Shrine of St. Joseph - St. Louis, Missouri
Posted by: Groundspeak Charter Member BruceS
N 38° 38.216 W 090° 11.565
15S E 744343 N 4280227
The Shrine of St. Joseph formally St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church is located on the near north-side of St. Louis.
Waymark Code: WMMQG
Location: Missouri, United States
Date Posted: 08/19/2006
Published By:Groundspeak Premium Member silverquill
Views: 46

The Shrine of St. Joseph is an historic church whose cornerstone was laid in 1844 and is the only example of Baroque church architecture in the St. Louis area. The church was started by the Jesuits of St. Louis University to serve the German immigrants living in the area. It is also the site of the only authenticated miracle in the Midwest. The Shrine's beautiful altar has become known as the Altar of Answered Prayers, the alter was a gift from the parishioners in 1866 when they were spared from the ravages cholera sweeping the city. http://img.groundspeak.com/waymarking/0ddf8ce0-d234-4dc8-8620-43b742b44236.jpg

The church was dedicated in 1846 and has undergone some changes over its history. The original church was designed in Classic Revival style by George Purvis and faced 11th Street and had 150-foot spire. In the 1860's the church was enlarged, changed to face Biddle Street and the interior was made more elaborate. In 1881, the Baroque towers and facade were added. The towers were reduced in height in 1955 due to structural weakness.

http://img.groundspeak.com/waymarking/13fefe56-3898-4fca-ad93-8ee8ba5f4e7c.jpgThe area around the Church deteriorated over the years becoming mostly trucking depots and lots. The Church also deteriorated until its low point in the 1970's. The Church was changed from the parish church St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church to the Shine of St. Joseph in 1979. The building was threatened with demolition until an organization called Friends of St. Joseph was formed. The building has undergone substantial restoration since that time.

Mass is conducted each Sunday and the Shrine is very popular for weddings. Tours are available after Sunday Mass or by other arrangements.

Date the Church was built, dedicated or cornerstone laid: 04/14/1844

Age of Church building determined by?: Church website

If denomination of Church is not part of the name, please provide it here: Catholic

If Church holds a weekly worship service and "all are welcome", please give the day of the week: Sunday

Indicate the time that the primary worship service is held. List only one: 11:00 AM

Street address of Church:
11th & Biddle Streets
St. Louis, Missouri United States
63106


Primary website for Church or Historic Church Building: [Web Link]

Secondary Website for Church or Historic Church Building: [Web Link]

If Church is open to the public, please indicate hours: Not listed

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Recent Visits/Logs:
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paulspaper visited Shrine of St. Joseph - St. Louis, Missouri 02/04/2009 paulspaper visited it
Benchmark Blasterz visited Shrine of St. Joseph - St. Louis, Missouri 07/31/2006 Benchmark Blasterz visited it

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