Shrine of St. Joseph - St. Louis, Missouri - This Old Church on Waymarking.com

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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