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- Textual record
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1974-1995 (Creation)
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5 cm of textual records
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This series contains a historical summary of the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Pembroke’s involvement in Renfrew, Ontario. It is primarily focused on the activities at St. Joseph’s Academy, Renfrew. Within the annals there are also printed pictures of St. Joseph’s High School, graduates, and the Sisters within the textual records and correspondence. These records primarily relate to the foundation of the school, day-to-day activities, housekeeping, visits, celebrations, music events, youth choir, school trips, and the moral, educational, and cultural programming at the school.
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General note
In the mid-1920s, Reverend P.S. Dowdall requested the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Pembroke establish a Catholic high school in Renfrew, Ontario to support the moral and cultural advancement of girls. Renfrew is situated on the traditional territory of the Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn First Nation. Michael John O'Brien, who was a founder of the town of Renfrew, donated two properties and five acres of land that was a boon to sports-minded students and teachers. The former home of Edward MacKay became the convent for the Sisters, and the adjoining Stewart residence served as St. Joseph’s Academy. The first classes were held on September 10, 1928, with 12 registered female pupils. Enrollment increased annually until 1935, when student accommodation was no longer provided, and by 1939 further facilities were needed.
After the construction of a new building from 1939-1940, ownership of the old school was transferred to the Diocese of Pembroke. It became Villa St. Joseph, an orphanage where the Sisters provided a home for children until its closure in June 1947.
In 1947, Reverend T. J. Sloan, pastor of Renfrew, requested the Sisters open a high school for boys. From 1947-1957, the Villa St. Joseph building served as St. Joseph’s High School for boys. In 1966, St. Joseph’s Academy and St. Joseph’s High School amalgamated as St. Joseph’s Catholic High School.
During the 38-years from 1928 to 1966, the Sisters ran music, choir, and drama programs in Renfrew that brought distinction to the Academy through the participation of their students in the area festivals. In 1955, Sister Theodosia, the Directress of Our Lady of Fatima Choir, won the Archbishop Lemieux Trophy at the Ottawa Music Festival. Scholastic progress was marked by the winning of awards, too, over the years, with many Ontario scholars among the school’s graduates.
In September 1994, the General Superior and Counselor visited the Sisters in Renfrew to consider withdrawing from the area because there was a possible buyer for the building and property. A few days later, the Sisters found and rented a suitable house in Renfrew and moved one month later in October.
Today, St. Joseph's High School is a Roman Catholic high school, that educates students from Grades 8 to 12 and is managed by the Renfrew County Catholic District School Board.