Huntsville in Madison County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)
St. Joseph's Mission School
Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, August 2, 2020
1. St. Joseph's Mission School Marker
St. Joseph's Mission, church and school, was founded by the Society of the Divine Savior (Salvatorians) to serve the African American community of Madison County. In early fall of 1963, twelve white students submitted applications and were accepted for admission. The event is noted not only for the initial integration of elementary schools in Alabama but also for its "reverse” integration nature.
In 1979, St. Joseph's School merged with St. Mary's School and the combined school, named Holy Family School, continues to operate on this site.
"Religion along with education...that's the reason it works."
Rev. Mark Sterbenz, S.D.S. (Pastor. St. Joseph's Mission, 1961-1967)
Erected 1994 by St. Joseph Catholic Community.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Civil Rights • Education • Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical date for this entry is September 3, 1963.
Location. 34° 44.066′ N, 86° 36.108′ W. Marker is in Huntsville, Alabama, in Madison County. It is at the intersection of Beasley Avenue
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in North Alabama. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Deep South, in Appalachia, and specifically in Southern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the original Cherokee Nation, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Buffalo Soldiers (approx. 0.6 miles away); Passenger Depot (approx. 0.6 miles away); Glenwood Cemetery (approx. 0.6 miles away); St. John African Methodist Episcopal Church (approx. 0.7 miles away); The Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County (approx. 0.7 miles away); Rev. Dr. Joseph E. Lowery Boyhood Home Site (approx. 0.7 miles away); In honor of the Revolutionary Soldiers buried in Madison County (approx. 0.7 miles away); Alabama Gold Star Families Memorial Monument (approx. Ύ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Huntsville.
Also see . . . Huntsville's Holy Family Catholic School marks 50th anniversary of integrated classrooms. From the Huntsville Times. Posted March 7, 2019. (Submitted on August 5, 2020, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)
Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, August 2, 2020
2. St. Joseph's Mission School Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on October 22, 2020. It was originally submitted on August 5, 2020, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 846 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 5, 2020, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.
