Exploring 19th Century Church Architecture in St. Louis MO: 1870-1900

Steeplechasing a seventeenth century pastime in England was a form of match horse racing. At the time steeples were the most distinguishable landmarks and were used to indicate the beginning and end of a steeplechase race. Over time steeplechasing became more of a sport and has since been turned into a track and field event however the idea of the steeplechase remains present in architectural development travel and tourism. Saint Louis Missouri - home to close to fifty denominations - is not unaccustomed with the design history and use of a steeple. In Saint Louis steeples were and continue to be staple church design elements signifying geographic location and structural magnificence. From 1870-1900 ten churches throughout Saint Louis were built or rebuilt as parish homes; each building adorned with a towering steeple gracing the Saint Louis skyline. This book compiles architectural and historical analyses of ten churches which outlines the use of the steeple as a prominent design element and introduces an all but lost form of entertainment - a modern day steeplechase in Saint Louis Missouri.