Perhaps, the most captivating story of faith and resilience resides within the walls of Saint Charles Borromeo Catholic Church. This church stands as the second-oldest ecclesiastical parish in the Archdiocese of New Orleans. Its story began far from here in 1723.
Originally named La Paroisse de St. Jean des Allemands, it was founded by Capuchin missionary priests. The first site was on the west bank of the Mississippi River. This was near present-day Taft, Louisiana.
In 1740, the parish made a significant move. It relocated to the east bank of the Mississippi River. A log cabin structure was built, and the parish was renamed St. Charles in honor of St. Charles Borromeo.
Locals then called it the Little Red Church. The original log cabin chapel unfortunately burned down in 1806. That same year, it was replaced by a wood-framed church painted red. This Little Red Church became a well-known landmark for riverboats. Boat captains would traditionally pay off their crews there.
The church faced challenging times. In 1877, a fire destroyed the rectory. This left the church without a pastor. Then, in 1890, the church entered a period of interdiction. It lost the pastoral support of Archbishop Francis Janssens. These conflicts centered around the church charter and wardens.
Resilience marked Saint Charles Borromeo. A parochial charter was adopted in 1917. Archbishop James Blenk reinstated the ecclesiastical parish to the diocese. However, tragedy struck again. In 1921, the Little Red Church burned to the ground.
The current Saint Charles Borromeo Catholic Church was built on the same property that very year. Dedicated on January 25, 1922, the church boasts a white façade and a Spanish tile roof. In front of the church stands a statue of Saint Charles Borromeo.
Inside, the altar stone rests on a remarkable piece of history. It is a walnut tree trunk from Arona, Italy. This tree is estimated to be four-hundred years old. It dates back to the time of Charles Borromeo in the 16th century.
In 1929, the church expanded. A convent was built, and the rectory was rebuilt. The ground buildings were elevated and enclosed. Saint Charles Borromeo also has a significant cemetery. It was established as early as 1723. Today, it is recognized as the South’s oldest German cemetery.
Among those buried here is Charles Frederick d’Arensbourg. He was a leader of the German Coast. However, his grave was lost due to the shifting Mississippi River. The Destréhan Family tombs are also located in the cemetery.
Jean Noël Destréhan, a Louisiana state senator who died in 1823, is buried here. His grave was also lost to the river’s shifting currents. The oldest remaining burial plot belongs to Elizabeth Dubord, who died in 1777. It also contains the remains of François Trepagnier. He died in the 1811 German Coast uprising.
Saint Charles Borromeo’s commitment to education is evident. In 1929, an elementary school was built on the grounds. It was the first parochial school between New Orleans and Baton Rouge. The school still operates on the church grounds in Destrehan. A parochial high school, Saint Charles Borromeo High School, opened in 1948.
Saint Charles Borromeo Parish celebrated its 250th anniversary in 1973. Church leaders, government officials, and parishioners participated in the celebration. It included a mass, a pageant honoring early German settlers, Cajun music, and square dancing. All enjoyed an outdoor luncheon under the historic oak trees. Saint Charles Borromeo Catholic Church stands as a testament to faith. It is a landmark of history, community, and architectural beauty.