St. Benedict the Moor Parish is an African American Parish. She had her own humble and historical beginning. The Society of the Divine Savior (SDS) established a mission in Phenix City, Alabama. Having been inspired, the Salvatorians began to work among the Black Community in Columbus. When St. Benedict the Moor Parish was established, Fr. Gregory Putzer, SDS, celebrated her first “home parish” Mass on February 22, 1956. This Mass was offered at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Cox, on the corner of Rigdon Road and Baldwin Street.” The congregation of this new parish was made up largely by converts baptized at Mother Mary Mission served by the Salvatorians and the Vincentian Sisters of Charity. St. Benedict the Moor Catholic Church was canonically established as a parish in April 1959 with Fr. Augustine Lucca, SDS, as the first pastor. In August 1959, Fr. Ignatius Behr, SDS, became the first resident pastor. The Society of the Divine Savior served St. Benedict the Moor Parish until 2005.

In 2005, Most Rev. J. Kevin Boland, DD, brought in The Missionary Society of St. Paul of Nigeria to provide the pastoral needs of the parishioners of St. Benedict the Moor Catholic Church, Columbus. Fr. Donatus Mgbeajuo, MSP, became the first MSP priest to serve this parish. He enjoyed the collaboration of the parishioners of St. Benedict the Moor for eight years. Fr. Charles Atuah, MSP, succeeded him on the First of July, 2013. With all the good things he has heard about these parishioners, the warm welcome he has received and the hospitality he experiences, he sees here as a home and understands the parishioners as good collaborators. He looks forward to witnessing together with them their motto: “Where Everyone is Somebody and Jesus is Lord!”

Please come and join us or stop over if you are just passing by. Just know that you are heartily welcome!