"My black Catholic church was closed in the name of Integration" - Deacon Charles Williams, Office of Black Catholics, Diocese of Richmond ~ Information provided by Cecilia Hull

Deacon Charles Williams, Office of Black Catholics for Richmond Diocese, describes attending St. Joseph's and Van de Vyver Catholic School in Jackson Ward and the impact of the diocese closing them in June 1969.  "Upon learning the news, I was stunned, hurt and then felt outrage.  How could they close my church?  How could they take away the most important thing in my life?"

To read more:  America Magazine, February 17, 2020


~ Photo of St. Joseph Church borrowed from America Magazine

Van de Vyver Sacred Heart Statue - First Friday - March 1, 2019 ~ Photo by Kathleen Joyce

This statue was originally located in the old Van de Vyver School that closed in 1969. Members of old St. Joseph Church kept it in their home and recently donated it to St. Elizabeth Church.

~ Photo by Kathleen Joyce