St. Michael's Catholic Church: Biloxi’s Scalloped Seashell “Fisherman’s Church”

St. Michael's Catholic Church, also known as the "Church of the Fishermen," is in our very own backyard here in Biloxi. Its name came to be from the fishing families of the “Point Cadet” area of Biloxi who raised money to build this beautifully unique place of worship, which stood amongst seafood factories at the time.

At its start, the congregation consisted of fishermen who lived and worked along the gulf. Its intricate structure truly reflects its roots — with a scalloped seashell-shaped roof, stained-glass windows and a repeated theme of fish, water and nets featured throughout the church. The design is truly like no other. Father Gregory Barras was previously quoted in an article saying, "The height. It goes up 75 or 80 feet. You have a sense of being raised up into the arms of a loving, caring merciful God. People come in with their stories. Some are joyous, and some are difficult."

This church overcame two of the strongest hurricanes to ever hit the Gulf of Mexico, Camille in August of 1969, and Katrina in August of 2005 — withstanding 200 mile per hour winds and a 28-foot tidal surge. The church made improvements to become more hurricane prepared. The lower portions of the stained glass windows can be lifted 15 feet in case of flooding and the floor layout also allows for water to wash in and out.

Throughout these tragedies, the congregation never slowed, it grew stronger. The beauty and strength of this church inspires the Biloxi community.

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Photo of interior of St. Michael's Catholic Church courtesy of Coastal Mississippi CVB