Hall of Fame

Most Reverend Oscar H. Lipscomb, D.D., Ph.D.
McGill Institute Class of '49

From St. Patrick's in the Grove, Oscar H. Lipscomb followed a path leading him by way of McGill Institute on Government Street to St. Bernard's College in Cullman , AL , to the North American College and Gregorian University in Rome , Italy , and Catholic University in Washington , D.C. , back to Mobile to become the spiritual leader of Catholics in south Alabama .

Following his ordination to the priesthood in 1956, Lipscomb served in numerous capacities, from teacher at McGill Institute to Chancellor of the Diocese of Mobile-Birmingham to Administrator, sede vacante , for the Diocese of Mobile and finally to his installation as Archbishop of Mobile in 1980. He retired from that post and was replaced in 2008 by Archbishop Thomas J. Rodi. He continues as Archbishop Emeritus.

Along the way, his influence has been recognized by both religious and secular groups. He has been honored with investiture in the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem and in the Knights of Malta. He was also named Doctor of Sacred Theology , honoris causa , by Spring Hill College . His influence is not limited to Catholic concerns, though. In 1981 he was named Mobilian of the Year. Currently, the Archbishop sits as trustee or director of seven organizations. He also belongs to the Lions Club, the Franklin Society and the Mobile Metropolitan YMCA.

Archbishop Lipscomb's love of history is reflected in his serving as a Trustee of the Alabama Department of Archives and History since 1979 and as its chairman since 1999. He is a member of numerous historical associations, Catholic and otherwise, and has published an article on "The Administration of John Quinlan, Second Bishop of Mobile, 1859-1883." He has also written an unpublished account of the administration of Mobile 's first bishop, Michael Portier.

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has benefited from his participation in and leadership of numerous committees ranging from the Committee on the Liturgy to the Mixed International Commission for Theological Dialogue between the Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church.

Closer to home, this member of the McGill Institute Class of '49 has shown a continuing interest in his alma mater by his presence at so many of the school's celebrations and his support of the students and their endeavors. The unique relationship that exists between Archbishop Lipscomb and the students, faculty and staff of McGill-Toolen Catholic High School is not only remarkable but a dynamic influence on the future of the Catholic Church in this area.

Inducted 2002
Biography updated 10/21/08

Hall of Fame

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