“Its presence is commanding” someone once said, perfectly capturing St. Charles Ave. Baptist Church’s imposing figure. Here, at 7100 St. Charles Avenue, stands a testament to faith and progressive values. The church dates back to the 1880s. It began as a Baptist mission of Coliseum Baptist Church. This mission was located in unused servants’ quarters at the corner of Maple and Cherokee Streets.
In 1898, twenty-six charter members established the Carrollton Baptist Church. Three years later, New Orleans annexed Carrollton. The small congregation purchased property at St. Charles Avenue and Hillary Street. They then changed the church name to St. Charles Ave. Baptist Church. Seeking to serve the University neighborhood, the church moved again in 1924. It bought a lot at St. Charles Avenue and Audubon Street. Construction of the current sanctuary began in 1925. By 1926, the congregation had moved in. Since then, St. Charles Ave. Baptist Church has grown to occupy the entire block.
The sanctuary you see is unique. Favrot and Livaudais, a local architecture firm, designed it in 1925. The style is Spanish Colonial Revival, unlike any other church in New Orleans. Notice the tall bell tower and the intricate cast concrete bas reliefs. Terra cotta tiles cover the roof. The sanctuary sits above an educational space. This is similar to the raised basements in New Orleans residential architecture. Twin exterior staircases provide access from the street.
Inside, many original details remain. Admire the ornate plaster castings. Look at the light fixtures, the tile floors, and the wood pews. A cantilevered balcony wraps around the room. Arched wooden sash windows bring in ample light. The spacious sanctuary was designed to serve the nearby universities.
St. Charles Ave. Baptist Church has a history of progressive stances. The church included women in committees as early as the 1920s. In 1971, it became the first Baptist church in Louisiana to ordain women as deacons. The church ordained a woman to the Gospel ministry in 1980. In 2013, the church called its first female pastor.
St. Charles Ave. Baptist Church ended its affiliation with the Southern Baptist Convention in 2001. Today, the church enjoys ecumenical and interfaith partnerships. It strives to be a prophetic voice of faith in New Orleans. The church maintains an attitude of openness and acceptance. It is committed to living out Christ’s love.
In 2020, St. Charles Ave. Baptist Church completed an extensive restoration. The National Fund for Sacred Places supported this project. The restoration secured the sanctuary’s exterior. It addressed water issues. The project restored historic wood windows and plaster walls. The HVAC and electrical systems were also updated. St. Charles Ave. Baptist Church continues to be a welcoming place. It is a space for meaningful community gatherings and conversations.