St. Margaret Catholic Church

In the years of World War II, most people saw the male members of their families leave home to serve their county. The Catholics living in Homer had inadequate transportation to travel distances to attend Mass. This situation prompted a visit to Bishop Desmond in Alexandria for help in acquiring a church in Homer in order that Catholics in this area could attend Mass.

The parish was founded in 1942 as a result of this visit headed by Mrs. Robert Antoon. As a result, a white frame duplex, the present property at the corner of South Main and East Second Street, was purchased which served the area as church and rectory until the present church was built in 1959. The diocese and the National Extension Society (who suggested the patron Saint Margaret) assisted the twenty or so families in this purchase. Some of the first members of this church were: the Michael family, the Antoon family, F. J. Hightower family, Mr. Bob McLean, Mr. Richard Michael, Mrs. Sarah Robinson, Mrs. John Foster, Mrs. Nash, Laura Hunt and her mother, M. A. Mitchell, and Isaac Latoff. Members from Haynesville were: the Caston family and Mr. Tom Ragland.

The first resident priest, Fr. Walsh, celebrated the first mass in December 1942. He became ill with tuberculosis and moved to Texas for his health. Subsequently, Priests of the Precious Blood - Revs. Gregory Moorman, Clement Goubeaux, and Anthony Ley -served until 1959 when Rev. Joseph Rateua took charge. During Rateau's quite successful pastorate, the new church was constructed and the present rectory brought to the site.

Revs. Harvey Fortier, Alfred Chlebowczyk and Yves Robitaille followed in quick succession until 1976; the artistically talented Rev. Ted Lelieveld was assigned and placed in charge of St. Margaret and the St. Michael Mission in Haynesville. Among his artistic works are the Christ-Mural at Haynesville and the sanctuary statuary at Homer. He was tragically murdered in 1976. Since Fr. Ted's death, the church did not have a resident priest. Priests from Minden and Springhill came to say Mass. They were Fr. Daniel Walsh, Fr. William Purce, and Fr. Sam Polizzi.

Other priests that have followed are: Frs. Curtis Woods, Pike Thomas, Govie J. Moraus, Peter B. Mangum, and Zacharias.