Mount Olivet Episcopal Church

Did the walls of Mount Olivet Episcopal Church whisper secrets of the past? I bet they do. This church, nestled on Algiers Point in New Orleans, has witnessed a lot of history. Mount Olivet Episcopal Church isn’t just a pretty face. It’s the oldest church building still in use on the West Bank and the oldest surviving structure in Algiers. Imagine, built in 1854, this Country Gothic style church has been serving the community for over 170 years. It’s been a constant presence through fires, hurricanes, and even a war. Originally facing Olivier Street, Mount Olivet Episcopal Church was built entirely of cypress. The ladies of the church, however, weren’t too pleased about the racetrack across the street. They complained about the “hooligans” exercising their horses during services. Eventually, the track closed, and the horses were enlisted for the Civil War. During the war, the church was closed by General Butler, who used the rectory as a Union hospital. The rector, refusing to pray for Lincoln instead of Jefferson Davis, was arrested and sent to Mobile. He returned after the war, continuing his service at Mount Olivet Episcopal Church. By the 1880s, the congregation had outgrown the building. A new brick church was built, and the original cypress structure was moved to its current location on Pelican Street, serving as a parish hall. This brick church stood until 1961. Then, due to structural issues, it was demolished. However, many of the furnishings were salvaged and brought to the original cypress building. The altar, communion rail, reredos, lectern, pulpit, pews, and even the stained-glass windows found a new home. The pews, originally too long, were cut down to fit. The “Rose” window above the entrance, depicting St. John, was reshaped to fit its new, smaller space. Mount Olivet Episcopal Church, a building that has seen its fair share of changes, stands as a testament to the resilience of the community it serves. The church continues its mission of light, love, and peace. It serves as a drop-off location for glass recycling and supports the Algiers Point Little Free Pantry. Mount Olivet Episcopal Church welcomes everyone, regardless of their background, inviting all to become part of their growing church family.