The Louisiana Memorial United Methodist Church in Opelousas, Louisiana is the oldest Methodist church congregation west of the Mississippi River. In fact, Opelousas is known as the “Cradle of Louisiana Methodism.” Missionary Elisha W. Bowman established the church in Opelousas in 1806. The present church, constructed in 1955, sits on the site where two earlier churches existed. Property for the church was purchased in 1857 from the Fonda Family. Today, you can visit the church to learn more about its architecture, design, and long history as a congregation.

The Holy Ghost Parish was founded in 1920 in Opelousas, Louisiana at the request of a group of parishioners of the St. Landry Catholic Church and the efforts of Rt. Rev. Canon A. B. Colliard. Prior to desegregation, St. Landry Church’s black parishioners were sectioned off from the rest of the congregation. With the assistance of the Holy Ghost Fathers and a desire to have a place of worship where the African American community felt they could belong, the new Parish was created. Initially, masses were held at the Holy Ghost School, but soon thereafter a church was built.

Today, the church boasts one of the largest Catholic congregations of African Americans in the US. Visitors are often struck with admiration at the sight of the church’s collection of religious art depicting African Americans. The artist responsible for these powerful images is a local master painter, Donald Lee “Aldox” Alexander. Alexander has done outstanding work for the African American community both in his home state and outside of Louisiana.

Another special treat is the Holy Ghost Catholic Church Gospel Choir. The gospel choirs sing every Sunday during the 11am Mass. For group tours, please make an appointment with Deacon Richard.

During the first weekend of November, the church celebrates its Creole heritage with a three-day event, The Holy Ghost Creole Festival Bazaar. The festival features a special gospel concert Friday night, live music and dancing Saturday and Sunday, and Creole dishes all weekend long!

The Michel Prudhomme Home is believed to be the oldest structure in St. Landry Parish and is located in Opelousas. It is a French Colonial house built in the late 1700s by Michel Prudhomme. Prudhomme was an important public figure in the area and even donated the land to build St. Landry Catholic Church, one of the parish’s oldest Catholic churches. Today, the home is available for tours and is owned by the Preservationists of St. Landry, Inc. Their historians will tell captivating stories of what took place in the home during the Civil War. In fact, it was used as the Union headquarters when Opelousas was occupied.

This attraction is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is also open for meetings, receptions, reunions, and other private events.