St. Mary's:

Our History, Our Future

Founded in 1867, St. Mary's is the oldest Catholic elementary school in Alabama. In the 1890's the Sisters of Mercy were brought to St. Mary Parish by the by Reverend M.F. Filan and the sisters wasted no time "setting up shop" at the back of the church, teaching school children their ABCs.

In 1908 Major Patrick Hannon gave land to St. Mary's especially for the school. The Sisters of Mercy building was built on this land and became the new school and convent. When the building was ready, the classrooms in the back of the church were taken out, the church was extended and extra pews were added to hold the fast-growing congregation of St. Mary's.

Sister Columba, St. Mary's first principal and her assistants, Sister Philomena and Sister Annunciata would be proud today to see the preservation of their hard work. The school flourishes and the ninety-four year old Sisters of Mercy building, now known as the Parish Center, has been restored, its historical architecture preserved, and its facilities modernized.

The First Floor

Prior to renovation, the first floor was not used, ever. What was once referred to as "creepy" and "dungeon like" is now bright and comfortable. The windows have been renovated to let in natural light, illuminating the seven spacious rooms, one office, children's restrooms and laundry facilities. Plaster walls have been added, and the concrete floor sealed. New lights, plumbing, heating and air conditioning have also been added. These spaces now encompass the preschool, the parish youth center and the ministry of Our Sister's Closet, and is home to various parish and school functions.

The Second Floor

The original wood floors on the second floor had been covered by asbestos tiles and carpeted. The asbestos tiles were safely removed, the carpeting taken away, and the original flooring was sanded and finished. The floors are now beautiful.

Plywood paneling, that once concealed the original plaster walls, was removed and the plaster repaired and painted. The original trim has been repaired and new trim installed to match the existing woodwork.

During the 1950's the original windows had been replaced with metal frames. Today period replica windows are in place.

Boarded up for many years, the Old Shell Road entrance has been made fully functional, making all six entrances to the building operational.

Plans for the future

At this time, the third floor is not renovated. Plans for this project will commence once funds become sufficient to begin. The renovation plans will include.

. An elevator to make all floors handicap accessible.

. Expansion to accommodate parish and school needs

. Expansion of community outreach programs, such as Our Sister's Closet.