Forty years to celebrate!! Almost half a century -- and that's something to boast about! That's the way the teachers, parents and students feel at Christ the King School. They have earned the distinction of being the oldest private grade school in Northside Atlanta, with only two or three others surpassing their age in the entire Atlanta area.

In September 1937, the doors opened at Christ the King School, in temporary quarters, until the "new" school building was completed and occupied in November of that year. In that first year, four Grey Nuns of the Sacred Heart from Philadelphia taught and administered the eight grades. A high school was added, a year at a time, in 1939, graduating the first class of nine girls in 1943. Christ the King High School graduated only 16 classes, closing with the class of '58 when St. Pius X High School opened.

In commemoration of this 40^th anniversary, many events will take place during the year. Mrs. Jed Dowlen, Co-President of the Home and School Association, has been the inspiration for reviving many of the traditions of the school. She is a graduate of Christ the King school, taught in the grade school after completing college, and her two children now attend there. A visual and written history is being compiled by Mrs. Frederick A. Johansen, also a graduate of Christ the King grade school and high school. Three of her children number among the alumni, and have moved on to high school and college. Her two youngest are in school there now.

An evening of celebration was held at the school recently, at which time the history was read and an array of interesting memorabilia displayed, including a picture of the initial first and second grades, many of whom are still prominent Northside Atlantans. In attendance at the program were present and past teachers, alumni and parents. An anniversary cake in the blue and white school colors was served to guests, including Dr. and Mrs. Earl Gunn, who are both alumni, as well as present parents; Monsignor John F. McDonough, former teacher and presently Rector of the Cathedral of Christ the King; Mrs. A. J. Merkle, III, and Mrs. Edward Schweers, who are former teachers, as well as alumnae and present parents. Mrs. Merkle and Mrs. Johansen are two of the seven children of Mr. and Mrs. G. J. Gunning, who attended the school. Thirteen of the Gunnings' grandchildren have also been students there.

Also attending were Mrs. W. Bryant McDaniel, who shares in three generations at Christ the King School. Her two aunts, Mrs. Lee G. Offen and Mrs. Walter H. Zillessen, Jr. were members of the first graduating class. Mrs. McDaniel's two older children are alumni and her youngest is presently attending the school. Mrs. Dunstan Waddy, now administrative assistant at the school, an alumna and present parent also enjoyed the fun, along with Sr. Kathleen Purser, an alumna and presently Principal at Immaculate Heart of Mary School.

These and many other alumni enjoyed visiting with the former teachers who returned for the occasion: Sister Betty Donohue who formerly taught and served as principal through a total of 16 years; Sister Paula Marie Hennessey, presently teaching at St. Jude's School in Sandy Springs; Sister Rosemary Cauley came from Philadelphia, PA, the site of the Motherhouse of the Grey Nuns of the Sacred Heart, where she is now on the administrative staff; Sister Patricia Geary, presently curriculum consultant for archdiocesan schools, and Mrs. Leo Sullivan, who taught for a total of 25 years at Christ the King School.

Another guest, while not a teacher, is beloved by all students and teachers for the past 19 years -- she's Alice Jones, who is housekeeper for the nuns, friend, companion, a smiling face and warm welcome, and lover of all children who have matriculated at Christ the King School during her 19 years at the convent.

Mr. and Mrs. Edward Lummus, co-presidents with Mrs. and Mrs. Jed Dowlen, assisted in entertaining the guests. While Mr. and Mrs. Lummus are not alumni themselves, their older son is, and their younger son is a present student. They are vitally interested in the past of the school and busy creating history there, through their dedication and service.

Messages of congratulations were received from former teachers and students from as far away as Buffalo and Ogdensburg, New York, along with pictures of former classes and copies of early school newspapers.

Much excitement has been generated by this anniversary and additional programs will be held during the year. The next one will be presented to the present student body, and the original school song, which was lost during the past couple of decades, has been re-scored and will be sung again by today's students. A permanent display is being set up in the school building comprised of the written history and many of these interesting items of the early years of the school.

Here's to the next 40 years!!!