Bethlehem Benevolent Society

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Bethlehem Benevolent Society Hall
In 1996, the Bethlehem Benevolent Society Hall is shown on its journey to the West Bank Bridge Park on River Road in Luling to be used as the St. Charles Parish Tourist Information Center. The hall is located on the property at Destrehan Plantation. (Photo courtesy of St. Charles Department of Economic Development and Tourism)

The Bethlehem Benevolent Society was incorporated in 1881. It was an example of one of the many benevolent societies for St. Charles Parish Negroes. These fraternal organizations provided medicine, paid doctor bills, purchased food and apparel for those in need, and helped to bury their dead. Each society purchased enough property to accommodate a hall and a cemetery.

The property for the Bethlehem Society was purchased in 1900 from O. J. Flagg in Hahnville (formerly Flaggville).

Other groups were St. Mary Society of Luling, the Swampers of Boutte, and the Elizabeth Tabernacle Society of St. Rose. The halls were used for schools, meetings, church gatherings, suppers, weddings, and receptions.

Bethlehem Benevolent Society Hall
Bethlehem Benevolent Society Hall is now located at the West Bank Bridge Park in Luling. The hall is located on the property at Destrehan Plantation. (Photo courtesy of St. Charles Department of Economic Development and Tourism)
Conveyance Records
Conveyance Records, St. Charles Parish.

This text is copyright © material by Marilyn Richoux, Joan Becnel and Suzanne Friloux, from St. Charles Parish, Louisiana: A Pictorial History, 2010.

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