Hallowed Halls of Greater New Orleans: Historic Churches, Cathedrals and Sanctuaries

From New Orleans to the Northshore, stately churches, grand cathedrals and rustic chapels act as coffers for generations of history and devotion. Dedicated to deep-seated traditions, and Louisiana's allegiance to its European roots, the state is divided into parishes rather than counties. Follow Deborah Burst as she explores the defiant spirit of early parishioners battling disease, pestilent weather and economic depression in building their heavenly havens. Meet today's faithful followers who reverently serve and protect the church, along with preservationists who pass the spiritual torch from one generation to the next. Anne Rice fans will find cherished memories of her life growing up in St. Alphonsus church and its profound influence on her life. A New Orleans native and legendary author, she was mesmerized by the baroque beauty of St. Alphonsus church. Born Howard Allan O'Brien, a descendant of Irish immigrants, Anne grew up in the Irish Channel and was baptized in St. Alphonsus, now known as St. Alphonsus Art and Cultural Center. "I've always been in love with my hometown--just in love with it enough to describe it in book after book after book and keep going back to its atmosphere and ambiance as a source of inspiration. The baroque beauty of St. Alphonsus, its profoundly Italian feeling and its exquisite excess of ornament will forever influence my life and my writing. I grew to love the sensuality and evocative quality of its heavily figurative art--the story told in the stained-glass windows and the Stations of the Cross and the stories represented by so many statues of the saints." This book is dedicated to the beauty and spirituality of these hallowed halls but is in no way a religious voyage into any particular faith. More than a chronicle of historic timelines, each chapter offers a snapshot of the community, a sense of place, from a pastor who ministers his flock over a pint of beer to an iconic Cathedral graced with a visit from Pope John Paul II. The churches are not only foundations for religious guidance, but architectural wonder as well. Deborah details the artistry in each chapter along with her own color photos. "Enamored with the people and architecture, I wanted to capture that euphoric moment when you open the door for the first time, and you stand in awe. The camera was my muse, and with every picture, it became an obsession to capture every detail." As the book comes to a close, the "Cherished Revivals" chapter is devoted to those brave hearts who lost their church, collateral damage in a post-Katrina world. May they find comfort in reading how some creative souls have turned these barren buildings into creative temples of beauty in museums, restaurants and opera houses.