Convent of Mercy (Mobile, Alabama) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Convent of Mercy
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The property in March 2008.
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 Location in Mobile, Alabama
Location in Alabama
Location in the United States
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| Location | 753 St. Francis St., Mobile, Alabama |
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| Area | 2 acres (0.81 ha) |
| Built | 1908 |
| Architect | A. H. Downey |
| Architectural style | Late 19th And 20th Century Revivals, Early English Baroque Revival |
| MPS | Historic Roman Catholic Properties in Mobile Multiple Property Submission |
| NRHP reference No. | 91000845 |
| Added to NRHP | April 24, 1992 |
The Convent of Mercy, now known as the St. Francis Place Condominiums, is a group of historic buildings in Mobile, Alabama. These buildings were once used by Catholic nuns. The complex includes two main parts: the building where the nuns lived (the convent) and the building that was a school. These buildings were added to the National Register of Historic Places on April 24, 1992. The Convent of Mercy is one of only two old convent buildings still standing in Mobile.
Contents
History of the Convent of Mercy
Arrival of the Sisters of Mercy
The Sisters of Mercy are a group of Catholic nuns. They first came to Mobile in 1884. They arrived with the new bishop, Dominic Manucy. Their main goal was to help people in St. Joseph's Parish.
Helping the Community
The Sisters of Mercy had an important mission. They visited people who were sick in their homes. They also helped those who were poor or in jail. The Sisters also taught in schools. They helped prepare people for important religious ceremonies.
Founding St. Joseph's School
In 1895, the Sisters started St. Joseph's School. This school was later called the Convent of Mercy Academy. At first, the school used five wooden buildings. One of these buildings was where the Sisters lived.
New Buildings for the Convent and School
- On September 8, 1908, work began on a new main building.
- This building was designed by architect A. H. Downey.
- It was a large, 3.5-story building.
- It was built in a style called Baroque Revival.
- The new building was meant to be both a convent and a school. It replaced the older wooden structures.
Growth and Expansion
- Over the next 20 years, more and more students joined the school.
- Because of this growth, a new 3-story brick building was built in 1928.
- This new building was located behind the 1908 building.
- The 1928 building became the main school.
- The 1908 building then served only as the convent for the Sisters.
Changes Over Time
- The school closed its doors in 1968.
- The Sisters of Mercy moved their convent to a different location in Mobile in 1969.
- For a while, the old school building was used by a company that made chandeliers.
- Then, in 2002, the entire complex was renovated.
- It was turned into apartments, which are now called the St. Francis Place Condominiums.
