St. Gabriel Roman Catholic Church, Catholic church building in St. Gabriel, Louisiana.
St. Gabriel Roman Catholic Church is a Catholic church building in St. Gabriel, Louisiana, featuring traditional architectural elements with a bell tower that holds the original parish bell from its founding era. The structure displays the characteristic design of a historic church with its distinctive elements reflecting the period in which it was built.
The church was founded in 1761 and completed in 1776, making it the oldest surviving church structure in the Louisiana Purchase territory. It was moved from its original riverside location to its current site in the early 1900s for better preservation.
The church serves as a gathering place where the community comes together for worship and celebrations that reflect Catholic traditions. It shapes the spiritual rhythm of St. Gabriel and remains central to how people in the area express their faith.
The building is open for visits during regular hours, and it is advisable to check ahead for specific access times. The historic site is centrally located in St. Gabriel, making it accessible on foot or by car.
During restoration work after Hurricane Gustav in 2008, workers found that the original timber framework had remained in excellent condition despite centuries of use. This discovery revealed the exceptional craftsmanship and quality of materials chosen when the structure was first built.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.