Basilica of the Immaculate Conception (Natchitoches, Louisiana) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Church of the Immaculate Conception
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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Basilica of the Immaculate Conception
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 Location in Louisiana
Location in the United States
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| Location | 145 Church St. Natchitoches, Louisiana, USA |
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| Built | 1857-c. 1900 |
| Part of | Natchitoches Historic District (ID74000928) |
| Added to NRHP | June 05, 1974 |
The Basilica of the Immaculate Conception is a very important church located in Natchitoches, Louisiana, United States. It is a "minor basilica," which is a special title given by the Pope to churches that are historically significant or beautiful. This church also serves as a regular parish church for the Diocese of Alexandria.
This building is the seventh church structure to serve the local community. For a time, it was even the main church, or "cathedral," for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Natchitoches. The church is also recognized as a historic building. It is part of the Natchitoches Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places.
Contents
History of the Church
Early Beginnings (1728-1838)
The church community in Natchitoches started way back in 1728. The very first church building was constructed inside Fort St. Jean Baptiste. This happened sometime between 1729 and 1733.
A second church, named St. John the Baptist, was built by 1738. It was located near the second fort and what is now called the American Cemetery. A third church, made of stone, was built in the same spot in 1771.
Fourteen years later, a fourth church was constructed. The town had moved north, so this church was built at what is now Front and Church Streets. A fifth church, made of brick, was about 50 feet (15 meters) wide and 100 feet (30 meters) long. It is thought to have been where the Church Street Inn is today. This church was destroyed in the Natchitoches fire of 1838.
Becoming a Cathedral (1839-1910)
The sixth church building was finished in the spring of 1839. This church became the first cathedral for the Diocese of Natchitoches. A "diocese" is an area managed by a bishop. This diocese was created by Pope Pius IX in 1853.
The current church building, which is the seventh, was started in 1857. However, its construction was delayed because of the American Civil War and the time of Reconstruction that followed. It was finally completed between 1900 and 1905.
The church stopped being a cathedral on August 6, 1910. This happened when the main city for the diocese, called the "see city," moved from Natchitoches to Alexandria.
Modern Recognition (1974-Present)
In 1974, the Church of the Immaculate Conception was officially listed as a historic building. It became a "contributing property" within the Natchitoches Historic District.
Later, on February 22, 2009, Pope Benedict XVI gave the church a special honor. He elevated it to the status of a "minor basilica." This title recognizes its importance and beauty within the Catholic Church.
See also
In Spanish: Basílica de la Inmaculada Concepción (Natchitoches) para niños
- Isle Brevelle
- List of Catholic cathedrals in the United States
- List of cathedrals in the United States
- Natchitoches Parish
- Anne des Cadeaux
- Cane River
- Natchitoches, Louisiana
- Louis Juchereau de St. Denis
