The History committee was formed in March of 2008 with the primary purpose of compiling and documenting the exciting history of our Church as we prepare for the Centennial Celebration in 2012. Our goal is to have a multimedia museum exhibit of Lourdes’ history that can be used to inform, educate and evangelize present and future generations.
We belong to a church that has a 97 year history that demonstrates the influence of Catholicism, and, in particular, the resolve of African-American Catholicism. The on-going story of Our Lady of Lourdes is a glowing example of the Church’s consistent presence in matters of social justice and faith. The presence of Lourdes here today is a living witness to Christ’s unchanging love for us all.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS / PLANS TO DATE
- We have searched and collected archival materials learning a great deal about the challenges/ obstacles and supports that were present as Fr. Lissner and St. Katharine went about establishing a Catholic Church for African Americans in Atlanta
- We have applied for and will receive historical status with marker from the Georgia Historical Society (Note: federal historical status comes automatically with our location in the King District)
- APEX Museum has contacted us for materials for an exhibit on historical churches in the King historic district.
- A reunion of all alumni of Our Lady of Lourdes School is being planned some time during the Centennial year
- The Lourdes web pages have been updated to incorporate additional historical data as well as video content
- The Georgia Bulletin had an article on the history of Lourdes in the October 2009 issue
- We have received a proclamation from the City of Atlanta declaring November “Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church History Month”.
We need your TIME, TALENT, TREASURE
We know that Lourdes is a diverse community and there are many talents right here, so if you feel that you have some time and talent or treasure that you can lend to the history effort, please contact (add name). Specifically, please lend your expertise if you:
- have experience/knowledge in compiling historical documents into an exhibit that will include videos, pictures, written words and historical documents,
- have experience and time to volunteer with editing video and written materials
- are able to contribute funding (a lot or a little; any amount will help). Alternatively, if you know of funding sources and or know some person or organization that may provide funds for our work, please share that information with us.
The Centennial Celebration provides us with a unique opportunity to celebrate the “shared and vibrant history” of Catholicism in our parish and community. We want to make sure that the history of Our Lady of Lourdes is made available to all. Please prayerfully consider joining our efforts.