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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 old and important church in St. Louis, Missouri. It's the main church for the Episcopal faith in the Missouri area. You can find it at 1210 Locust Street.

The current leader of the cathedral is the Very Reverend Kathie Adams-Shepherd. She is the first woman to hold this important role at the cathedral. This beautiful building was constructed between 1859 and 1867. It was designed by a famous architect named Leopold Eidlitz. Because of its amazing design, it was named a National Historic Landmark in 1994.

History of Christ Church Cathedral

This grand church was built between 1859 and 1867. It was designed by the architect Leopold Eidlitz. The building shows off a style called Gothic Revival. This style was popular when the United States was growing westward. The church's design reflected how important St. Louis felt at that time.

It was one of the first churches to bring back older Christian building styles. This was part of a movement that started in England. In 1994, the cathedral was officially recognized as a National Historic Landmark.

About the Cathedral's Design

The Christ Church Cathedral is located in downtown St. Louis. You can find it 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 front, on the northwest side. Inside the base of this tower, you'll find a special room for baptisms. It has a beautiful font made from Italian marble.

Later Additions to the Church

A smaller chapel, also made of sandstone, was added between 1893 and 1895. Later, from 1910 to 1912, a new tower and porch were built. These parts are made from Indiana limestone.

The church has a set of three large steel bells. They were put in place in 1912. These bells were made in Germany in 1904. The largest bell, called the bourdon bell, weighs about 5,732 pounds. That makes it the biggest bell in all of Missouri!

The cathedral also has a wonderful organ. The first organ was from the Roosevelt Organ Company. In 1926, a new and improved organ was installed by the Skinner Organ Company.

A wealthy man named Charles D. McLure helped pay for the cathedral. He was from St. Louis and made his money from silver in Montana. He gave $50,000 for the church. That would be like giving about $6.5 million today!

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