Saint Joseph Catholic Church, Catholic church building in Old Town Alexandria, US
Saint Joseph Catholic Church sits on North Columbus Street with English Gothic architectural style, featuring a round stained-glass window depicting the crucifixion. The building displays the classic hallmarks of this architectural approach with its distinctive character.
The church was founded in 1915 with support from Saint Katharine Drexel to give Black Catholics their own place to worship. It emerged from the need to welcome parishioners from Saint Mary's into a community of their own.
The church holds its place as the only Black Catholic parish in the Diocese of Arlington, with African American traditions woven into how services and celebrations unfold. This identity shapes the community that gathers here today.
The building sits in the heart of the neighborhood and is easy to locate; the area offers parking and is walkable for visitors. You can explore the outdoor spaces where shrines and paved pathways tell stories of the community.
The outdoor shrine to Mary is lined with engraved bricks marking important moments from the lives of church members and visitors. Each stone carries a personal story, allowing guests to connect with the threads that bind the community together.
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