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 St. Rita's Colored Catholic Mission - New Smyrna Beach, FL
N 29° 01.485 W 080° 55.973
17R E 506535 N 3210729
The old St. Rita's Colored Catholic Mission in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, was constructed in 1899, added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2007, and is now the Black Heritage Museum.
Waymark Code: WM6W4V
Location: Florida, United States
Date Posted: 07/26/2009
Views: 6
An historical marker in front of the church provides the following information:
The old St. Rita's Catholic Church Mission Building is one of the oldest surviving church buildings in the city. It was built in 1899 as the Sacred Heart Catholic Church of New Smyrna Beach, moved to this site in 1956 to serve the colored Catholics in the Westside Community, and was named St. Rita's Colored Mission Church. The building represents an important architectural landmark. The distinctive belfry, wood shingles in the gable end and pointed arch molding on the windows represent important architectural characteristics. After integration in 1969, the Diocese of Orlando converted the church into a neighborhood clinic and day care facility. The former church served that function until 1980, when the city condemned it in 1991. A committee of citizens, organized by Father Rudi Cleare of the Orlando Diocese, supported by Mark Rokowski, city planner and chaired by Mary Harrell, a retired educator and founder of the Black Heritage Festival, received state grants in 1997-98. These grants, coupled with private donations, funded the restorations, completed in 1999. The Orlando Diocese deeded the building and grounds to the Black Heritage Festival in 1999. The building currently serves as the Black Heritage Museum.
Date the Church was built, dedicated or cornerstone laid: 01/01/1899
Age of Church building determined by?: Cornerstone or plaque
If denomination of Church is not part of the name, please provide it here: Catholic
If Church is open to the public, please indicate hours: From: 12:00 PM To: 6:00 PM
Street address of Church:
314 Duss Street
New Smyrna Beach, FL USA
32168
Secondary Website for Church or Historic Church Building: [Web Link]
If Church holds a weekly worship service and "all are welcome", please give the day of the week: Not listed
Indicate the time that the primary worship service is held. List only one: Not Listed
Primary website for Church or Historic Church Building: Not listed
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Visit Instructions:1) A photo of the church is required for visits to a waymark. 2) Please share some comments about your visit. 3) Additional photos are encouraged. If you can have information in addition to that already provided about this church, please share it with us.
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