As the United States grew westward, people moved and settled in new places. These places needed to have the essentials like grocery stores, banks, schools, and of course, churches. After all, people needed a place of worship to serve as a calming presence, but also to strengthen their faith. These churches, or sanctuaries, served as a way for there to be a sense of community. When it comes to Louisiana, it was no different.
Let’s take a look at the oldest church in Louisiana. It has a fascinating history! We’ll go through the facts of when it was built, the location, and the wildlife in the area.
Location
St. Gabriel Catholic Church is the oldest church in Louisiana. It is located in St. Gabriel, LA , which is a city within the Baton Rouge metropolitan area . Although a city, it has a population of only 6,400 people. In 1994, St. Gabriel was incorporated as a town and only 12 miles south of the state’s capital. The church grounds house the main church and a chapel called Sacred Heart. The church is within the Carville neighborhood of St. Gabriel. It is part of the Diocese of Baton Rouge.