CONSTRUCTION OF THE CHURCH
On Sunday, May 9, 1869 at 3:00 p.m. took place the ground breaking ceremony, at which an “immense” crowd attended. On Sunday, October 8, 1871 at 3:00 p.m., the pastor, Father Thomas Smith, C.M. presided at the laying of the cornerstone. For that occasion the orator was the famous “Poet-Priest of the South, Abram Ryan, C.M. The work of construction began in 1869; but between1875 and 1884, had to be suspended because of defects in the foundation. The roof was placed in 1877.
The architect of the building was P. C. Keeley of Brooklyn. The builder was D. M. Foley, Jr. Original plans called for spires on the front towers. Another historical note stated that the contract for building the church was given to Thomas O’Neil of New Orleans, and that he procured the best hard brick for construction. Hearsay informs us that the sculptured faces on the bases of the pillars, on the church porch, recall members of the O’Neil family.
DEDICATION DAY
On Sunday, December 18, 1892 at 3:00 p.m. the church was dedicated, a ceremony at which attended some 3,000 peole, “elbowing and pushing their way.” Reverend Francis Nugent, C.M. preached on the occasion.
First Masses within the church were celebrated on Christmas Day, 1892, upon wooden altars. Parochial service began officially on January 1, 1893. Reverend J. W. Hickey, C.M., was pastor.
FURNISHING AND DECORATION
On dedication day the new church was an empty shell: bare walls; plain glass windows; wooden altars; no pews.
In 1903 the first four of the ten stained glass windows were placed. The cost of each window was $1,500. In March, 1915 the present marble altar was erected, a gift of Mr. and Mrs. Hugh McManus. It was designed by Augustine O’Callahan of Chicago and placed by Shrader and Sons of St. Louis. (The altar was consecrated on March 19, 1929.)
In 1915, the Crucifixation scene above the main altar was finished by the artist, Joseph B. Hann of Chicago, who painted the canvas set on the wall.
Money for construction and furnishing of the church was obtained from collections and donations, given both by local people and benefactors in other states. It is recorded that Father R. J. Fitzgerald, C. M., a pastor in those days, shortened his life because of excessive labor and anxiety occasioned by the building of the church. The stained glass window of The Nativity was given as a memorial to him.
LATER FURNISHINGS
Other decorations and improvements were done in the course of time: the large and small chandeliers hanging from the ceiling; terrazzo flooring; small stained glass windows along the side of the building; painting of the interior - all completed between 1926 and 1930.
In more recent times, the following have been completed: a new roof on the church; redecoration of the interior; tuckpointing and sandblasting of the exterior; installation of an electric, automatic church bell system; small stained glass windows over the doors at the front entrance; and installation of an elevator.
1802 Tulane Ave