The history of the Tyler Catholic School System is a story of determination of the priests and Catholic families of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception as well as other parishes in the Tyler area. The story began in 1944 with the dream of Monsignor Vincent Wolf for a parochial school in Tyler. In 1946, St. Gregory School opened. Over the next decade, the St. Gregory School had grown past the capacity of its facility. Pastor, Monsignor Edward McCullough, continued the dream of Catholic education for every Catholic family by developing the new Tyler Catholic High School. The school was built on 29 acres of land south of town. In 1958, Tyler Catholic High School opened its doors to 150 students.
The fundraising and development of the school was a success due to the campaign board which included:
C. M. Haddad, Campaign Co-Chairman
B. G. Byars, Campaign Co-Chairman
L.C. Peterschmidt, Finance Committee Chairman
R.W. McMahon, Chairman, Advance-Memorial Gifts
Frank Brinkman, Chairman Special Gifts
Ray Rizzo, Chairman Parish Solicitation
P.C. Russell, Chairman Auditing Committee
Other leaders involved in the development included:
John Finneran, President, Boosters’ Club
Mrs. Dale V. Spitznas, President, Mothers’ Club
Waddell George, President, Holy Name Society
Charles Carney, Grand Knight, Knights of Columbus
Miss Beatrice Bacile, Grand Regent, Catholic Daughters of America
Gerald Royce, President, Altar Boys’ Society
Rose Mary Carswell, Sodality Prefect
Instrumental in the growth of the Tyler schools, and particularly in the athletic programs was Monsignor John V. McCallum, the next pastor of the Cathedral. During his tenure in the 1960s, the school added sports facilities such as the football stadium and high school gymnasium. Monsignor McCallum is also credited with directing the schools toward a college preparatory format.
In 1971, Monsignor Milam J. Joseph renamed the school Bishop Thomas K. Gorman, in honor of the Bishop of the Diocese of Tyler. With more than 20 years of leadership, Monsignor Joseph also aided in the construction of the middle school wing of the school.
Over the years, Bishop Gorman has educated several generations of Catholic families who have passed on the Catholic faith throughout East Texas, our country, and many places around the world. Through academics, fine arts, sports, and service Bishop Gorman has developed strong leaders, saints and missionaries since its inception.
As we celebrate Founders Week, let us remember those who laid the groundwork for Catholic education in East Texas.