St Alphonsus Art and Cultural Center

We were wandering by in-between brunch and a bloody mary run when we happened to pass by the open doors of St. Alphonsus. As a Jewish recovering Catholic (I know, don't ask), I don't often find myself in churches, but this one seemed so beautiful and welcoming that I asked my friend if we could check it out.An extremely friendly man whose name I feel terrible for forgetting greeted us and gave us a tour. He explained a bit about the history of the church, how Ann Rice used to come to service here as a child, how it was abandoned in the 80's and then restored and re-opened by preservationists and community activists. Now it functions as an event/concert space and cultural center, with a small museum in the back and art sprinkled throughout. We got to walk up to the altar and stand in the confessionals. This is definitely worth a visit if you're nearby, even if it's just to have a chat with a friendly, knowledgeable local in a beautiful setting.

This is a great stop for locals and tourists. I discoveedr this gem doing a sociology project on the Irish Channel. This church and St. Mary's Assumption next door are the heart of the neighborhood. The church has not been in use since 1979. The Friends of St. Alphonsus have saved it from demolition and have been working for the last 20 years to raise money for the repairs. Not only can you see an exquisitely built mid 19th century piece of architecture, but you can get a lot of history that you won't get in the Quarter. If you're an Anne Rice fan, this was her childhood church. Stop by Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday between 10 and 2 to talk to Bill Murphy (a lifelong Irish Channel resident) to get a great history of the church and the area. It has magnificent stained glass windows that are a must see. Stop by St. Mary's as well if they're open.