LeBeau, LA — A powerful storm that swept through the LeBeau area on Monday morning left behind widespread damage, including severe destruction to the Immaculate Conception Church, which had only recently reopened after undergoing extensive renovations following a devastating fire in 2022. The storm’s impact was felt not only by the church but also by the surrounding properties, raising concerns over both repairs and the future of historical structures within the parish.
The Immaculate Conception Church, which had just celebrated its reopening in 2024 after the extensive renovations, sustained significant water damage when water seeped inside the building. Several windows were also shattered, further adding to the storm’s destructive toll. Despite the setback, church members are determined to stay resilient in the face of the destruction, focusing on the well-being of their pastor, who is reportedly not accustomed to the intense Louisiana weather.
Bernadine McKnight, a devoted member of the church, expressed her concern for the pastor’s emotional state. “So instead of saying, ‘Oh no, not again,’ I immediately started praying for the priest,” McKnight shared. “Because he is not used to this Louisiana weather.”
In addition to the church, the storm also inflicted damage on other structures on the church property. Among the hardest hit was the senior building, which serves as a gathering place for elderly community members, including those who regularly play bingo. While the damage is significant, the future of the building remains uncertain due to budget constraints and questions about insurance coverage.
Joseph Marin, a member of the parish, explained that decisions regarding the fate of the senior building are out of the hands of the local community. “This parish is owned by the Josephites, so we don’t make any decisions on that,” Marin said. “They dictate what will go and what will stay.”
The senior building holds sentimental value for many in the community. Before the new church was constructed, the building served as the primary worship space for the congregation. This deep emotional attachment makes the potential loss of the building especially difficult for those who cherish its historical significance.
“For sentimental value—I wouldn’t let it go,” Marin said. “But they live by numbers, and numbers are what fuel everything.”
As the community assesses the damage and considers their options, one thing is clear: the spirit of resilience remains strong. While the storm has caused significant harm, the people of Immaculate Conception Church continue to rally together, offering prayers and support for one another in this challenging time. The focus now is on the long road ahead, as the community works to rebuild and determine the future of their cherished properties.