SAINT JOACHIM CATHOLIC CHURCH
Piedmont
1961


Saint Joachim Church was erected in 1961 by Rev. Frank Giri, then pastor of Sacred Heart Parish, Anniston.  This was the eighth church built by Father Giri in the diocese.  The first Mass held in the church was celebrated by Father Giri on June 1, 1961.

The modern brick church in its setting of trees was called "one of the most beautiful mission Churches ever built in the diocese," by Archbishop Toolen, in his remarks following the dedication on April 1, 1962.

The Church was made possible by a gift of $10,000 from the Extension Society and was named after the father of the Blessed Virgin Mary, at the request of the late Archbishop William O'Brien, then president of the Society when the gift was made.  The late Rev. Msgr. Walter H. Royer, a former pastor of Sacred Heart Parish, bequeathed $25,000, and local Catholics raised the remainder of the cost to construct the new Church.
555 Babbling Brook Rd, Piedmont, AL 36272