Christian Brothers High School

Christian Brothers College’s Early History

Christian Brothers College was built in St. Joseph, Missouri, in 1858, but when the Civil War erupted before the school opened, the building was used at times as a hospital for Union troops, and at other times, as a barracks. “They actually rode their horses inside the school,” said Bob Slater, a Christian Brothers graduate.

Academic Evolution

The first classes were held in 1867. In 1881, the College was reincorporated, granting the school more power to make changes in curriculum and other aspects of school management. By 1865, the school was largely a commercial college and became known as one of the finest schools in the West. The school’s academic reputation attracted students not only from St. Joseph but also from many parts of the United States and Mexico.

By 1921, commercial colleges were falling out of favor with the public and the college began the process of converting to a high school. In September of 1921, high school courses were being introduced to incoming students, while commercial courses became electives. By 1923, the conversion was complete, and the school began graduating students in 1925. In May of 1927, the cornerstone of the “The Shack '' as the school building was known, was transferred to a new school location and became the cornerstone of the new Christian Brothers High School. The piece of land on which the school was built had once been owned by the anti-Catholic hate group Ku Klux Klan. 

Athletic Achievements and Legacy

Christian Brothers became a major player in athletics during the 1930s. Under coach Everett Shelton, who later coached at the University of Wyoming, the Golden Eagles were a force in city basketball at that time. In 1951, Christian Brothers broke the color barrier among city schools a few years before Brown vs. Board of Education school integration. The Christian Brothers team played the all-black Bartlett High School Panthers against school district officials’ warnings of being expelled from the all-white city league. The game played to a full house at Bartlett, with Christian Brothers winning a close game. Nothing came of the threat to expel the school from the city league.

The history of the Christian Brothers in St. Joseph includes community, discipline, and progress. Slater said he has never met a Christian Brothers graduate who did not appreciate the school's discipline and atmosphere. “The school’s lasting legacy is one of quality instruction, camaraderie, strong relationships, and the Brothers' expectations of their students,” Slater said.