A last stop on Gravois Avenue at St. Francis de Sales Church. It dominates the skyline of the area with its spire almost half as high as the Arch. The bulk of the neighborhood's original population was German and the church was designed in that tradition. Its great size led people to call it the Cathedral of South St. Louis, although it has no such official status. You can read an interesting history of the church and its activities here. As with the Bevo Mill in yesterday's post, big changes in population took parishioners away. The Archdiocese of St. Louis decided to close and possible demolish it in 2005. However, an outfit I know nothing about, the Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest (that's a mouthful), took it over. I gather this is a conservative Catholic organization and they still do mass there in Latin. At least the building was preserved. I've never been inside. It looks gorgeous from the web site so I will have to pay a visit.
Wonderfully moody shot. Crappy weather sometimes serves a function. Right? Don't mind me, I"m just tired of the rain here.
ReplyDeleteI love the way you've composed this one. Very gothic.
ReplyDeleteThat's a good looking church. It should be a cathedral.
ReplyDeleteYes, as Sharon noted, you've definitely captured a Gothic essence in this composition.
ReplyDeleteI took one look and I have no idea why but I'm thinking "Young Frankenstein"! And what's with the statues. That looks like a groom that's lost his bride from a wedding cake!
ReplyDeleteGo inside!
V
PS I really don't mean to be disrespectful, but St. Francis de Sales.......the patron saint of shoppers? Sorry.
Great shot...love the perspective and the moody skies...it kind of does lend itself to the notion of Frankenstein!!!
ReplyDeleteAt least the building was saved.
ReplyDeleteThe diocese of San Francisco was forced to close several parishes for the same reasons a few years back.
Love the ominous feel to this. Nice 'n Gothic! :)
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