Shrine of St. Joseph - St. Louis, Missouri
Posted by: 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
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.
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.
The
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.
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