Mother Mary Mission, Phenix City, AL had a history of faith, hope, and love-filled memories, with a vision toward the future. Memories and visitors were clouded with the shattering announcement early in 1972 that the Mission was to be closed!

The history of the Mission dates back to 1940, when Fr. Harold Purcell appealed to the Vincentian Sisters of Charity of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania asking them to send Sisters to teach the Gospel and work among the black people in Alabama.

In response to that plea, three Vincentian Sisters arrived in Phenix City on October 11, I940. They began to visit the homes, care for the sick, provide for the needs of the poor, and instruct the children. The task was difficult in those days when the black race in America felt oppressed.

Most. Rev. T. J. Toolen, retired Archbishop of Mobile, entrusted Mother Mary Mission to the care of the Society of the Divine Savior in July 1941. The Salvatorian Fathers were appointed to take charge of the Mission.

On September 8, 1941, Mother Mary Mission School was opened with an enrollment of 67 pupils in four grades. By October, there were 97 children enrolled. The Sisters' small house was utilized as a convent, school, clinic, office and church.

A year later, a frame structure was erected as a school building. With the years, new constructions were added, enlarged, and dedicated. God's blessing was on the labors of the dedicated leaders and the people.

Later, a high school was annexed to the existing edifice. The teaching staff increased as the enrollment grew to 400 students. After several years of outstanding leadership and educational opportunities, it was inevitable that the high school would close in June 1963. The Mission had served as a recreational center providing various activities for the youth of the community, who in most cases, would have been deprived of opportunities for physical, spiritual, mental, and moral growth and development.

The present Mother Mary Mission School kept classes functioning until the threat of closure was announced in 1972. With the assistance of many charitable contributions and hard labor, the Mission was saved. Although many problems and difficulties hang as a low cloud, the school provides an education to children from Kindergarten through the Eight Grade.

The spiritual and the educational programs are based on the Diocesan policies and State requirements, Governmental Programs include, Title I, Title II, and USDA Lunch Program, and the use of educational materials from the Media Center in Phenix City.

The joint efforts, projects, and continual cooperation of parents, pupils, teachers and all the staff, with God's assistance and bell5 from kind benefactors are the encouraging factors that keep Mother Mary Mission School alive and progressing. Father Weise is presently pastor of Mother Mary Mission Church and Sister Cecelia is principal of the school.

This building, called The White House had a significant place in the history of the Mission. It served as The Convent at night, The School and The Church by day, and the Clinic as well.