History

Queen of All Saints School holds the distinction of being the first Catholic school in Contra Costa County. The initiative was led by Father Laurence Hennessy, later Monsignor Hennessy, who firmly believed that "Our children are entitled not only to bodily and mental development, but also to be religious."

The school officially opened on September 13, 1948, welcoming 250 students from Kindergarten through sixth grade. The teaching staff consisted of four Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet: Mother Therese Cecile Pratt (Superior and Principal), Sister Naomi Masten, Sister Bernadine Marie Newman, and Sister Elizabeth Ann Martin.

On October 31, 1948, Archbishop John J. Mitty performed the official dedication of the school. Just two years later, in 1950, a second wing was added, and the playground was paved. The IDES Hall—now the Parish Hall—was relocated to the school grounds and transformed into a lunchroom and auditorium.

The expanded school opened for the 1950-51 term with 300 students and six Sisters, culminating in the first eighth-grade graduation at the end of that school year. Today, Queen of All Saints School remains rooted in downtown Concord, near Todos Santos Plaza.

Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, the teaching staff of Queen of All Saints 1948

Queen of All Saints' Graduating Class of 1952

Breaking of the ground for Queen of All Saints Catholic Church. Year 1948

The spade full of earth that changed the cite of the corner of Almond and Grant Streets. Here the Mayor, Mr. James Sheehan, is vigorously attempting to ‘break the ground’ while eager eyes watch! Foreground: Rev. McKinna, Mr. Sheehan, Rev. Laurence Hennessy. Background: Lloyd Crenna, Diana Lathron, Donald Petrich, Jeanette Rubino.

The Marine Corps delegation raises the flag over Queen of All Saints Catholic School for the first time. Year 1950.

As His Excellency, the Most Reverend Archbishop looked on at the entrance way, a Marine Corps delegation raised the flag over the new Queen of All Saints elementary school, in Concord last Sunday when the building was dedicated. Father Lawrence Hennessy is the pastor. Staffed by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, the parochial school is the tenth to be dedicated in the Archdiocese this year. The one-story concrete building consists of four classrooms, a kindergarten, library, nurse’s room and principal’s office. Four additional classrooms will be added later. J. Clarence Feliciano is the architect and J.W. McNeil is the contractor.