by Sr. Rita Bailey, F.M.A.

On June 29, 1884, Archbishop Alemany dedicated the original church of Sts. Peter and Paul located at Filbert and Dupont (now Grant Avenue). In March of 1897, a team of four Salesians led by Fr. Raphael Piperni, S.D.B. began their work among the Italian immigrants in that church thus becoming the first Salesians in the United States and Sts. Peter and Paul Church the first Salesian work. September 1950: The first contingent of Salesian Sisters [Daughters of Mary Help of Christians -- FMA]. Left to right (seated) Sr. Elvira, Sr. Letizia, and Sr. Anita, (standing) Sr. Virginia, Sr. Florence, Sr. Veronica, Sr. Wilma and Sr. Irene. Two years after the destruction of the original church during the fire that resulted from the 1906 earthquake, Archbishop Riordan supported the Salesians in their efforts to purchase the Abe Ruef property on Filbert Street, opposite Washington Square. The church and school as we know it today was built that site.

In September of 1925, Salesian Grammar School for boys opened with two classes, the fifth and sixth grades. The intention was to add a class each scholastic year up to the third year of High school. The first two instructors were lay persons who each taught thirty pupils the standard academic subjects, along with religion, and the Italian language. During the years that followed, the Salesian Brothers and Priests assumed responsibility for all the teaching. To accommodate girls of the same age level, arrangements were made to attend the Presentation Convent School at the corner of Pacific Avenue and Mason Street.

Salesian Grammar School had its first eighth grade class graduation in June, 1928.

Sister Rita Bailey, FMA teaches eighth grade and is in charge of the parish CCD program.