On March 4, 1912, Father Jerome Zazzera of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis (TOR) took title to 80 acres of land from T. F. and Marie T. Harrington. The purchase of the land followed a Rescript from Rome, the Sacred Congregation of Religious, in accord also with a petition from the first Bishop of Sioux City Diocese, Most Rev. Philip J. Garrigan. The Rescript was issued by virtue of special faculties given by the Holy Father, Pope Pius X (later canonized Pope St. Pius X). The School actually began its career on September 18, 1913. By 1924, it consisted of several buildings. The large administration/classroom building, gymnasium with a basketball court and swimming pool, and Garrigan Hall with a chapel and residence for faculty and 72 students. The School was operated by the Franciscans until 1930 when the Society of Mary staffed the school until 1949. Later the Salvatorians operated a Minor Seminary High School for young men interested in the priesthood (1958-1967). From its earliest years, the Benedictine Sisters served the school in charge of the housekeeping and kitchen. They also used the facilities as a Motherhouse for a period of time following the closing of the College (1947) and High School (1949). After the Minor Seminary was closed in 1967, the property was leased to Western Iowa Tech for use as administrative offices until they moved into their current facility in 1973. It remained unused then, until it was purchased by Queen of Peace in 1987.