In 1989 the Church parish began a massive preservation effort to arrest deterioration to the church building and furnishings and restore them to their original condition. 

The efforts, still underway today, have already made roof attic and roof repairs, installed a complete lightning protection system, new attic access for inspecting for leaks and electrical fire hazards, restored the more than 80 year old statues and stations of the cross, repaired, restored, and protected the church’s stained glass windows (some of which are original), restored exterior masonry, replaced water-damaged plaster on the interior walls, completely repainted the interior of the church, replaced and modernized the electrical service, rewired the church, and added improved interior and exterior lighting. 

The inoperative mechanical Verdin bell-ringing system which was 54 years old was replaced by a new digital Verdin bell-ringing system.  The system rings the three bells in the bell tower, one of which is 127 years old.  An inoperative carillon system was also replaced with a new digital Verdin system.  

In 1996, the year celebrating the 100^th anniversary of the church’s dedication, the steeple was restored to the church after being absent for 60 years.  The community is especially proud of the new steeple.  The original steeple for years served as a landmark for travelers and residents in the area by land on both sides of the Mississippi River, and by traffic on the River itself. 

In the year 2000, more original architectural features were restored to the church’s exterior.  Two minor spires which had been missing since they were blown off during Hurricane Betsy in 1968 were restored. A cupola atop the apex of the church which had been missing since 1910 was also restored.  In addition to this preservation work, a new choir section was built in the west transept of the church, an entirely new and effective sound system was installed in the church, and second floors in the two forward sacristies were constructed. 

More phases of the preservation work will restore the clock in the bell tower, repair and refinish the pews, kneelers, and wood floors, and restore the decorative wrought iron fencing around the church property perimeter.  The church, in its original state with steeple, has been the subject of paintings by such distinctive and renowned Louisiana artists as Robert Rucker and George Rodrigue.   

HOW CAN YOU HELP OUR CHURCH PRESERVATION EFFORTS?

• A General Church Preservation Fund exists for the continuing restoration and preservation work which the church building presently needs.

• A new debt has been incurred by the Church for preservation work currently underway.  Contributions to the Debt Reduction collections at weekend Masses are now 100% dedicated to funding the Church Preservation Project.

• Also, a $500 per plate “Dinner of the Century” major fund raising event is conducted each year on the first Sunday evening of November at Chef John Folse’s Lafitte’s Landing Restaurant at Bittersweet Plantation Restaurant in Donaldsonville.  Only 80 seats are sold each year for this event, and 100% of the proceeds are dedicated to the our Church Preservation Project. Donations for seats at this dinner are made payable directly to Ascension Catholic Church and are tax-deductible. 

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• A Church Preservation Trust Fund also exists to receive bequests and other donations.  The interest generated by this Trust is dedicated to restoration and preservation work on the church building.   The terms of the trust documents dictate that the principal donated to this Trust Fund may never be touched or used for any other purpose. Please consider a gift or remembrance in your will to preserve our historic and beautiful church building  for generations to come.

A Eucharistic Community Since 1772