St. Jude Educational Institute, Catholic educational institute in Montgomery, Alabama
St. Jude Educational Institute was a Catholic school on a campus at West Fairview Avenue featuring Late 19th and 20th-century Revival and Italian Renaissance architectural styles. The facility provided both college preparatory instruction and trade education programs to its student body.
Founded in 1946 by Father Harold Purcell, the school emerged as an educational center serving the community for nearly 70 years. It closed in 2014, marking the end of a significant chapter in the area's educational history.
The institute hosted the Stars for Freedom rally in 1965, featuring performances that connected the campus to the wider civil rights movement. The site became a gathering place for cultural events that extended beyond typical school activities.
The campus is located along West Fairview Avenue in Montgomery and remains accessible for viewing. Since the institute no longer operates, visitors can observe the architectural features from the grounds and appreciate the site's historical role from outside.
Several graduates from the school went on to professional sports careers, with two becoming NBA players. This athletic success reflects the diversity of opportunities the campus provided beyond traditional academics.
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