1900-1930

1926 – Ministry of St. Rose’s Settlement

At request of the Dominican friars of the Eastern Province, the congregation accepts the social work ministry of St. Rose’s Settlement House in Manhattan, primarily catechetical work and youth activities. The Sisters served at the Settlement House from 1926 – 1963.

1923 – Opening of Aquinas Hall High School

The Sisters open Aquinas Hall, a two-year commercial high school in the Bronx; in 1936 the school becomes the four-year Aquinas High School. With leadership of Principal, Sr. Concepta Blake, the building was greatly expanded to allow for soaring enrollment.

1922 – Opening of St. Agnes School, Sparkill, NY

While the motherhouse provided classrooms for the boys under our care, Mother Thomas wanted the boys to “go out” to school and have a home to come to after school. St. Agnes School opens in 1922 on the Sparkill grounds, providing an excellent setting for educating the children.

1914 – Dedication of Sacred Heart Chapel, Sparkill, NY

Sacred Heart Chapel (the final building to replace those destroyed in the 1899 fire) is dedicated. It becomes the spiritual home where the Sisters and children find solace and strength for life’s challenges, as well as the center for all major congregational liturgical rituals for most of the 20th century.

1909 – Growth of ministry in Missouri

The Sisters open St. Mark the Evangelist Elementary School in St. Louis in 1909 and St. Mark’s High School in 1910. Educational ministry expands dramatically in Missouri. By 1912, the Sisters have provided staffing for 11 schools in Missouri.

1906 – Incorporation into the Dominican Family

On May 17, 1906, Fr. Hyacinth Cormier, OP, the Master General of the Dominican Order, notifies Mother Thomas of the formal affiliation and full incorporation of the young community into the Dominican Family.

1902 – St. Agnes Convent and Home rebuilds

The rebuilding of St. Agnes Convent and Home after the 1899 fire is completed under the guidance of Mother Thomas Gargan, allowing the Sisters and children to return from Troy, NY, to Sparkill. The facilities are expanded to include a school, vocational training shops, and athletic fields.

Scroll to Top