Saint Peter Catholic Church - St. Charles, Missouri
Posted by: 
YoSam.
N 38° 46.808 W 090° 29.054
15S E 718532 N 4295384
Church was dedicated December 18, 1861, but the steeple was not completed until 1872; the clock and bell tower chamber was completed in 1872.
Waymark Code: WM18MJ4
Location: Missouri, United States
Date Posted: 08/24/2023
Views: 1
County of church: St. Charles County
Location of church: 1st Capitol Dr. & N 3td St., SE corner, St. Charles
Built: 1861
Architectural Style: Romanesque Revival
This church is not part of any of the 5 historic districts in this city. It is one of the oldest churches in the city and west of the Mississippi River. Photos are very difficult, since it is in a city and the hospital across the street built new structures right up to the streets edge.
"The church was becoming too small and Father Wapelhorst urged that a new building be constructed. The parishioners, however wanted to enlarge the old church. While this expansion was taking place a storm on March 25, 1861 greatly damaged the building. It was then necessary to build a new church, and on June 13, 1861, the cornerstone for a 120 by 55 foot Romanesque style building was laid. By December 18, 1861, the church, which is the main body of the church you see today, was dedicated. It was practically complete except for the steeple. At that time it was one of the largest Churches west of the Mississippi River and was consecrated by Archbishop Kenrick on September 4, 1864. The first assistant priest arrived in 1865.
" ... The steeple of the church was completed and the tower clock installed in 1872. The organ, used by the church until 1947 when the current organ was installed, was also bought in 1872.
"Because the Parish continued to grow, the church needed to be enlarged again in 1910. Work began in March and the first Mass celebrated on September 25. The addition consisted of the current sanctuary, two large sacristies and a transept. The high altar, which had been obtained in 1887, was refurbished and placed in the new sanctuary, where it still remains. The addition brought the length of the church to 164 feet. The stained glass windows in the sanctuary were installed in 1912. The parish was blessed to have two assistant priests beginning in 1915." ~ Parish History
"Built: 1861
Wall: brick
Roof: Gable
Foundation: Stone
Architectural Style: Romanesque Revival
"The Parish was founded in 1848 to serve the growing German Catholic population in St. Charles. The present church building replaced one built on the same site
in 1848. M. Drummond states that the architect of the 1861 church was Johann Henry Stumberq. In the 1860 census, Stumberq is listed as a 52 year old carpenter from Hannover, Germany." ~ St Charles City Historic Survey PDF pages 434-435