St. Benedict the Moor

Serving Lincolnville & Beyond

St. Benedict the Moor Catholic Church was built in 1911 to serve the African-American community in the Lincolnville neighborhood of St. Augustine. It’s named after St. Benedict the Moor—an Afro-Sicilian Franciscan friar known for his humility and charity—who was beatified in 1743 and canonized in 1807. The church continues to serve the community, building upon its legacy and the legacy of St. Benedict the Moor.

Honoring St. Benedict the Moor

Born in Sicily to parents who had been enslaved, St. Benedict the Moor became known for his humility, kindness, and service. He was beatified in 1743 by Pope Benedict XIV and canonized in 1807 by Pope Pius VII. Today, he is honored as a saint especially revered by African-American Catholics.

The church’s first rector, Father James B. Albert, SSJ, was a member of the Josephite order, which was founded to minister to newly freed African Americans after the Civil War. His work laid the foundation for a strong and enduring parish community that continues to serve St. Augustine today.

Architecture & Restoration

St. Benedict the Moor Catholic Church features a Romanesque Revival-style design, characterized by its red brick construction, arched entryway, and symmetrical facade. The overall design blends practicality with quiet grandeur. A low perimeter wall leads visitors toward the main steps, where they find the prominent circular window sitting above the central entrance, framed by decorative brickwork and flanked by modest buttresses. The small bell tower rises above the gabled roofline, topped with a simple cross that signals its sacred purpose. Recent renovations have preserved its historic character while improving interior features and adding a handicap-accessible ramp to improve accessibility. Behind the church, the former St. Benedict School—founded in 1898 by the Sisters of St. Joseph—still stands as part of the church’s legacy and is currently undergoing restoration.

Visitor Information

Mass Times:
Mass times vary; visitors are encouraged to call the church office or check the Diocese of St. Augustine website for current schedules.

Accessibility:
The church has a handicap-accessible entrance.

Contact:
For inquiries or to schedule a visit, call the Cathedral Parish Office at (904) 824-2806.

Explore More of St. Augustine

St. Benedict the Moor is one of many sites that reflect the cultural and religious diversity of St. Augustine’s past. While you're here, take time to explore more Historic Churches and discover the stories of America’s oldest city.

Learn more about St. Augustine's Black History.

Download St. Augustine's Black History App