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New Orleans, Orleans Parish / Religious sites

St. Mary’s Assumption Church

A National Historic Landmark in the Lower Garden District, this stunning church is a rare American example of German Baroque Revival architecture and the final resting place of Blessed Francis Seelos.

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St. Mary’s Assumption Church
Infrogmation of New Orleans, CC BY-SA 3.0

What is St. Mary’s Assumption Church known for?

It is a National Historic Landmark known for its rare and elaborate German Baroque Revival architecture, including unsurpassed interior baroque plaster work and wood carvings.

Where is the church located?

The church is located at 2030 Constance Street, at the intersection of Constance and Josephine Streets in New Orleans, Louisiana.

What is the history of the church?

The first church on the site was a small frame building erected in 1844, and the current church was completed in 1860 to serve the German Catholic immigrant population in the Lower Garden District.

Who is Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos?

He was a German priest and pastor at the church who died of yellow fever in 1867 after caring for victims of the disease. The church now houses his final resting place, as well as a shrine and museum dedicated to him.

Does the church have any connection to famous authors?

Yes, novelist Anne Rice included the church in her novel The Witching Hour and had her own marriage convalidated there with her husband, Stan.

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. Mary's Assumption Church is a National Historic Landmark located at the corner of Constance and Josephine Streets in New Orleans. Completed in 1860, the church was built to serve the growing German Catholic immigrant population in the Lower Garden District. While a small frame building first occupied the site in 1844, the current large rectangular brick structure features a nave and side aisles that showcase exceptional brickmason skill. The interior is renowned for its baroque plaster work and wood carvings, which are considered unsurpassed in New Orleans and perhaps the entire nation. This unique expression of American German baroque art has survived numerous challenges, including damage from Hurricane Betsy in 1965 and Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the latter of which caused water infiltration that damaged the ceiling and interior plaster. The church is a historic Redemptorist parish and serves as the final resting place for Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos. A German priest who ministered to immigrants, Seelos died from yellow fever in 1867 after caring for victims of the epidemic. The site now houses a shrine and museum dedicated to his life and virtuous service, for which he was beatified in 2000. Beyond its religious and architectural significance, the church has a cultural footprint. Best-selling novelist Anne Rice had her marriage convalidated here with her husband Stan and featured the church in her novel The Witching Hour, where two of the main characters were married at St. Mary's.

Visitor tips

  • Allow time to visit the shrine and museum of Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos inside the church.
  • Observe the intricate exterior brickwork, which is noted for the skill of the original brickmasons.
  • Check for current restoration efforts by the 'Save St. Mary's Campaign Committee' when visiting.

Nearby context

Located in the Lower Garden District at 2030 Constance Street, the church is part of the St. Alphonsus Parish, with St. Alphonsus church situated directly across the street.

Sources

Evidence and links