Lake Charles, Louisiana
Having been elevated to a canonical parish in 2002, St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church is moving to a new 70-acre campus. The design of the 1,500-seat church and 300-seat daily Mass chapel builds upon the rich history of both the parish and saint. Phase 1 includes a 500-seat Spanish style church inspired by the church in Lima where St. Martin de Porres worshipped. It is a longitudinal church that features a stained glass dome over the altar, a marble altar, ambo and font carved in Italy, three shrines and large clerestory windows letting light in from above. The future phases of the master plan include a parish hall, parish offices, school, recreation building, youth center and assisted living facility.