Historic Acadian chapel relocation project needs $240,000 in pledges by month's end

BRUSLY — The preservation group working to save St. Francis Hall is approaching their September 30 deadline with three weeks remaining to secure $240,000 in pledges needed to relocate the historic 1930s building to St. John the Baptist Church property.

At a September 16 public meeting, preservation leader L.J. Dupuy told attendees the group needs to contact "five or six people a day" to reach their fundraising goal before the church's deadline. The group is seeking $1,500 pledges from families descended from the original 23 Acadian families who settled at Sardine Point.

Professional Renovation Plans

Member of the preservation group and architect, Brian Falcon, presented comprehensive architectural drawings showing how the building would retain its historic character while receiving essential upgrades. The drawings reveal a thoughtful preservation approach that maintains the original roofline, window placement, and exterior appearance while addressing structural and accessibility needs.

Key improvements include a new concrete foundation with piers to replace the deteriorated brick piers, ADA-compliant wheelchair access at the existing back door, and updated mechanical systems to replace the current three-phase powered equipment that uses discontinued coolant. The plans also offer three renovation options: exterior cladding replacement with proper insulation, restoration of the original ceiling with period-appropriate schoolhouse lighting, and restoration of the original wood floor in the meeting area.

Plans are not final - the blueprints are marked "Not for Construction" and remain subject to change pending church approval and contractor bids.

Pledge System and Cost Estimates

The preservation effort requires $240,000 in pledges to proceed, though organizers acknowledge the actual construction costs remain uncertain. Initial estimates suggest the work could cost around $100,000, but final expenses will depend on contractor bids and the extent of donated labor and materials.

Several contractors have committed to providing services at reduced cost or donating work entirely, according to meeting organizers. If construction costs come in lower than the pledge amount, organizers plan to establish a fund with the remaining money to support ongoing building maintenance and programming activities at St. Francis Hall.

Historical Significance

St. Francis Hall serves as the sole surviving structure from the Sardine Point community, where Acadian families settled after the 1755 deportation. When federal levee construction displaced the entire community in 1932, residents physically moved the original St. Francis of Assisi Chapel to its current Brusly location using "horses pulling the houses with logs and cables," according to descendant accounts.

The building has served multiple roles over its 93-year history in Brusly, including community center, parish office, and meeting hall for various church functions.

Genealogy Research Effort

The preservation campaign has sparked extensive genealogy research as organizers work to locate descendants across multiple generations. The formal preservation group includes 19 members representing multiple family lines:

L.J. Dupuy, Brian Falcon, Jody Cazes, Jimmy Rills, Debbie Dupuy, Vicki & Keith Landry, Ann & Kenny Cazes, Debbie Doiron Martin, Mike Granier, Sharon Breaux Rabalais, Stephen Comeaux, Mackie Comeaux, Riley Berthelot, Shane Tullier, Julee Blink, Wayne Blink, Brandy Tullier LeBlanc, and Margaret Canella.

The effort spans six generations, as many descendants have moved away from the area or lost touch with their Sardine Point heritage. Organizers estimate some families could have 100-150 descendants sharing the $1,500 family contribution.

Upcoming Public Meetings

The preservation group has scheduled two final public meetings before the September 30 deadline:

• Wednesday, September 24, 2025 at 6:30 PM
• Tuesday, September 30, 2025 at 6:30 PM

Both meetings will be held at the Addis VFW Hall and are open to the public.

Next Steps

If the September deadline is met, St. John the Baptist Church will authorize the building's relocation and renovation. The project still requires Diocese approval for the move. Water Sector has indicated some federal funding remains available that must be spent by December 2026, potentially providing additional financial support.

The restored building would serve church functions, community events, and continue its role as a gathering place for Sardine Point descendants. Plans include potential programming for post-confirmation youth retention and partnerships with organizations like Christian Youth Theater.

Families interested in contributing can contact preservation organizers through the established QR code system for online pledges, though organizers caution the system requires careful use to avoid duplicate payments. Community members are also encouraged to attend the upcoming public meetings or visit St. Francis Hall after Sunday Mass to see the building's current condition and learn about the restoration plans.

Click Here to Pledge to Support St. Francis Preservation Efforts