Living a simple life on the far northeast side of Springfield, the Franciscan Brothers of the Holy Cross follow the example of St. Francis of Assisi. The history of these brothers dates back to 1862 when Brother James Wirth founded the order in Germany, dedicating it to helping young economically disadvantaged men by training them in various trades.

In 1928, ten brothers arrived in Springfield and took over a farm and dairy operated by the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis. By 1930, they opened St. James Trade School, offering boys from a Catholic orphanage in Alton education and career training. "So those first boys came here and learned trades," said Brother John Francis Tyrrell, FFSC, current superior of the community.

The school provided individual attention with never more than 80 students enrolled at a time. However, it closed in 1972 due to rising costs and loss of contracts for supplying local institutions.

Afterward, the brothers shifted focus to direct care for developmentally disabled men by opening Brother James Court in 1975. Despite thriving for nearly five decades, it closed in 2022 due to challenges posed by COVID-19. "It was just a very difficult time," said Brother John Francis.

Currently, six brothers reside at St. James Monastery with two others living in Missouri. At age 68, Brother John Francis is the youngest among them and has been back at St. James Monastery for a year after serving as general superior in Germany.

Brother John Francis emphasizes that age is only chronological: “We have brothers in their 70s and 80s who are very active.” He also manages cooking duties alongside Brother Stephen Bissler and organizes chores at the monastery.

Looking forward to celebrating their centennial presence in Springfield soon, Brother John Francis expressed contentment with their home: “This is our home. We are staying here.”