St. Mary Magdalen Church

St. Mary Magdalen Church is a Catholic church building in red brick with Gothic styling located in Abbeville. The structure features a basilica layout with buff-colored trim and buttresses projecting from its exterior walls and towers.

The original church building was constructed in 1844 but burned down in 1907, leading to its replacement with the current structure completed in 1911. This rebuilding marked the community's determination to restore their spiritual center.

The community gathers here for worship and celebrations that reflect the French heritage of the region. This place serves as a gathering point for descendants of Acadian exiles who maintain their traditions within these walls.

The church grounds include a rectory building from 1921 and an adjacent cemetery serving the local community. Visitors should remember this is an active place of worship and should respect services and prayer times.

Father Joseph Verbis Lafleur was known for leading youth activities at the church before he died in World War II. His legacy continues through the programs he helped establish for young people in the community.

Location: Abbeville

Inception: 1911

Website: http://stmarymagdalenparish.org

GPS coordinates: 29.97444,-92.13750

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:11