St. Francis Street Methodist Church, Mobile, Alabama, was founded in 1840 as Jackson Street Church. In 1844, subsequent to a move to St. Francis Street, the Church became known by its historic name. It began as the first "swarm" of the "Beehive" church, Franklin Street Methodist Church. By 1895, damage received in the explosion of the Union magazine in 1865 made it necessary for the church to construct a new building. Subsequent to 1916 the church was also known as the "Church of the Lighted Cross" because of the erection of a cross atop its building after a hurrican destroyed its steeple. During World War II St. Francis Street Methodist Church was the site of the Downtown Servicemen's Center, a center run by citizen volunteers from area churches. The Downtown Servicemen's Center was directed by one of St. Francis Street's members, Kathryn DeCelle. In 1984 the church was added to the National Historic Register. It was deconsecrated in 1993 due to a lack of membership and a shortage of finances. Thereafter, former members of the church founded the St. Francis Street Historical Society in order to preserve the heritage and history of this old congregation.
From the description of Records, 1840-1994 (bulk 1945-1994). (University of South Alabama). WorldCat record id: 44731656
