St. Mary's Episcopal Church

Services since 1830. Firmly organized in 1846 under leadership of Rev. Saml. Geo. Litton. Admitted into union with Diocese of LA. 1847. Rectory built 1855, the first rectory in the Diocese. Original church consecrated 1856 by Rt. Rev. Leonidas Polk, "The Fighting Bishop of LA." Destroyed by fire 1870. Present church completed 1872 largely through efforts of Alfred Gates and Homer Smith. Bell from Civil War gunboat "Diana," sunken at foot of Willow Street.