Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Scotlandville

The Josephite fathers, from St. Francis Xavier Parish in Baton Rouge, expanded their evangelizing efforts northward to the area now known as Scotlandville. Eventually, in October 1946, Mass was celebrated in Scotlandville, at the Cook movie house.  Archbishop Rummel purchased land in Scotlandville, and a church was built by the parishioners of St. Francis Xavier Parish. Dedicated in 1953, the Scotlandville mission became a parish on June 21, 1958, and Father P. Francis T. Carney, S.S.J. was appointed the first pastor.

Throughout its history, Immaculate Conception Parish has served a predominately African-American population. The parishioners are deeply committed to Jesus Christ, as evidenced by the presence of four choirs available for worship services: an adult Gospel choir, a children’s Gospel choir, a Traditional or contemporary choir, and a Knights of St. Peter Claver Men’s choir.  The Society of St. Vincent de Paul regularly serves the poor. The Ladies Auxiliary of the Knights of St. Peter Claver provides many charitable services to the parish and parishioners.

Though the parish does not have a school, a dynamic youth religious program thrives, as does the RCIA program. Besides the church building, the parish has added a rectory, an activity center and a parish ministry building where a pantry is housed to serve the needs of the poor.  The Josephites faithfully served the parish from its beginning until the Jesuits replaced them in 1983. The spirit of the parish is evident as parishioners are involved, interested and dedicated, proving daily that Jesus Christ lives in them and they in Him.