Gargoyles atop St. Francis de Sales Oratory - St. Louis, MO - Gargoyles and Chimeras on Waymarking.com

St. Francis de Sales church, built at the turn of the last century, is known to locals as “the Cathedral of South St. Louis” because of its elegantly-designed exterior and 300-foot spire. St. Francis de Sales “Cathedral” is an imposing Gothic revival building. The High Altar alone is more than 50 feet high and forms a unique throne for Christ the King, present in the ornate Tabernacle under the species of the consecrated host. This church is the ideal setting for the sacred solemn liturgy, and its adjacent buildings seem to be made for the needs of our continuously growing community.

The church is the only church in the St. Louis area of German Gothic architecture and is based on the design of a church in Germany. St. Francis de Sales has been an anchor of its neighborhood since its founding after the end of the Civil War in 1867. The campus includes the church, a rectory, former convent, and two former school buildings. The church is on the National Registry of Historic Places.

St. Louis, the “Rome of the West,” has long been known as a focal point of genuine Catholic life in this country. Steadfast faithfulness to Holy Mother Church and the Roman Pontiff, filial devotion toward Our Lady, and a deep Eucharistic piety are the characteristics of this city.

~ from St. Francis de Sales Oratory website (visit link)


Towering above Gravois Avenue on the city's south side is the tallest church spire in the city. St. Francis de Sales rises some 300 feet above the sidewalks and is one of the south side's most prominent landmarks. The neo-Gothic building dates from 1895 but was in the main constructed around 1909.
~ from Built St. Louis website (visit link)

Water spout is used: yes Condition: Lightly Weathered

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Date Logged Log   09/03/2014 YoSam. visited it