St. James Trade School and Brother James Court

by Franciscan Brothers at Brother James Court

Overview

Helping orphaned and disadvantaged boys get a chance at a better life was the mission of Brother James, founder of the Franciscan Brothers of the Holy Cross, a German Catholic Order that sent Brothers to the United States in 1924. To that end, St. James Trade School was established in Springfield, Illinois, in 1928. Two years later, the first group of apprentices was admitted; they and hundreds who followed them through 1972 went on to become certified mechanics, carpenters, and electricians among other valuable trades. High school diplomas were earned beginning in 1948. In 1975, Brother James Court (BJC) opened with a brand new building specifically designed as a residential intermediate care facility. BJC provides both residency and advocacy for developmentally disabled men. Providing the highest quality care, consistent with the spirit and principles of the Franciscan Brothers of the Holy Cross, programs at BJC meet residents' needs and allow them to live happily at BJC for as long as they need.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780738578118
Publisher:	Arcadia Publishing SC
Publication date:	03/29/2010
Series:	Images of America Series
Pages:	128
Product dimensions:	6.40(w) x 9.10(h) x 0.40(d)

About the Author

This book chronicles 82 years of Springfield mission work by the Franciscan Brothers of the Holy Cross, at both the St. James Trade School and Brother James Court. It is a joint effort, authored by the Brothers, community volunteers, and the staff at BJC who believe in the motto "In Cruce Victoria"—victory through the cross.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments 6

Introduction 7

1 The German Beginnings of the Franciscan Brothers of the Holy Cross 9

2 American Beginnings, St. James Trade School 27

3 Birth of Brother James Court 81

4 Of Cabbages and Kings 117