[2][3] The parish was unique in that it was established for African Americans, but was dominated by a White immigrant membership and controlled administratively by the Black Creoles.

[2] In the 1920s, the church's pastor built an orphanage on the property for homeless African-American boys, and brought in the Trinitarians.

Next to the two schools, the parish also ran Our Lady of Angels Maternity Hospital for Black women, administered by sisters of the Third Order of Saint Francis.

In the 90s, the church celebrated its centennial and their gospel choir traveled to Rome to sing for Pope John Paul II.

[2] The complex was heavily damaged by Hurricane Ivan in 2004, including the church steeple being blown into the roof.