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History on Campus: The Cheyenne Cross
Anchoring the campus on the corner of Euclid and Bellevue, the large topiary cross is a physical symbol of our Catholic faith and heritage. We pass it daily, often admiring the colorful flowers planted at its base, but did you know beneath the leafy vine lies a wooden cross that has been a fixture on our campus since the 1930s? Called the Cheyenne Cross for decades by the Sisters who lived and taught at Mayfield, this campus icon is a piece of history that connects us to one of the earliest western outposts of the Society of the Holy Child Jesus, Holy Child Academy in Cheyenne, Wyoming. A gift to the school from the class of 1927, the cross was a part of the Cheyenne campus until it closed in 1933. That following summer it traveled to Pasadena with library books, a piano, hymnals and other religious items to become a part of our history on Euclid Avenue.
When the cross arrived at Mayfield it was placed on the southeast corner of the campus on what was then the front lawn of the convent. It can be seen in the background of many old First Communion and graduation photographs. In 2002 when construction began on the new south campus, the cross was moved, carefully preserved until the project was completed and then returned to its corner location. Today, a small piece of its Cheyenne roots remain as the cross still bears the small dedication plaque from the Holy Child Academy Class of 1927. Originally a crucifix, the inscription plaque bearing the title INRI is also still attached beneath the heavy vine, although the Christ figure was removed more than two decades ago due to theft or vandalism. It was at that time the fast-growing vine was allowed to cover the cross, and has been trimmed regularly ever since to maintain the shape.
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When the cross arrived at Mayfield it was placed on the southeast corner of the campus on what was then the front lawn of the convent. It can be seen in the background of many old First Communion and graduation photographs. In 2002 when construction began on the new south campus, the cross was moved, carefully preserved until the project was completed and then returned to its corner location. Today, a small piece of its Cheyenne roots remain as the cross still bears the small dedication plaque from the Holy Child Academy Class of 1927. Originally a crucifix, the inscription plaque bearing the title INRI is also still attached beneath the heavy vine, although the Christ figure was removed more than two decades ago due to theft or vandalism. It was at that time the fast-growing vine was allowed to cover the cross, and has been trimmed regularly ever since to maintain the shape.
Mayfield Junior School
405 South Euclid Avenue, Pasadena, California 91101 626.796.2774
Located in Pasadena, California, Mayfield Junior School of the Holy Child Jesus is a K-8 Catholic coeducational private school. Our kindergarten, elementary school, and middle school experience best prepares students for high school education and beyond.
