Felicity Street Methodist Church

Standing on this corner, can you imagine what life was like in 1850? This is where it began: the Steele Chapel, named after the man who donated the land, Elijah Steele. Felicity Street Methodist Church, though, didn’t get its name until 1887. It’s a unique tale. Originally designed by architect Thomas Wharton, the church was a beautiful place, with a graceful Gothic style. But, tragedy struck in 1887. A candle dropped by an organ repairman ignited a fire that consumed the church, leaving only the brick facade standing. Luckily, the congregation rebuilt. The current Felicity Street Methodist Church, built by architects William Williams and Samuel Patton in 1888, became one of the first in New Orleans to have electricity. The church was a thriving center of faith. Sadly, the Great Hurricane of 1915 toppled the steeple, leaving the church in need of yet another renovation. The storm didn’t break its spirit though, as the church was back in service soon after. Felicity Street Methodist Church, though, started to decline around the turn of the century. When Hurricane Katrina hit in 2005, it was again badly damaged, and the congregation was dwindling. The fate of this church was in question. In 2011, the couple who owned the adjacent parsonage house, Chris Jones and Jessica Walker, saw something beautiful in the church. They bought the property, invested their love and resources in renovating this iconic building, and breathed new life into it. The building, now home to Felicity Church, LLC, has been lovingly restored. It’s been host to lots of events since, including wedding ceremonies, receptions, and even a rehearsal dinner for Beyonce’s sister. And it sits here today, a testament to the resilience of New Orleans and the enduring power of hope.