The Edmundite Missions was founded in Selma in 1937 when its founding fathers drove down from Vermont in a secondhand Pontiac and $50 in their pockets. Since then, the missions has done so much for so many.

Last week, the missions celebrated its 80th anniversary with a mass at Queen of Peace Catholic Church and a gala dinner  at the Selma Convention Center.

The missions was founded with the purpose to help African Americans in poverty. The missions opened schools and provided medical care through Good Samaritan Hospital. They also opened the Don Bosco Boys Club to educate and mentor young men. The Bosco Nutrition Center was opened in 1986 and will serve its three millionth meal by Thanksgiving.

The missions has been so giving and so caring. They have made an impact on so many people in our community and made a lasting impression.

We thank the Edmundite Missions for all they do and look forward to seeing what they can do in the next 80 years.