Saint John Rectory – L’Ancien Évêché

When Saint John Rectory was built, it was designed to reflect the architecture of the Cathedral next door, using Romanesque elements such as the Renaissance arcade, the quoin details at the chimney corners, as well as aesthetics using plaster, masonry and tile. Translated, L’Ancien Évêché means “the old Bishop’s residence”. L’Evêché, was commissioned by Bishop Jules Jeanmard, the first bishop of Lafayette. He commissioned architects, Burton and Bendernagel from New Orleans, and by 1921, the building was completed. Reproductions of the diocesan coat of arms can be seen on either side of the main doorway arch, which faces the Cathedral building. Just above, crowning the roofline under a cross, hangs Bishop Jeanmard’s coat of arms. In the garden of L’Évêché, there is a replica of the shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes that dates back to the early 1920s. Bishop’s apartments, guest rooms, and a chapel were built on the second floor, while diocesan offices were designed for the first floor. In 1964, after the completion of the diocesan administrative offices at 1408 Carmel Drive, L’Évêché, also became a residence for parish clergy at Saint John the Evangelist Cathedral.