A Glimpse of the Past

A look at the history of St. Francis de Sales church reveals the hardships and sacrifices which accompanied the building of the present church. Delayed by a catastrophic cyclone in 1896, the parishioners, led by Father Lotz persevered.  The building of the new church continued with Father Holweck after Father Lotz’ death in 1903, and was completed and dedicated in November, 1908. The following photo and text are from the 1917 Jubilee booklet.

The old church building destroyed by the cyclone of May 27, 1896

The laying of the corner stone [of the new church] took place August 11, 1895, at which almost the entire Germanic population of St. Louis and many outside delegations were present.

 On May 27, 1896, a cyclone swept over St. Louis and destroyed the old church, leaving only the sanctuary and the main entrance. This caused a great draw back in the prosecution of the Father Lotz’s plans, since many of the parish members suffered extensive material losses. The hall in the third story of the school building had to be used for services until the basement of the Church could be equipped in such a way that the Holy Sacrifice could be celebrated therein (July 1896).

 A postcard (c. 1908) showing the new church after it had been built in spite of the difficulties.

An old postcard showing the newly completed St. Fancis de Sales church in 1908. (Source: St. Louis Public Library)

You can leave a comment or trackback from your own site.