Demopolis in Marengo County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)

St. Leo’s Catholic Church

Photographed by Tim & Renda Carr, November 12, 2010

1. St. Leo’s Catholic Church Marker

Inscription. Catholicism was first introduced to this region in 1540 by the priests who accompanied Hernando DeSoto. Napoleonic exiles of the Vine and Olive Colony held religious services and attempted to establish a Catholic mission in Demopolis in 1817. Services were held in homes and in a small frame structure before the present building was constructed in 1905. This church remained a mission until St. Leo’s Parish was permanently established in 1936.

Erected by Alabama Historical Commission.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Religion & Religious Structures. In addition, it is included in the Alabama Historical Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1540.

Location. 32° 30.801′ N, 87° 50.322′ W. Marker is in Demopolis, Alabama, in Marengo County. It is at the intersection of South Main Avenue and West Perry Street, on the right when traveling north on South Main Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 306 South Main Avenue, Demopolis AL 36732, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is 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 New Spain,

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: Demopolis Methodist Church (about 800 feet away, measured in a direct line); "Maison Marengo" (approx. 0.2 miles away); Downtown Demopolis / Demopolis

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(approx. ¼ mile away); Alabama Cattlemen’s Association (approx. ¼ mile away); The Demopolis Theater District (approx. 0.3 miles away); The Demopolis Opera House / Lillian Hellman And (approx. 0.3 miles away); Robertson Banking Company / Mayer Brothers (approx. 0.3 miles away); Marengo County Confederate Monument (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Demopolis.

Photographed by Tim & Renda Carr, November 12, 2010

2. St. Leo’s Catholic Church Marker

Photographed by Tim & Renda Carr, November 12, 2010

3. St. Leo’s Catholic Church & Marker

St. Leo’s Catholic Church image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Tim & Renda Carr, November 12, 2010

4. St. Leo’s Catholic Church

St. Leo’s Catholic Church Cornerstone image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Tim & Renda Carr, November 12, 2010

5. St. Leo’s Catholic Church Cornerstone

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on November 15, 2010, by Timothy Carr of Birmingham, Alabama. This page has been viewed 1,258 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on November 15, 2010, by Timothy Carr of Birmingham, Alabama. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.