City of St. Jude facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
City of St. Jude Historic District
U.S. National Register of Historic Places
U.S. Historic district
St Jude Church (2010 photograph by Carol M. Highsmith)
Location in Montgomery, Alabama Show map of Montgomery, Alabama Location in Alabama Show map of Alabama Location in the United States Show map of the United States
Built	1938
Architect	William P. Callahan, Joseph C. Maschi
Architectural style	Late 19th- and 20th-century Revivals, Italian Renaissance
NRHP reference No.	90000916
Added to NRHP	June 18, 1990

The City of St. Jude is a special place in Montgomery, Alabama. It's a large campus, about 36-acre (15 ha), which is like 27 football fields! For many years, it had a high school, a hospital, and a Catholic church.

Father Harold Purcell started it in 1934. His goal was to bring "light, hope, and dignity" to everyone, especially those in need, no matter their race.

This campus became famous on March 24, 1965. It hosted the Stars for Freedom rally. Many celebrities came to entertain the people who were finishing the historic Selma to Montgomery marches.

The City of St. Jude was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1990. This means it's recognized as an important historical site. It is also part of the Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail, which was created in 1996.

A Place of Hope and Help

Father Purcell began his work by opening a small clinic in a rented house. This was in Montgomery on June 2, 1934. It was the first Catholic effort to help African Americans in Alabama.

In 1936, Father Purcell received money from Bishop Thomas Joseph Toolen. He then bought 56 acres (23 ha) of land. A church was built and dedicated to Saint Jude the Apostle in 1938. By that year, the City of St. Jude had already helped 8,000 different patients.

The Social Center

A social center was built on the campus in 1939. This center was a place for people to gather and connect. Today, there are plans to create a "Campsite 4 Experience" Museum here. This museum will share the history of the site.

The School at St. Jude

The first classes at the City of St. Jude were held in the church basement. The school, called St. Jude Educational Institute, opened in 1947. It was not officially separated by race. Even though most students were African American, some white students also attended. The school closed in 2014.

During the 25th anniversary of the Selma to Montgomery marches, something special happened. Former Alabama Governor George Wallace stood at the school's entrance. He welcomed civil rights activists, showing a change from his past views.

The Hospital at St. Jude

The St. Jude Catholic Hospital opened in 1951. It was the first hospital in the southeastern United States to welcome all patients. It didn't matter what their race or beliefs were. This was a very important step for equal treatment.

Two of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King's children were born here. They were Yolanda and Martin Luther III.

After being shot during the Selma to Montgomery march, activist Viola Liuzzo was brought to this hospital. Doctors tried their best, but sadly, they could not save her. The hospital closed in 1985. The building was later turned into affordable apartments in 1992.

The Stars for Freedom Rally

On the night of March 24, 1965, a huge event took place at St. Jude. About 10,000 people who had marched from Selma camped on an athletic field. They watched the Stars for Freedom rally. Many famous singers and actors performed on a simple stage. The stage was made from empty shipping crates and plywood.

The next morning, about 25,000 people marched from the City of St. Jude. They headed towards the Alabama State Capitol building. The line of marchers was so long that the last people didn't reach the Capitol until much later.

The pastor of St. Jude asked Bishop Toolen for permission for the marchers to stay overnight. Permission was given, but the pastor was warned there might be difficulties. After the march, the City of St. Jude faced challenges. Some people who used to donate money stopped. This was because they supported helping people but disagreed with the civil rights movement. Some hospital employees also left, and white students stopped attending the school.

In 2008, the National Park Service considered another location for a historical center. But after a big fundraising effort, the City of St. Jude opened its own interpretive center in 2015. This center helps tell the story of the marches.

Celebrities at the Rally

Many well-known people came to support the marchers at Stars for Freedom. Here are some of them:

Images for kids

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  St. Jude Educational Institute (2009)

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  St. Jude's Catholic Hospital (2009)

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  Social Center (2009), with portion of garden that later became the Interpretive Garden

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  Rectory (2009)