Long before there was rapid transportation, instant communication, or high mobility there was a faith that settled in this area of Bossier Parish back when it consisted primarily of family-owned agricultural land. That faith was the Catholic faith, and the family was the Caplis family. Living in the very buckle of the “Bible Belt” where Catholics remain few in number, the faith spread gradually to those who married into the family. Scholarships ensured that the children of the next generations were educated in Catholic schools.
In 1969, as a remembrance of family members who served and died in World War II and others who remained behind to support the war effort by keeping the farm in operation, Mr. and Mrs. John A. Caplis built a chapel on land which had been donated by Mr. and Mrs. Thomas E. Caplis. It seemed fitting to dedicate such a chapel to Mary, Queen of Peace.
Bishop Charles P. Greco, bishop of the dioceses of Alexandria, dedicated the chapel, a mission of Christ the King Catholic Church in Bossier City, on 13 May 1969. Rev. Fr. Carson LaCaze was then pastor of Christ the King. The first wedding held in the new chapel was of Joe and Margie Caplis.
Thirty years later on 17 March 1999, Bishop William B. Friend, DD, bishop of Shreveport, established the parish of Mary, Queen of Peace Catholic Church with St. George Catholic Church in Coushatta as its mission. Bishop Friend dedicated the new church building on 3 December 2005. Msgr. Earl Provenza, V.F. was our founding pastor. We thank him for his leadership and hard work.