Our History
Catholic education at St. Anthony of Padua began in 1951, when sixty children in kindergarten through fourth grade were taught in rooms on the first floor of a converted farmhouse. The Sisters of St. Francis of Penance and Christian Charity served the parish and the school, and classes later moved into two tin buildings purchased from the Donaldson Air Force Base in Greenville.
St. Anthony's grew up as a haven: from its beginnings it was a place for families who faced discrimination because of their race and were a distinct minority in the largely Protestant community. Out of that history came a parish and school of remarkable joy — a community whose gospel song, warm embrace, and stubborn hope still mark the school today.
Milestones on Gower Street
1939
A mission church is born
Planning and construction begin for the mission church that would become St. Anthony of Padua Parish, ministering to Greenville's Black Catholic community.
1951
The school opens
Sixty children in kindergarten through fourth grade begin classes in the first floor of a converted farmhouse, served by the Sisters of St. Francis of Penance and Christian Charity.
1956
The brick school on Gower Street
The current brick and cinder block school building is completed at 311 Gower Street.
2011
Weaving a Bright Future
The parish launches a capital campaign — raising millions for a new two-story school and gymnasium complex designed by Greenville architects.
2014
A diamond anniversary
St. Anthony of Padua Parish celebrates 75 years, with hundreds gathering in the school gym to share the stories of the early years.
Today
A renewal — and a 75th
The school renews its curriculum as a Catholic liberal education school and prepares to celebrate its own 75th anniversary in 2026–2027, with middle school opening in 2027–2028.
Be part of the next chapter
The anniversary campaign supports scholarships, the arts, and the growing school.