Father Edward Wahl came to Rock Hill from New York City with 22 Catholic seminarians to establish the Oratory community. He experienced firsthand the persecution of Blacks and immigrants, as well as those practicing non-Protestant religions, including Catholicism and Judaism. Upon his return to Rock Hill in 1945 following ordination as a full priest, Father Edward became a force for social justice and equal rights. He encouraged his brothers Richard and Joseph, also priests, to move to Rock Hill and work towards social justice within the community.