Established in 1871, Mount Carmel Catholic Church was built exclusively of native woods, with cypress doors, window, and doorframes, while the beams and columns are solid longleaf pine. It is said that General P. T. G. Beauregard designed the plans. A local family donated the semi-circular window with the church’s title over the main entrance in 1951. In 1979, the interior was remodeled to correspond with the directives of Vatican Council II.
It was on a visit to St. Francisville that the Archbishop of New Orleans, the Most Reverend N.J. Perche urged the people of the community to build a church. Prior to this time, a priest who came once a month from Jackson and Clinton served the Catholic community. Mass was said on these occasions in different homes and sometimes in the courthouse.
Visitors from all over the world come within these walls, not only because of the attractions of tourism, but to pray. People likewise have come to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of Catholic Hill in this beautiful town of St. Francisville.
Read more about the history here.
