Saint Thomas Preservation Hall facts for kids
Saint Thomas Preservation Hall is a historic building in downtown Wilmington, North Carolina. It used to be a Catholic church built in the Gothic Revival style. Today, it's a popular place for weddings and art events.
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History of St. Thomas Church
Building a New Church
The St. Thomas the Apostle Church was built in 1846 by Robert B. Wood. At that time, there was a small but growing community of Catholic families in New Hanover County. Father Thomas Murphy helped oversee the building of the church and its community.
An Important Church
Later, the church became very important for the area. This happened when Father James Gibbons became a special leader for the Catholic Church in North Carolina. He was given the title of Vicar-Apostolic, which meant he was in charge of a large church area. St. Thomas Church was then called a "pro-Cathedral," meaning it served as a main church for the region.
A Growing Community
As the Catholic community grew, the church needed more space. In 1908, the church bought land nearby. A new, larger church, the Basilica Shrine of St. Mary, was completed there in 1912.
A Place for Everyone
Even with the new church, St. Thomas remained important. An Irish priest named Rev. Christopher Dennen encouraged the community to keep St. Thomas Church open. It became a special place for African American Catholics in the area to gather and worship. This was made possible with a generous donation of $12,000 from Mother Katharine Drexel. A group of priests called the Josephites helped lead the church for many years.
Changes Over Time
After a fire in 1966, the communities of St. Mary's and St. Thomas churches decided to combine. This meant that St. Thomas Church was no longer needed as a separate place of worship. The church was officially closed as a religious building in 1979. In 1982, a group called the Saint Thomas Historical Trust became the new owners. They worked to preserve the building.
Modern Use
The building underwent a big renovation in 2004. Today, Saint Thomas Preservation Hall is a popular spot for weddings, concerts, and other art events. It continues to be an important part of Wilmington's history and community.
Notable People Connected to St. Thomas
- Thomas Frederick Price: He was the first person born in North Carolina to become a Catholic priest. He was ordained at St. Thomas Church.
- Rose O'Neal Greenhow: This famous spy from the Civil War had her funeral service at St. Thomas Church. She was later buried in Oakdale Cemetery.
- Caterina Jarboro: A talented African American opera singer, she was baptized at this church.
