In 1978, the community of Catholics in Swartz, La., was given the mission under the direction of Bishop Graves, Diocese of Alexandria, to bring Catholic Catechism to the children and young people in Northeast Ouachita parish. Under the guidance of Fr. Anthony Cumella, the mission of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Swartz began.  A first mass was held at the Progressive Men's Club with a covered pool table serving as an altar. Masses continue in peoples homes and the gym of Swartz Elementary School.

Ground was broken for the building of St.Lawrence Catholic Church on June 17, 1980. The church was dedicated on Easter Sunday, April 19, 1981, by Fr. Earl Beaulieu under its current name St. Lawrence Catholic Church.

Priest that have served St.Lawrence include Fr. Sam Polizzi, Fr. Herve LaJoie, Fr. Patrick Sculley, Fr. Thomas Kizito Nwachukwu, Fr. Bob Inzina, Fr. Robert Kennedy, Fr. Pat Madden, Fr. Richard Norsworthy, and Fr. Job Edathinatt Scaria. Other spiritual leaders important to St. Lawrence have been Monsignor Edmund Moore, Deacon Jack & Betty Cummings, Bishop William Friend, and our current Bishop Michael Ducca.