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Historic commission approves exterior elevator for church, tables request to paint original sanctuary doors and move office house
Summary
The Natchitoches Historic District Commission approved an exterior accessibility lift (to be concealed with two‑story shutters) for the church at 533 Street but tabled a request to paint its original sanctuary doors red and a separate proposal to sell/move the church office house at 148 Twain Street until the National Park Service and state preservation office provide guidance.
The Natchitoches Historic District Commission on an unscheduled June meeting approved an exterior elevator for the church at 533 Street to improve access for older congregants and attendees of upstairs meetings, but delayed two major preservation decisions until state and federal guidance arrives.
Reverend Kristen Paul asked the commission to allow an exterior lift in the church courtyard and described two possible locations; she said the congregation needs the lift so older members and Alcoholics Anonymous attendees can reach upstairs rooms. Commissioners approved the elevator with the condition that the lift be enclosed on all sides and concealed with two‑story shutters if it is located on the exterior. The commission also noted fire marshal approval will be required and that construction must begin within six months of permit issuance.
“The idea of putting an exterior elevator in and covering it so it’s not visible is acceptable,” the commission chair said while describing the approved shuttering requirement. Reverend Paul said the church will follow those conditions; she also told commissioners the congregation has applied for a separate grant to support window restoration, with a $260,000 bid and an award decision expected in October.
The meeting turned from accessibility to preservation when commissioners discussed the church’s request to paint its original sanctuary doors red — a long‑standing Episcopal tradition. Commissioners underscored that the church and its doors lie within a national historic landmark district and that the doors appear to be original to a structure dating to the mid‑19th century. The commission said it had asked Rebecca Blankenbecker, its liaison to the Cane River National Heritage program and the National Park Service, to seek formal guidance from federal and state preservation offices.
“It is our duty as a commission to preserve history,” the chair said during the exchange, noting the district’s national‑landmark status. Commissioners voted to table the door‑painting request until they receive written guidance from the National Park Service and the Louisiana preservation office; the applicant will return after the grant decision and the preservation offices’ recommendations.
Separately, the church sought permission to sell a contributing house at 148 (Twain) Street and have a buyer relocate it so the parish can use the land for campus needs. Commissioners raised concerns that approving removal of a contributing structure would set a precedent that could erode the district’s integrity and reported they have sent letters to both the National Park Service and the Louisiana preservation office seeking direction. The commission voted to table the house‑move application pending that guidance.
Next steps: the church will await the grant decision for window restoration and the preservation offices’ written recommendations. The commission’s next regular meeting is scheduled for Monday, July 6.
