St. Mary's Assumption Church (New Orleans, Louisiana) facts for kids
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St. Mary's Assumption Church
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 Location in East New Orleans
Location in Louisiana
Location in the United States
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| Location | Corner of Constance and Josephine New Orleans, Louisiana 70130 |
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| Built | 1860 |
| Architectural style | Baroque Revival, Late Victorian |
| NRHP reference No. | 71000361 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | August 12, 1971 |
| Designated NHL | May 30, 1974 |
St. Mary's Assumption Church is a very important historical church in New Orleans, Louisiana. It is located at the corner of Constance and Josephine Streets. This beautiful church was finished in 1860. It was built for the many German Catholic families who moved to the Lower Garden District area. Right across the street, another church called Saint Alphonsus Church was built around the same time. That church was for the many Irish Catholic families moving into the same neighborhood. Both churches are known for being very beautiful and fancy.
About the Church
St. Mary's Assumption Church has a special place inside for Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos. He was a German priest who came to the United States to help German-speaking immigrants. Father Seelos died while he was the pastor (main priest) at St. Mary's Assumption. He had been visiting and caring for people who were sick with yellow fever. Sadly, he caught the disease himself and passed away in 1867. Because of his good and kind life, the Roman Catholic Church honored him in 2000.
In 1974, the church was named a National Historic Landmark. This means it's a very important historical place in the United States. It's special because it's a rare and detailed example of German Baroque Revival architecture. This is a fancy style of building that looks like old European churches.
Church Challenges and Repairs
In 1965, a big storm called Hurricane Betsy caused a lot of damage to the church. It had to close for a while, and there was even talk of tearing it down. Then, in 2005, Hurricane Katrina also caused damage. Strong winds and heavy rain got inside, harming the walls and ceiling. People worked hard to fix these problems.
St. Mary's in Books
The famous writer Anne Rice had her marriage blessed at St. Mary's Assumption Church. She also included the church in some of her books. For example, in her novel The Witching Hour, two main characters, Rowan and Michael, get married there. In another book, Blackwood Farm, the church is where a funeral for a character named Aunt Queen takes place. After Hurricane Katrina, Anne Rice even asked people on her website to donate money to help repair the church.
Church Organs
This church has two pipe organs, which are very large musical instruments. The main organ is in the second balcony. It was built in 1861 by a company called Simmons & Willcox. It was later updated in 1900 and again around 1920. The other organ, called the choir organ, was built in 1971 in the Netherlands. It was moved to St. Mary's Assumption Church in 2015.
See also
