St. Joseph Catholic Church in downtown Columbia belongs to the Catholic Diocese of Charleston. The gracious stone edifice greets members, many of whom help care for others in their community, young and old. The parish houses a school for children ages four through sixth grade.
St. Joseph School opened in 1954, just a year after church members decided an elementary school providing a Catholic-based education was needed in Columbia. Initially, the school offered classes for children in first through sixth grades. However, by the following year a seventh grade was added, followed by the eighth grade in 1956. In 1989 the seventh and eighth grades merged with Cardinal Newman Middle School.
St. Joseph Catholic Church is a mission-driven congregation, offering several outreach programs which benefit the people – particularly children – of Columbia.
OH, I just love these shots. And right across the street from you! How awesome. I think this in the top 3 of things I miss… churches and cemeteries. Sounds odd, I know, but the above ground gravestones I find strangely comforting, and the old solid churches with stained glass, well they just feel more spiritual. I like the two as a set… The blue of the sky echoed in the blue of Mary’s robe against the white and gray, that just knocks me out. Thanks to Owen, I’m so glad I found this blog!