January 28, 2010 FEATURE Southern Cross, Page 5 Recognition along the road: Historical Society markers include diocesan churches ike flowers along a travel route, Georgia’s historical markers encour- 1915-2003. the marker, “was constructed from Lage visitors to “rest a spell” and think a little. Of the seven markers The markers honoring 1857-63 and is one of the oldest listed in the Winter 2009 Issue, of the Georgia Historical Society (GHS)— and Saint Peter Catholic buildings in Georgia. responsible for state markers since 1998—two are those of Catholic insti- Claver Churches companion oth- The original 1814 structure served tutions in the Savannah Diocese: Saint Benedict the Moor ers throughout Georgia of interest as the Sisters of Mercy Hospital (Savannah) and Saint Peter Claver Catholic Church and School (Macon). to present-day Catholics. A glance during the Civil War.” Another These latest markers join many other commemorative Catholic markers at the Index of Georgia Historic Augusta marker dedicated by already posted throughout the state. Markers, broken down into coun- Georgia Historical Society in 2006 Part of an initiative partnered American woman religious in the ties, confirms that most of these honors the Sisters of with Sam’s Club and Wal-Mart state. Saint Benedict’s new church plaques are located in the ninety- who worked in Savannah, and Stores, Inc., this pair of recent was built in 1949. county Diocese of Savannah; at a girls’ school in Washington, GHS-installed markers recognizes The other recent historical many, in Chatham County. Georgia, before going to Augusta events and happenings meaningful marker (#11-6) significant The seat of the diocese, in 1912. There, they began Mount to African-Americans of the area. to the diocese and to black the Cathedral of Saint John Saint Joseph Academy, which They are significant to Catholics Catholics was erected in the Baptist, received rec- operated from 1915 until 1960 as well. Selection of Saint 2008 by GHS during its ognition in 2007 when and also founded Saint Mary’s Benedict’s Church as one of them recently-ended quarter. a marker was erected by Elementary School, Aquinas seems overdue. Honoring Saint Peter Catholic Georgia Historical Society High School and Saint Joseph’s Saint Benedict’s history Church and School, Macon, and the church’s parish Hospital. goes deeply into the past. It is the marker’s inscription reads: council, which stated: “The con- Markers generated by Georgia gregation of Saint John Historical Society—from Saint the “Mother Church of Black “This African-American Rita H. DeLorme Catholics in Georgia.” The marker parish began in 1888 and the Baptist formed in the Benedict’s and Saint Peter erected in 2008 notes: “In 1874 was named Saint Peter Claver in late 18th century when French Claver’s markers, to others cited— two Benedictine priests arrived in honor of the Patron Saint of Negro emigrees fleeing revolution in comprise a significant sampling Savannah to work with the city’s Missions.” The current school, France and Haiti found refuge in of historic plaques of interest to African-American community.” convent and rectory were built in Savannah. The Church of Saint Georgia Catholics. Along with A church was built on a site four 1913; the church, in 1928. Funded John the Baptist became a cathe- plaques erected by other groups blocks from its present location at by Mother (later Saint) Katherine dral in 1850 when the Diocese of throughout the diocese, they invite East Broad near Gordon Lane. In Drexel, the school was built by Savannah was established with those who see them to “rest a 1889, a new church was construct- Father Ignatius Lissner, SMA, and Bishop Francis X. Gartland as its spell” and read them. ed. From 1907-1968 the Society of the Society of African Missions first bishop.” African Missions (SMA) cared for Fathers, and staffed by Mother In 2006, GHS and the parish Columnist RITA H. DELORME Saint Benedict’s. During the same Drexel’s Sisters of the Blessed of the Church of the Most Holy is a volunteer in the Diocesan Archives. She can be reached period, Franciscan Sisters ran Sacrament. Members of the SMA Trinity in Augusta (established at [email protected]. the parish school and staffed the order tended the parish from 1810) erected a marker for that orphanage established by Mother 1913-1970 and Blessed Sacrament historic Catholic Church. “The Matilda Beasley, first African- Sisters taught at the school from current sanctuary,” as inscribed on

Saints & Shamrocks

May love, loyalty & friendship be always at your door!

309 Bull Street Savannah, GA 31401 Tel.: 912-233-8858