History

     St. Henry was incorporated as a parish in 1853 under the auspices of Archbishop Henni of Milwaukee although German immigrants had been worshipping as a community here since 1847.  In 1854 a parish-supported school was established, and in late 1857 the School Sisters of Notre Dame from Milwaukee took over its direction.  They were an important presence in the school until the spring of 1990 when the last sister working here retired. 

     Classes were originally held in an old frame church building until 1879 when a large, two-story brick building was erected.  Later an addition was added that included a convent.  In 1952 that building was razed and a new one contructed running parallel to the church - this contained the majority of the classrooms and cafeteria that we use today.  The most recent addition, which was completed in 1991, included a junior high size gymnasium, stage, serving kitchen, bathrooms, locker rooms, elevator, and a spacious kindergarten room.  The program for 5K was added during the 1992-93 school year, and in 2003-04 a morning preschool was added.  Since 2008-09 that preschool program has become a part of the Watertown 4 Kids partnership with the public school system.