The diocese of Charleston has a large negro population out of which
a thousand are counted as Catholics. This is a goodly number, when
we consider the fact, that there are but eight thousand Catholics in
the whole diocese. The Ordinary of the diocese, Bishop Northrop, has
this to say in reference to the Negro Missions: “This poor diocese has
bought and given for the use of the colored people, since the war, the
following property: a church valued at $7,000, a residence at $3,500,
a school-house at $4,500, a chapel at $3,500. This makes a total
expenditure of $18,500. The fathers hitherto in charge of the Negro
Missions, have done their best, I suppose, but the results of their work
are not satisfactory. We have the names of a thousand colored Catholics
on the rolls, but no more than four hundred actually attend church. The
support derived from them is extremely meagre. Notwithstanding this we
have supported two churches, one priest, sometimes two, and kept the
school going with three excellent teachers. I have delayed my report
while trying to secure a successor to the late Rev. Cornelius Hurley,
who died last April. After various unsuccessful efforts, I have made a
contract with the Fathers of the Pious Society of Missions, and expect
two priests in a short while. I hope by next year to be able to report
progress. Father Hurley was sick for a year or more and the mission
suffered very much. The Josephites were unable to give me any assistance,
and just after resigning the mission Father Hurley died. I have kept
the Church and School open since then, not without great inconvenience
and considerable personal expense. After the arrival of the priests,
whose coming I expect, I can give a better outline of my prospects for
the future. I have a building valued at $5,000, situated near the Church
and the School. This I propose to repair and arrange for Sisters devoted
to the Colored work. It will serve as an Academy and Orphanage. These
repairs will cost about a thousand dollars. If I succeed in procuring the
services of Sisters, I expect your generous aid. The Church and School
now call for at least $1,000 for support, the income being only $500. A
new church at the Cross-roads will, I hope, be an event of the future.”