St. Mary's Episcopal Church (Weyanoke, Louisiana) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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St. Mary's Episcopal Church
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St. Mary's Episcopal Church viewed from Louisiana Highway 66
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 Location in Louisiana
Location in the United States
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| Nearest city | Weyanoke, Louisiana |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1857 |
| Architectural style | Gothic Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 80001774 |
| Added to NRHP | September 29, 1980 |
St. Mary's Episcopal Church is a historic church building located in Weyanoke, Louisiana. It was built a long time ago and is now a quiet, empty place surrounded by nature.
Contents
History of St. Mary's Church
Building the Church
St. Mary's Episcopal Church was built in 1857. It was meant for about 20 families who lived on large farms, called plantations, in the remote Tunica area. This area is north of St. Francisville, Louisiana.
The church's design is thought to be by Frank Wills. He was an important architect from New York in the 1800s. Wills really liked the Gothic Revival style. This style looks like old European churches with pointed arches and tall windows. He believed English country churches were the best model for churches in America. St. Mary's clearly shows his ideas.
Two other churches designed by Wills are also in this region. They are Christ Church in Napoleonville, Louisiana and the Chapel of the Cross near Madison, Mississippi.
A Special Dedication
In 1858, the church was officially dedicated. This means it was set aside for religious use. Bishop Leonidas Polk led the dedication. He later became a general in the Civil War. People sometimes called him the "Fighting Bishop."
The church was built on 5 acres of land. This land was given by a woman named Sarah Mulford. It was located on the Old East Tunica Road.
A Forgotten Place
In 1928, a new road, State Highway 66, was built. It was about half a mile west of the church. The old road that led to the church was no longer used. This left the church without an easy way for cars to reach it. Now, you can only get there by private farm roads.
In 1947, St. Mary's Church was no longer used as a church. This means it was "deconsecrated." Today, the building stands empty. The forest around it is slowly growing over the church. The graveyard north of the church and the old road are now completely covered by trees and plants.
Why It's Important
St. Mary's Church was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. This is a list of important historical places in the United States. Being on this list means the church is a special part of history.
Experts describe it as a beautiful example of church design from the mid-1800s. It shows the Gothic Revival style very well. It is also one of only about 12 churches like it in Louisiana.
See also
- Grace Episcopal Church (St. Francisville, Louisiana): also NRHP-listed in West Feliciana Parish
- St. John's Episcopal Church (Laurel Hill, Louisiana): also NRHP-listed in West Feliciana Parish
- National Register of Historic Places listings in West Feliciana Parish, Louisiana
