St. Gabriel the Archangel, St. Gabriel

The community of St. Gabriel was established in 1767 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.  On February 14, 1770 a decree from Governor Alejandro O’Reilly, based on recommendations from Vicar General Rev. Dagobert, called for the construction of a church for the “Acadians of the Iberville Coast”.

Using cypress from the nearby swamps, the church was built sturdy and solid, simple but impressive in design. This historic edifice still stands as the oldest surviving church structure in the Mississippi River Valley. The church’s construction is documented to have begun in 1774, completed in 1776, and is an example of the earliest form of Creole architecture. It has been served by both French and Spanish priests. Although the faith community of St Gabriel was served by Spanish Capuchins as early as 1773, the first pastor was a French Capuchin, Father Valentin, who was appointed in 1779. 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.  “Holy Mary of Mercy- Pray for Us”.

The church was remodeled around 1870, 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.  In 1953, the old bell tower was severed for fear it may fall, rebuilt in 1973 and then rebuilt once again after damage due to Hurricane Gustav in 2008.

The affection and reverence for the venerable pioneer church deterred any movement that involved destruction of the ancient landmark. 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.