Mobile’s First Black Heritage Trail Markers to be Dedicated

May 22nd, 2007

Please join Mobile City Councilman William Carroll for the dedication of the first historic markers of the Black Heritage Trail on Sunday, May 27, 2007 at Most Pure Heart of Mary Church (304 Sengstak Road) starting at 1 p.m.

The first three historic markers will honor Most Pure Heart of Mary Church, Caldwell School, and St. Martin De Porres Hospital. Each site was selected because of its historical value to the African-American community in Mobile. Most Pure Heart of Mary was the first African-American Catholic Church in Alabama. St. Martin De Porres was the first African-American hospital in Alabama. Caldwell School was the first public high school for African Americans in Mobile.

Future historic markers to be placed include the Dave Patton House, the C. First Johnson House, Union Baptist Church, Finley’s Drug Stores, John L. LeFlore House, Dr. James A. Franklin House, Johnson and Allen Mortuary, H. Roger Williams Drug Store, Creole Firehouse #1, and the Slave Market.

Caldwell School

Congress and Broad Streets

In 1887 the school opened as the Broad Street Academy. It was the first public high school for African Americans in Mobile. The school was razed in 1947 and the existing building was constructed in its place. Renamed as Broad Street School, it reopened as an elementary school and eventually was called Caldwell School in recognition of the first principal of Broad Street Academy, William Caldwell. When the school finally closed due to changing neighborhood demographics, it was incorporated as a part of Bishop State Community College. In keeping with its long educational tradition, the building was designated the Caldwell Building. In 2006, Bishop State rededicated the building as the Caldwell-Richardson Building to also honor long time educator and principal, Nathaniel Richardson.

St. Martin de Porres Hospital

735 South Washington Ave.

The hospital was established by the Catholic Archdiocese of Mobile in 1947. Segregation prevented African American Physicians from admitting patients to the Mobile City Hospital. The current building was erected in 1950. The hospital was named for St. Martin de Porres, who was born in 1597 in Lima, Peru. The son of a Spanish nobleman and a freed black slave, de Porres cared for the sick and many cures were attributed to him. With integration, the hospital closed in 1971. In 1976, it was re-opened as a nursing facility, Allen Memorial Home in dedication to Bishop Edward Allen, the fifth Catholic Bishop of Mobile.

Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church

304 Sengstak Street

The Church was organized in 1899 as St Anthony’s Mission by Creoles of African descent. The Mission was served by Josephite Priests, Rev. Joseph St. Laurent and Rev. Louis Pastorlli. By 1901, a small school was established. The construction of the present church was completed in 1908. The name was changed to Most Pure Heart of Mary in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mother. The Parish continued as a spiritual beacon to black Mobilians during the Civil Rights Movement of the late Sixties and early Seventies. Most Pure Heart of Mary was the public meeting location for the Neighborhood Organized Workers-NOW. Diocesan priests and nuns participated in boycotts and marches in support of the black community. Most Pure Heart of Mary parish continues as a foundation for Black Catholics in Mobile.