It was founded under Bishop Antoine Blanc, who later served as New Orleans' first Archbishop, and designed by the French architect J. N. B. de Pouilly, who worked on the expansion and renovation of the more famous St. Louis Cathedral on Jackson Square.

[1] A few months before the October 9, 1842 dedication of St. Augustine Church, the people of color began to purchase pews for their families to sit.

In an unprecedented social, political and religious move, the colored members also bought all the pews of both side aisles.

The pews are the originals and therefore date back to the mid-nineteenth century, although they were re-arranged by long-time pastor Father Jerome LeDoux so that they all faced the celebrant.

The parishioners that designed the monument selected this location since it is the site of the Tremé Plantation House where many slaves lived in centuries passed.

[2] Because of substantial property losses in the city after Hurricane Katrina and a decline in population, the diocese decided to close St. Augustine Church, despite the fact that it had been providing extensive community support.

[3] The church was allowed to remain open after presenting a plan of action to address critical areas, including congregational growth, fund raising, and management improvements.

A documentary film about the protest entitled Shake the Devil Off increased publicity for the church's efforts to survive.