History of St Elias Parish
St. Elias Catholic Church is located in Birmingham, Alabama.  The church belongs to the Maronite Rite, which evolved from the Antiochene Tradition of Catholicism.   The patron saint of our church is St. Elias (or Elijah, the Old-Testament prophet).  The picture above, left, depicts Elijah as he was putting to death the prophets of Baal as described in 1 Kings 18.  The picture above, right, depicts Elias as the "prophet of Mt. Carmel" with scroll, fiery sword and mantle. The two views together present St. Elias as described in 1 Kings 19:14 "I have been most zealous for the Lord, the God of Hosts."
1910
 St. Elias Parish established. Building between 20th and 21st Streets and 6th Ave. South purchased and converted to a Catholic Church.  First baptism on Jan. 20.  Rev. Mobaarek Bellama, first pastor.
 1911
 First Wedding, October 4 between Ayoub Wakeol and Deeby Assy.
 1914
 Church dedication on Feb. 14 in honor of St. Elias 
 1917
 Rev. Joseph Koury named second pastor of St. Elias.
 1920
 Rev. George Aziz named third pastor. 
 1939
 St. Elias closed temporarily.
1940
 St. Elias re-opened; Rev. Joseph Abi-Chedid becomes 10th pastor.
1945
 Land purchased at 8th Street and 9th Street South for new church.
1950
 First Divine Liturgy in new church --midnight, Christmas Eve
First Baptism in new church -- December 31
1951
 First Wedding in new church -- March 25
First Holy Communion in new church -- May 27
1959
 Church Hall built
1960
Church Dedication and Golden Jubilee; Father Abi-Chedid elevated to Chor-Bishop
1962
 Parish Rectory built
1969
 Four Schoolrooms built; Chor-Bishop Abi-Chedid retires
1972
 St. Elias hosts Ninth Annual NAM Convention in Birmingham
1985
 Diamond Jubilee Year; Rev. Richard Saad appointed 15th pastor.
1988
 July 5-8, Nesrallah Peter Sfeir, Maronite Patriarch visits St. Elias.
1991
 Rev. Richard Saad named Monsignor (Chaplain to the Pope)
1993
 St. Elias hosts 30th Annual NAM Convention in Birmingham
1996
 Completed Multipurpose Building/Schoolroom addition to Parish Hall.
1999
 First Lebanese Food and Cultural Festival held
2000
 St. Elias celebrates 90th anniversary of its founding and 50th year at present location; 2nd annual Food and Cultural Festival held.