Founders
Joseph "Doc" O'Brien
Joseph Lawrence O'Brien, a Roman Catholic priest, was born in 1884 in Avoca, Pennsylvania, to Thomas F. O'Brien and Sarah A. Morahan. He attended Mount St. Mary's Seminary in Emmitsburg, Maryland, and the Albertinum seminary in Fribourg, Switzerland. His degrees include a Master of Arts, Doctor of Sacred Theology, and Doctor of Laws. Originally, O’Brien was a seminarian for the Diocese of Scranton in Pennsylvania; however, Bishop Henry Northrop adopted O'Brien to the Diocese of Charleston in 1910. He was ordained in Fribourg on December 15, 1912.
O'Brien served at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Charleston, South Carolina, from 1914-1929. In 1915 he cofounded Bishop England High School and served as its rector from its beginning until 1947. O'Brien also served St. Patrick Parish in Charleston, from 1929 until his death on March 2, 1952.
James J. May
James J. May, a Roman Catholic priest, was born in 1881 in Charleston, South Carolina, to John May and Sarah Corcoran. His father was a native of Ireland and his mother a native of Charleston. He attended St. Patrick's School in Charleston, St. Charles College in Ellicott City, Maryland, and St. Mary's Seminary in Baltimore, Maryland. His degrees included a Bachelor of Sacred Theology and Master of Arts.
May was ordained to the Diocese of Charleston on June 17, 1913, by Bishop Henry Northrop. He served at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist for his entire tenure as a priest, first as assistant pastor from 1913-1923, and then as rector. In 1915, May cofounded Bishop England High School. He also served as Chancellor from 1917-1929. In 1929, May was elevated to Vicar General. He served as Vicar General until his death in 1958.
Pope Pius XI elevated May to domestic prelate on November 5, 1934.