The St. Ann Catholic Church Louisiana State Historical Marker was formally unveiled on November 6, 2025, following the Native American Mass in Ebarb. The event marked a significant moment of cultural, historical, and spiritual recognition for the Choctaw- Apache Community of Ebarb and the families who built and sustained the parish over generations.
The ceremony opened with a Eucharistic Celebration led by Rev. Keith Garvin of St. Joseph Catholic Church, whose support was instrumental in bringing the marker project to completion. The unveiling that followed honored both the history of St. Ann Catholic Church and the ancestors who shaped the community’s Catholic tradition.
The Louisiana State Historical Marker reads: “St. Ann Catholic Church was established in 1934 as a mission to the Choctaw-Apache Community of Ebarb. Before its construction, parishioners traveled several miles to receive sacraments at St. Joseph Church in Zwolle. As early as 1920, Rev. John Van Bokhoven, the pastor of St. Joseph’s, recognized the need for a church in Ebarb. He received $165.00 from the Diocesan Extension Society to build a mission at Ebarb.
On April 15, 1934, a meeting was held under the leadership of Rev. James E. Howard to plan the construction of a church. Residents pledged materials, time, and financial support.
On November 13, 1934, Mary (Sepulvado) Ebarb, widow of Phillip Ebarb, donated one acre of land, paving the way for construction. The project commenced in November 1934, led by carpenters Bill McDonald, Homer Ezernack, Pete ‘Hicks’ Procell, Joe Sepulvado, and Alec Sepulvado.
On April 1, 1935, Bishop Daniel Desmond (Diocese of Alexandria) dedicated the church. Rev. Prue was the first pastor assigned to St. Ann’s. The church flourished, and a rectory was added in 1953 for a resident priest. In recognition of its continual growth, Bishop Charles Greco signed the Charter for the Congregation of St. Ann’s Roman Catholic Church on August 5, 1965, sponsored by Rev. William J. Pierce, Loran Ebarb, and Sam A. Rivers. St. Ann’s became a quasi-mission of St. Joseph’s after the retirement of its last resident priest, Rev. Kenneth Williams, in accordance with Bishop William Friend’s decree on July 1, 2005. The congregation continues to gather for weekly masses, and during powwows and special feast days, Native Masses are celebrated, paying homage to the parishioners’ rich heritage. St. Ann Catholic Church remains the spiritual heart of the Ebarb community.”
The marker project was made possible through the collaboration and support of many community leaders. Special recognition was given to Rev. Keith Garvin, Chief Tom Rivers, the Choctaw-Apache Tribal Council, Mrs. Amelia Rivers, Mrs. Ione Durr, and Sylvester Martinez, each of whom played a vital role in ensuring the marker’s creation, approval, and installation.
The historical research and written narrative for the marker were completed by Dr. Cody Bruce, drawing primarily from the extensive genealogical and historical collections of Mary Lucille “Betty” Rivers and Travis Ebarb.
During the ceremony, the descendants of Mrs. Mary (Sepulvado) Ebarb, who donated the land for the original church in 1934, were formally recognized and honored. Their family’s legacy remains deeply woven into the history and spiritual life of St. Ann’s.
As the marker was revealed, community members, tribal citizens, parishioners, and guests gathered in celebration— honoring a sacred place that has served as the spiritual heart of Ebarb for more than 90 years. The day’s events reaffirmed the enduring faith, heritage, and unity of the Ebarb Choctaw-Apache people and all who continue to worship at St. Ann Catholic Church.