father Allard in 1868. In
1900, the Jesuits established Jesuit College in Key West for the
higher education of young men. This institution, which would close in
1916 due to insufficient patronage, is only one example of the
important ministry the Jesuits provided the parish during the years
1898-1970.
Mary Immaculate Star of the Sea
School
In 1959, both St. Joseph's School and St.
Francis Xavier's School were razed to make way for the construction of
St. Mary's School at the corner of Simonton and Virginia Streets. The
fundraising drive for the new school was led by the church's Pastor,
Father Joseph Beaver. Father Beaver was instrumental in generating
support for the new school from people of all faiths and walks of life
throughout the community. Given the general support, it is appropriate
that St. Mary's should serve all students in the community, whatever
their sex, race, or religion. Notably, the parish has such a tradition
of service. Blacks, whites, and Hispanics have always worshipped as
one congregation at St. Mary, Star of the Sea, even during a period
when most churches in the South were segregated.
