The staff of the Episcopal Diocese of Western Louisiana

Diocesan House of the Episcopal Diocese of Western Louisiana is situated in the former parish hall of the historic Mt. Olivet Chapel in Pineville, LA. Built in 1858 and consecrated on June 29, 1859, Mt. Olivet was originally a mission of the parish church St. James, Alexandria. The picturesque and perfectly proportioned chapel, of Gothic Revival style, was designed by the famous ecclesiastical architect, Richard Upjohn, who also designed Trinity Church, New York City.

The Chapel was built in an existing cemetery since tombstones date as early as 1824. The structure, except for its oak floor, is entirely of pinewood, milled from local trees. The parish hall was constructed in 1946, as booming growth in the Mt. Olivet congregation followed the end of World War II. By 1966, the congregation had outgrown the chapel and parish hall. Reluctantly, the move was made to a new
church home, St. Michael’s in Pineville.

The Rt. Rev'd Willis R. Henton, first bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Western Louisiana, restored the chapel and parish hall, making Mt. Olivet the Bishop’s chapel and Diocesan Center. “I very much believe in preserving history,” said Bishop Henton. “You’ve got to touch base with your history or you’re not going to plan wisely for the future -- or understand the present.” Mt. Olivet Chapel and the Diocesan Center, stand as visible links to the early roots of the Episcopal Church in Louisiana, a tribute to the spiritual journeys of the past. The chapel and Diocesan House have just undergone a complete renovation and restoration.



	The Rev'd Canon Larry G. Wilkes Canon to the Ordinary As Canon to the Ordinary, Canon Wilkes is responsible for: • Clergy deployment • Congregational development • He represents the Bishop on the Hardtner Camp and Conference Center Board of Trustees, the Episcopal School of Acadiana, Cade Board of Directors, The Open Door, in Lake Charles, and chairs the Mission Department of the Diocesan Council canon@diowla.org

	Dianne White Assistant to Bishop MacPherson and Registrar of the Diocese As registrar, Ms. White is responsible for recording the Bishop's official acts; letters dismissory; maintenance of the official records of clergy of the diocese; postulants and candidates for Holy Orders. Contact Ms. White in regards to: •Matters pertaining to the records and administration of the Commission on Ministry •The mailing list of the diocesan newspaper, ALIVE! •The Diocesan Intercessor list •The issuance of lay licenses •Background checks required by parishes •The upkeep of files on clergy, parishes and missions, aspirants, postulants and candidates for Holy Orders •Administration and records-keeping of Diocesan Convention •Information packets for clergy new to the diocese •The Diocesan Calendar LadyDiWhi@aol.com

	Kathy Richey Missioner for Administration and Finance Contact Ms. Richey in regards to: •Diocesan Accounts Payable and Receivable •Diocesan financial matters including deposits, payroll, taxes, bank balances, pension matters and funds held in trust for the diocese •Pledges, diocesan budgets and deposits •Matters pertaining to insurance •Parochial reports LadyRichey@aol.com

	Robert Harwell Communications officer of the Diocese. In that capacity he is responsible for the production of the diocesan newspaper, ALIVE!, and for the maintenance of the diocesan Web site. You may reach Robert Harwell at: E-mail: robertharwell@centurytel.net, 318-868-2303, or fax: 318-869-2071.

	Maryse Harwell assists with the input of materials in the newspaper and on the Web site. She also proofs materials for both.

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