HISTORY OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH IN TUSCALOOSA
1819
As early as 1819, three years after Tuscaloosa was founded, Catholics were numerous enough to hold meetings to devise ways and means of holding Divine Worship. Among these early Catholics were: Daniel Kelly, Thomas Cummins, Michael Shay, Arthur Bullman, William Clare, John Duffy and Edmond Rourke.
1819 - 1835
The first known Catholic priest's, Fathers LaRap and Shallow visited Tuscaloosa.
1835
Bishop Portier visited Tuscaloosa, which at the time was the capital of Alabama.
1844 - February
The Catholic people of Tuscaloosa petitioned Bishop Portier for a resident pastor. The Bishop, accompanied by Father Patrick R. Hackett, made his second visit to Tuscaloosa.
1844
The Parish was established after suitable arrangements were made for the support of a pastor and church. Father P.R. Hackett was the first pastor of what would become St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. The first recorded baptism was of Henry S. Rourke, baptized by Bishop Portier on February 4. John Gleason, buried on August 26, was the first recorded Catholic burial in Tuscaloosa.
1845
On June 9 part of Lot 303 was purchased from Joel White for $300.00. The Church was erected on this site at a cost of $2,800.00. While the building was under construction, Holy Mass was celebrated in the old courthouse. St. John the Baptist Catholic Church is the oldest Catholic Church in Alabama outside the city of Mobile. Construction was completed by Granger & Donoho and it was considered to be the finest example of brickwork in the city. The building is located at the comer of 25th Avenue and 8th Street (then Washington and Pike Streets). Bricks were hand made and sun dried and the lumber was hand hewn pine.
1846
On January 26, Bishop Portier dedicated the building to the honor
and glory of God under the patronage of St. John the Baptist.
1847-1858
Father Desgaultier succeeded Father Hackett as pastor.
1858
Father Michael Dougherty became resident pastor. He was ordained in 1857 and St. John's was his only Parish as he died that year. Father Dougherty is buried in front of the Church.
1860-1861
Father Dominic Manucy was pastor. He later became the third Bishop of the Diocese.
1862-1864
Father T. J. M. Murphy was pastor.
1863
Parochial school was conducted in the rooms adjoining the main Church building.
1864
Father William F. McDonough, age 23, became pastor.
1865
On April 4, Father William F. McDonough accompanied Mayor Obediah Berry to the brow of the river hill where the mayor surrendered the city to General John T. Croxton, commander of the Federal forces.
1872
SL Paul's Church in Birmingham (now the cathedral), a mission Church of St. John's, was dedicated.
1875
Father Kerwin, pastor, was considered a great orator.
1878
Father William J. Hamilton, who had been Chaplain at Andersonville Prison, GA during the War Between the States, was pastor.
1878-80
Father Crowley was pastor.
1880
Father McDonough returned to Tuscaloosa but stayed only 4 years.
1884-1888
Father John Cassidy, pastor collected money to build the first church in Blocton, which he attended from Tuscaloosa.
1888 - 1890
A period of improvements effected by Father James P. McCafferty. The belfry, stone steps, and stone coping were added to the front of the Church; the pastoral residence was constructed; a new roof was put on the building; the interior of the Church was painted; stained glass windows, a new altar, and new pews were installed; and a tombstone was placed over the grave of Father Dougherty.
1896
In January, services commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the building of St. John's were held.
1902
Father Matthew Gardner was pastor for a short while.
1901-1910
Father Thomas Cassidy, pastor.
1910
Father Sweeny began the custom of saying Mass each month at Bryce Hospital.
1915
St. John's was Father Eugene L. Sands first charge after his ordination.
1916
In October, St. Mary's Parish for Negro Catholics was established and dedicated.
1918
Father Sands resigned as pastor of St. John's to become a Chaplain in the U.S. Army; 16 men from the parish (about 10% of the parish) served in the Armed Forces during World War 1.
1918-1929
Father Thomas Lenahan's chief interest was the advancement of Catholic education and welfare work.
1920
St. John's School was dedicated by Bishop Edward P. Allen on November 10. Inspired and directed by Father Thomas A. Lenahan, the school was built by Mr. A. Romain on Lot32 on the southwest comer at the intersection of 8th Street and 25th Avenue. Sisters of Loretto were in charge of the school from 1920 to 1925. The Missionary Servants of the Holy Trinity conducted the school from 1925 to 1931.
1923
Father Thomas Lenahan established the first Newman Club for Catholic students at the University of Alabama; he used his mother's home as the first Catholic Student Center.
1929
St. Francis Chapel was established for the benefit of the Catholic students attending the University of Alabama. Also, the Holy Ghost Fathers, the first religious society of men invited to the Diocese by Bishop Toolen, arrived in Tuscaloosa. (interior of St. Francis Chapel)
1929-1940
Father A. J. Hackett was responsible for the redecorating of the interior of St. John's Church, as well as the installation of heating systems in the Church and rectory. He served as pastor at St. John's and St. Francis. (interior of St. John's Church)
1940-1947
Father Michael Mulvoy conducted the celebration of the centennial of St. John's Church on October 16, 17, 18, 1944. In 1947, he became pastor of St. Francis until 1974.
1947
Father Eugene McGrugin was pastor at St. John's.
1947-1959
Father Edward Beriault was assigned as pastor of St. John's and was responsible for many renovations in the Church.
1959-1971
Father J. J. Cassidy was pastor St. John's and under his leadership construction completed on Holy Spirit Church, Rectory, Convent and School.
1961
Archbishop Toolen approved sale of St. John's School property to First Methodist Church. Construction of Holy Spirit School began.
1962
Classes began sessions in the newly completed Holy Spirit School in September under the care of the Benedictine Sisters. The Sisters moved into new Holy Spirit Convent in November.
1963
On January 27, Archbishop Toolen blessed Holy Spirit School. In October, a ground breaking ceremony was held for the Church of the Holy Spirit. Construction of the new rectory was also started.
1964
Holy Spirit Church was completed. First Mass was celebrated on November 8, when children received First Holy Communion.
1965
On January 3, the Church was dedicated by His Excellency, the Most Reverend T. J. Toolen, D.D.
1971-1974
Father Mac Paul Abraham was pastor at Holy Spirit Churh.
1972 - 1976
Mrs. Judy Puhr became principal of Holy Spirit School
1973 -1985
Father John Fallon was assigned as pastor at St. Francis.
1974-1982
Father Michael J. White was pastor at Holy Spirit Church.
1974
On November 5th, St. Sophie's University Chapel was dedicated. A donation from Mrs. Sophie Zeigler made construction of the chapel possible. St. Sophie's replaced St. Francis Chapel.
1976 - 1987
Mrs. Judy Halli became principal of Holy Spirit School
1976
Work was begun to restore St. John's Church. Mr. and Mrs. Jack Fletcher of Tuscaloosa were responsible for the restoration of the stained glass windows and the Stations of the Cross.
1978
A fund-raising drive was started in March to finance construction of an addition to the school building consisting of a gymnasium and three classrooms. Work was begun in the summer of 1978 and the first 9th grade class graduated in June, 1979.
1982
St. Sophie's Chapel was established as a parish and renamed St. Francis of Assisi University Parish with Father John Falon as pastor.
1982-1985
Father Francis Craven was pastor of Holy Spirit Church.
1985
The Michael Mulvoy Education Building was added to St. Francis Parish.
1985-1998
Father John Fallon is pastor of Holy Spirit Church.
1986-1987
Father Kevin Cooke was associate pastor at Holy Spirit Church.
1987 - 1988
Mr. Lee Henderson became principal of Holy Spirit School.
1987
Extensive renovations at Holy Spirit and St. John's. At Holy Spirit among other renovations, the confessionals were re-done, the baptistery was moved, and the foyer enlarged.
1989 - present
Mrs. Ana McCrone became principal of Holy Spirit School.
1989
Parish Hall at Holy Spirit dedicated on May 7. The parish hall was built after a 3-year fund raising drive.
1990-1993
Deacon Thomas Kelly assigned to Holy Spirit Parish. After his ordination in December, 1990, Father Kelly remained at Holy Spirit as associate pastor.
1991
In January, an Endowment Fund was initiated for Holy Spirit School to ensure quality Catholic education in the years to come.
1992
A Youth Center, consisting of five classrooms, a large meeting room, kitchen, office, and game room was built. The new facility serves elementary and high school religious education students and students of Holy Spirit School. In November, 1992,Vemon Hugeley and David Buchannan were ordained deacons by Bishop Boland at Holy Spirit Church.
1993
In February, stained glass windows were installed at Holy Spirit. Father Buchanan and Hugeley returned to Holy Spirit to celebrate masses of thanksgiving after their ordination in June. In July, Father William Lucas came to Holy Spirit as associate pastor, replacing Father Kelly, who was assigned to Our Lady of Sorrows parish in Birmingham. In August a group of high school students from Holy Spirit parish joined other diocesan youth groups on a trip to Denver to see Pope John Paul II during World Youth Day activities. St. Elizabeth's Guild was established for mothers of young children. Mom's Little Angels, a mother's morning out program, also begun. In October, a covered walkway and portico was added to the west side of the school building. In November, Father Lucas left Holy Spirit for an assignment in Jacksonville, Alabama. Three members of Holy Spirit Parish were among the graduates of the first class of the Lay Ministry Program sponsored by the Diocese of Birmingham. In December, the Knights of Columbus Hall was dedicated. The meeting room and kitchen facility are attached to the Parish Hall Preschool Building.
1993
St. Francis Parish expansion of the Parish Hall and Student Center, and the addition of a new wing of classrooms. Sr. Madeleine Gregg, Faithful Companions of Jesus, was missioned to Tuscaloosa as an assistant professor of teacher education in the elementary department of the University of Alabama and to accompany college students in their search for their vocation.
1994
Father Liam Sullivan became resident at Holy Spirit in January and served as Chaplain at the VA Hospital and the missions. Work was begun on softball and soccer fields at Holy Spirit. In June, Father Fallon celebrated the 25th anniversary of his ordination into the priesthood. In October, St. John's Church celebrated its 150th anniversary. The Catholic community decided to expand catholic education to include grades 9 through 12. December, Capital Campaign began to raise funds for construction of facility.
1995 - 1997
Plans were drawn up for an additional building to be constructed adjacent to Holy Spirit school. The new facility was to be constructed in 3 phases. On completion, the building would be used as a Middle School and High School complex. Ground breaking for Phase I, construction of 18,000 square foot building, was May 9, 1995. Mr. Michael Burke becomes principal of Holy Spirit High School. The 9th grade class began Fall 1995.
1995
St. Francis Parish dedication of new playground area. Father Liam Sullivan was reassigned to St. Aloysius, Bessemer. Father David Buchanan was assigned as Associate Pastor at Holy Spirit Church.
1996
Phase I of the new High School blessed on January 24, by Rev. David E. Foley, Bishop of Birmingham Diocese. 10th grade class registers in Fall. Father David Buchanan was resident at Holy Spirit parish as Director of West Alabama Missions.
1997
Spring construction begins on Phase II and III of High School. An additional 18,000 square feet building and a gymnasium were added to the existing Phase I construction. 11th grade class registers in Fall. On December 11 the completed facility was dedicated by Bishop David E. Foley of Birmingham Diocese. Sr. Helen Kampel, Faithful Companions of Jesus, was missioned to Tuscaloosa. She serves in the Focus on Senior Citizens' Foster Grandparent program and a volunteer at University Place Elementary school. She served as Eucharistic minister and helped with the RCIA program at St. Francis parish.
1998
July: Father Andy Sullivan assigned as pastor to St. Francis Parish; Father Raymond Dunmyer was reassigned to St. Aloysius, Bessemer. Father David Buchanan left Holy Spirit for an assignment at St. Joseph, Florence. Father Jerry Deasy assigned as pastor of Holy Spirit Parish; Father John Fallon was reassigned to Prince of Peace, Birmingham. September, Mr. Alan Powers becomes new principal of Holy Spirit Middle and High School. 12th grade class registers at Holy Spirit High School in Fall completing the expansion of Catholic education program through 12th grade.
1999
Sisters of the Faithful Companions of Jesus opened a convent in Tuscaloosa at 308 16th Street East. May 7, plans are approved to replace elementary school roof, add locker rooms to the Harrison Gym in the Holy Spirit High/Middle School, and add a science lab. May 9, Knights of Columbus complete construction of the Monument to the Unborn, and Father Deasy dedicated and blessed the monument on Mother's Day. Holy Spirit High School varsity girls volley ball team wins State Championship. May 20, the First Senior class graduates from Holy Spirit High School. Six acres of land between Holy Spirit School and the Interstate are purchased for $325,000. July 1, Mr. Stephen Calabro becomes new principal of Holy Spirit Middle and High School. Mrs. Judith Halli appointed to new position of academic dean of Holy Spirit Middle and High School. Growth of parish is expected for several years ahead. Discussions start for modifying the master plan to accommodate needs for a larger church and future ability to expand the school to three sections per grade.
2000
2000
Dec 2, three men from Tuscaloosa area were ordained permanent Deacons for the Diocese of Birmingham. Rev. Mr. Frank R. Slapikas was assigned to Holy Spirit Parish and to prison ministry at Bibb correctional Facility. Rev. Mr. Fancis N. Viscelli, Jr. was assigned to Holy Spirit Church and to the African-American ministry in West Central Alabama. Rev. Mr. J. Adrian Straley was assigned to St. Francis University Parish and to Hispanic ministry in the Southwest Deanery. October 2000 ? a 5 year development plan for expansion of the church was presented to the parish. Holy Spirit High School varsity girls volley ball team wins State Championship.
2001
14,000 sq. ft. two story multipurpose facility addition to Holy Spirit High School constructed. This added to the school complex locker rooms, showers, offices and 4 multi-purpose meeting rooms. A softball and multipurpose field were constructed on the six acres behind Holy Spirit High school. During summer Tim Pfander, seminarian for the Birmingham Diocese, was resident at Holy Spirit Church. August, Sr. Madeline Contorno, Benedictine Sister from Sacred Heart Monastery in Cullman, was assigned to Holy Spirit Parish as Director of Parish Ministries. October, Holy Spirit Church holds a four-day parish wide revival. October 14, Holy Spirit Church begins celebrating mass at 1PM on Sundays in Spanish. October 23, Fr. Santiago begins celebrating a mass in Spanish at 6PM on Tuesdays in Holy Spirit Church. Began holding daytime Eucharistic Adoration at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church on Tuesdays and Wednesdays throughout the year.
2002
Catholic Family Services moves from office located at Holy Spirit Parish Office building to its own house located at 608 37th Street East. Catholic Family Services expands by opening the Catholic Family Services Center at the same location. Plans are made to expand its services to the needy in the community. MOMS group renovates Holy Spirit Parish rectory to partition it into two sections. The West side will be a nursery for childcare during Sunday Masses and other parish functions. On May 5 Fr. Deasy performed a ceremony blessing the nursery and dedicating it to St. Elizabeth Ann Seton. July, Sr. Tonette Sperando, O.S.B., Benedictine Sister from Sacred Heart Monastery in Cullman, is assigned to Holy Spirit Parish to serve as President of Holy Spirit Schools and Principal of Holy Spirit Elementary School. Sister Bernadette Sachs, O.S.B., Benedictine Sister from Sacred Heart Monastery in Cullman, is assigned to Holy Spirit Parish to serve as Director of the Catholic Family Service Center. December 14, Bishop David E. Foley blesses and dedicates Tuscaloosa Catholic Family Service Center.
2003
July Rev Gerald Hollaway assigned Pastor of St. Francis University Parish and St. Robert Bellarmine Church, Reform. Rev Andrew Sullivan assigned as Pastor of St. Joseph Church Florence
2005
June, Sr. Madeline, Bernadette, and Tonette were asked to assume new Community responsibilities - Sr. Bernadette and Sr. Tonette were asked to do a full-time ministries at Sacred heart Monastery, and Sr. Madeline was asked to do a part-time ministry at Sacred heart Monastery and full-time pastoral ministry at Our Lady of the Valley, Birmingham. July Sr. Elaine Sebera, Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, Baltimore Regional Community, was assigned to Holy Spirit Catholic Regional School to serve as President of the school. In November she also assumed the role of Principal of the preschool and elementary school. Angel Steadman became director of Catholic Family Services Center. December 10, William Remmert ordained to the permanent diaconate by Bishop David E. Foley. Deacon Remmert was assigned to St. Francis University Parish in Tuscaloosa and to the rural ministry in the Southwest Deanery.
2006
September Sr. Carol Ann Gray, Mission Helpers of the Sacred Heart, was assigned as Director of Catholic Family Services Center in Tuscaloosa. September, Sr. Mary Leahy, Faithful Companions of Jesus, was missioned to the FCJ convent at 308 16th Street East in Tuscaloosa. She is involved with the year long discernment related to FCJ establishing a Spirituality Center here in Tuscaloosa, or in Durham, North Carolina.
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