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Whether you take the “back way” along Bayou Boeuf or drive past the farmland on US Highway 167, arriving at Holy Comforter in Lecompte—pronounced “LA-count” for readers who may not be local—feels like discovering something quietly special. At the end of the street, a small sign points visitors toward an Episcopal church and gives the address for the building. What that little sign does not reveal is what waits inside: a chapel, a history, and a congregation well worth knowing.
The beautiful white chapel, with its bright red doors, carries a history as welcoming as its entrance. Holy Comforter has endured for 150 years in a small rural town, but the chapel on Hardy Street was not the congregation’s first home. Its beginnings were humble: “in the woods,” beside the bayou, down Chickamaw Road. For years, people gathered for worship along that tract of land and in nearby homes. In 1880, the congregation held its first service inside Wilmer Memorial Chapel. Then, in 1898, as Lecompte grew and economic conditions shifted, the congregation began considering moving the chapel into town. Ultimately, a new chapel was built on a donated lot, and the congregation received a new name: Holy Comforter.
The chapel itself is picturesque—something you might expect to see in a movie. Set on a corner lot in small-town Louisiana, the carefully landscaped white chapel had long made me wonder about its story. But if I am honest, I was even more curious about the congregation. I often found myself wondering, “How many people actually go to church there?”
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This November, the Diocesan Convention will be returning to a two-day event.
The nomination forms for the 2026 Diocesan Elections, Annual Report to Convention, and Necrology forms are now live and awaiting your submissions. The deadline to submit is October 5, 2026.
Registration is set to open on September 21, 2026.
The Diocesan Convention will be held at the Alexandria Convention Center, located at 2225 N. MacArthur Dr., Alexandria, LA 71303. The Four Points by Sheraton is situated on the grounds of the convention center.
Room block information will be made available in the coming weeks.
Continue to check the hub for up-to-date information.
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First Female Chancellor for
Diocese of Western Louisiana
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Laura Beth “LB” Matthews is now serving as the first female chancellor for the Diocese of Western Louisiana.
LB grew up in Sewanee, TN. Like many, she began her introductions to the workforce babysitting, including doing so for the Owensbys while Bishop Jake was attending seminary. She later served with Teach for America in Baton Rouge before earning her law degree from LSU Law School in 2011.
After law school, LB moved to Alexandria to clerk for Judge Dee Drell and ended up making Central Louisiana home. She has worked for the federal government and in private practice. She is now Corporate Counsel for Cleco.
She is married to Jeff Matthews and they have two high-spirited boys, Graham and George. They attend St. James in Alexandria. LB looks forward to assisting the Diocese of Western Louisiana and Bishop Jake with canonical and civil matters.
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You can submit news and events with the link below or forward to lacee@epiwla.org
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| | Province 7 ECW Fall Gathering | | |
Join us for the Province VII Episcopal Church Women Fall Gathering, September 25–27, 2026, at St. James Episcopal Church in Alexandria, Louisiana. This year's theme, "Grace Upon Grace: Seeking Unity in Difficult Conversation," will feature keynote speaker Dr. Diane Millis, an acclaimed author, educator, and spiritual director who will lead inspiring sessions on communication, leadership, and faithful dialogue. As the host diocese, Western Louisiana invites every parish to send at least two representatives for a weekend of worship, learning, fellowship, and renewal.
The gathering begins Friday afternoon with fellowship and the Province VII ECW Business Meeting, continues Saturday with presentations by Dr. Millis, and concludes with Holy Eucharist on Sunday. A hotel room block is available at the Holiday Inn Downtown Alexandria. Registration is now open through the event website at Province VII ECW Fall Gathering 2026. We look forward to welcoming you for a weekend of faith, fellowship, and grace.
| | Women's Creative Process Retreat | | Happening Returns to Western Louisiana | | Happening is back! St. Paul's Shreveport is thrilled to host Happening 58, a weekend retreat for teenagers grades 9-12. If you would like more information, contact Sara Lewis at 318-272-1950 or eyc@stpaulsshreveport.org. | |
Diocese of New York church's service honors life, legacy of Dolly Parton | The Rev. Tommy Dillon has been a Dolly Parton fan most of his life. He not only loves the country singer’s music and movies, but he’s also been to Dollywood, her amusement park in Tennessee, more than once. | | | |
Signs and Grace: An Introduction to the Sacraments | Welcome to Signs and Grace: An Introduction to the Sacraments , a three session, video-based course designed to give basic teaching and space for discussion around the sacraments. This FREE resource is intended for congregations or small groups to use during three weekly gatherings, either in Sunday morning formation, a weekday small group, or an online session. | | | | Questions or comments regarding this publication can be made to Lacee Brown. | | | | |
