DUANE
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Duane's take
Here's how the official marker tells it, and I'll do my best to do it justice. St. Francis de Paula Catholic Church, out in Duval County, and friend, this is a story that starts with one determined priest and a community willing to build something that lasts.
The year was 1867. Father Claude Jaillet established the church, and from the beginning it was built through the contributions of its own members. Not some distant benefactor, not a wealthy patron from far away.
The people themselves. And that church became the center of religious activity in the area. Father Jaillet served until 1872, and you might think that's where his chapter ends.
But here's the thing about a man with roots in a place. He came back. From 1875 to 1884, Father Jaillet was there again, tending to the same community he'd helped plant nearly a decade before.
Now, time moves on, and by 1908, during the pastorate of Father Pedro Bard, a new church building was constructed. The congregation kept growing, kept giving, kept showing up, and by 1950 the church had been enlarged and remodeled, and a Parochial Hall had been added to the grounds. Then came 1967.
One hundred years of service to its members and the surrounding communities. A century of baptisms and funerals and feast days and quiet Sundays. Started by a priest, built by the people, expanded by their children, and still going.
Some things, when they're built right, just keep standing.
What the marker says
Established in 1867 by Father Claude Jaillet, St. Francis de Paula Catholic Church was built through the contributions of its members and was the center of religious activity in the area. Father Jaillet served until 1872, and returned again from 1875-1884. This church was constructed in 1908 during the pastorate of Father Pedro Bard. The church was enlarged and remodeled and Parochial Hall was added by 1950. The church celebrated 100 years of service to its members and the surrounding communities in 1967, and continues to serve the area. (1996)