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OUR LALY OF THE GULF CHURCH
Our Lady of the Gulf Church, built 1907 to replace the former parish church destroyed by fire a few years before that.
The church is a very fine example of Romanesque architecture — the style borrowed by Rome from the earlier Greek manner of construction. Note the use of the 'circle and square' the only manner of bridge or arch known to that earlier civilization. Gothic with the use of the pointed arch did not come on the scene until the eleventh century.
This church is the largest Catholic church in Mississippi and can easily seat around 800. It is remarkable for its excellent proportions — always the essential element in the Greek School. The impression is given of dignity combined with elaborate space — at first glimpse the building seems far greater than it actually is. This is indeed the key to the beauty of the Parthenon — the perfect example of Grecian style in proportions and grace. This church carries more than a little of the distinguishing features of the ancient masterpieces of Grecian genius.
This is the Parish Church of Our Lady of the Gulf Parish, formally established in l8ii5 by the first Bishop of Natchez, Dr. John J. Chance. The relative age of the parish may be contrasted with 18U1 — marking the establishment of St. Mary's Cathedral in Natchez, oldest parish in the Diocese of Natchez. Bay St. Louis had already been for well over a century before lQh5> a Catholic center and had been attended from time to time by missionary priests. The first resident Pastor was Father Stanislaus Buteaux — St. Stanislaus College gets its name from him. St. Joseph Academy for Girls, next the church was established by tne Sisters of St, Joseph in 18$U» It is the first house of that Order in the United States; they were introduced to this country from France by Bishop tfan De Veld — second Bishop of Natchez.
The interior of the church is very elaborate and further gives emphasis to the stately lines of the building. The church is dedicated to Our Lady of the Gulf and accordingly this motif is carried out as far as possible. Over the high altar the elaborate painting of Our Lady with foreground of the Gulf and old time sailing ships — the use of blue light will be noted — traditional color in liturgy associated with the Virgin, The windows of the church are very good and represent the best efforts of a leadin house in this line of Munich, Germany. They, represent various phases of the life of the Virgin Mary. On the first window at the left from the entrance will be seen a picture of the church as it was planned at first — the copper domes for some reason were not added.
The High Altar is a beautiful example of Italian Art — Carrarra marble throughout and was erected to commemorate the first centennial of the parish* Please note the medalion on the altar front of the 'Pelican1 ancient symbol of the Holy Eucharist and particularly appropriate here in	Bay	St, Louis.
The statue of Christ to the left of	the altar is much admired	— this	and the
statues of BVM and St. Joseph over the side altars are also of Carrara marble*and represent excellent Italian art. The plaster statue to the right of the altar represents Michael Angelo's world famed	Pieta in St, Peter's	Rome and	while a	very humble representation in the company of	the	elaborate marble	statues,	does lent color
to the somewhat cold marbles. The Stations of the Cross alonj both side walls though merely plaster, represent a hi^h standard of art, The main organ of the church — over the main entrance is a large Wicks — electro pncumatic action and is declared by experts in that field to nave an excellent tone.