Old South Wing (Convent ) of St. Ferdinand was built in 1810. It was originally used as a convent. It was here that Rose Philippine Duchesne stayed.
The convent wing, is one of the few brick buildings of this age and is almost in its original condition. It is considered one of the best examples in brick of the Federal style architecture in the state.
A closet under the stairs in the hallway of the convent was used by Mother Duchesne as a makeshift bedroom. She reportedly slept on a straw mattress with a ragged blanket in the closet to be close to the chapel.
A long upstairs room in the convent was used as a dormitory for the students.
The third floor attic was the Novitiate and the linen room.
The church's original 1821 pews with very narrow seats are on display in the chapel area of the convent.
All of the buildings have been listed on the National Register of Historic Places, a cultural inventory of our nation's irreplaceable resources, and form St. Ferdinand's Shrine Historic District.
The Shrine is operated and maintained by the Friends of Old St. Ferdinand, a non-profit agency.
Tour Information
We welcome you to Old St. Ferdinand Shrine. We know you will enjoy your visit.
Old St. Ferdinand Shrine is the oldest standing Catholic church
West of Mississippi in the Upper Louisiana Purchase Territory.
When you walk through the buildings you will be walking on the same floors, walking the same stairs and sitting in the same pews that residents in 1819 used. You will be amazed at the original condition of the Shrine Campus.
Each visit consists of an informative tour of the Church, a tour of the Convent (all three floors) which was the home of St. Philippine Duchesne for approximately 14 years, and a tour of the rectory – both floors. The tour is conducted by knowledgeable docents.
After the tour of the Church, Convent and Rectory, with time permitting, you will be able to visit the schoolhouse and enjoy our Book Fair. Also available is our Heart of the Oak Book Store. All tours take approximately one and a half hours.
There is no cost for tours however we always accept donations. Our tours can be conducted for all ages – we give tours from first graders to senior citizens. Check the home page for more tour info.
Lunch Available
We are also able to provide a lunch for you in the Shrine Scoolhouse. The cost of the tour and lunch is $15.00 per person. 10 person minimum per group for a served lunch.
- Please fill the form below and click the "Submit" button . We will get back with you via email or phone within 24 hours to confirm your reservation. If you do not hear from us, please call to confirm your reservation.
Online (Click to fill out form online)
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- By Mail (Click to print a form and send by mail)
Please Note: Limited Handicapped Access
The Church, the Rectory and the Convent are first floor handicapped accessible. The second and third floors are not.
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