Our Lady of Assumption Chapel

Location

Johnson Bayou, Louisiana

Client

Catholic Diocese of Lake Charles

Role

Complete Architectural/Engineering Services

Status

Completed 2012

This project included the design and construction of a new 3,700 square foot chapel building that replaced the previous church facilities that were heavily damaged during Hurricane Rita in 2005 and Hurricane Ike in 2008. This chapel serves as a mission to Saint Peter the Apostle Parish in Hackberry, La. After two major hurricanes within a three year time frame, it was initially decided to build a church facility back at this site that only included a chapel. The population of the surrounding coastal area had dropped considerably after the hurricane events and full service church facilities were not needed at the time. Therefore, the site has been master planned to include complete facilities in the future as the population increases. The future plans include a parish hall and educational facilities.

Much of the highly detailed church interiors were finished by the local parishioners themselves. The design features triple-glazed, hurricane resistant windows with inserts that appear to be stained glass. The beautiful rear altar, front altar, pulpit and lectern were purchased from a company that salvages and refurbishes old church furnishings rescued from damaged and demolished churches around the country. The church includes a hydraulic lift type elevator for the elderly and handicapped since it is raised so high above the ground level. The building is in a high velocity wave action coastal zone and is designed to meet the high wind loads for this area. The floor level is seventeen feet above sea level. The statue of Our Lady of the Assumption that survived the hurricanes was reconditioned and replaced in front of the new chapel.

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Parish Halls and Offices