Santa Cruz

1863 – 1943

Holy Cross School (1890-1927)

The Daughters of Charity first welcomed students to the Holy Cross School in Santa Cruz on January 7, 1863. The first classes were held in the Old Adobe under the direction of Sister Corsina McKay, Sister Servant, Sister Andrea Gibbs, and Sister Emmanuel Burke. The two-and-a-half story adobe was originally part of the Santa Cruz Mission founded in 1791. An orphanage was opened at the same time. The Daughters sponsored the school for 81 years until 1943. Today, Holy Cross School still sits on the original site adjacent to the Santa Cruz Mission. In 1871, the Sisters also took charge of the County Hospital but withdrew from this ministry by 1875.

Holy Cross School Santa Cruz (1869-1890)

On February 12, 1863, Sister Corsina McKay writes from Santa Cruz:

“I have been thinking of writing to you ever since we came to Santa Cruz which is just seven weeks this evening. It seems seven years so much has happened in that short space; to be in a new place, to see nobody I ever saw before, all this would appear to require more time. Our dear Sisters and myself are very much pleased with the place; the town has a very prosperous look and the climate I like very much, cool and invigorating. Sunshine, sea breeze & moonlight are some of our particular enjoyments. . . . (Letter to Emmitsburg)