Montgomery in Montgomery County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)
City of St. Jude/The Selma to Montgomery March
Photographed By Mark Hilton, January 3, 2014
1. City of St. Jude Marker
Founded by Father Harold Purcell in the 1930s, the City of St. Jude included church, school, medical facilities, social center and rectory. Its mission was to provide spiritual, educational, social and health services for Montgomery's black citizens. Distinguished for its Romanesque architecture and landscaping, site was designed by architects William Calham and Joseph Maschi. Leading the way in nondiscriminatory health care, the institution helped organize the county's first prenatal care program, school of practical nursing and first drug and alcohol treatment center in the state. In 1953 it provided primary polio treatment. Hospital closed, 1985; church and school continue to serve the community in the spirit as that of its founder.
(side 2)
On March 24, 1965, more than 25,000 weary marchers, seeking voting rights, rested on these grounds. Joining them were Harry Belafonte, Sammy Davis, Jr., Leonard Bernstein, Mahalia Jackson, Shelly Winters and other supporters. As no public facilities were available to them, Father Paul J. Mullaney, director, City of St. Jude, opened parish grounds to crowd where they rested under protection of St. Jude Thaddeus, patron saint of hopeless
this page online
Erected 1997 by Alabama Historical Association.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Churches & Religion • Civil Rights • Science & Medicine. In addition, it is included in the Alabama Historical Association series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1953.
Location. 32° 21.094′ N, 86° 19.627′ W. Marker is in Montgomery, Alabama, in Montgomery County. Marker is on West Fairview Avenue, 0.1 miles west of Oak Street, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2048 West Fairview Avenue, Montgomery AL 36108, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A Refuge (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Heroes' Welcome (about 400 feet away); Campsite 4 (about 600 feet away); Marching to Montgomery (about 600 feet away); Historic Sites Near Fairview Environmental Park (approx. half a mile away); Support: Local and Organizational (approx. 0.6 miles away); Charlie and Lucille Times (approx. 0.7 miles away); Bertha Pleasant Williams Library (approx. 0.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Montgomery.
Photographed By Mark Hilton, January 3, 2014
2. The Selma to Montgomery March Marker (Side 2)
Photographed By Mark Hilton, January 3, 2014
3. City of St. Jude
Photographed By Mark Hilton, January 3, 2014
4. City of St. Jude
Photographed By Mark Hilton, January 3, 2014
5. City of St. Jude
Photographed By Mark Hilton, January 6, 2018
6. Selma to Montgomery Trail sign along the route.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 10, 2020. It was originally submitted on January 3, 2014, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 1,718 times since then and 141 times this year. Last updated on July 24, 2015, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on January 3, 2014, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. 6. submitted on May 4, 2018, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
