HISTORY OF PMA
On July 28, 1924, two religious representatives
of the Congregation of the Presentation of Mary, Saint Hyacinth, P.Q.,
arrived at Hudson, N.H. to choose the site for a future foundation.
They had come at the expressed invitation of Most Reverend George Albert
Guertin, Bishop of Manchester, who wished to have in his diocese a bilingual
boarding school which would serve the Franco-American population. On
August 28, Mr. Alexander McDonald sold 128 acres of land to the Community
The four story brick structure, trimmed with granite possesses an interesting heritage of which not too many people are aware
The actual building project began September 14, 1925. The building blueprints, modeled after the Order's Mother House in St. Hyacinthe, Canada, were drawn up by Charles Bernier. The building was built by the Ulric Boileau Construction of Montreal, Canada. The building took exactly one year to complete. However, not without delays. Midway through, at noon on December 24, 1925, Christmas Eve, a fire of great proportion destroyed the fourth floor and brought damages of up to $300,000. Insurance covered the loss, and the construction was resumed in January 1926. It is estimated that the project took approximately 2 million dollars to build. The building was completed in September, 1926. On September 8th, the Feast of the Nativity of Mary, Bishop Guertin in a solemn ceremony blessed the Academy.
The completed structure stands four stories, is 300 feet long, and 100 feet deep. It is surmounted by a cupola, which houses a bell made in the tiny town of Savoy, France. The building itself sits a quarter mile from Lowell Road, giving it stately beauty.
The school officially opened on September 15, 1926. The enrollment at that time was 70 girls, ranging in age from 7 to 17. As the school grew and expanded, it soon became the largest Franco-American boarding institution in New England. The students came from cities all over the area, but the majority came from the Merrimack Valley.
Presentation of Mary Academy has always been one of the finest institutions of its type. Founded by the Sisters of the Presentation of Mary, the school is dedicated to providing an education with a curriculum based on high academic standards and moral values.
PMA remained a boarding school until the early 1970's. Now it is a day school, housing grades K-8. The faculty is a combination of lay and religious teachers. Students and teachers at PMA provide an environment which is conducive to learning, and an atmosphere that enables individuals to grow spiritually and mentally.
From day to day, under the shadow of the cross, and protected by Christ the King whose statue adorns the entrance of the Academy, the personnel of the building, religious and students alike, remain faithful to their calling of worship and service.
School Song
The school song is called PMA - IT'S THE PLACE TO BE, written by the Choir Director, Mrs. Kathleen MacLean. The students all learn the lyrics, and sing it at gatherings and recitals. Sing the song with your child. Here are the words to help you along.
REFRAIN:
PMA it's the place to be . . .
PMA it helps me to be me . . .
There's growing and learning and so much more . . .
There's friendship and laughter and love galore . . .
PMA I'm happy to say that - - - - You Make My Day! >>(repeat last time only)
We can play sports and we can sing songs . . .
We can have fun while doing work all day long . . .
Math, Science, English paper, pencils and pens . . .
All help us to be young Christian women and men . . . >> to refrain
Social Studies, Art, Religion and Gym . . .
We open up and let knowledge pour in . . .
Teachers are OK and that's no surprise . . .
They help me a lot and so I surmise that . . .
PMA I'm happy to say that You Make My Day! >> to refrain
