consequent greater number of interments, objection was made, about the
year 1822, to the performance of services for the dead in the
Cathedral, it being in a very prominent and public situation. Under
these circumstances, the city made a grant of a piece of land at the
corner of Conti and Rampart streets, to the foundation of the Church
of St. Louis, on condition of their erecting upon the same, a chapel,
as a place for the performance of the funeral ceremonies, in
conformity to the catholic ritual. In pursuance of this intention, a
cross, marking the present site of the altar of the chapel, was placed
there with proper ceremonies, on the 10th of October, 1826, and on the
following morning the building was begun. Its erection was prosecuted
at the expense of the catholic foundation, and completed within a year
after its commencement, at a cost of about $16,000.
It is a plain but very neat edifice, of the Gothic composite order;
and was dedicated to the most holy St. Antony of Padua, as its
guardian. All funeral ceremonies of catholics are performed there.
[Illustration: CHAPEL OF THE URSULINES]
THE CHAPEL OF THE URSULINES
An edifice strongly characteristic of our city, and well calculated to
cause reflection on the many and sudden changes of dynasty to which
New Orleans has been subjected. This building, of a quaint old style
of architecture, was erected, according to a Spanish inscription on a
marble tablet in the middle of the facade, in 1787, during the reign
of Carlos III, (Don Estevan Miro being governor of the province,) by
Don Andre Almonaster Y Roxas. It is exceedingly plain and unpretending
in its exterior, and chiefly interesting from its associations, and
extremely antiquated appearance.
[Illustration: CHRIST CHURCH, (EPISCOPAL.)]
CHRIST CHURCH, (EPISCOPAL)
A fine Ionic building, situated on Canal, at the corner of Bourbon
street, was designed by Gallier and Dakin, architects, and its
erection begun in the autumn of 1835, under the direction of Mr. D. H.
Toogood. It was completed in the summer of 1837, and consecrated
during the same year. The cost of the edifice was about $70,000. The
form of the ceiling, being a flat dome, is much admired. The Rev. Dr.
Hawkes is pastor of this church.
ST. PAUL'S CHURCH, (EPISCOPAL)
This is a neat frame structure, located on the corner of Camp and
Bartholomew streets. The Rev. Mr. Goodrich officiates in this church.
THE ANNUNCIATION CHURCH, (EPISCOPAL)
Is to occupy a conspicuous place near Annunciation Square. The
location was selected with good taste, both in regard to the beauty of
the position, and to the great improvements of the neighborhood. The
church is to be placed under the pastoral charge of the Rev. Mr.
Prescot.
[Illustration: THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH]
THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Is an edifice of the Grecian Doric order, finely situated, fronting on
Lafayette square--the handsomest public ground in the city. The
basement story is of granite; the superstructure being brick,
plastered to imitate stone. The building was commenced in November,
1834, and opened for public worship in July, of the following year. It
was finished by subscription, at a cost of $55,000. In 1844, this
building was considerably enlarged. In the court, in front, a neat
obelisk has been erected, as a monument to the memory of the Rev.
Sylvester Larned, first Presbyterian pastor of this city, who died
31st August, 1820, at the early age of 24, much and deservedly
regretted. Rev. Mr. Scott, is the present pastor.
THE SECOND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
This is a plain and unpretending structure, on the corner of Calliope
and Phytanee streets; and like its near neighbor, St. Paul's,
evidently erected more for utility than for external display. It is a
neat frame building, with only sufficient ornament to give to it the
appearance of a place of public worship. Rev. Mr. Stanton is the
pastor.
THE FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
Is an edifice of brick, in the plain Gothic style of architecture. It
was erected in 1817, on St. Charles street at the corner of Gravier,
where formerly stood the store-houses of the Jesuits, and upon a part
of the foundations of those buildings. Rev. Mr. Clapp, is the pastor.
[Illustration: THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH]
THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH
At the corner of Poydras and Carondelet streets, is of the Grecian
Doric order, the details of which are copied from the temple of
Theseus, at Athens. The height of the steeple is 170 feet from the
side walk. This edifice was erected in the year 1836-7, by Messrs.
Dakin, and Dakin, architects, at an expense of $50,000. Rev. Mr.
Nicholson officiating as pastor.
THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
Is under the pastoral care of Rev. Mr. Hinton.
WESLEYAN CHAPEL
This is a plain frame building, on St. Paul near Poydras street, and
is devoted to the colored portion of the community.
THE OLD URSULINE CONVENT
Situated in Conde street, was completed by the French government, in
1733; and is therefore, probably, the most ancient edifice in
Louisiana. The architecture is plain, being Tuscan composite, and the
smallness of the windows, and the peculiar form of the roof and
chimneys, together with the general venerable and time worn aspect of
the building, render it, independent of its history, an object of
interest to both citizens and strangers.
It was occupied by the Ursuline nuns for nearly a century; and only
abandoned by them, when, on account of the great rise in the value of
real estate around it, they disposed of a part of their property, and
removed, in 1824, to the new convent, two miles below the city. It was
then used by the state legislature, as a place for their sessions,
until their present accommodations were prepared for their reception,
in 1834. Since that period it has been inhabited by the Right Rev.
Bishop Blanc, and several other of the higher clergy of the diocess.
From its great solidity of construction, there is no reason to doubt
but that it may stand many years longer, as a monument of "the olden
times."
THE NEW CONVENT
This richly endowed establishment was founded in 1826, and the chapel
was completed in 1829. The main building is about 100 feet long, of
brick, two stories high, and has two wings, running from the rear, at
each end. It is principally occupied as a seminary for the education
of young ladies. The average price for instruction and board is $200
per annum. The number of scholars at present is 120. On a line with
this building is the nunnery, containing 40 sisters of the Ursuline
order. Annexed to the latter edifice is the chapel, a remarkably neat
and plain structure. Immediately in front of the latter building is
the residence of the priests. There are eighty acres of land, three of
which are enclosed and beautifully embellished. The position is
pleasant and healthy. It fronts upon the river, two miles below the
city, and embraces a charming view of the Mississippi.
THE CARMELITE CONVENT
Is a frame building, which stands upon ground adjoining the church of
St. Augustine, and is occupied by the nuns of this order. They have an
excellent school under their care, divided into two apartments--one
of which is appropriated to white and the other to free colored
children, many of the latter class, have wealthy parents, and pay a
high price for their education.
[Illustration: THE CYPRESS GROVE CEMETERY]
THE CYPRESS GROVE CEMETERY
This resting place for the dead is about four miles from the centre of
the city upon the right of the upper Shell Road, that leads to lake
Pontchartrain, and occupies a ridge, which is supposed once to have
been the embankment of the Mississippi.
The plat of ground devoted to the cemetery, measures 244 by 2700 feet.
The spot was purchased and improved at an expense of $35,000, by the
Firemen's Charitable Association. The revenue that arises from
interments is exclusively devoted to benevolent purposes--all the
business of the association being conducted by its members without any
compensation. The front wall and lodges are built in pure Egyptian
style, and cost $8,000. The grounds are divided into avenues, and
arranged and embellished with an effect appropriate to the solemn
associations of the place.
The simple and striking motto over the entrance is selected from
Pierpont:--
"Here to thy bosom, mother earth,
Take back in peace, what thou hast given;
And, all that is of heavenly birth,
O God, in peace recall to heaven."
Some of the tombs are very richly wrought--and, one in particular,
erected by a fire company, a memento to a brother who was killed in
the performance of his duty, is a specimen of superior skill and
workmanship. The nature of the soil admits graves to be sunk six feet
without approaching water. They are laid with brick and securely
cemented. The tombs above ground (here called ovens, which they
somewhat resemble) are faced with marble, built in the best manner.
There are four hundred of them, which cost an average of twenty-five
dollars each. These are sold at fifty dollars, and the surplus goes
into the funds of the society, for charitable purposes.
A central avenue, twenty-eight feet in width, called Live Oak Avenue,
traverses the whole length of the ground. Cedar and Magnolia avenues,
on either side of this, are each twenty feet wide. Next the outer
walls, are those named Cypress and Willow, of eighteen feet each. At
a distance of every two hundred feet, are transverse avenues. The
spaces between these are reserved for the erection of tombs, and may
be purchased at a stipulated price, according to the location. These
privileges are sold in fee for ever, and the title is held sacred in
the eye of the law.
CATHOLIC CEMETERIES
Of these there are two. The larger ranges between Robertson and
Claiborne, and extends from St. Louis to Canal streets, occupying four
full squares. The square on St. Louis street is principally
appropriated to natives of France and their descendants. There is a
great deal of refined sentiment and delicate fancy in some of their
memorials of the departed. Tombs are often embellished with fresh
flowers, that look as if they received daily attentions. This is a
custom not peculiar to the French, but seems to be the natural
language of that refined affection, which cherishes the memory and the
virtues of the dead, among the dearest and most sacred treasures of
the heart. The smaller of these grounds lies on Basin and St. Louis
streets. It presents, like the other, many tasteful monuments, that
show us where repose the honored and the wealthy of the land. These
necessarily attract the notice of strangers--but there is one among
them less conspicuous than the rest, the eloquence of whose simple and
touching memorial has rarely been surpassed. It is in the side wall,
near the northwest corner of the cemetery, surrounded by many more of
a similar construction. There is no display--only a simple record,
that tells it is occupied by a female fifteen years of age. Beneath
this is quite a plain stone, with the inscription "_Ma pauvre fille!_"
What an affecting history in those three brief words! It was
undoubtedly placed there by an affectionate mother, deploring the
untimely death of a beloved daughter. It contains more pathos, and
speaks to the heart with more effect, than volumes of labored eulogy,
or frantic grief. The proud mausoleum, and the turgid epitaph, sink
into insignificance beside this humble burst of maternal love--"_My
poor child!_"
Illustrative of the false pride with which the Creole population
still, unfortunately, regard the practice of duelling, nearly opposite
is the following inscription:--
"_Victime de l'honneur._
Aet. 24."
THE PROTESTANT CEMETERY
This burial place fronts on St. Paul street, and occupies about two
city squares. The inscriptions do not date back beyond 1810. It is a
spot, however, where the northern and eastern traveller will often
recognize familiar names of those who have found graves far from
endeared friends and connexions. There is little of the display here
that is observed in other grounds. Tombs that, apparently, were
commenced with a resolution to show honor to the departed, have been
left without a stone to record the name of the neglected tenant.
In one of the side walls, is a tomb stone of plain white marble, with
only the words, "MY HUSBAND!" engraven upon it. In this vault were
deposited the remains of a distinguished tragedian, who fell a victim
to the yellow fever, some years since, in this city. It is a delicate
souvenir, that bespeaks the true feeling and affection of a desolate
widow. On another is the emphatic inscription, "_Poor Caroline!_"
ST. PATRICK'S CEMETERY
Is situated within sight of the Cypress Grove Cemetery, and having
been but recently commenced, has not yet become an object of much
attraction.
There is quite a spacious Catholic burying ground near Bayou road,
more than a mile back of the city, that seems to have been
considerably used, but has few monuments of any interest.
Besides these, there is a general burying ground at Lafayette. The
Jews have a place of interment, also, in that city.
CHARITABLE INSTITUTIONS
There is probably no city in the United States that has so many
benevolent institutions as New Orleans, in proportion to its
population. Certainly it has not an equal in those voluntary
contributions, which are sometimes required to answer the immediate
calls of distress. Here are assembled a mixed multitude, composed of
almost every nation and tongue, from the frozen to the torrid zone,
and, whether it be the sympathy of strangers, or the influence of the
sunny south, their purses open and their hearts respond, like those of
brothers, to the demands of charity. To illustrate these assertions
and to carry out the plan of this work, a description of the most
prominent of these establishments is annexed.
THE FEMALE ORPHAN ASYLUM
Stands at the intersection of Camp and Phytanee streets, on an angular
lot, widening to the rear on Erato street. It has a northerly front on
the junction of the two first named streets, and occupies all the
grounds that are contained in this irregular space--the rear, however,
being reserved as a site for a church, to be erected at some future
period. The land was a liberal donation from Madame Foucher, and her
brother, Francis Soulet. Previous to the erection of this building,
the establishment was conducted in rented tenements, under the
direction of the Sisters of Charity; in whose hands it still continues
to present a praiseworthy example of neatness and parental care. It
commenced in 1836 with _six_ children; and, in 1839, with great
exertions, it accommodated _ninety_.
[Illustration]
The history of this charity seems to trespass on the region of
romance. In its struggle, it received an important impulse from the
suggestions of a benevolent lady, Mrs. Pogue. In conversation with a
female friend of similar feelings, she remarked, "if a fair could be
organized for its benefit, and the opulent induced to patronise it,
money might be raised to erect the necessary buildings." That friend
told the Bishop; who, taking up the hint, announced it from the
pulpit. This led to the call of a meeting--where, instead of a small
assemblage, the rooms were crowded with the wealth and beauty of the
city. It resulted in the collection of over _sixteen thousand
dollars_! Thus, to almost a chance expression from the kind heart of
woman, New Orleans is mainly indebted for the prosperity of one of the
noblest of her humane institutions.
From this moment, the Asylum assumed a firm standing. A suitable house
was at once commenced. The second municipality gave a thousand
dollars, and the legislature at different periods, twelve thousand
dollars. In 1840 the whole was completed, and the children, to the
number of about one hundred, took possession. Since that time they
have averaged one hundred and forty-five annually. They receive the
rudiments of a good education. At a suitable age they are apprenticed
to persons of character and responsibility; and a vigilance is
continued, that guaranties to them the kind treatment, which their
isolated position seems to demand.
The edifice, built by D. Hayden, cost over forty-two thousand dollars.
Though conducted _with the utmost prudence_, the institution is some
twenty-five hundred dollars in debt. In a capital like this, where so
many of the citizens have princely revenues, and with them a princely
liberality, there is little doubt that arrangements will soon be made
to relieve it of this embarrassment. It has now about one hundred and
sixty children, of whom over thirty are in the nursery.
THE MALE ORPHAN ASYLUM
The Society for the Relief of Destitute Orphan Boys have their
establishment in Lafayette. It went into operation in 1824, and was
incorporated the year after. By a calculation of the first sixteen
years, it appears that an average of thirty-five have annually
participated in its benefits. Although its title would seem to imply,
that orphans only are admitted, yet the board are authorized to
receive any boy, whose destitute condition requires their protection.
THE POYDRAS FEMALE ORPHAN ASYLUM
This is one of the oldest establishments of the kind in New Orleans.
It was endowed by Julien Poydras, and possesses an immense revenue
from valuable improved real estate. They occupy on Julia, from St.
Charles to Carondelet streets, and extend back about two-thirds of an
immense square. It has for several years had an average of one hundred
and twenty children. The excellent system and regulations, in regard
both to instruction and health, will not be disparaged by comparison
with the best institutions in the world. Possessing so much property
and such beautiful grounds, it is to be regretted that more spacious
and comfortable buildings are not erected for the accommodation of the
inmates.
THE CATHOLIC MALE ORPHAN ASYLUM
This institution is supported by an association, and by private
donations. The establishment occupies a large building fronting the
river, and a few squares above the New Convent. About one hundred and
seventy children receive the benefits of this charity.
LES DAMES DE LA PROVIDENCE
This association was formed in 1839. It consists of about one hundred
ladies, who each contribute a certain sum monthly as a charitable
fund. Its object is to render aid to the sick, the poor and the
infirm. The institution was put into operation by the benevolent
French ladies of New Orleans; and, were its resources equal to the
kind feelings of its members, it would be rendered a means of
alleviating much distress among the sick and destitute.
THE SAMARITAN CHARITABLE ASSOCIATION
This institution was founded during the epidemic of 1837, for the
purpose of alleviating the wants of the poor and the sick. They
established an office at that period, where some of the members, day
and night, were always in readiness to attend the bed-side of disease,
and to administer aid to the indigent. The late mayor, and many of the
most wealthy citizens are members; and, in time of need, the
association is liberally endowed by the spontaneous donations of the
generous public.
THE FIREMEN'S CHARITABLE ASSOCIATION
Was incorporated in 1835, and managed by a board of directors chosen
from each company, subject to certain restrictions. The officers, (a
president, vice president, secretary and treasurer,) are elected by
the board from members of the association, on the first Monday of
January, of each year. The object of this society is the relief of its
members, who are incapacitated from attending to business from
sickness or misfortunes not arising from improper causes. It makes
provision also for the benefit of their families--particularly widows
and orphans. This is a very laudable association, and every way
deserving of the excellent fire department from which it originated.
YOUNG MEN'S HOWARD ASSOCIATION
This benevolent institution was established in 1837; and its object is
the relief of the indigent and sick. Its resources depend entirely
upon public contributions--and appeals for aid have always been
responded to with alacrity. During the prevalence of the epidemic of
1841, this society collected and distributed over five thousand
dollars among the sufferers on that dreadful occasion. It is a noble
charity that waits not for calls upon its benevolence; but its members
seek for worthy objects in the hidden recesses of misery, and soothe
and administer to their wants, with a brotherly solicitude that does
honor to the name they have assumed.
THE HEBREW BENEVOLENT SOCIETY
Although but a short time in existence, has accomplished much good;
diffusing charity, not in mere accordance with sectional prejudices,
but in that catholic spirit of genuine benevolence, which freely
dispenses its benefits alike upon Jew and Christian, and recognizes
but one brotherhood in the family of man.
THE MILNE ORPHAN ASYLUM
This institution was endowed in 1839, by Alexander Milne, a liberal
Scotch gentleman, from whom it takes its name. It was established for
the education and protection of helpless orphan children of both
sexes.
HOSPITALS
No city in the United States is so well provided with establishments
of this kind as New Orleans. Here, the only passport required for
admission to the best attendance, is sickness, or an injury. No cold
formalities are thrown in the way of the suffering patient. Indeed, it
has become a subject of complaint, that access is so easy, and the
position so agreeable, that the improvident and the indolent take
undue advantage of its benefits.
[Illustration: THE CHARITY HOSPITAL]
THE CHARITY HOSPITAL
The first hospital for indigent persons erected in the city of New
Orleans, appears to have been built on the site formed by the west
side of Rampart street, between Toulouse and St. Peter streets. It was
blown down in 1779; and, being of wood, was entirely destroyed.
In 1784, Dr. N. Y. Roxas commenced one of brick on the same position,
which he completed at an expense of $114,000 in 1786, and called it
the New Charity Hospital of St. Charles. He endowed it with a
perpetual revenue of $1500 per annum, by appropriating the rents of
the stores at the corner of St. Peter and Levee streets. It continued
under the patronage and direction of the family, until March 1811,
when it was relinquished to the city by authority of the legislature,
the edifice having been previously consumed by fire. It was now
subjected to a council of administration, appointed by the governor
and city council--(the first six, the latter three.) Since 1813 the
council has been appointed by the governor and senate. It consists of
eight members, and the governor. Its support has been derived from
several sources. A most liberal legacy was left it by that public
benefactor Julien Poydras, of real estate, valued at $35,000. Several
smaller sums have been received from other benevolent individuals. It
has also received aid from the state, directly and indirectly.
Pennsylvania made a liberal grant of $10,000, in 18--.
In 1812, the council of administration sold to the state the square
now occupied by the state house, with the buildings, for $125,000, and
purchased the present site, and built their large and commodious
structure at the foot of Common street, at an expense of $150,000,
containing sufficient room to accommodate four or five hundred
patients. This is the building particularly referred to in the heading
of this article. Besides being under the charge of the ablest of the
medical faculty, the institution has the assistance of the Sisters of
Charity, as nurses to the sick, who cannot be excelled in kindness and
careful attention.
The edifice itself is very imposing, from its immense size. It is
substantially built with brick. Suitable supplementary out-buildings
for lunatics, and lying-in apartments, are on the same grounds; and
the whole is encompassed by a permanent brick wall.
To show the great usefulness of this establishment, it is only
necessary to state that, during 1844, there were five thousand eight
hundred and forty-six patients admitted, seven hundred and thirteen of
whom died, and five thousand and fifty-nine were dismissed. Of this
number, only one thousand three hundred and sixteen were natives of
the United States, and four thousand five hundred and thirty
foreigners. This year the yellow fever was not epidemic.