One of the oldest Catholic high schools in Northern California celebrated a major milestone in its distinguished history of inspiring students to individual excellence and community service.

A commemorative Mass was celebrated May 5 by Bishop William K. Weigand at Christian Brothers High School in Sacramento to mark the Catholic high school’s 125-year history.

The Mass was followed by an open house, reception and tour of the school’s new science, math and technology wing.

Through the years, Christian Brothers has experienced a number of name changes. The school was first identified as St. Patrick’s Institute, then the Sacramento Institute, Christian Brothers College, Christian Brothers School and Bishop Armstrong High School.

Its first campus commanded a view of the state Capitol and was the first Sacramento high school offering both an academic and commercial curriculum.

Christian Brothers has functioned as both an all-boys and coeducational school.

Christian Brother Bertram

Coleman served for nearly 20 years in a variety of assignments at Christian Brothers School, Bishop Armstrong High School and at Christian Brothers High School’s current campus on Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard. Whether acting as a teacher, coach, principal, development or vocational director, Brother Coleman said there was always one constant.

“It was reaching out to others, whether it be in accepting students whose families could not pay the full tuition, involving parents in the education of their children, or to the alumni who returned for reunions,” he said.

Brother Coleman said that one of his most satisfying experiences was during his tenure as principal from 1948 to 1952. Christian Brothers School combined with two girls’ Catholic high schools for a variety of activities.

“The formation of the Interschool Council with St. Joseph’s Academy and St. Francis High…not only brought boys and girls together in extracurricular activities…but also brought the administrators together,” he said.

Bob Slakey, a retired Sacramento businessman, and his twin brother, Tom, graduated from Christian Brothers School in 1948. Slakey said that being taught exclusively by members of the Christian Brothers religious order gave students a sense of respect for authority, for their school and fellow students, and for the Catholic faith.

“The brothers were good men, strong in their faith and loving toward the students and one another,” he said.

Linda McAlpine graduated from Christian Brothers in 1959 and currently serves on the school’s alumni board. Her class was the third to graduate from Christian Brothers’ current location. At that time the school was staffed primarily by Christian Brothers, Sisters of Mercy and Sisters of St. Francis.

“We girls wore uniforms according to the seasons. White bucks or saddle shoes were our one shot at individuality,” she said. “Head coverings were required then, so we laid lace prayer caps atop our hair for Mass in the gym.”

For McAlpine, whose husband Duke was also a member of the class of 1959, there was much to like about being a Christian Brothers’ student, not the least being filled with a desire to serve others.

“Due to a unique Christian education and the values it instilled, many graduates found ways throughout life to contribute personal services and become leaders within their communities,” she said.

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