St Augustine Catholic Church

Location of the Tomb of the Unknown Slave. This was the first stop on our tour with All Bout Dat Tours with Mikhala Iverson. Incredibly sobering, and informative.

What an impressive church! I am not religious myself, but have a high regard for those who are. This is listed on the Louisiana African American Heritage Trail because of it's historical beginnings. It is the oldest church in Louisiana, during a period when Catholicism was the only allowed religion in Louisiana. From the beginning, people of color had to fight for space in religion and a Battle of the Pew was started. In the end, people of color owned three pews per one white pew and there were pews designated for the enslaved in the back. The day I went, a person of color was leading the service. There was a nice mix of white and people of color in the audience. The auditorium is closed for repairs right now. Everyone seemed accepting. The Tomb of the Unknown Slave is along the side of this church. It isn't as fancy as St Louis Cathedral. It is in the Treme and set away from the Quarter. They do have a parking lot in back.

Attending mass at St Augustine is highly recommended, an extremely talented choir will have you tapping your feet and clapping your hands before this mass is over. I'm not catholic but have been to a few catholic masses. Attended Sunday mass with three family members who are catholic and attend church every Sunday. The group consensus was that this was the best experience of our trip to New Orleans. My 22 year old son might have liked Bourbon Street a little more but I could tell he enjoyed our visit to this historic church which is located in Treme just outside the Quarter. Plenty of parking in the grass lot next to the church, also visit the memorial to the unknown slave which is next to the handicap entrance.

First things first, I didn't go inside the church. I went to see the Tomb of the Unknown Slave. It seems important that, in a city full of historic cemetaries, that we spend some time considering the thousands of people who weren't given the option to be buried in those places.

Praising God to the fullest. The Lord is our Rock and Salvation , whom shall we fear? Truly a church that loves The Lord .

for some reason I somehow envisioned I would be getting a "southern version" of catholic church.. it would be pew rocking and two stepping to the collection plate. mean we are in treme! it was nothing like that. everything you think catholic church would be - ! ho hum. I did like the fact that it was a mixed congregation with a come as you are attitude but that's as good as it gets. the soloist was horrid. after 20 minutes of hearing the "word" I got up and left. not my cup of tea. I didn't find religion that day. god forgive and the rest of you pray for me.*I must mention I was visiting and this church was suggested to us.* check it out for yourself. god moves in mysterious ways.

Mass at st Augustine's was the highlight of our trip to New Orleans. Beautiful music, welcoming congregation Pastor

So a few weeks ago,We called to inquire about home blessings. But the church hadn't gotten back to us. and 15mins ago,we called and the secretary was an older woman who so damn rude and hung up on us. So we thought okay,we'll find another church to attend. And so we contacted the aldmeran to see if it could be mediated because at one point it felt like if this person is rude to a few parishioners, who's to say that they aren't being rude to most if not,ALL of them??It's frustrating because this whole thing could've been prevented. The Church is still damaged,but they're still taking our donations and hanging up on us.. HOW???Wouldn't recommend this church to anyone. Take your donations to another service that will respect you as the parishioner.

While the church welcomes all, I would encourage fellow tourists to dress up a bit. Excellent gospel music and solos, and an engaging pastor who gave a thoughtful talk. Plenty of parking on the street nearby. Safe area. The mass lasted about one hour and 40 minutes, so sit in the very back if you plan to sneak out early. The best music was at the end of the service, though.

St. Augustine's mass 8/12/18 was an inspiring teaching moment for those in the faith or, someone like me - searching for answers, this is the place. With a back drop of fake news, bad news, and unthinkable acts in riots, bombings and scandal - good news can still be found in our collective humanity. Thank you Father for a wonderful message.