Charles Daniel White

Biography

Early life Charles White was born on January 5, 1879, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to Patrick and Catherine (née Bolger) White. He attended St. Francis de Sales Seminary in St. Francis, Wisconsin, then completed his studies at the Urban College of Propaganda in Rome. He earned a Ph.D. (1907) and Doctor of Sacred Theology degree (1911). Returning to Michigan, he served as a professor (1911–1919) and rector (1919–1927) at St. Joseph Preparatory Seminary in Grand Rapids.

During his 28-year tenure as bishop, he built St. Anthony School and convent, Sacred Heart School and convent, the Sisters of the Good Shepherd Home in Spokane, Marycliff High School for Girls in Spokane, St. Charles Parish, St. Joseph Parish in Trentwood, Washington, and St. John Vianney Parish in Spokane.

In other areas of the diocese, White built the Grand Coulee Dam Parish in Grand Coulee, Washington, the nurses' home and school in Colfax, Washington and Tonasket Hospital in Tonasket, Washington. For Native Americans, he established St. Gertrude Parish in Monse and St. Jude in Usk, Washington. He also established the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine and the National Catholic Rural Life Conference in the diocese.

Charles White died in Spokane on September 25, 1955, at age 76.