St. Gabriel the Archangel, St. Gabriel

The community of St. Gabriel was established in 1768 by Acadian exiles sent by Spanish Governor Don Antonio Ulloa to settle the Iberville coast known as Manchac. Fired with a spirit of patient perseverance and neighborly cooperation which characterized these people of Canadian origin, residents of the east bank of the Coast of Iberville developed the land and began an active community life. A traditionally religious people, they dreamed of a church building which would outwardly express their faith.

Using cypress from the nearby swamps, the church was built sturdy and solid, simple but impressive in design. To this day, this historic edifice still stands. The church, believed to have been built in 1771 further upriver from its present site, probably in the vicinity of Fort Manchac, was moved several times because of flooding of the Mississippi River. In 1772, the church was dismantled, moved onto a Spanish land grant and dedicated to St. Gabriel the Archangel. It has served both French and Spanish priests. Its first pastor was French Capuchin Father Valentin who was assigned in 1779. In December 1887, the church was again moved to its present site. At that time, its timbers were found to be in perfect condition. The original bell of the parish, which is still used, bears the inscription, Sancta Maria de la Merced, Ora Pro Nobis - Se Hizo – Commendodos - MRPI Ygnacio de Jesus Maria – Ano de 1768.

The church was remodeled, probably in the late 1880s, into what appears to be a fairly typical nineteenth century Gothic Revival structure. During this renovation, its original hipped roof was changed to a gabled roof and the original bell tower removed and a new tower built over the west entrance. The original shallow arched ceiling was cut out and a higher vaulted ceiling installed. Underlying this façade, however, remains the much older French colonial structure built by the Acadian immigrants from Nova Scotia. Architecture experts believe that about 73% of the original building remains, though the surrounding protective gallery has been removed.

The affection and reverence for the venerable pioneer church deterred any movement that involved destruction of the ancient landmark. In the 1950s, it was decided not only to preserve the old church for future generations but to also build a new church for the congregation. In 1953, a new church was built to the rear of the property overlooking the old St. Gabriel Church. The parishioners of St. Gabriel remain committed to the support of the church in its growth, financially and spiritually. In 2002, the dream of a parish hall became a reality, and the parish activity center was dedicated in March 2004. With God’s guidance and the leadership of the pastors, the family of St. Gabriel Catholic Church continues to move forward while retaining its respect for the past.