Archbishop Spalding High School

Can you imagine a school named after an Archbishop who championed parochial schools? Right here before us stands Archbishop Spalding High School. It’s a testament to the vision of Archbishop Martin John Spalding. He wasn’t just the seventh Archbishop of Baltimore. He was a driving force in Catholic education. Archbishop Spalding High School, founded in 1963 by the Archdiocese of Baltimore, originally served as an all-girls school known as Holy Trinity High School. The Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur were the first educators within its walls. In 1966, the school transitioned to its current location in Severn, Maryland. It was renamed Martin Spalding High School to honor the Archbishop. The name was later refined to Archbishop Spalding High School in 1986. A significant milestone occurred in 1973 when Archbishop Spalding High School opened its doors to male students, becoming co-educational. The school has served families in the Archdiocese of Baltimore, Anne Arundel County, and surrounding areas for over 50 years. Archbishop Spalding, the man, had a remarkable journey. Born in Kentucky in 1810, he pursued his education at St. Mary’s College and St. Joseph’s Seminary. He then traveled to Rome for theological studies at the Urban College of the Propaganda Fide. He was ordained in 1834. Back in Kentucky, he served as a pastor and later as president of St. Joseph’s College. He became the Bishop of Louisville in 1850, where he oversaw the construction of their cathedral. His contributions extended to the formation of The American College of Louvain in Belgium. He tirelessly advocated for parochial school systems. In 1864, he became the Archbishop of Baltimore. This position gave him a unique standing, placing him above all other archbishops and bishops in the United States. Archbishop Spalding’s legacy is one of service and dedication to education. He founded institutions like the House of the Good Shepherd and St. Mary’s Industrial School. He also established the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and the Association of St. Joseph. His efforts led to the creation of numerous parishes and institutions, introducing more religious orders than any of his predecessors. He also worked to support newly freed African Americans after the Civil War. Archbishop Spalding passed away in 1872 at the age of 61. Archbishop Spalding High School proudly carries his name. It stands as a symbol of his enduring commitment to education and faith.