St. Mary Magdalen Parish was established in 1842 by Pere Megret. The first church, formerly a home, was renovated and dedicated in 1844. From the beginning it was called Saint Mary Magdalen, a favorite saint among the descendants of the Acadian exiles all through South Louisiana.

In February, 1854 a fire at the rectory destroyed the church records. In March 1907 the church of Saint Mary Magdalen, Abbevlle, was completely destroyed by fire. In August 1981, another fire caused extensive damage to the sacristy and chapel.

The church, as well as the cemetery behind it are listed on the National Register of Historic places.

The church's website is http://www.stmarymagdalenparish.org/