St. Mary’s Chapel. She stands as a testament to a bygone era, a grand lady of our community, yet time has not been kind to her. For generations, this historic church had been a beacon of faith, a sanctuary of solace, and a silent witness to countless moments of joy and sorrow. Her stained-glass windows, once aglow with the morning sun, are now dulled by age, and her magnificent steeple, which once gloriously pointed to the heavens, is showing the wear of decades of neglect. She is in desperate need of our help, of our collective kindness, to restore her to her former glory. This is more than just a repair project; it is a mission to preserve a piece of our shared heritage, to ensure that her beauty, her history, and her grace are not lost to the ravages of time.
Image from an 1858 Persac Map of the MS River, where the 1st St. Mary's Chapel was built in 1849 near the Sunshine Bridge || [Photo Credit - Library of Congress]
RESTORATION EFFORTS
Through the donations of charitable contributors, Friends of St. Mary's will ensure that St. Mary's Chapel will survive and live on to be a beacon of faith and hope for all to appreciate and worship in.
The church was placed on the (LTHP) Louisiana Trust for Historic Preservation for Most Endangered Places in 2021.
[Click for Louisiana Trust for Historical Preservation article]
To contribute to her restoration is to invest in our future by honoring our past. In bringing this beautiful and memorable church back to life, we are creating a legacy for the generations to come. Imagine a future where our children and grandchildren can stand in her hallowed halls, marveling at the intricate carvings, the soaring arches, and the artistry of her design. They will walk where their ancestors walked, and in doing so, they will connect with a history that is intrinsically their own. Her restoration is an act of love, a promise that we will not let her story fade. It is an opportunity to show our commitment to preserving the places that give our community its character and its soul.
[Click photo to read more.]
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
St. Mary on the River was the name of this small Chapel long before it was referred to in its current English name, St. Mary's. It is located near one of the very first landing points by the Acadians when they arrived to the United States.
[Click to read her Historical Background / Important Milestones]
Beyond the brick and mortar, the true magic of this restoration lies in the memories she holds. For many, she is the backdrop of their most cherished moments—a first communion, a wedding, a baptism. By restoring her, we are not just fixing a building; we are rekindling forgotten memories and allowing those who knew her in her youth to relive those precious times. We are inviting them to step back in time, to see her as she once was, and to feel the warmth and comfort she has always provided. This is a chance to give back to a place that has given so much to so many. Let us join hands and hearts to ensure she can continue to be a source of inspiration and a keeper of our collective memories for another hundred years.
Restoring this magnificent and historic church is a powerful act of preservation, safeguarding a priceless piece of our community's story. By contributing, you're not simply funding repairs; you're becoming a steward of history, guaranteeing that her timeless beauty and profound significance will inspire generations to come. Your generosity will help awaken long-dormant memories for countless individuals and allow her to continue standing as a landmark of faith, grace, and community for the next century.