Phenix City in Russell County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)
Mother Mary Mission School and Church
Russell County
Photographed by Mark Hilton, August 11, 2024
1. Mother Mary Mission School and Church Marker
On October 11, 1939, Father Harold Purcell established Mother Mary Mission for the education of African Americans in Phenix City. In 1940, the Vincentian Sisters of Charity of Pittsburgh arrived to operate the mission. The Salvatorian Fathers of Milwaukee assumed administrative duties in July 1941. The school opened September 8, 1941, and the church opened October 8. The Franciscan Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Perpetual Help from Jamaica replaced the Vincentian Sisters of Charity in 1985, and they served until 2012. Many memorable priests and nuns have served "The Mission," such as Father James (Owen) McKenna, Sister Mary DePaul, and Father Thomas Weise.
In 1951, a high school building was added. Between 1950 and 1963, there were approximately 325 graduates from the high school. After closing in 1963, the school continued Kindergarten through eighth grade, with over 700 eighth grade graduates. In February 2005, a new gym and daycare center were dedicated. Between 1941 and the school's closing in 2012, approximately 14,000 students were enrolled and educated at "The Mission" When those affiliated with Mother Mary Mission speak of its history, the pride is evident. Many former students have had distinguished careers in many fields.
Listed in the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage on June 27,
this page online
Erected 2023 by Mother Mary Mission Catholic Church.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Education • Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical month for this entry is February 2005.
Location. 32° 27.116′ N, 85° 0.379′ W. Marker is in Phenix City, Alabama, in Russell County. It is at the intersection of Seale Road and 4th Street, on the right when traveling north on Seale Road. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 318 Seale Rd, Phenix City AL 36869, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Greater Columbus. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Deep South, and in the Black Belt. 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 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: Thomas Greene Bethune (approx. 0.7 miles away in Georgia); Gertrude "Ma" Rainey (approx. 0.7 miles away in Georgia); Horace King (1807 - 1887) (approx. Ύ mile away in Georgia); Confederate Boats (approx. Ύ mile away in Georgia); Confederate Supply (approx. Ύ mile away in Georgia); Frontier Wars (approx. Ύ mile away in Georgia); Battle of Columbus (approx. Ύ mile away in Georgia); Fort Benning (approx. Ύ mile away in Georgia).
Another marker is no longer nearby. William Bartram Trail (was approx. 0.4 miles away but has been confirmed missing).
Photographed by Mark Hilton, August 11, 2024
2. Mother Mary Mission School and Church Marker (reverse)
Photographed by Mark Hilton, August 11, 2024
3. Mother Mary Mission School and Church Marker
Marker can be seen at the top right of the lower staircase.
Photographed by Mark Hilton, August 11, 2024
4. Close up of building behind the marker noted as "Mother Mary Mission".
Credits. This page was last revised on June 28, 2025. It was originally submitted on August 11, 2024, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 353 times since then and 53 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 11, 2024, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.
