ENROLLED ORIGINAL
1
A CEREMONIAL RESOLUTION
25-251
IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
July 9, 2024
To recognize and celebrate Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Southeast, DC, on the
occasion of its 100
th
Church Anniversary, for its exceptional dedication and service to
both its members and community.
WHEREAS, Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Church was founded on December 7, 1924 by
Father Joseph Buckley, as the “daughter church” of Saint Teresa of Avila;
WHEREAS, Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Church celebrated its first masses in the home
of one of the congregants, and enough money was raised by congregants and Father Buckley to
purchase the lots at 27
th
and O Streets, S.E.;
WHEREAS, The “Hut Church” (a portable military building) was purchased from Saint
Gabriel’s Church, which served for 11 years until a permanent building for St. Francis Xavier
was built;
WHEREAS, c ongregants raised over $150,000 for the current building, which was built
in 1936 and dedicated in 1937, with over 1,000 people in attendance;
WHEREAS, Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Church was named after the “Patron Saint of
Missionaries” (1506- 1552);
WHEREAS, in an effort to fulfill Father Buckley’s dream to have “every Catholic child
in a Catholic school”, the school building at 27
th
and O Streets, S.E., was dedicated on March 3,
1940, the same year that Father Buckley blessed the new John Philip Sousa Bridge;
WHEREAS, in 1948, Washington became its own archdiocese, separating from the
Mother See of Baltimore, and the new Archbishop of Washington, Patrick O’Boyle, desegregated
Catholic schools and churches in 1950, 4 years before Brown vs. Board of Education did the
same for public schools;
WHEREAS, to accommodate the rapid growth of the student body, in 1954, a new Saint
Francis Xavier school building was added, behind the church;
ENROLLED ORIGINAL
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WHEREAS, a pproximately 20 former students from Saint Francis Xavier have been
ordained as priests or have joined to become sisters in various orders;
WHEREAS, Saint Francis Xavier continues to faithfully serve the spiritual needs of its
members and of the neighborhood through its many ministries and charitable outreach such as its
monthly food pantry, Thanksgiving food drive, Christmas presents for children, winter coat
drive, and other assistance;
IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF
COLUMBIA, That this resolution may be cited as the “Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Church
Recognition Resolution of 2024”.
Sec. 2. The Council of the District of Columbia recognizes and honors Saint Francis
Xavier Church for 100 years of dedication and service to the community in the District.
Sec. 3. This resolution shall take effect immediately.