“Largest church in New Orleans” they once called it. Right here on Jackson Avenue stands the Jackson Avenue Evangelical Congregational Church. It boasts a history stretching back over 172 years in the Irish Channel. This church started as a German Protestant Church. Thirteen German men bought land on Phillip Street for just $600.
They built the church transferring it to the German Lutheran Church. The congregation grew especially under Rev. “Papa” Heintz. By 1870 they needed more space. They bought this lot at Jackson and Chippewa. The plan was ambitious. A new church seating 1000. The old church would become a fellowship hall. Laying the foundation drained their funds. The cornerstone wasn’t laid until 1874. You can still see it preserved on the front left corner.
The new Jackson Avenue Evangelical Congregational Church was dedicated on April 2 1876. Cypress pews and heart pine flooring cost $39000. Stained glass windows came later between 1902 and 1940. The first honored Rev. “Papa” Heintz after he passed in 1901. These windows are truly stunning. European and local artistry combined. Franz Mayer Co. and Emile Frie Co. both of Munich and St. Louis created them. The Louisiana Glass and Mirror Co. of New Orleans also contributed.
Despite the impressive new church the congregation dwindled. Rev. J.P. Quinius started his pastorate in 1902. To attract more members they began offering services in English. Previously services were only in German. They decided to demolish the old church. A modern Sunday School would replace it. But tragedy struck. In 1921 a fire destroyed the new Sunday School. Four firemen died. The main Jackson Avenue Evangelical Congregational Church survived. A hurricane in 1915 had already damaged it. Many churches lost their spires including this one. Hurricane Betsy in 1965 further damaged the roof. Lightning strikes forced the removal of the pinnacles. The spire once stood 100 to 120 feet high. They were never replaced. That leaves us with the facade you see today.
Despite these challenges the congregation remains committed. They refinished the interior wood in 1960. They shored up the front in the ’90s. They constantly work to preserve the original character of the Jackson Avenue Evangelical Congregational Church. Its resilience and beauty stand as a testament to faith.