A new chapter for St. Luke's Episcopal Church will start on Sunday.

Parishioners and the Baton Rouge community will gather to witness the groundbreaking for St. Luke’s new church building and Pope Hall.

The original structure was destroyed by fire in the early morning hours of Feb. 17, 2024 . The following day, a Sunday, Mass went on as scheduled in the gym with close to 400 parishioners. Weekly services eventually moved to Witter Hall, a shared space with the church school, while plans for rebuilding took shape.

"After 20 months since the fire, this Sunday’s groundbreaking feels like a huge step forward for all of us at St. Luke’s," the Rev. Bryan Owen, church rector said on Monday. "It’s a moment filled with hope and healing — a sign that, with God’s help, we’re getting closer to re

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