Christ Church Cathedral (St. Louis, Missouri) facts for kids
Christ Church Cathedral
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![]() Christ Church Cathedral
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Location | 1210 Locust Street St. Louis, Missouri |
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Built | 1859 |
Architect | Leopold Eidlitz; Legg, Jerome B. |
Architectural style | Late Gothic Revival, Greek Revival |
NRHP reference No. | 90000345 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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Added to NRHP | March 7, 1990 |
Designated NHL | October 12, 1994 |
Christ Church Cathedral is a very important church in St. Louis, Missouri. It serves as the main church for the Episcopal Diocese of Missouri. You can find it at 1210 Locust Street. The current leader of the cathedral is the Very Reverend Kathie Adams-Shepherd. She is also the first woman to hold this important position! This beautiful building was constructed between 1859 and 1867. It was designed by a famous architect named Leopold Eidlitz. The cathedral is special because it's one of the best examples of his work that still stands today. Because of its amazing design, it was named a National Historic Landmark in 1994.
Contents
Building History and Design
The Christ Church Cathedral was built between 1859 and 1867. Its design came from the architect Leopold Eidlitz. The church shows off a style called Gothic Revival. This style was popular when the United States was growing westward. The building's design reflected how important St. Louis felt at that time.
Architectural Style and Materials
The cathedral is located in downtown St. Louis. It sits at the corner of Thirteenth and Locust streets. The main part of the church is made from Illinois sandstone. Its roof is covered with purple and green slate tiles. The church has a cross shape, which is called a cruciform structure.
A tall tower sticks out from the northern side of the church. Inside the base of this tower, you'll find a special room called a baptistry. It has a beautiful font made from Italian marble.
Later Additions and Features
A smaller chapel made of sandstone was added between 1893 and 1895. Later, from 1910 to 1912, a new tower and porch were built. These newer parts are made from Indiana limestone.
The cathedral has a set of three steel bells. They were made in 1904 and dedicated in 1912. The largest bell is called the bourdon bell. It weighs 5,732 pounds, making it the biggest bell in all of Missouri! The church also has a large organ. A new one was installed in 1926 by the Skinner Organ Company.
A wealthy person named Charles D. McLure helped pay for the cathedral. He was from St. Louis and gave a large amount of money anonymously.