Church of the Holy Family (Cahokia Heights, Illinois) facts for kids
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Church of the Holy Family
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 Location in Illinois
Location in the United States
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| Location | 116 Church St. (corner East 1st St.), Cahokia Heights, Illinois |
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| Area | 3.6 acres (1.5 ha) |
| Built | 1786–1799 |
| NRHP reference No. | 70000851 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | April 15, 1970 |
| Designated NHL | April 15, 1970 |
The Church of the Holy Family (in French: Église de la Sainte-Famille) is a very old Roman Catholic church. You can find it at 116 Church Street in Cahokia Heights. Building started in 1786. It is a great example of an old French way of building. This style is called "poteaux-sur-solle" (posts-on-sill). Very few buildings like it are left in North America.
In 1970, it was named a National Historic Landmark. This means it is a very important place in American history. It was also added to the National Register of Historic Places. The church's group of worshippers is the oldest active Catholic Parish in the United States. It started in 1699 with Canadian missionaries. It is also the oldest church west of the Allegheny Mountains.
Today, visitors can take guided tours in the summer. In 2018, the church was chosen as one of the "Illinois 200 Great Places." This was part of the Illinois Bicentennial celebration.
What Does the Church Look Like?
The Church of the Holy Family is in the middle of Cahokia Heights. It sits at the corner of East 1st and Church Streets. The church area has three buildings. These include the old 1799 church, a newer church from the 1900s, and a parish house.
The 1799 church is made of logs. It is about 32 feet wide and 74 feet long. It was built using strong walnut timbers. These timbers were shaped into rectangles. They were fitted into a wooden base that rests on stone slabs. Each timber is about 14 feet long. They are one foot wide and six inches thick. The timbers are placed about one foot apart. The spaces between them were filled with a mix of small stones and clay. This mix was called pierrotage. The walls lean slightly inward as they go up. They are held strong by diagonal timbers. The roof is made of walnut and oak. It has a special bell-like shape.
The church has not changed much over time. Small parts were added in 1833. In the 1890s, wood planks were put on the outside. These planks have since been taken off. From 1949 to 1951, the church's base was fixed. Some old, rotted wood parts were replaced.
A Long History
The church group started in 1699. Priests from Quebec (then part of New France) came with Father Pinet. They came to start a mission. The mission ended around 1768. We do not know what happened to its first building.
In 1783, Cahokia became part of the United States. Building of this church began around 1786. This was soon after Father Paul St. Pierre arrived. The church was officially opened on September 24, 1799. It was used for worship until 1891. Then, a new stone church was built next door. The log church was then used as a community hall. It stayed that way until it was fixed up between 1949 and 1951.
Today, a special old style of Mass is held each Sunday morning at 9:00 A.M. This is called the Traditional Latin Mass. The Holy Family Church right next door has an English Mass at 10:00 A.M.
See also
- List of the oldest churches in the United States
- National Register of Historic Places listings in St. Clair County, Illinois
