Historical September–October 2011 article. Dates, prices, services and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
The first homes in Skinker DeBaliviere were built in 1908. Just three years later, some of the early residents formed the parish of St. Roch.
They met in a storefront on Kingsbury and by 1921 they were able to lay the cornerstone on the magnificent edifice that is a center of our neighborhood.
The church and its school served the large neighborhood Catholic population.
The church became a critical linchpin of the neighborhood after integration and subsequent white flight. Although some parishioners joined that flight, a strong coterie remained loyal to parish and neighborhood and helped to stabilize the area.
The school expanded and opened to non-Catholics.
The church and its pastors worked with Grace Methodist and Delmar Baptist and Washington University to create the council and help fund it and to provide a base for a myriad of neighborhood activities. Today, the church and school remain vital to Skinker DeBaliviere.
After one hundred years, the church and its parishioners are at the heart of what this neighborhood is. St. Roch parishioners and school alumni will be participating in activities marking this major milestone.
On Sunday, September 25, a special mass will be said with the archbishop in attendance.
A celebratory dinner will follow at the Chase.
There will be a video capturing the impact of St. Roch and a book to be forthcoming later.
A joyous celebration to the members of St. Roch and to its pastor of 30 years, Monsignor Sal Polizzi.
Original photograph caption
St. Roch centennial emblem, September 17, 1911–September 17, 2011. Designer not credited.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, September–October 2011.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times2011_09.pdf, printed page(s) 1; PDF page(s) 1.
