ST. LOUIS聽鈥 The oldest Catholic church for African Americans in 最新杏吧原创 鈥 a church that for generations served worshipers near downtown 鈥 聽has celebrated its last Mass.
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The Rev. Mitch Doyen, pastor of St. Josephine Bakhita parish, gives communion to parishioners at St. Nicholas Catholic Church during the church's final mass on Sunday, January 18, 2026.
Daniel Shular, Special to the Post-Dispatch
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Churchgoer Raymond Collins, a 最新杏吧原创 police officer,聽takes photos of plaques and pictures at St. Nicholas Catholic Church after the church's final Mass on Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026.
Daniel Shular, Special to the Post-Dispatch
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Carmen Jones Brown walks through the halls where she attended school from head start until eighth grade, after St. Nicholas Catholic Church's聽final Mass on Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026.
Daniel Shular, Special to the Post-Dispatch
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Ella Scott, right, dusts a photo frame with Shawn Everett at St. Nicholas Catholic Church after the church's final mass on Sunday, January 18, 2026. Scott was a pastor associate for 30 years and Everett has attended St. Nicholas his whole life.
Daniel Shular, Special to the Post-Dispatch
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Director of evangelization and communications Dr. Alice Prince speaks to parishioners at St. Nicholas Catholic Church during the church's final mass on Sunday, January 18, 2026.
Daniel Shular, Special to the Post-Dispatch
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View the first full week of 2026 through the Post-Dispatch photographers' lenses. Edited by Jenna Jones.
Jenna Jones | Post-Dispatch
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