Organized in 1899 as St. Anthony's Mission by Creoles of African descent, this Catholic parish had established a small school by 1901 through Josephite priests Revs. Joseph St. Laurent and Louis Pastorelli. The present church was completed in 1908 and dedicated as Most Pure Heart of Mary honoring the Blessed Mother. The parish and school were spiritual beacons during the civil rights movement, hosting meetings for the Neighborhood Organized Workers-NOW. Diocesan priests and nuns participated in boycotts and marches in support of the black community. The parish continues as a spiritual home for Mobile's black Catholics.