Doesn’t Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church evoke a sense of history? This church stands as a testament to faith and community. Our Lady of Grace was established in 1937. It became the first Black Catholic parish in St. John the Baptist Parish.
The story of Our Lady of Grace begins a bit earlier. In 1931 Father Jean M. Eyraud wanted a church for the Black children of his parish. He moved the old John L. Ory school building to St. Peter’s in Reserve. It became St. Catherine School. This was the first Black parochial school in the community.
Father Eyraud requested a separate church parish for Black Catholics. A new mission was established in Reserve. Father Roderique Anthony Auclair was assigned to develop the mission in 1936. He was one of the Josephite priests. These priests dedicated their lives to evangelization in the African American community.
Construction of Our Lady of Grace church, rectory, and garage finished in 1937. Father Auclair named the church Our Lady of Grace. This was at the request of two major benefactors. They wanted the church to bear the name of the Blessed Mother.
The first Mass was celebrated on Palm Sunday March 21 1937. Archbishop Rummel officially dedicated the mission on June 13 1937. Our Lady of Grace Historic Sanctuary was the only Catholic Church in the area. It exclusively served African American parishioners. This was especially significant back in the 1930s.
Before Our Lady of Grace existed, Black parishioners had limited access. They were given seating in the rear pews at St. Peter’s Catholic Church. They could only take communion after white worshippers. Black parishioners were restricted from being choir members or altar boys.
Our Lady of Grace provided a dedicated space. The church measured 80 by 40 square feet. It had a capacity of 350 people. It was built exclusively for African Americans. Father Roderick Auclair led the construction with the help of the local community. Later another structure was added. It provided Catholic schooling for Black children.
In 1992 Our Lady of Grace was targeted for demolition. It was saved by moving it two miles. It now stands on the grounds of the former Cornland Plantation. Today the sanctuary is home to the non-denominational Riverlands Christian Center. Exhibits tell Our Lady of Grace’s story. They use historic photographs, documents, and video.
Our Lady of Grace Church is near the junction of Airline Highway and 3rd Street in Reserve. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2005. The church is significant in religion, social history, and ethnic heritage. It represents the formation of separate churches for African-American parishioners. Priests from the Josephites staff Our Lady of Grace. It was listed on the Louisiana African American Heritage Trail in 2012.
Today Our Lady of Grace welcomes all. Mass times are held on Saturday and Sunday. Weekday services are also available. The community continues to celebrate the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. Our Lady of Grace stands as a beacon of faith. It is a testament to the enduring spirit of its community. It is a place where history and faith intertwine. It continues to inspire generations.