Rev. James McGurk
 Rev. James McGurk who took over the pastorate in 1920 came to the realization that the old grade school was proving to be inadequate for the growing needs of the parish. A new grade school was begun in May 1924, and dedicated November 2 and was completed early in 1924 at a cost of $100,000. Father McGurk's assistant for this undertaking was Father Eugene McGuigan, who not only supervised the building, but often could be seen with pick and shovel working side by side with the men. Genial Father McGurk remained at Notre Dame for two decades and during that period his assistants were the Reverends Joseph Kirkbride, Eugene McGuigan, Charles Hannigan, Anthony Ray, and John Manning. With the completion of a high school, a grade school and the convent, it remained for the parish to replace the inadequate housing for the pastor and his assistants. Work of tearing down the old rectory was started early in the year and on April 5th, 1931 work was started on the new parochial residence. Father McGurk and his assistant were housed on the top floor of the grade school until the modern two story building was erected. After twenty years of splendid service to the Prish, Father McGurk was succeeded by Father McGuigan in February 1940. Possibly the finest contribution of his administration was the beautiful Shrine of Our Lady of the Falls, much of which was constructed by Father "Mac" himself with the assistance of tom Morrissey. Photo Courtesy of Chippewa Valley Historical Society TOP |