A BRIEF HISTORY
The present St. Peter's Church is the third to stand on this site since the
establishment of St. Peter's parish in June of 1838.
ITS DESIGN
The Architect, Owen J. Southwell, a local man who also designed a number of
churches in Acadiana, described his inspiration for the design of St. Peter's as
follows:
"Following the horrors of the French Revolution and the downfall of the royal
families, Napoleon gave France a new hope, which was exhibited in the tangible
work of artists, architects, and the furniture and fabric designers. From this
tradition springs the design of the new church."
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In spite of its size - 61 yards from the columns of the portico to the rear wall behind the sanctuary, and 34 yards wide in the body of the church - the
building reflects the light touch of French design described above.
The towers rise 90 feet above the floor level, but the twin windows and French doors with the black iron balconies before them deny their mass.
The Rosaries on the corners of the lower sections recall the devotion of New Iberia Catholics to the rosary. Atop the delicate domes above the
circular colonnades, as on the peak of the front facade, stand delicate filigree crosses which are over six feet tall.
The capitals atop the classic colonnade supporting the portico over the main entrance contain symbols of the Lord's Passion and Death, reminding
those entering of what our Eucharist commemorates and celebrates.
These symbols, a money-bag for the pieces of silver of Christ's betrayal; a crown of thorns with INRI (Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews); whips
used in flagellation; and lastly, a pierced heart, are themselves a portent of the many symbols to be found inside the church building.
Guide your mouse over the images to see enlarged format
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Source of architectural highlights:
"St. Peter's Church of New Iberia"
by Owen J. Southwell & Roger Baudier, Sr., Historian
