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 old buildings in Mobile, Alabama. These buildings were once used by a group of Catholic nuns called the Sisters of Mercy. The complex includes two main buildings: one that was a convent (where the nuns lived) and another that was a school. These historic buildings were added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1992 because of their importance to the area's history.
Contents
History of the Convent of Mercy
The Sisters Arrive in Mobile
The Sisters of Mercy first came to Mobile, Alabama, in 1884. They arrived with a new bishop, Dominic Manucy. Their main goal was to help people in need. They visited sick people at home, helped those in poorhouses (places for very poor people), and visited prisoners. They also taught in schools and helped prepare people for important sacramentals (religious ceremonies or objects).
Starting St. Joseph's School
In 1895, the Sisters started St. Joseph's School in St. Joseph's Parish. This school later became known as the Convent of Mercy Academy. At first, the school and the Sisters' home were in five simple wooden buildings on the property.
Building a New Home and School
On September 8, 1908, work began on a new, larger building. This building was designed by architect A. H. Downey. It was built in the Baroque Revival style, which was popular at the time. This new building was meant to be both a convent for the Sisters and a school for the students. It replaced the older wooden structures.
Over the next 20 years, more and more students joined the school. Because of this growth, a new three-story brick building was built in 1928. This new building was located behind the 1908 building and became the main school building. The older 1908 building then served only as the convent where the Sisters lived.
Changes Over Time
The school closed its doors in 1968. The Sisters of Mercy then moved their convent to a different location in Mobile in 1969. For a while, the former school building was used by a company that made chandeliers.
Then, in 2002, the entire complex was carefully restored and updated. Today, these historic buildings are known as the St. Francis Place Condominiums, offering homes in a place with a rich past.
