This is the inside of the church located in the City of St. Jude.
If you remember, in 1934, Fr. Purcell came to Montgomery, Alabama to serve the black community. He had five dollars in his pocket. Thankfully, the bishop of the Diocese of Mobile helped him purchase 54 acres of land on which to build a hospital, school, nursing school, home for disabled children, and this church.
Now, this church is unlike any you’ve probably ever seen on the inside. Finished in 1938, everything about it was built with thoughtful intentions.
Even during difficult economic times, Fr. Purcell wanted to use quality materials because he noticed that black people often got the leftovers in schools, churches, and hospitals. So, he wanted marble for the floor and rich wood for the walls.
It’s a teaching church and so the stained-glass windows don’t really have pictures, but instead, words explaining where we find the seven sacraments in Scripture. It also explains the Apostles’ Creed on the right side windows.
The most unique feature is the beams with the Ten Commandments on them. Right over the tabernacle is, very fittingly, the First Commandment, “I am the Lord, your God.”
Another unique feature is that the roof of this church is a deep blue because Fr. Purcell wanted to wrap the parishioners in Mary’s blue mantle.
The City of Jude is a National Historic Site because of the role it played in the famous Civil Rights March from Selma to Montgomery. On the fourth night, marchers were given permission to camp on the grounds before heading to the capitol building the next day. No other organization in town that had the space would allow the marchers to camp.
While not the most stunningly beautiful church, it is like a time capsule, depicting the 1930s in America—a time when I doubt many churches were being built.
It has a great history and I enjoyed hearing about Fr. Purcell’s dream of serving a neglected community. His dream became a reality and that’s the best part.
If ever in Montgomery, Alabama, be sure to check out this historical church, Catholic Pilgrims.
Live the Faith boldly and travel well.
