Atlanta Catholic Centennial

With the closing days of 1866 the work of the Sisters of Mercy, the first organization of religious teachers in Atlanta, began in the historic building described above. Their teaching and other works, such as St. Joseph's Hospital, have continued with ever increasing vitality to the present day.

At the request of Bishop England the Sisters of Mercy came to Savannah and opened the present St. Vincent's Academy. Due to the large number of requests for Sisters of this organization they were unable to comply with his request until 1845, which was several years after his death. Rev. Father Thomas O'Reilly, who was pastor of the Immaculate Conception Church during the War Between the States, requested that a school be opened by the Sisters of Mercy in Atlanta. The Immaculate Conception Academy was established December 11, 1866. Mother M. Vincent Mahoney was the Superior. She had three assistants, Sister M. Jane Frances, Sister M. Stanislaus and Sister M. Angela. Sister M. Vincent came from Ireland.

On the Sisters' arrival in this city, they were entertained by Mrs. John Ryan, who continued the same generous friend during her lifetime.

The Sisters conducted both a day school and a school for boarders. A day school has been conducted up to the present time. The boarding school was discontinued in 1924. Music is still taught. The Senior High School course was discontinued in 1918.

The girls' boarding school and day school were conducted in the Immaculate Conception Academy building. A part of this building was also used by the Sisters for their Convent.

Due to increased attendance the Sisters made an addition to the Immaculate Conception Academy building in 1882.

Some of the pupils who boarded at the Convent during the early days are now here, enjoying happy home life. Mother Vincent, the Foundress, and the other three Sisters who were the first to teach at the Immaculate Conception Academy, also many of the Sisters who taught afterwards, have long since gone to receive their reward after faithful service in the Lord's Vineyard.