Jackson Ward in Richmond, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Saint Joseph Catholic Church

Photographed by Bernard Fisher, November 6, 2009

1. Saint Joseph Catholic Church Marker

Inscription. In 1884, Bishop John Keane bought this property and established Saint Joseph, making it the first-known Catholic congregation organized for African Americans in Virginia. The original congregation began in the basement of the all-white Saint Peter's Church in 1879, and grew to 50 members. During the years 1904-1968, this site also contained the Franciscan convent, still standing. Saint Mary's; a two-room school for grades K-12, later named Van de Vyver; a parish house; a trade school; and a two-year business college, Van de Vyver Institute. In 1969, the church and the school were formally cloed by Bishop John J. Russell.

Erected 2008 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number SA-79.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Education • Religion & Religious Structures. In addition, it is included in the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1884.

Location. 37° 32.975′ N, 77° 26.203′ W. Marker is in Richmond, Virginia. It is in the Jackson Ward. It is at the intersection of North 1st Street and East Duval Street, on the right when traveling north on North 1st Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Richmond VA 23219, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Central Virginia.

It is also in the American South

and specifically in the Upper South.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers.

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At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: John Jasper (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Maggie Lena Walker (1864-1934) (about 600 feet away); Sixth Mount Zion Baptist Church (about 600 feet away); Maggie Lena Walker (about 600 feet away); Third Street Bethel A.M.E. Church (about 700 feet away); A Legacy on Leigh Street (about 700 feet away); Quality Row (about 700 feet away); Alfred D. "A.D." Price (ca. 1860-1921) (about 800 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Richmond.

The Original Saint Joseph's Bell image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bernard Fisher, November 6, 2009

2. The Original Saint Joseph's Bell

Saint Joseph Catholic Church Plaques image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bernard Fisher, November 6, 2009

3. Saint Joseph Catholic Church Plaques

Saint Joseph's Memorial Park image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bernard Fisher, November 6, 2009

4. Saint Joseph's Memorial Park

Photographed by Bernard Fisher, November 6, 2009

5. Saint Joseph's Memorial Park

Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 6, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 2,855 times since then and 107 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on November 6, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.