In the early part of the twentieth century, the area of Springfield Massachusetts, south and east of Fremont and Central Streets were considered to be rural. In 1905 Bishop Thomas D. Beaven (1851 - 1920) and his advisors had the vision to consider to purchase the land near the "X" bounded by Dickinson Street, Grenada Terrace, Alderman Street and Ventura Street, for a new Parish - Holy Name of Jesus Parish. An energetic and visionary young priest - Rev. Father Thomas A. McGovern was assigned the task of leading and building this new Parish.

The new Parish grew very quickly with many children of school going age. In the fall of 1910, Father Thomas A. McGovern opened Holy Name of Jesus School in the then uncompleted Dickinson Street building. Until the second and third floors of the Dickinson St. building could be completed, the School started the fall 1910 enrollment with first, second, third and fourth grades, a total of two hundred children. Then, as they progressed, additional grade levels were added each year.

The school was originally staffed by the Sisters of St. Joseph. The first Superior, Sr. Maria Joseph, assisted by Sr. Mary Agnita, Sr. Maria Patrick, Sr. Mary Rosarita, and Sr. Mary Angela, laid the solid foundation of spiritual, civic and academic excellence which we continue to build upon today.

Holy Name Parish continued to grow by leaps and bounds. In an attempt to provide for the educational needs of the growing number of school-aged children in the Parish, Father McGovern, utilized land, which had been previously purchased and broke ground for a new school building in September of 1924.
The additional school building located on Alderman St. opened in September of 1926. The first floor was used for additional classrooms, with the second floor serving as an auditorium, social hall, and in later years, as a place for celebrating Sunday Liturgy.
In 1951, Monsignor George L. Connor opened the Holy Name Social Center on Alderman Street. This new facility provided a gymnasium, auditorium, swimming pool, bowling alley, lunch room, and meeting room for the Parish and School. Sunday Liturgies were also celebrated in the auditorium. With the opening of the Social Center, the second floor of the Alderman St. building could now be converted for classroom use.

On September 8, 1968, Monsignor Walter Connell, one of the first students of Holy Name School and the third pastor of Holy Name of Jesus Church, dedicated the current Holy Name of Jesus Church building. This larger church accommodated the increasing number of parishioners. Sunday liturgies would no longer have to be celebrated in the Social Center.
Since 1913, thousands of students have graduated from Holy Name School. The Holy Name Alumni Hall of Fame includes many priests, sisters, local politicians, educators, professional athletes, artists, writers, doctors, lawyers, and many businessmen and women, all of whom continue to carry on the proud tradition of Holy Name School. In 1984, Holy Name opened a half-day kindergarten program. In 1986, an enrichment program was implemented. In 1991, Holy Name instituted a full-day kindergarten program and, also an extended day program. In 1993, Holy Name opened its Preschool.

Today students are enrolled in Pre K-8 grades at Holy Name School. Grades pre K-4 are located in the Dickinson St. building along with the music, Chapter I, and enrichment classrooms. Grades 5-8 are located in the Alderman St. building along with the library, computer room, main office, and principal's office. The Social Center houses the cafeteria, gym, pool, bowling alley, and auditorium.
There are currently 23 full-time teachers, two part-time teachers, two secretaries, and one principal on staff at Holy Name School. These men and women, lay and religious, are dedicated to providing the best education possible for each student in light of the church's vision of its education ministry, striving always to witness to its ideals, principles, and values. We remember always Spes' Messis in 'Semine, The Hope of the Harvest is in the Sowing of the Seed.