Gyde
Open prototypeProto
Back to all New Orleans places

New Orleans, Orleans Parish / Religious sites

St. Augustine Church

The oldest Black Catholic parish in the United States, established in 1841 by free people of color in the historic Tremé neighborhood of New Orleans.

Open prototype Official site Get directions
St. Augustine Church
www.staugnola.org, website_hero_img_www.staugnola.org

What is St. Augustine Church known for?

Established in 1841 by free people of color, it is the oldest Black Catholic parish in the United States and was the first black church in Louisiana.

What are the visiting hours?

General visiting hours are Monday to Saturday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and Sunday from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Is it free to visit?

Yes, admission is free, although donations are encouraged to support community programs and restoration.

Is the church wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the church features ramps and accessible restrooms, though some historic areas may have uneven flooring.

Where is it located?

It is located on the corner of Henriette DeLille Street in New Orleans' Treme neighborhood, just outside the French Quarter.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

St. Augustine Church is a historic Catholic parish located in the Tremé neighborhood, just outside the French Quarter and roughly ten blocks from the river on the corner of Henriette DeLille Street. It is recognized as the oldest Black Catholic parish in the United States, having been established in 1841 by free people of color who also purchased pews for enslaved people. Dedicated on October 9, 1842, the church was built by the residents of Tremé and was considered the most racially integrated congregation of its time. This legacy of inclusion is reflected in its designation as one of the first 26 sites on the state's Louisiana African American Heritage Trail. Visitors can explore the sanctuarys interior, where the history of the community's resilience and faith faith is palpable. The parish continues to serve as a spiritual center for the local community, remaining a testament to the agency of the free people of color in 19th-century New Orleans. Today, the church remains accessible to the public, offering a space for reflection and historical exploration. It is supported by grants such as the Preserving Black Churches grant from the National Trust for Historic Preservation's African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund to ensure its architectural and spiritual legacy is preserved for future generations.

Visitor tips

  • Admission is free, though donations are encouraged to support community programs and restoration efforts.
  • The church is wheelchair accessible with ramps and restrooms, but be mindful of uneven flooring in some historic areas.
  • Visit between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM Monday through Saturday, or 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Sundays.

Nearby context

Located in the heart of the Tremé neighborhood, St. Augustine Church serves as a landmark of African American heritage, situated just outside the French Quarter and ten blocks from the river.

Sources

Evidence and links