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Bishop McDevitt's History
The
original Catholic High School of Harrisburg was opened on September, 1918 in the Cathedral Hall at Church and North Streets with an
enrollment of forty-four students. As the student body increased, more rooms were equipped until the entire building was used exclusively for high school
purposes. State accreditation was received in 1922 from the Pennsylvania Department of Public Instruction.
The school continued its rapid growth and soon the need for expansion was recognized. The present site at 22nd and Market Streets was selected as
the location for the new school. In 1929 ground was broken for the new building, and in 1930 the present Marian Hall was dedicated. However, the student
body continued to grow and by the late 1940s expansion again became necessary On October 8, 1950, Tracy Hall, named in honor of a generous benefactor, Mr. David Tracy; of Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament parish, was dedicated.
By 1956, eighteen parishes contributed to the enrollment of Catholic High. Another wing was added to provide for the increase of students. This
wing, Aquinas Hall, was dedicated on October 6, 1957. Also at this time, the name of the school was formally changed to Bishop McDevitt High School in
memory of the Most Reverend Philip R. McDevitt, fourth bishop of Harrisburg and founder of our school.
However, by 1961, it was felt that Bishop McDevitt High School was in urgent need of a chapel and some new science laboratories. In September,
1962, Bishop McDevitt added Saint John Hall. Saint John Hall contains the Immaculate Conception Chapel along with chemistry; physics, and language
laboratories. Dedicated to Saint John the Apostle, by association it also honors three of the saint's namesakes: Pope John
XXIII, Monsignor John Maguire, |
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