![]() ![]() ![]() “Indiana was at the height of the segregation movement,” says Legg. Times were troubled for Black Catholics in Indianapolis 100 years ago. These accomplishments recognize the parish’s religious, social, cultural, architectural and historic impact-an impact that began at a critical time for Black Catholics. Recently, the parish has been selected to apply for-and received-several elite preservation grants and is under consideration to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places. “We’re a hidden gem,” says Caleb Legg, a historian, architecture expert and member of St. Rita Church has possibly world’s ‘most complete collection’ of Peter Recker works) The parish’s church stands not only as an important example of Mid-Century Modern architecture, but also as what is possibly the world’s largest collection of art works by Peter Recker, a globally renowned Catholic artist of the mid-1900s. “Nationally recognized architectural and artistic significance” can now be added to that list. Its boxing club produced three-time light heavyweight world champion Marvin Johnson. It sponsored Indianapolis’ first interracial, parochial versus public high school football game. It was the first archdiocesan parish to offer kindergarten and accredited day care. Rita Parish on Indianapolis’ east side is a community of firsts and of unique contributions-starting with its founding in 1919 as the first designated Black Catholic parish in Indiana. (Submitted photo by Caleb Legg) By Natalie Hoefer For this reason and for the parish’s spiritual, social and historical impact, the parish has received several preservation grants, including a matching grant to restore its bell tower, seen at left in this photo. Rita Church in Indianapolis, built in 1958-59, is a prime example of Mid-Century Modern architecture. With its clean lines, barely bowed front, large windows and minimal ornamentation, St. Rita Church receives recognition for historical, cultural impact ![]()
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