Regis High School - Chi Rho Yearbook (Eau Claire, WI)

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RT. REVEREND Msc-111. C. E. Down . 1512-1552

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minute fo .1 BUILDER by FATHER J. FRANCIS BRADY Msgr. Casper E. Dowd, Pastor of St. Patrick's from 1927 until his death in 1952, deserves to be remembered with grateful affection as a patron of Catholic secondary education in Eau Claire. Under his direction, St. Patrick's High School came into existence, graduating its first class in 1932. In the ensuing years Father Dowd worked with matchless zeal and enthusiasm in furthering the best interests of the students who came to St. Patrick's High School. He insisted firmly that all the boys and girls of St. Patrick's Parish of high school age should attend the Catholic school, and he extended a hearty welcome to all others who came to enroll. His dynamic leadership and enthusiasm became part of the traditions: no one can recall St. Patrick's High School without thinking of Father Dowd. Men and women today who attended St. Patrick's High School will particularly remember Father Dowd's faithful devotion to the teaching of Religion. He felt that his place was in the classroom and each day found him there. Duties which could conveniently have been transfered to other shoulders, Father Dowd insisted on performing personally. His elevation to the dignity of a Monsignor in 1936 came as a result of his promotion of the cause of Christian education. ' When the passing years slowed the steps of Father Dowd, it was with the greatest sadness and reluctance that he gave up his teaching duties. Even in his declining years his interest in the school never abated. The first ques- tion any priest from St. Patrick's could expect from Father Dowd wh-en they would go to see him in the hospital would be How are things going in the high school? j A black sedan parked close to the side lines of the football field at Car- son Park meant that Father Dowd wasthere to see the football team in action. On one occasion a huge crowd of St. Patrick's basket ball enthusiasts over at St. Norbert's College gym in DePere to see their favorites win a State Championship, had the thrill of their lives when Father Dowd' with halting step took his place in the bleachers. Enthusiasm and sacrifice are demanded if we arento have Catholic education. The spirit of Father Dowd will not be absent from the halls of the splendid new Regis High. 24

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K Investment 0 St. Patrick's High School center for secondary education for nearly a half-century. 0 The pause that refreshes J. Tomashek, E. Haas and Father Dowd with shovels . . . 0 Summer view. v -5:sll 3 0 Winter view of south entrance. as construction of new St. Pafrick's High School begins. 26