Volume Two, Issue 16

July 25, 2022

We desire to see everyone living in a healthy relationship with the Lord.

Joanna Snow Ministries is located in Downtown Mobile, and we love it!

Staples Pake and the Bank of Mobile

Built in 1850 by Jonathan Emanuel, it served the cotton broker as office space. Then called the "Emanuel" building, it was sold in 1903 and occupied by the Bank of Mobile. George B. Rogers, a prominent Mobile architect, made expansive changes during the renovation, including the complete redoing of the facades. 

The Bank of Mobile opened for business there in 1904 and, although initially successful, closed in 1917. However, the building continued to house commercial offices and was renamed a couple of times until, in 1938, the then owner's names were applied, Staples and Pake.

When it was completely renovated in 2016-17, the upper floors became home to commercial space and upscale apartments that allow Downtowners walking access to the best parts of the city. 

I have wanted to write about the history of this place for a while, but I haven't been able to find pictures made in the Bank of Mobile. I realize that it was open not even 15 years, but I had hoped to find something of the beauty that was there over a hundred years ago. Unfortunately, my search was fruitless. I could find no pictures inside the old bank.

Have you ever looked for something that you never found? It could be something as simple as a pen, a sock, or a set of keys. Or, it could be something much more substantial like a pet, stolen property, or a lock combination. Not being able to find those things can be frustrating or even agonizing. 

There is something even more important, though, that I pray you find every time you look. And that is the presence of God. God doesn't go through remodels, even though our culture certainly forces those on Him. He doesn't go out of business, either. Furthermore, Jesus said He would never leave us. 

So, if we are looking for the missing presence, we have lost Him. And being in God's presence is so critical! He sent the Holy Spirit to walk with us constantly, allowing us to be in touch with the Lord. The Holy Spirit can help us with our decision-making, emotional healing, and spiritual warfare. This relationship is significant to being a Christian overcomer, and things we face daily can ever so silently pull us away from that relationship.

Even if you don't feel disconnected, it is good practice to take a few moments and reach out to the Lord. Pray, talk, sing, connect. Doing this can reignite your flame, answer your questions, and focus your path. It doesn't have to be intrusive, either. Have your quiet time at home or even during a walk.

And if your walk takes you near Downtown, swing by the Ruby Slipper on the bottom floor of Staples Pake and try the bacon-praline pancakes. Maybe you can look around the place and create your own pictures of what it looked like over a century ago.