A church for the students at Southeastern Louisiana College was envisioned by the Knights of Columbus, Tangipahoa Parish Council (now known as John F. Kennedy Council) No. 2952 in 1951. Funds were raised, land was purchased, and the St. Albert Catholic Student Center was dedicated in February 1962 by Bishop Robert E. Tracy.
The building was constructed of two units connected by a short passageway at the rear of a central patio. One of the units houses the chapel, auditorium and kitchen. The chapel is strikingly illuminated by its north wall of stained glass. The other building was a three-story administrative, educational and social area with recreational lounge and Chaplain’s office. The building received national attention in an architectural journal at the time it was constructed.
The Very Reverend Dennis P. Brady, O. P., had suggested the name for the new chapel in a letter to Archbishop Rummel dated August 1, 1961. St. Albert the Great was the Universal Doctor, proficient in all branches of learning, declared by Pope Pius XII the “Heavenly Patron of the Natural Sciences.” From the beginning, the Center was associated with the National Newman Federation, an organization founded to serve the spiritual, educational and social needs of Catholic students on secular campuses throughout the United States. The Newman Club was founded in 1937 by Mr. A. E. Wilder, Jr. Its early meetings and daily Rosary were held in McGehee Hall. Sunday and daily Masses, Rosary and confession were held at the chapel after its completion, as were educational opportunities and Newman Club meetings. The Newman Club continued until 1968.