Episcopal Church of the Incarnation is a historic church at 111 E. Olive Street in Amite, Louisiana. It was built in 1872 and modified in 1908. It was added to the National Register in 1980.
History Prior to the establishment of a parish, the Episcopal community of Amite was served by missionary priests, including R. H. Ranney, Bishop Joseph Wilmer, and Edward Fontaine. In January 1871, Henry Forrester began to hold a monthly service. The parish was organized on February 25, 1871, under the name the "Church of the Incarnation". John M. Bach donated three lots for the construction of a church.Duncan, Herman Cope. "Church of the Incarnation, Amite", The Diocese of Louisiana, Some of Its History, 1838-1888: Also Some of the History of Its Parishes and Missions, 1805-1888, A.W. Hyatt, 1888, p. 212 et seq.
In December 1872 the Herman Cope Duncan, missionary to this area, became the first rector, and work immediately commenced on building the church. The interior woodwork was all dressed lumber. Parishioners contributed a chalice and paten. St. Peter's Church in Brooklyn donated a font. Christ Church (New Orleans) provided substantial assistance. Duncan resigned in August 1873 and was followed by a succession of rectors. By 1887, services were held on Wednesday night only.
By 1908, the Church of the Incarnation was a mission church attended by J. W. Bleker. During the night of April 24, the church was destroyed in a tornado, which left only the chancel.The Living Church, Volume 39, May 23, 1908. Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Young Churchmen's Co., p. 144 It was rebuilt, An example of small-town Gothic ecclesiastical architecture,Sternberg, Mary Ann. The Pelican Guide to Louisiana, Pelican Publishing, 2002, p. 138 it was consecrated on December 3, 1916.Journal of the Seventy-Eighth Annual Session of the Council of the Diocese of Louisiana, 1917, p. 48
The church is part of the Northshore Deanery of the Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana."About the Diocese of Louisiana", Episcopalassetmap.org
NRHP designation
Its NRHP nomination describes:The Church of the Incarnation is significant in the area of architecture as a superior example of small town, turn-of-the-century Gothic church architecture. Most extant examples have lancet windows and towers, but the Church of the Incarnation has the additional refinement of an elegant flared spire, exterior broad pointed arches accentuating the bays and quatrefoil ventilators. With
See also Grace Memorial Episcopal Church: also NRHP-listedin in Tangipahoa Parish National Register of Historic Places listings in Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana
References