Dedicated on Sept. 19, 1910 by Bishop Thomas Heslin, St. Joseph Catholic Church opened for the first time as a mission church for African-Americans in Meridian.

Fr. John Hoenderop S.V.D., Superior of the Divine Word Missionaries, erected the first building to be known as Mount St. Joseph. Rev. Mother Katherine Drexel, founders of the Blessed Sacrament Sisters, donated $11,000 toward the construction of the new mission.

On Oct. 15, 1910, Fr. James Wendell, S.V.D. was named as the first pastor. Under his leadership the mission experienced phenomenal growth.

In 1995, Rev. Elvin Sounds was appointed as St. Joseph’s first diocesan priest and 12th pastor. It was under his leadership that St. Joseph, St. Patrick and St. Joseph of Cupertino NAS, formed the Catholic Community of Meridian. St. Joseph, a vital part of the Catholic Community of Meridian, continues to function as a dynamic Catholic parish with Rev. Matthew Simmons as its 14th pastor with 243 members of many cultures.

Did you know that November is Black Catholic History Month?

This month, the men and women from Africa who have pioneered the faith are being honored. Many forget that Christianity didn’t start in Europe. Black Catholics have had a huge impact on the history and traditions of Christianity. The church has been celebrating Black Catholic History month since 1990 when the National Black Catholic Clergy Caucus of the United States instigated it. November seemed appropriate because it holds special days for two prominent African Catholics: St. Augustine, whose birthday is on Nov. 13, and St. Martin de Porres, whose feast day is celebrated on Nov. 3.

Three popes – Saints Victor I, Melchiades, and Gelasius I – were born in Africa and led the early church through much turmoil. There are also many Black Catholic saints (Monica of Hippo, Augustine of Hippo, Perpetua and Felicitas to name a few) and leaders (such as Rev. Augustus Tolton and Daniel Rudd) whose actions and witnesses of faith helped shape the church into what it is today.

Church details

• Location: 1914 18th Avenue.

• Contact Info: (601) 693-1321; Website: cathoicmeridian.org.

• Pastor: Father Matthew Simmons.

• Associate pastor: Father Jose de Jesus Sanchez.

• Pastoral associate: Sister Marilyn Winkel.

• Service Times: Sunday, 8:30 a.m. and Spanish at 3 p.m.; Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m.

Weekly programs

Tuesday night Bible Study; Religious Education for children and adults in cooperation with St. Patrick.

If you would like to recommend your worship site for a profile, email Cheryl Owens at cowens@themeridianstar.com.