Dedication and Consecration of New Church

Baton Rouge, LA – As St. Luke’s Episcopal Church approaches the third anniversary of the February 17, 2024, fire that destroyed its church and Pope Hall, the congregation is preparing for a significant milestone in its journey of rebuilding. The dedication and consecration of its new church is scheduled for Sunday, February 21, 2027, at 3:00 p.m., with the Rt. Rev. Shannon Rogers Duckworth, Bishop of Louisiana, presiding.

The date marks an important moment for the St. Luke’s community, coming just days after the third anniversary of the fire. Three years of loss, perseverance, rebuilding and hope will culminate in a celebration that represents both a new beginning and a homecoming for the congregation.

The February 21 date was selected based on several considerations, including the bishop’s availability and the construction timeline recommended by the professionals overseeing the project. The additional time will allow the remaining work and preparations to be completed with care, ensuring the new church is ready to welcome the congregation for this historic occasion.

“February 21 is more than just a date on the calendar,” said the Rev. Bryan Owen, sixth rector of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. “Gathering to dedicate and consecrate our new church so close to the anniversary of the fire will be a powerful moment of healing and homecoming for our parish. After all we have experienced, we look forward to celebrating this new chapter together.”

Although worship services in the new church cannot begin until the bishop presides over the dedication and consecration, St. Luke’s anticipates being able to use the new Pope Hall beforehand for fellowship, parish events, meetings and other gatherings.

Following the dedication and consecration, the congregation will also gather at a later date to inter the cremains of loved ones in the new columbarium. This will include those whose cremains were displaced by the fire, as well as those who have died since.

As preparations continue, St. Luke’s will share additional information about the opening of Pope Hall, the dedication service and the columbarium interment as details become available.

The February 21 celebration will mark a defining chapter in St. Luke’s history, honoring the congregation’s past while looking ahead with faith and renewed hope for the future.

For over 60 years, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, has faithfully lived out Christ’s call to love and serve. Founded in 1956 by a small group of worshippers, St. Luke’s has grown into a vibrant Episcopal community of more than 1,500 baptized members. Rooted in the Anglican tradition and sustained by generations of families, the church has continuously expanded its ministries and facilities—including its renowned St. Luke’s Day School, founded in 1957, which serves students from Pre-K through 8th grade. From humble beginnings in private homes and temporary buildings, St. Luke’s now stands on the historic Goodwood Boulevard site, supported by dedicated leadership and the abiding guidance of the Holy Spirit. stlukesbr.org