History St. Patrick's Church (New Orleans, Louisiana)

descriptive marker on front of church

in 1833, bishop leo-raymond de neckere established new parish in faubourg st. mary, st. patrick s church. construction of permanent church building began later in decade , completed in 1840. during 1849-1851 rebuilding of st. louis cathedral, church named pro-cathedral of diocese.

the decades after church s establishment saw anti-immigrant violence involving know nothing party. father james mullon, portrait hangs in of church, pastor @ time , held significant clout in city. many nativists feared , irish taking control of new orleans establishment. st. patrick s remained anchor of local church throughout events of tumultuous decades followed, including infamous occupation of city union troops under unpopular major general benjamin butler during american civil war. during war, outspoken mullon, had been pastor decades, accosted butler refusing preside @ funeral of union soldier. mullon responded, in moment of local lore, apologizing , remarking gladly preside @ funerals of butler , union troops.

the church building named national historic landmark in 1975. major restoration, lasting 1978 1990, preserved structure parish continue serve people of new orleans had 150 years.

hurricane katrina

located on relatively high ground near river, st. patrick s not in flood zone during , after hurricane katrina , did not experience significant physical damage. parishioners , regular churchgoers come throughout archdiocese , scattered hurricane else.

in keeping st. patrick s history new orleans second oldest parish, , st. louis cathedral held first masses in new orleans after hurricane katrina on sunday, october 2, 2005. new york times reported reopening of both churches, quoting 1 parishioner regarding ringing of bell in tower, can call homecoming bell new orleans. have news want out.