Saint Matthew United Church of Christ

Could a church really be named after a rooster? Well, not officially. Yet, right here in front of Saint Matthew United Church of Christ, that’s exactly what folks called it! They called it “The Rooster Church” because of the charming rooster weathervane perched atop the steeple. You see, Saint Matthew United Church of Christ has a long history dating back to 1849. It was founded as the German Evangelical Church of Carrollton, when this neighborhood was a separate town just outside New Orleans. The original members, many of whose descendants still worship here today, pledged their dedication, creating a legacy of faith that has weathered many storms. The church faced trials, like the yellow fever epidemic that tragically took the lives of two pastors. The congregation even split for a time, only to reunite in a heartwarming display of unity. That’s the spirit that endured, leading to the construction of the beautiful building you see before you in 1923. The name, however, continued to evolve with the times. From “St. Matthew Evangelical Church” to “St. Matthew Evangelical and Reformed Church,” it finally became “Saint Matthew United Church of Christ” in 1957 after merging with the Congregational Christian Church. But that rooster weathervane? It remains a cherished reminder of the church’s early days. You can even find it on display in the lobby!