Saint James School - Property Description
 Gymnasium
 

Francis began construction on his self-designed gymnasium, without a building permit, in mid-1959. 
As with other legal problems brought on by his "stubbornness", his decision to move forward without involving the right people...in the beginning (this time the building inspector), would be the source of legal problems later on.

To get as much work done in a short amount of time at the lowest cost possible, he again summoned his source of cheap labor - students. Their job was to carry the heavy cinder blocks up to the masons' work platforms - high above the ground.   Although the building would be dedicated in June of 1973, it would never be fully completed thus limited for use by some sports.

Although the gym had several rooms on the lower level facing Hudson St. which could be used as classrooms, we have not received confirmation that Francis used them for that purpose.

In 1980, a local developer who had purchased the school's property (excluding the 1811 Brandegee House) sold the gymnasium and some other buildings to the current owner, the TN based Pentecostal Church.

• Mid 1959
  Construction begins without a building permit

• 1964
  Berlin building and zoning inspector refuses to issue a building permit.  Francis files suit, but Supreme Court of Errors ruled that inspector acted legally in his refusal.

• 1965
  Francis resumes construction - despite the lack of a building permit

• April 1965 - Francis arrested

• October 1965 - Trial begins

• June 1973
  Building formally dedicated - although never fully functional

• 1980 - Sold to current owner
   

Source:  Various Works - Fred Chesson

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