"St. Martin de Tours" Saint Martinville Things to Do Tip by grandmaR

Cajuns call St. Martin de Tours Catholic Church the “Mother Church of the Acadians” for it was here in St. Martinville that the largest immigration of Acadians occurred in 1785. But the church was established before the Acadian’s arrival, in 1765, and church records hail back even further. It is the fourth oldest church in the State of Louisiana. Built in 1836 The current Gothic Revival structure was constructed around 1836 on the site of a previous church and is the center of the town’s square. The "gated" or box pews are a throwback to era when churches reserved pews for individual member families. The stained glass windows cast beautiful colored light onto the pews. Many parishioners recall days of their youth sitting on the floor playing with the bright blocks of color. Doric columns run through the cypress pews separating the nave from the side aisles. The original baptismal font, thought to be a gift from the King of France, is an exquisite ornamental marble design.

Guided tours (free) and Masses of St. Martin de Tours are routinely offered in both English and French. We didn't take a tour when we were there though.

Address: 133 S Main St, St Martinville, LA 70582
Phone: (337) 394-6021
Website: http://diolaf.org/index.cfm?load=org&org=108