The 1740 chapel, named “St. Charles,” was built in the area now known as Destrehan. (Sketch by Janis Blair)
St. Charles Borromeo Students circa 1949.
The Patron Saint of St. Charles Parish- St. Charles Borromeo. 1538-1584.
The St. Charles Borromeo Guitar Band in the 1940s.
St. Charles Borromeo School and convent combined-1929.
Sister M. Valerie, C.I.C. was St. Charles Borromeo High School's first principal and guided it with a strong sense of purpose, exceptional educational credentials, and a firm religious faith. Her presence contributed to the success of the high school. (Photo from the 250th Anniversary Celebration of St. Charles Borromeo Parish, Destrehan, Louisiana, 1723-1973 booklet. Copyright 1973.)
St. Charles Borromeo High School. 1950s.
One of St. Charles Borromeo Elementary School’s graduating classes. 1940s. (Photo courtesy of Ralph A. Richoux, Sr.)
Father John F. Basty.
St. Charles Borromeo High School auditorium. (Photos from the 250th Anniversary Celebration of St. Charles Borromeo Parish, Destrehan, Louisiana, 1723– 1973 booklet. Copyright 1973.)
Famous Mississippi River landmark. Located in Destrehan on La. 48 (River Road). First constructed of logs about 1740. Burned and rebuilt in 1806. Famous riverboat landmark, twenty-five miles from New Orleans where boat captains traditionally paid off their crew. Again burned and rebuilt about 1921. (Note: New white stucco Spanish mission-style church was built in 1921 and the 1806 wooden church was torn down later. Oldest German cemetery in the South. Church, cemetery, and school complex built on the original 1770 Spanish land grant.) (Erected by Louisiana Department of Commerce and Industry in 1964.)
The new St. Charles Borromeo Church was dedicated on January 25, 1922. In the 1978 restoration and expansion of the church, the old Stations of the Cross were restored and the solid cypress pews were used as paneling and the balcony railing. St. Charles Borromeo Church continues to serve Catholic parishioners in the 21st Century and is the second oldest church parish in the Archdiocese of New Orleans. Support of clergy and laity over the years has contributed to the preservation of the integrity of this historic landmark.
The new St. Charles Borromeo Church was dedicated on January 25, 1922. In the 1978 restoration and expansion of the church, the old Stations of the Cross were restored and the solid cypress pews were used as paneling and the balcony railing. St. Charles Borromeo Church continues to serve Catholic parishioners in the twenty-first century and is the second oldest church parish in the Archdiocese of New Orleans. Support of clergy and laity over the years has contributed to the preservation of the integrity of this historic landmark.