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Christ Church Cathedral (St. Louis, Missouri) facts for kids

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Christ Church Cathedral
Christ Church Episcopal Cathedral, St Louis NRHP 90000345.jpg
Christ Church Cathedral
Christ Church Cathedral (St. Louis, Missouri) is located in St. Louis
Christ Church Cathedral (St. Louis, Missouri)
Location in St. Louis
Christ Church Cathedral (St. Louis, Missouri) is located in Missouri
Christ Church Cathedral (St. Louis, Missouri)
Location in Missouri
Christ Church Cathedral (St. Louis, Missouri) is located in the United States
Christ Church Cathedral (St. Louis, Missouri)
Location in the United States
Location 1210 Locust Street
St. Louis, Missouri
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
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.

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.

See also

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