Old Benevolent Society Building
In the aftermath of the Civil War, benevolent societies filled an urgent need for medical care and burials of freed slaves
that had once been filled by the masters of the plantations. As the years passed these societies served as a way to
provide union and fellowship amongst the black community within a radius determined by each society.
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, churches struggled to provide sanctuary and socialization in addition to
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, churches struggled to provide sanctuary and socialization in addition to
salvation. Nearly every church had its benevolent society that filled dire
and pressing needs such as sitting with the sick, feeding the weak,
funding medical care and covering the expenses of a decent burial.<br>
This building serves as a reminder of the significant role benevolent
societies played in Southern black culture during the century following
the end of the Civil War. By the 1960s, desegregation and modern
health and burial insurance plans lessened the need for many of the
societies to exist.
The building is owned by the Old Benevolent Society / Order of the Eastern Star and is in need of repairs to the foundation and exterior walls. Use of the building ceased in December 2016, due to structural concerns.
11738 Ferdinand Street, St. Francisville, West Feliciana Parish
The building is owned by the Old Benevolent Society / Order of the Eastern Star and is in need of repairs to the foundation and exterior walls. Use of the building ceased in December 2016, due to structural concerns.
11738 Ferdinand Street, St. Francisville, West Feliciana Parish