Immaculate Conception Church

The community of Lakeland, where the church is located, is approximately 30 miles northwest of Louisiana's capital city, Baton Rouge. Being located in a rural, heavily agricultural area, the church draws its parishioners from throughout southern Pointe Coupee and northern West Baton Rouge Parishes. Immaculate Conception Catholic Church originated a... s Chenal Chapel in 1859 in the nearby community of Chenal. The chapel was built by Father Francis Mittelbron on a parcel of land purchased by him and Father Thirion using their own funds. A cemetery had previously been started at this site. The Chenal Chapel continued to be a Mission of St. Francis until 1861, when Father Francois Marion became the first resident pastor. During the American Civil War, the church was again under Father Mittelbron who was at the time considered to be a supporter of the Southern cause. During the war he blessed the local men going off to war and the flags that they carried into battle. He was later arrested for these actions by occupying Union Forces. After fierce protests by local parishioners, Father Mittelbron was released. In 1863, Father V. Gavard replaced him and served as pastor until he was replaced by Father Pierre Berthet in 1868. In 1896, the parish's longest serving priest took over, Father Louis Savoure. The current Knights of Columbus Council associated with the church is named after him. Father Savoure oversaw the construction of the current Immaculate Conception Church which was completed in 1927, in Lakeland. While serving as pastor at the church, Father Savoure also served 3 consecutive terms as an elected official on the Pointe Coupee Parish Police Jury, and also one term as its president. Father Savoure served as pastor for 54 years until his death in 1948. He is currently the only pastor buried in the Immaculate Conception Cemetery. The Chenal Chapel was torn down in the 1950s due to its poor condition. The old chapel was being used as a funeral chapel since 1927. In the 1980s, under Father Andrew Joffrion, and ...Read More