Art and architecture have always played an important role in the religious life of a people. When Constantine the Great sponsored the construction of churches in ancient Rome, his generosity went beyond providing land and erecting edifices. He commissioned artists to design altars, statues, and sacred vessels for the churches – a tradition that has extended into modern times.

When Holy Ghost Parish in Hammond planned a new church for its growing congregation, it followed in that tradition. The location of the church, between Hammond’s Historic Downtown and the Southeastern Louisiana University campus, was a major influence on the architectural design. Constructed of brick, slate, glass, wood and stone, every part of the building has a symbolic meaning. The design reflects the transition from the traditional form of the ancient church to the present day liturgy of the Catholic Church.

Visitors and members of the parish enter through a large gathering space with vaulted ceilings and columns, a detail taken from the original church building that is reminiscent of the early Christian basilicas. To further bridge the old and the new locations, the new church also incorporates the organ that has been in use since 1913, a stained glass rose window of the Holy Spirit, and the rear altar from the former church.

In the sanctuary, worshippers encounter the baptismal font as they enter the worship space. The white Italian marble upper basin, created by sculptor Alexi Kazantsev, accommodates infant Baptisms; the carving on the basin represents the waters of life. A grate over the baptismal pool is in the design of a net. The water flows from the upper basin into the dark green granite pool below as a skylight over the font spills natural sunlight into the fountain.

Directly to the right of the font, the reconciliation chapel provides a private space for Catholics to celebrate the sacrament of reconciliation. Heavy wood and leaded glass doors in the arts and crafts style provide privacy for the penitents.

In the center of the sanctuary is the square altar. Constructed from imported woods, it has no front or back – people can approach from all sides. At each corner of the altar is a large candlestick wrought by metal artist John Perrilloux.
The art that has been commissioned, designed and installed in the sanctuary is only the beginning. There is more to come – leaded and stained glass windows, bronze statues honoring St. Joseph and Mary, the mother of Jesus and sculptures marking the fourteen Stations of the Cross.

From the initial planning to the official dedication of the new church on March 17, 2002, the project was under the leadership of the Rev. Robert Perry, Holly and Smith Architects, Stafford Construction Co., landscape architect Roy Dufreche, liturgical consultants, and the building and design committees.

The old church building served as a spiritual home for Holy Ghost Parish for 100 years. In the new church, art and architecture blend to create a sacred place for parishioners to gather for worship and spiritual growth as they begin the next 100 years.

Copyright 2003, M&L Publishing, all rights reserved.