Founded by Father Harold Purcell in the 1930s, the City of St. Jude included a church, school, medical facilities, social center, and rectory, with a mission to provide spiritual, educational, social, and health services for Montgomery's black citizens. Distinguished by its Romanesque architecture and landscaping, the site was designed by architects William Calham and Joseph Maschi. It led the way in nondiscriminatory health care by helping organize the county's first prenatal care program, school of practical nursing, and the state's first drug and alcohol treatment center, and in 1953 it provided primary polio treatment. The hospital closed in 1985, but the church and school continued to serve the community in the spirit of its founder. On March 24, 1965, more than 25,000 weary marchers seeking voting rights camped on these grounds during the Selma to Montgomery March. Harry Belafonte, Sammy Davis, Jr., Leonard Bernstein, Mahalia Jackson, Shelly Winters, and other supporters joined them after Father Paul J. Mullaney, director of the City of St. Jude, opened the parish grounds because no public facilities were available. The next morning, the marchers continued to the state capitol to further the cause of voter registration.

Photo: Mark Hilton

Photo: Mark Hilton

Photo: Mark Hilton

Photo: Mark Hilton

Photo: Mark Hilton

Montgomery, Alabama · USA