Jerome LeDoux

At St Augustine's, Ledoux's education consisted of music and the classics such as Greek, Latin, and French, in addition to religious instruction.

[1][4] On completion of his graduate studies, LeDoux assumed a teaching position at St. Augustine's Seminary where he taught theology and canon law from 1961 to 1967.

He donned colorful vestments during the Mass, danced in the aisles and rode a donkey to the church on Palm Sunday.

[4] He sometimes included jazz, African drumming and dancing, Mardi Gras Indian chants, and second line parades in Masses that he ministered.

[3] In 2005, the New Orleans Times-Picayune newspaper wrote, "But besides the rich history of St. Augustine, the church's real draw is the weekly sermon and golden voice of LeDoux.

The shrine consists of heavy chains and iron shackles in the shape of a cross, weighing approximately 1500 pounds.

The church property was the site of an archeological dig to the Claude Tremé Plantation House, and the shrine marks graves of unknown slaves from the area.

[9][8][10] On August 29, 2005, as Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans, LeDoux opted to remain at St. Augustine Church rather than evacuate the city.

Stranded at the church for eight days and being a vegan, he survived on a diet of pasta and marinara sauce, while taking in people who had lost their homes in the hurricane.

[12] The book's title relates to the early years of St. Augustine Church when pew fees were a common practice.

As part of the incident, Entell highlighted the dismissal of LeDoux and his replacement by a Caucasian priest in this predominately African-American parish.