November 21, 2009
7:00pm
Among the most revered of New Orleans historic landmarks is Old St. Patrick’s Church, a stunning example of the arts and crafts of another era. It stands in the heart of the business district and is one of the treasures that remain from early 19th century days when the city began moving outside the boundaries of Bienville’s original settlement, the French Quarter.
It has been declared a National Historic Landmark by the Department of the Interior, setting it apart as a special American edifice of importance.
Old St. Patrick’s lies in the 700 block of Camp Street in what was known as the American sector. It is one of the few historic and architecturally significant structures in and around Lafayette Square, once a grand park for residents and businessmen in the uptown side of the city across Canal Street from the Quarter. It was in this section that Americans built their homes and business establishments and distinguished their lifestyles from those of the Creoles residing in the original city limits.
The church dates to 1840, but the parish was established in 1833, the first outside the boundaries of the original city. The first structure was a small wooden building at the site the church occupies today. Now the church is in the midst of a section in the business area that is surrounded by what was once a neighborhood of grand mansions and fine mercantile stores that were outfitted with the finest appointments. This whole area now is regaining its significance as an in-town area for housing and shopping rows. In the old days the section was known as Faubourg (suburb) St. Mary. It was here that St. Patrick’s was born out of necessity, and from an Irish determination to worship in the splendor and magnificence equal to the French in their grand St. Louis Cathedral.
Today the old church caters to an expanding commercial area around it and to the spiritual needs of many families who travel far distances to attend its services.
Old St. Patrick’s remains a delightful reminder of the past in the midst of change.
Excerpts from: Frank L. Schneider, September 1994
Old St. Patrick’s Church
724 Camp Street
New Orleans, LA 70130
504.525.4413