St. Peter's Catholic Church (Rensselaer, Missouri) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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St. Peter's Catholic Church
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 Location in Missouri
Location in the United States
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| Location | Southwest of Rensselaer on Route 2, near Rensselaer, Missouri |
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| Area | 2.5 acres (1.0 ha) |
| Built | 1862 |
| Built by | Kielty, Rev. Francis M.; Hogan, Martin |
| NRHP reference No. | 80002392 |
| Added to NRHP | November 14, 1980 |
St. Peter's Catholic Church, also known as Brush Creek Church, is a very old and important Catholic church located near Rensselaer, Missouri. This church has a special history. It is the place where Augustus Tolton, who became the first African American Catholic priest, was baptized as a baby.
The church was built around 1862. It is made from strong limestone and has beautiful decorations. Because of its history and unique look, St. Peter's Catholic Church was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. This list includes places that are important to the history of the United States.
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St. Peter's Catholic Church: A Historic Place
St. Peter's Catholic Church is a very old building. It has stood for over 160 years! It is found in Ralls County, Missouri, in a quiet area. Many people know it as Brush Creek Church. This name comes from the nearby Brush Creek.
What Does the Church Look Like?
The church building is a single story. It has a rectangular shape. The walls are made of sturdy limestone. You can also see some sandstone decorations. The roof is shaped like a triangle, which is called a gable roof.
On top of the roof, there is a belfry. This is where a church bell would be kept. The church also has tall, narrow windows. These are called lancet windows. They are a common style in older churches. A small, two-room addition was later built onto the church. It is covered with wooden siding.
A Special Connection: Augustus Tolton
One of the most important parts of St. Peter's Church history is its link to Augustus Tolton. He was born into slavery in Missouri. His family later escaped to freedom. Augustus Tolton was baptized at this very church.
He grew up to become a very important person. In 1886, he was ordained as a priest. This made him the first African American Catholic priest in the United States. His journey was difficult, but he showed great faith and strength. The church where he was baptized holds a special place in his story.
Why is St. Peter's Church Important?
St. Peter's Catholic Church is important for several reasons. First, it is a great example of church architecture from the 1860s. Its limestone structure shows how buildings were made back then. Second, its connection to Augustus Tolton makes it a significant site for African American history. It reminds us of his amazing life and achievements.
Being on the National Register of Historic Places means the church is recognized for its value. It is a place that tells a story about faith, history, and important people.
