The true Democrat. [volume] (Bayou Sara [La.]) 1892-1928, 1896-07-25
Parish Annals.
Continued from first page.

Mr.. Lewis conducted the Grst service on
Sunday, April %, 1862
tt has been thus described: "'Tlis sa-
cred cditicc, cmbowerel in stately live
oaks, and surrounded by the tombs Of
generations worshippers, prcsentsa scene
unrivailca among the village churches of
American
Under the able administration CT Mr..
Lewis, the church glded Oh in harmony
and unity until almost destroyed in the
late Civi! War. Shells from the guuboats
landed at Bayou Sara, were hurled against
its walls, also injuring the furniture with
III. The congregation was SO impoverished
by the hardships Of war, that it WIS I'M
possible to rebuild Just then, SO Mr.. Lewis
became rector of Calvary Churvh, New
Orleans His health soou failed and
compelled him to re!inquish his noble
work, aud the last days Of his life were
passed ut his seaside home near Pass
Christian. His grave in Grace Church
Cemetery is marked by beautiful monn-
mcMt, upon which it is said, these words
should have been inscribed. Isl mcuu
ncntnm rcquiris circumspice"
Some years after, through the liberality
OF Mrs. Lawrason, daughter of hlrs. Ira
Smith, the vestry was enabled to put the
church i'll thorough repair. Several Jealous
ministers succeeded each other in their
active work. noted among thc,u were the
i;rvs. Richard Johnson and 4. G. Bake
well, the latter is now the beloved rector
of Trinity Chapel, New Orleans. Rev.
VIA X. Douglas, DID,, came to live among
us in 1886, and is still actively engaged
in administering to the spiritual and tenn
potal welfare Of his congregation. A few
years ago Miss Margaret Butler left q
handsome legacy from which the church
has received Annually nice revenue. The
legacy is now being used on the new rec
tory, Which IS nearly completed aal will
be great addition to Ferdinand st.
The Church of ST. Mary Of Mt Carmel,
beautifully situated OH It Hill, overlooking
Bayou Sara was built in 1871. The plans
were furnished by Gun. p G. 7. Bcaure-
gard. and tho work WAS executed under
the personal supervision of Mr.. c. n. Glib
bons. 1t was dedicated by Most Fey. \,
J. Perche, Archbishop Of New Orleans,
under the patronage of our Lady Of Mt.
Carmel. A large grove Of oaks lead from
tho cnterance to the church door, from
which You have iine view Of the river
and town.
As there are only few Catholic ian,i-
lies in West Fcliciana, the Church was
never finished until about 1893, when GA
entertainment was given for that purpose,
the net proceeds amounting to 500. Now
the interior Of tho church presents quite a
pretty appearance; tie main affairs arc
painted in white and gold adorned with
the cmblens Of tho Catholic iai;k. The
handsome cnpola, surmounted by golden
cross contains q bell Of about six hun.
drel pounds. The church is now in q
hourisking condition under the guidance
of Father Gncns, who by his untiling zeal
AND devotion has erdeared himself to Ii 6
entire congregation.
Another old landmark OF st. Francisyill,
is the Masonic Lodge Fcliciana No. 81. /
is q two story building, the lower hal
was formerly used for a market house
About Is years ago the first floor was re
modelled FOR pleasure, and many delightful
entertainments have been given there BY
tho Social Club.
This past spring, tl.aMasons added many
improvements to their lodge room, maxim.
it us pretty rs auy in the State. Felician;
No. 81, was chartered March %, 1858, an
has always been celebrated for its brigh
workers.
The Knights of Pytlias have recent,
completed handsome hall on Ferdinand
st. The first floor is an Opera House: thcl
lodge room upstairs is very handsomel,
furnished. The lodge continues to grow
in membership which it certainly deserve
if it practices these noble prccopts: ''Th'
brightest jewels which it gamers are th
tears of widows and orphans. and TO pro
tcct the principles Of kuighthood unit
death"
In 1924, Feliciana was divided into tw'
parishes, and St. Francisville became TIL
Ia"ish seat ofWost Fcliciana.
Situated on Prosperity and Ferdinan'
Streets, is the Court House, which st
Francisville proudly presents tovisitors q
enc OF hor nandsomest buildings 1t is tw
stories, built of brick, and covered wit
J slate. Mr.. Thomas Weldon, the arcliitcc
commenced tho foundation in lS.J,2 and til
structure was completed early in the yea
1854. Judge Cyrus Radcliffe first preside
in the now building.