The story of St. George Mission Church begins in 1941, under the Diocese of Alexandria when Mass was first celebrated in a humble, converted garage in the yard of Mrs. Monte Thomas. Located between the First Baptist Church and the library on Alonzo Street, this modest setting marked the foundation of a vibrant community of faith. Rev. Leonard E. Curtis, O.P., from the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Campti, Louisiana, was the pioneering pastor. After Sunday Mass, Mrs. Thomas would provide breakfast for Father Curtis, and together, they worked tirelessly towards establishing a dedicated church building.
In 1948, the dream of a permanent church began to take shape when the land on Red Oak Road, behind the Red River Courthouse, was purchased from I. P. and Lena Martin. Construction began soon after, and by 1951, the community saw the completion of St. George Mission Church’s first official building. Father Curtis served the community until 1954, with other priests from Campti, such as Rev. Bernard Roberts and Rev. Gregory Going, continuing to shepherd the growing congregation through the subsequent years.
The church continued to evolve and adapt to the needs of its community. In 1976, a dedicated group of parishioners approached Rev. Norman Buvens at St. Francis of Assisi in Powhatan to secure a pastor for their Sunday Masses. The following year, Msgr. Allen Chenevert’s arrival marked a significant turning point. His enthusiastic support and leadership galvanized the congregation to begin a building fund, leading to the construction of the current church building on Ashland Road, completed in June 1980. The land for this new church was generously donated by the Joe Bill Adcock family, highlighting the community’s spirit of giving and cooperation.
Throughout the years, St. George Mission Church has experienced several transitions in pastoral leadership, reflecting its resilience and adaptability. After the establishment of the Diocese of Shreveport in 1986, the church was associated with St. Joseph’s in Mansfield and later served by priests from St. Joseph’s in Shreveport due to scheduling conflicts. Notable pastors during this period included Rev. Roger McMullen, Rev. David Richter, and Rev. John Pardue. In 1989, the addition of Desadier Hall, built in memory of Marvin Desadier, further enhanced the church’s facilities.
In March of 1999, a new chapter began as Mary Queen of Peace in Bossier City became a parish, with St. George Mission reassigned under its jurisdiction. The first Mass under the new parish was celebrated on July 4, 1999, by Msgr. Earl V. Provenza, V.F., marking a new era for St. George Mission Church. Today, St. George remains a steadfast presence in Coushatta, serving the spiritual needs of its congregation and continuing its legacy of faith, community, and service.