First Steps Eight Wall of Giants - El Paso, Texas

El Paso’s Eighth Wall of Giants First Steps: A Commemoration of Saint Patrick’s Cathedral and Cathedral High School. First Steps is the name given to a dual exhibit opening at the El Paso Museum of History. It recognizes the 100th anniversary of the blessing and dedication of Saint Patrick’s Cathedral and its fight to aid and minister to the faithful on both sides of the border. It also recognizes Cathedral High School and the work of the De la Salle Christian Brothers over the past 90 years in preparing thousands of young men for college and professional success. For many Mexican immigrants in the borderland during the early 20th century, both Saint Patrick’s Cathedral and Cathedral High School were vital first steps to the transitioning into American society. The Diocese of El Paso established Saint Patrick’s Cathedral in 1917. The establishment of Cathedral High School by the brothers of the Christian Schools in 1925 became the realization of a “most cherished dream” for the local church. With the benefit of a Lasallian education, they became loyal sons who defended their faith and who worked tirelessly to cultivate lives of learning and service.

Area: Central / Downtown

Source: EPMH

Uploaded by: El Paso Museum of History

Raymond Telles and Rene Miranda

Raymond L. Telles, Jr. (1915-2013) Raymond L. Telles, was born and raised in El Paso, Texas. He graduated from Cathedral High School in 1933 and the International Business College a year later. He served with the military in both World War II and the Korean Conflict, attaining the rank of major. In 1948, Telles was elected as El Paso County Clerk, and in 1957, he ran for City Mayor, something no Hispanic had ever tried to do. He won, and was then re-elected for a second term. In 1961, he was appointed by President Kennedy as the ambassador to Costa Rica. He served as chairman as the U.S.-Mexico Border Commission under President Johnson, and as chairmen of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission under President Nixon. René Mascareñas Miranda (1913- 2002) René Mascareñas Miranda was born in Los Angeles, California, and raised in Sonora, Mexico. The Family moved to the border when his father took a position with the Mexican customs service. Mascareñas attended school at Palmore College and Cathedral High School, and obtained an accounting degree from the National University of Mexico. Involved with cotton farming, cattle ranching, residential construction, banking, and other business, Mascareñas was the president of the Juarez Chamber of Commerce in 1954. He served as Municipal President of Ciudad Juárez from 1956-1959, overseeing a period of civic growth and development fueled by the PRONAF border industrialization program. He and his wife formed a philanthropic foundation to provide scholarships for Juárez students and funding for cultural events.

Area: Central / Downtown

Source: EPMH

Uploaded by: El Paso Museum of History

CHS Band and Athletic Mementos - El Paso, Texas

Cathedral High School Band and Athletic mementos. 2017

Area: Central / Downtown

Source: EPMH

Uploaded by: El Paso Museum of History

World War II Memorial - El Paso, Texas

The Greatest Generation During this exhibit, discover the spirit of patriotism and sacrifice instilled by the Christian Brothers in all of their students. Honor the service of all Cathedral High alumni who have served in all our country’s wars. In particular, consider those who made the supreme sacrifice during the greatest conflagration of the 20th century, World War II. We salute fourteen alumni who answered the Call of Duty in defense of freedom. From the oldest, LT Lionel V.O Smith, class of 1929, who volunteered for flying duty with the Royal Canadian Air Force before the United States entered the war, to the youngest, PVT James Carr Foester, class of 1944, who died on Christmas Eve aboard the ill-fated Leopoldville, torpedoed in the English Channel. These brave men’s example continues to inspire new generations of Cathedral alumni for they truly were members of America’s Greatest Generation.

Area: Central / Downtown

Source: EPMH

Uploaded by: El Paso Museum of History

State Championship - El Paso, Texas

State Baskeball Championship Trophy 1937-1939

Area: Central / Downtown

Source: EPMH

Uploaded by: El Paso Museum of History

Brother Amedy Long - El Paso, Texas

Brother Amedy Long (1914-1984) Brother Cecilian Amedy (Joseph Long), a native of New Orleans, joined the Christian Brothers while in high school. During the first 26 years of his teaching career, he taught at Lasallian schools in New Mexico, Louisiana, and Texas (Cathedral High School 1941-1943). In 1959, Brother Amedy returned to CHS, where he spent the remaining 25 years of his life. He was an exceptional English teacher whose high standards left a life-long impact on his students. As a college counselor, his advocacy for his students helped place many in prestigious schools across the nation.

Area: Central / Downtown

Source: EPMH

Uploaded by: El Paso Museum of History

School Material - El Paso, Texas

Textbook Covers, 1960s and 1988 and Drafting Table 1930.The drafting table has been preserved by Cathedral High in El Paso, Texas as a moment of the persistence of the community in fostering quality education. Man in background is attorney Mr. Fryer, a long time supporter of the school. He was selected as a giant in the exhibit.

Area: Central / Downtown

Source: EPMH

Uploaded by: El Paso Museum of History

School Uniforms - El Paso, Texas

Saint Patrick Elementary uniform skirt 1990s, First Holy Communion set 1925, Catholic text for elementary school 1925, Saint Patrick Elementary ribbons, tassel, and sweater letter, 1940s.

Area: Central / Downtown

Source: EPMH

Uploaded by: El Paso Museum of History

Timeline - El Paso, Texas

Timeline for the Eighth Wall of Giants at the El Paso Museum of History.

Area: Central / Downtown

Source: EPMH

Uploaded by: El Paso Museum of History

William H. Fryer - El Paso, Texas

William H. Fryer, AFSC (Affiliated Member of the Brother of the Christian Schools) (1880-1963) A criminal lawyer, William Henry Fryer was born in Brooklyn, New York where he was educated by the Christian Brothers. He first came to El Paso to recuperate from typhoid fever, returning permanently after receiving his law degree from the University of Texas at Austin. Fryer served as an attorney for the county and the federal government before returning to private practice. He battled against speakeasies, World War I era food profiteers and the KKK’s domination of the local school board in 1920s. He helped Brothers escaping persecution in Mexico to cross into the U.S. Later, he advocated for the Brothers to staff the new Cathedral High School. Fryer was also a Member of the Knights of Columbus, and started the Catholic Men’s Organization in El Paso.

Area: Central / Downtown

Source: EPMH

Uploaded by: El Paso Museum of History

Priest Breviary and Alb - El Paso, Texas

Priest Breviary, 1930s and Alb worn during the Cristero War when some 40 priests lost their lives 1926-1929.

Area: Central / Downtown

Source: EPMH

Uploaded by: El Paso Museum of History

Bishop Anthony Schuler’s Vestments - El Paso, Texas

Bishop Anthony Schuler’s Vestments (chasuble, mitre, cincture, shoes, and gloves), circa 1930s

Area: Central / Downtown

Source: EPMH

Uploaded by: El Paso Museum of History

Saint Rita of Cascia - El Paso, Texas

Original statue of Saint Rita of Cascia, Early 1920s

Area: Central / Downtown

Source: EPMH

Uploaded by: El Paso Museum of History

Leo Cancellare - El Paso, Texas

Leo Cancellare (1958-1999) Leo Cancellare was a graduate of Irvin High School and the University of Texas at El Paso. He was head coach of the El Paso Aqua Posse from 179-1999. Starting in the late 1980s, he helped coach Cathedral High’s swim team. During his career, he helped produce 79 high school all-Americans and five Olympic team members. In 1994, Leo Cancellare became the first lay principle in the history of Cathedral High School. He brought energy and personality to the job, greeting each student – every morning – at the front door. Duing his watch, a new classroom wing an gymnasium were added to the school. Like the Brothers, who made him an honorary member, Leo believed his work was a religious calling, saying, “This School is the church.” He died of cancer at age forty-one.

Area: Central / Downtown

Source: EPMH

Uploaded by: El Paso Museum of History