© Copyright St. Elias Maronite Church • 836 8th Street South, Birmingham, Alabama 35205 • 205-252-3867
History of St. Elias Maronite Church
Below is a brief timeline history time line of St. Elias Maronite Church. If
you would like to read a more detailed history of our church, CLICK HERE.
1910
With permission of Patriarch Elias Howayek, Rev. Mobaarek Bellama of the Antonine Order, came to
serve the Maronite people who had immigrated from Lebanon to Birmingham. There was no church
in which to worship God according to their ancestral Rite, the Aramaic-Syriac, the rite of the
Language of Christ. Our people began to organize a parish. Permission was granted by Bishop E.P.
Allen, the Bishop of the Diocese of Mobile. A decision was made to purchase a building between
20th and 21st Streets and 6th Avenue South which had served as a Protestant school. The building
was remodeled and converted to a Catholic Church. Records show that on January 20, Annie Faridee
was the first person to be baptized. Her godparents were Romanus Farshah and Susie Dwayhy.
1911
First wedding took place on October 4 between Ayoub George Wakeol and Deeby Assy. Best man
was Beshara Zanaty, maid of honor was Martha Ghsoun.
1914
First funeral took place on January 6 for Debie Ayoub Waken; her burial was at Our Lady of Sorrows
cemetery. On February 14, Bishop E.P. Allen dedicated the church in honor of St. Elias, the Prophet,
“patron of the villages from which the faithful came,” (Wady-el-Arayesh). Rev. Lawrence J. Carroll
was celebrant of the dedication Mass. Assisting were Rev. Eugene L. Sands and Rev. Phillip
McCormack. The St. Bernard Abbey Choir chanted the Gregorian Mass. Fifteen priests and
clergymen of different faiths were present. Fifty Knights of Columbus attended. The Melkite Rite
Catholics attended the dedication Mass with the Maronites. A banquet was held that evening at the
Empire Hotel. Dr. H.A. Elkourie was master of ceremonies. Speakers were Father Bellama, M.E.
Linnehan, Judge Oscar Hundley, John W. O’Neill, Sterling A. Wood, H.J. Kribs and Arnold Masberg.
1917
Rev. Joseph Koury was named the second pastor of St. Elias Church. Sultana Wehby organized the
efforts to purchase the first church organ. Her daughter, Josephine Wehby, assisted Father Koury
with the Latin Mass by playing the organ. The choir members were Feiza Michwee, Lyda Ferris, Nim
Wehby, and Mary Pharo.
1919
In May, the sacrament of Confirmation was administered to the first class by Bishop Allen. The first
class consisted of Jamile Bohorfoush, Victoria Khoury, Joe McCary, Alexander Shaia, and Mickie
Tebsharany.
1920
Rev. George Aziz was named the third pastor of St. Elias. Fr. Aziz, with the help of Josephine Wehby,
wrote the music and Arabic phonetically for the Maronite liturgy so the choir could read it. Zanie
Monseur became the organist as Josephine directed the choir.
1923
Rev. Joseph Ganem was named the fourth pastor of St Elias Church. Father Ganem was buried in
Elmwood Cemetery (Lot 490, Block 29).
1925
Rt. Rev. Chorbishop Joseph Shebayah, the Patriarchal Missionary, was named the fifth pastor of St
Elias Church.
1926
Rev. Joseph Shaboth was named the sixth pastor of St Elias Church. On February 28, the
sacrament of the Eucharist was administerd by Father Shaboth to the first Holy Communion Class at
St. Elias. The members of this class were Adel Boackle, Lily M. Kassouf, Daza Ant. Kouri, Mary
Mezrani and Rosalie Mezrani.
1929
Rev. Paul Rizk was named the seventh pastor of St. Elias Church for a period of six months. Rev.
George Aziz was appointed again as pastor in July, serving as the eighth pastor until 1935.
1935
St. Elias Church was placed under the direction of Rev. Edward Shea, pastor of Our Lady of Sorrows
Church. During this time, Rev. Herman Cazalas lived at St. Elias for 6 months.
1937
Rev Joseph Yazbek was named the ninth pastor of St Elias Church
1938
St. Elias was served by Rev. Joseph Schmutz, then pastor of Immaculate Conception Church which
was located at 17th Street and 6th Avenue South.
1939
Many Benedictine priests from St. Bernard in Cullman serve the parish. Later in the year, St Elias
was temporarily closed.
1940
On May 8, Louis A. Boohaker received a letter from Bishop T.J. Toolen stating that if the people of
the parish did not assume the responsibility for the Church’s operations expenses, then “…I will
close the church and put it up for sale. I have come to the end of my patience with the parish of St.
Elias. If they rally around it, support it, fix it up, then it will go on. Otherwise, we will close it
entirely. This question will have to be decided in the next two weeks. There will never be a new St.
Elias. There has been too much trouble with this one.” On September 23, Rev. Joseph Ferris Abi-
Chedid was named the tenth pastor of St Elias Church. There were sixty-one registered members
and Father Abi-Chedid was faced with the task of re-opening the church. Records show that the
treasury contained a total of $7.87 and a fund of $311.00 raised by the Ladies’ Altar Society who
never ceased working even though the church was closed. The funds from treasure and the Altar
Society were used to repair the church and the pastor’s living quarters.
1944
The Cooperation Society of St. Elias Marontie Parish Girl’s Club was formed and held its initial
meeting on December 3.
1945
The Birmingham Realty Company put together a transaction for the old church building and property
located at 20th Street and 6th Avenue South to be sold for $45,000.00 and for a full square block of
land located at 8th Street and 9th Avenue South to be purchased for the new St. Elias Church
building. St. Elias Altar Boy Society is organized.
1949
On November 9th, ground was broken for the construction of the new St Elias Church. In 1947
Father Abi-Chedid, Yousef (Joseph) Habshey and Sam Boackle traveled to Lebanon to bring back
marble from the Habshey quarry for the cornerstones of the new church.
1950
The new St Elias Maronite Church building was completed and the first Divine Liturgy was
celebrated at midnight on Christmas. The first baptisms in new church took place on December 31
for Najeeb Yousef Boohaker, Christy Ann Butrus, Patricia Nell Domit and Thomas Michel Milton.
1951
The first funeral in the new church took place on January 26 with the death of John T. Saab, who is
buried at Elmwood Cemetery. The first wedding in the new church took place on March 26, when
Louise R. Tanory and James Austin Prestwood exchanged their wedding vows. The first Holy
Communion class in the new church consisted of six students who received the Eucharist on May
27. The members of the class were: Joseph Frank Anderson, Haickel Paul Boackle, Sammy John
DiPiazza, Helen Edward Kassouf, Janice Edward Kassouf, Ann Sa-eed Stephen, and Juliette Therese
Wehby.
1953
Bishop T. J. Toolen administered the Sacrament of Confirmation to the first class in the new St. Elias
Church on March 22. Those receiving the sacrament were: Frank Joseph Anderson, Abdallah J.
Boohaker, Diane Gantous, Phillip F. Gantous, Terrs Ann Gantous, Helen Kassouf, John J. Lusco,
Annette Mezrano, James A. Mezrano, Louis L. Mezrano, Betty Mizerany, Fritz Niggler, John J. Saab,
William G. Shaia, Celeste Sharbel, Georgette Sharbel, Diane Wehby, Joseph S. Wehby, Louis A.
Zanaty, Peggy M.J. Zanaty. Sponsors for the class were Lyda Deep and Alexander Shaia. The Ladies'
Altar Society donated the marble altar railing in the church.
1955
Junior Matrons donated the main marble altar for the church.
1958
On December 18, ground was broken for the Church Hall.
1960
The Golden Jubilee of St. Elias Church was celebrated. Rev. Joseph F. Abi-Chedid was elevated to
the rank of Chorbishop and he celebrated 20 years at St. Elias. Chorbishop Mansour Stephen
dedicated the church.
1962
The St. Elias Church rectory was completed. His Beatitude Paul Peter Meouchi, Maronite Patriarch of
Antioch and all the East, dedicated the rectory and the church hall. The total cost for the church hall
building and its furnishings was approximately $180,000.00. The parishioners of St. Elias
contributed a Hammond Organ to Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Seminary in Washington, D.C. on
the occasion of its dedication. A delegation headed by Chorbishop Abi-Chedid attended the
Patriarchal dedication.
1966
The Maronite Apostolic Exarchate of the United States was established. The Most Reverend Francis
M. Zayek, Exarch, arrived in Detroit, Michigan. A delegation from St. Elias parish, headed by
Chorbishop Abi-Chedid, attended the ceremonies in Detroit. On November 3, Rev. Dominic Ashkar
was appointed assistant pastor of St. Elias.
1969
The St. Elias school rooms were built. The St. Elias School Charitable Trust and Knights of St.
Maron Charitable Trust were established. Chorbishop Joseph Abi-Chedid retired to Lebanon.
1970
Msgr. John Trad was named eleventh pastor of St. Elias Church and organized the parish's first MYO.
1971
On January 31st, Bishop Zayek visited St. Elias to confirm 90 parishioners. In June, Rev. Mr. Richard
D. Saad, Deacon, was assigned to St. Elias.
1972
A delegation from St. Elias attended the ordination of Rev. Richard D. Saad in Detroit, Michigan on
January 29. Father Saad was assigned to St. Elias as assistant pastor. In June, St. Elias hosted the
Ninth Annual NAM convention. Fred Melof is Chairman. Archbishop Peter Sfeir attends. U.S.
Congressman Abraham Kazan (D.-Texas) was the guest speaker at the convention banquet. Mayor
George Seibels declared the week "Maronite Week in Birmingham". In July, Rev. Richard D. Saad
was assigned as the temporary Administrator of St. Elias.
1973
Rev. Mr. Don J. Sawyer, Deacon is assigned to St Elias.
1974
St. Elias Parish delegation chartered a bus to Austin, Texas for the ordination of Rev. Don J. Sawyer.
1975
St. Elias Church, hall and rectory were remodeled.
1976
Rev. Richard D. Saad was named the twelfth pastor of St Elias. In July, Archbishop Roland
Aboujaoude and Bishop Francis Zayek attended and spoke at the Southern Federation Convention in
Birmingham.
1977
St. Elias parishioners participated in the pilgrimage to Rome for the canonization of the first
canonized Lebanese saint, St. Sharbel Makhlouf.
1978
The Glen Iris Citizen Participation Meetings in the U. S. Community Development Program were
hosted by St. Elias Church. Rev. Richard Saad served as vice-president and as president (1977-
1980). St Elias Vacation Bible School begins.
1980
In January, the executive board of NAM met in Birmingham at St. Elias Church. Rev. Fahed Azar was
ordained at St Elias on June 28. This was the first ordination ever to be celebrated at St. Elias
Church. The National Order of St. Sharbel met in Birmingham.
1981
St. Elias hosted Birmingham Southern College’s "Birmingfind" Project - a historical research project
of the Lebanese Community in Birmingham.
1982
In January, St. Elias again hosted the NAM executive board winter meeting. The Chorbishop Joseph
F. Abi-Chedid Library was dedicated. Chorbishop Abi-Chedid dies in Lebanon on March 14. On April
25, St. Elias parish offered a 40th Day Memorial Liturgy and also dedicated the Holy Week Services
to the memory of Chrorbishop Abi-Chedid.
1983
Archbishop George Scanadar of Zahle, Lebanon, visited the St. Elias community and Bishop John
Chedid, Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of St. Maron – USA, made a canonical visit to the parish.
1984
On January 23, the Birmingham Historical Society saluted the Lebanese community in Birmingham
at their annual meeting at the Botanical gardens. The National Order of St. Sharbel held its Winter
Retreat at St. Elias. In April, Rev. Maron Abi-nader is named the thirteenth pastor of St Elias. Rev.
William J. Decker is named the fourteenth pastor of St Elias on July 20.
1985
Rev. Richard D Saad was appointed the fifteenth pastor of St Elias on April 24. St. Elias announces
its Diamond Jubilee and Year of Spiritual Renewal. A delegation of St. Elias Parishioners participated
in the Pilgrimage to Rome for the Beautification of Blessed Rafka Al-Rayes.
1986
Rev. Antoun Saad was appointed assistant pastor of St. Elias on August 19. The St. Elias Diamond
Jubilee Year of Spiritual Renewal ended on Nov. 1 with a visit of Archbishop Zayek and all former
pastors.
1987
Beverly Kassouf Kimes was elected as NAM president (1987 - 1990). Junior MYO was organized
under the direction of Carlo Joseph.
1988
His Beatitude Nesrallah Peter Sfeir, Maronite Patriarch, visited St. Elias Church from July 5-8.
Proclamation and Key to the City of Birmingham is given by Mayor Arrington. The Patriarch appears
on EWTN with Mother Angelica.
1989
Rev. Paul Peter Boackle was ordained to the Priesthood on September 30th.
1990
St. Elias celebrated the 10th Anniversary of the Ordination of Father Fahd Azar.
1992
Rev. Richard Saad celebrated his 20th Ordination Anniversary. NAM Board meets in Birmingham. L.
Paul Kassouf received NAM Recognition. New Marble Altar of Sacrifice, donated by Bishop Boland of
Birmingham, was installed in the Sanctuary in memory of Kevin Butrus. Gerald L. Kimes was
elected as NAM President (1992 - 1994). On December 26, Rev. Richard D. Saad was elevated Papal
Chamberlain to His Holiness with title of Monsignor.
1993
Rev. Robert Pensenstadler was appointed Assistant Pastor of St. Elias. On May 9, Archbishop Zayek
visited to install Paul Kassouf as Knight of the Order of St. Gregory and Naomi Kassouf as Lady of
Papal House. St. Elias hosted the 30th Annual NAM convention, July 28-August 1 at the Sheraton
Hotel. Gerald L. Kimes, Sr. is Chairman. Joseph Stephens and Samuel Wehby were ordained as
Sub-Deacons in December.
1994
Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon of Los Angeles was created by Pope John Paul II. Most Rev. John G.
Chedid, first Epach, was enthroned.
1995
Eparch John Chedid visited St. Elias. Groundbreaking for Multi-Purpose educational building.
1996
Multipurpose Building with three classrooms and reception hall was built on the North side of the
church. Fr. Maron Abi-Nader died in Lebanon.
1997
St. Maron Banquet honored Monsignor Richard Saad on his 25th Ordination Anniversary with a
special program.
1998
John Paul Kimes was ordained Sub-Deacon for Eparchy at the Shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon.
1999
First annual Lebanese Food and Cultural Festival was held. Sub-Deacon John Paul Kimes was
ordained a Deacon by Bishop John Chedid.
2000
90th Anniversary of parish founding was celebrated. Rev. John Paul Kimes was ordained to the
Priesthood at St. Elias on July 20. Joseph Stephens was ordained as a Deacon on July 22. Jubilee
Gala Celebration was held on November 25.
2002
Bishop Robert Shaheen visited St. Elias during Lenten season. Rodrigue Constatin was assigned to
St. Elias. Chorbishop John Trad died in Australia
2003
Deacon Armando Elkoury was assigned to St. Elias for the summer.
2004
Bishop Shukrallah Harb visited on Hosanna Sunday. Bishop Robert Shaheen ordained Chorbishop
Richard Saad on June 15 as third Chorbishop serving St. Elias and fourth in the Eparchy.
2007
Samuel Wehby was ordained as a Deacon on September 21 by Bishop Robert Shaheen.
2008
10th Annual Lebanese Food and Cultural Festival was held on April 11 & 12. Groundbreaking for
Northside development. Capital Campaign begins for "The Next 100 Years".
2009
Interior church renovation began. Bishop Robert visited to dedicate the Northside Development,
bless the new entrance and to break ground for Our Lady of Lebanon Grotto and Columbarium.
2010
100th Anniversary of parish was celebrated. 100 hours of Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament were
observed. Lenten Mission was held with Msgr. Don Sawyer. St Elias hosted the 47th Annual NAM
convention July 7 - 11. Mark & Kimberly Boackle are co-chairpersons. Bishop Robert Shaheen
visited the parish twice – once for the Convention and again for the closing of the Centennial Year at
Thanksgiving, 2010. Also in 2010 the area in front of the rectory was redesigned, adding limestone
pavers, new steps from the 9th avenue side and new landscaping.
2012
Deacon Joseph Robert Stephens, Sr. died on November 10, 2012. He was the first permanent
deacon to serve at St. Elias.
2013
The 15th annual St. Elias Food and Cultural Festival was held April 12-13, 2014. A new feature of
the festival was a 5K run benefitting the SUKI Foundation.
2014
The kitchen renovation and expansion was done. Chorbishop Richard D. Saad was named Vicar
General of the Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon by the Eparchy’s third bishop, Most Reverend A.
Elias Zaidan. Bishop Zaidan visited St. Elias for the first time as bishop March 28-30, 2014. During
his visit he ordained Subdeacons Mark Ferris and James Wehby and blessed the Deacon Joseph
Stephens Memorial and the newly renovated kitchen.
On September 12-13, 2004 Maronite Patriarch Bechara Cardinal Peter Rai made a Pastoral Visit to
St. Elias. There was a full schedule of activities during his visit, including Divine Liturgy, a banquet,
Safro and a parish brunch. This was the first visit of a Patriarch to St. Elias since 1988.
On December 7, 2014 Bishop A. Elias Zaidan visited St. Elias for the third time this year to install
Paul Peter Bolus and Norman Edward Bolus into the Pontifical Equestrian Order of the Knights of St.
Gregory the Great. This is the highest honor that can be bestowed upon laypersons by the Pope.
The only others from our parish to receive this honor were Paul and Naomi Kassouf in 1993.
2015
On January 15, 2015 Deacon Samuel J. Wehby died. He was the second permanent deacon to
serve St. Elias and he had served for 8 years.
From October 28-30, 2015 St. Elias hosted the relics of St. Sharbel. Bishop Elias Zaidan was with
us for the first 2 days of the visit.
2016
At the St. Maron Banquet on February 6, 2016 we honored 15 parishioners who were 90 years old
or older.
Father Abi-Chedid