The History of St. Mary’s

“Old and improved” can aptly describe St. Mary’s Episcopal School. Now in its third century of operation, St. Mary’s is rich in history. In 1847, a small parochial school came into existence at Calvary Episcopal Church because of the vision of a woman named Mary Foote Pope. Pope’s firm belief that women should have the opportunity for the same excellent education offered to men continues to drive St. Mary’s. Today’s outstanding graduates are indebted to her early emphasis on women’s education. Pope’s 25 years of leadership spanned one of the most tumultuous times in American history. In 1862, Pope relocated the School to Hernando, Mississippi, until the Civil War ended, and St. Mary’s moved back to Memphis.

From 1873 until 1910, the Sisters of the Order of St. Mary led St. Mary’s Episcopal School. During their tenure, the Sisters and the School endured the consequences of two yellow fever epidemics. The Sisters’ devotion and dedication to the School and the Memphis community, despite immense challenges, allowed St. Mary’s to survive and continue to offer girls a fine college-preparatory education through the Depression and two World Wars.

In 1953, St. Mary’s expanded to the sixth grade and relocated to the Church of the Holy Communion. Five years later, St. Mary’s was incorporated, and the Board of Trustees hired Lawrence Lobaugh as the School’s first Head of School. By the fall of 1959, St. Mary’s enrollment had nearly doubled to 400, and faculty had increased to 30. In 1962, the School received accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools.

Perhaps the individual most responsible for St. Mary’s gaining its outstanding reputation as a college preparatory school, not only in Memphis but throughout the country, was Dr. Nathaniel Cheairs Hughes. Hughes was Head of the School from 1962 to 1973. St. Mary’s graduated an increasingly high percentage of National Merit Scholars and was incorporated as an independent Episcopal school during his tenure. Hughes also established the Honor Council in 1962, creating a tradition of student integrity that continues today. In 1968, St. Mary’s became the first independent school in Memphis to integrate its student body.

Since Dr. Hughes, St. Mary’s has thrived under the leadership of five Heads of School, including the Reverend David Leech, Geoffrey Butler, Thomas Southard, Marlene Rutledge Shaw, and today’s Head of School, Albert Throckmorton. Leech, Head of School from 1974 to 1981, was instrumental in acquiring Moss Hall, the heart of the North Campus. Butler oversaw many changes in both curriculum and facilities during his tenure from 1981 to 1987. Technology increased from one computer in the development office to a computer in every classroom and library.

From 1987 to 2001, Tom Southard led St. Mary’s to the dawn of the next century, crafting a successful capital campaign to add the Willmott Gymnasium and Hyde Activity Center and growing the St. Mary’s was under the direction of the Sisters of the Order of St. Mary from 1873 to 1910. Sister Constance endowment. Marlene Rutledge Shaw was served as Sister Superior until her untimely death in named Head of School in 2003. On day one, 1878 after succumbing to yellow fever. she began the difficult task of launching a major capital campaign to build the Early Childhood Center, Garrott Hall, and the Windland Smith Rice Building. The Early Childhood Center was named in her honor after her retirement in 2012.

In 2012, Throckmorton became Head of School after eight years as Assistant Head of School. In 2020, the School opened the Athletic and Wellness Center.

Through 175 years, considerable challenges, and incredible growth, St. Mary’s has remained steadfast in its mission of providing a superior educational experience for girls. Our history, traditions, Episcopal identity, and reputation for academic excellence will allow us to help girls discover their strengths, develop resilience, and explore what’s possible for generations to come.

In 1888, St. Mary’s constructed a three-story building and chapel next to the Cathedral.