McMahon, Brother Justin , F.S.C., 1834-1912
Biography
Brother Justin McMahon, the founding San Francisco Visitor, had already made a name for himself in the New York District. Born in Ireland in 1834, he came to the United States as a young man and entered the novitiate in Montreal at the age of 20. After completing his period of study, he began his teaching career at the Brothers' Calvert Hall in Baltimore. His talents for administration were soon recognized, and he served as principal and director of various high schools and colleges on the East Coast. Among his greatest achievements was the founding of the first Catholic chapel on the grounds of West Point (1899). Brother Justin established a reputation as an astute political observer and worked actively to promote Catholic educational interests. Asked to recruit Brothers for the new San Francisco District and the operation of Saint Mary's College in 1868, his energy, dedication, public relations skills, and the foresight to found feeder schools served the new project well. In 1879, after eleven years in San Francisco, Brother Justin was called back to the New York District to serve as Visitor. He died in 1912.
Found in 5 Collections and/or Records:
Brother Cyril Ashe history
One folder containing a manuscript relating the early history of the college. Manuscript is separated into chapters and contains a history of Brother Justin.
History of Christian Brothers
Single folder containing, a handwritten original manuscript of the "History of the Christian Brothers in California" by Br. Justian.
History of the Christian Brothers in California
Single folder containing several photocopied and transcribed copies of the historical account of St. Mary's College written by Br. Justian.
Saint Mary's College of California Early History Collection
San Francisco Years, 1863 - 1889
The San Francisco Years searies contains materials related to the the campus and history of St. Mary's during the years that the college was located in San Francisco in various formats including ephemera, correspondence, photographs, drawings, maps, biographies, and historical accounts.