HISTORY OF THE STAINED GLASS WINDOWS FROM CHURCH OF THE ASCENSION TO ST. FRANCIS In 1830, Donaldsonville was the capital of the state of Louisiana. Leonidas Polk, the first Episcopal bishop of Louisiana suggested a congregation in Donaldsonville. During the next ten years, poor participation prompted Bishop Polk to describe the parish as "very small and weak." However by 1851 there seemed to be enough interest for the church to be admitted to the Council of Episcopal churches and prompted Henry Johnson to donate land with a house and a school on it that was envisioned to beome the rectory and a parochial school. Church services were to remain at the Court House. The official membership was 19 families with a flourishing Sunday school with children from several Protestant denominations participating. During the next 40 years, regretfully there was a pattern of short terms for clergy serving Church of the Ascension or a lay reader serving the church. Church of the Ascension moved to its current location in 1905 from Nicholls and Railroad Avenue. There were 74 communicants and the church fulfilled its financial obligation to the diocese. Post depression and World War II era saw a decline in membership. In 1987, Ascension was made a mission station of the Church of the Holy Spirit in Baton Rouge. By 2012, it became clear that a congregation no longer existed and the church was deconsecrated. The building was described as rural Gothic with decorated verge board. From 1870 when the rectory was converted to 1884, much work was done to maintain the building; painting, new pews, new carpeting in the chancel, a new organ and communion vessels. Ten stained glass windows, some with double-hung sashes, were installed in 1886. They were made by Hauser Studio of Wenona, Minnesota. The windows were removed from Church of the Ascension upon the sale of the church property and were stored at St. James Episcopal Church in Baton Rouge. From Diocese of Louisiana - History of Church of Ascension Note: The windows were removed from Church of the Ascension upon the sale of the church property and were stored at St. James Episcopal Church in Baton Rouge. The windows were donated to St. Francis after the devastating flood of August, 2016, with the intention for the windows to be installed and rededicated to adorn the new St. Francis church building. Our Beautiful Altar Window ORIGINAL In Memory of Richard Tuite Hanson ORIGINAL In Memory of William Wagner Age 11 years An offering from the Sunday School ORIGINAL St. Margaret's Guild In Memory of Wanda Mollere ORIGINAL In memory of Lydia Williams Duffel ORIGINAL It is more blessed to give than to receive. ORIGINAL In Memory of Anna Langbecker WINDOWS IN JACKSON-MAGEE HALL In Memory of William Mollere ORIGINAL By their fruits you shall know them ORIGINAL If any man shall come after me. let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. Luke 9:23 ORIGINAL In Memory of Harry McCall Window Inspired by Steve Wilson Window dedicated to The Rev. Thomas Gilhula ST. FRANCIS IS TRULY BLESSED BY THE GRACE OF GOD.