“Discrimination led to its birth” begins the story of Saint Cyprians Catholic Church. In 1890 African-American Catholics faced segregation at St. Peter’s Church. They were relegated to the basement. They were denied baptism and marriage at the main altar.
These Catholics petitioned the Archdiocese of Baltimore. They sought their own church. Their determination led to the establishment of Saint Cyprians Catholic Church in 1893. It stood at 13th and C Streets SE. Saint Cyprians was named for St. Thaddeus Cyprian. He was an African bishop and martyr.
Father James Mathews of St. Peter’s became Saint Cyprian’s first pastor. The community rallied together. They sacrificed to build their church. Made of Potomac bluestone the church opened in 1894. Saint Cyprians became a beacon of pride. It represented Black Catholics in Washington D.C.
Let’s pause a moment. Consider the strength it took to build this. Consider building a place of worship amid discrimination.
Saint Cyprians wasn’t just a church. It was a community hub. It had an annual carnival with a parade. Its choir was renowned for excellence. During World War II 100 men from Saint Cyprians served in the armed forces. Saint Cyprians Catholic Church and School fostered a black middle class. Parishioners became professionals and leaders.
However the winds of change were blowing. By the 1950s white flight to the suburbs impacted Holy Comforter. Meanwhile Saint Cyprian’s congregation thrived. Despite this Cardinal Patrick O’Boyle merged Saint Cyprians and Holy Comforter in 1966. Members of Saint Cyprians felt disregarded. They felt they weren’t properly consulted. Saint Cyprians was demolished. Houses and a small park replaced it.
The merged church became Holy Comforter-Saint Cyprian. Ninety-five percent of the congregation came from the former Saint Cyprians. The church embraced African-American heritage. Gospel music replaced Latin chants. The gospel choir became a cornerstone. It uplifted the community’s spirit.
Today Holy Comforter-Saint Cyprian stands as a testament. It honors the legacy of Saint Cyprians. The gospel choir continues its pivotal role. It maintains the spirit of the church.
A plaque marks the original location of Saint Cyprians. It stands at C Street South Carolina Avenue and 13th Street. The inscription reads “May the memory of St. Cyprian’s history ever remain as a testament to the goodness of the Lord and living faith of Black Catholics of Southeast Washington.”
Think about that plaque as we move on. It is a reminder of faith. It recalls resilience and the enduring spirit of Saint Cyprians Catholic Church. The church reminds us of a community’s unwavering devotion. It stands as a symbol of triumph over adversity.