Old St. Patrick's is 185 foot high Gothic style structure that was built around 1840, making it one of the oldest Catholic churches in New Orleans. Though St. Louis Cathedral predates it by about 50 years, the Cathedral was expanded and rebuilt about 10 years after St. Patrick's was built, with very little of the original structure being retained, while St. Patrick's, though being extensively restored in the latter part of the 20th century, still looks essentially the same as it did when it was first constructed. The interior is awe inspiring, featuring beautiful murals behind the altar painted by artist Leon Pomarede, gorgeous stained glass, and countless other details.
The plaque on the outside of the church reads:
St. Patrick's Parish was the second established in New Orleans. The first church on this site was dedicated April 21, 1833. The cornerstone of the present edifice was laid July 1, 1838 by Bishop Antoine Blanc during the pastorate of Father James I. Mullon. The first service in the completed church was held February 23, 1840. The building was designed by Dakin and Dakin, Architect, and completed under the direction of the architect James Gallier who designed most of the interior, including the high altar. The sanctuary paintings were executed by Leon Pomarede in 1841. The first St. Vincent De Paul Conference in New Orleans was founded here in 1852.
An additional plaque outside reads:
Saint Patrick's Church. Established 1833 by Bishop Leo Denekere, C.M. This church, completed in 1840 during the pastorate of Father James I. Mullon, is the oldest parish church outside the French Quarter. In 1850, St. Patrick's served as pro-cathedral while the St. Louis Cathedral was undergoing reconstruction. Here Bishop Antoine Blanc received the pallium as first Archbishop of New Orleans on February 16, 1851. St. Patrick's is regarded as the mother church of uptown New Orleans.
Inside the church, a marble plaque reads as follows:
In commemoration of the pastoral visit of Archbishop Francis B. Shulte, D.D., to celebrate the completion of the restoration of St. Patrick’s Church, December 2, 1990. In perpetual remembrance of the thousands of people whose dedication and sacrifice helped restore this national historic landmark. As an act of faith we rededicate this church as a living symbol of the loving presence of God among us. “Si momentum requiris circumspect”
A pleasure to photograph weddings at, it's a wonderful choice for brides and grooms, with numerous outstanding reception venues in the immediate vicinity of the church.
The Lighthouse Building, which is where this couple's reception took place, is literally steps away from the church on Camp Street. Historic Gallier Hall is just around the corner on St. Charles Avenue, the elegant Loews Hotel and Le Pavillon are both right down Poydras Street, and New Orleans Board of Trade is fairly close as well. Also nearby are some fabulous CBD and Warehouse District venues, such as The Chicory, Restaurant August, The Gallery Venue at Tomas, The Capital on Baronne, and Generations Hall. A little further out, but still within easy distance of a Second Line Parade, are the Roosevelt Hotel and Federal Ballroom, with several French Quarter venues also being within walking distance and more being just a quick bus ride away.
Here is what the bride wrote about me after the wedding:
Michael was so great all day for our wedding! His pictures are beautifully done and you barely even know he is there. Michael captured every precious moment and was extremely professional and organized. He even makes the payment process super easy! Everyone is still talking about the pictures and how beautiful they are, couldn't be happier!
Location: 724 Camp St, New Orleans, LA 70130.
