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(Lower Garden District; church constructed 1855, portico added 1891)
St. Alphonsus Church, a National Historic Landmark, was constructed in 1855 by Catholic Redemptorists. An architectural jewel in the Lower Garden District neighborhood, the church operates as an arts and cultural center, and offers tours, concerts, art exhibitions, receptions, and children's programs. The building's 1891 front portico stood in great disrepair; restoration of flooring, roofing, wall treatment and the portico have helped St. Alphonsus maintain its place at the center of its community.
What is the historical significance of this site?
An exceptional example of Renaissance Revival architecture, the church was constructed in 1855 and embellished with the addition of a front portico in 1891. Built to serve Irish and English speaking parishioners of the Redemptorists in St. Alphonsus Parish, the church is the hub of Irish heritage and activity in New Orleans and the focal point of the Irish Channel St. Patrick's Day activities. The site currently houses the St. Alphonsus Art & Cultural Center which includes Domenico Canova frescoes (Italy, 1865), F.X. Zettler stained glass windows (Germany, 1890), and hand carved altars by Buscher (Chicago, 1868) among other finely crafted treasures.
What is the current use of grant money and/or state of restoration?
St. Alphonsus Church is a visible landmark in the Lower Garden District, lending a sense of place, and is regularly open three days a week for visits and tours of the parish art collection, genealogical research, art exhibits, receptions and concerts.
Due to the work made possible by the Partners in Preservation grant, the church received an additional $10,000 grant from the Harral Foundation to restore the original pocket doors of the main entrance. Additionally, the Society of Gilders worked in the church and committed to return to restore originally gilded items. These items, along with the rest of the work, will contribute to a totally refurbished space that will benefit the community for years to come.
Why this site needs your continued support:
Restoring St. Alphonsus Church as an Art & Cultural Center, maintaining historic changes made to the structure throughout its history, and conducting exterior and interior restoration work to stained glass restoration and fresco secco and trompe l'oeil conservation has heightened the awareness of the Ecclesiastical Square neighborhood. This awareness has led to increased neighborhood traffic and visitors, which is good for the both the site and the community as a whole.
St. Alphonsus Church is a National Historic Landmark.
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