MT. OLIVET CEMETERY 1824 AND CHAPEL 1858 (NR)

Mt. Olivet Chapel is one of the oldest structures in the Alexandria-Pineville area, and is also one of a handful of examples of the Gothic Revival style in Central Louisiana. It features a rectangular form, steeply pitched roof with flared eaves, brackets beneath the eaves, lancet windows, and board and batten siding. Originally a church, it was established as a mission of St. James Episcopal Church, the cemetery of which was already located on the site chosen for the construction of Mt. Olivet. The design of the church is attributed to Richard Upjohn, a renowned church architect known for his use of the Gothic Revival style. The church was used by the Union Army during the Civil War, and was thus spared from burning. After serving as a chapel, a separate parish renamed “St. Peter’s,” and then a chapel again, the building served as a school and community center. The chapel is presently owned by the Episcopal Diocese of Western Louisiana and is open for occasional services.

Mt. Olivet Cemetery was the name selected for the site before it was acquired by St. James Episcopal Church in 1858. There were existing graves on this land and the earliest surviving marker is dated 1824. Many prominent citizens of the community are buried here, including Gov. Thomas Overton Moore, Louisiana’s secessionist governor; Dr. Thomas Maddox, a participant in the Sandbar duel; Henry Hardtner, the “Father of Reforestation”; George Bolton, founder of Rapides Bank; Edgar McCormick and Henarie Huie, founders of the Alexandria Daily Town Talk; and Senator John Overton.

Mt. Olivet Cemetery and Church

Adventure

is calling!

Mt. Olivet Cemetery and Church

Adventure

is calling!

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