St. Francis de Sales Entrance to Mass - St. Louis, MO - Doorways of the World on Waymarking.com

County of church: St. Louis Independent City
Location of church: 2653 Ohio Ave., St. Louis
Built: August 1895
Public tours are available Mon.-Fri. Contact the Oratory office for availability
Phone: (314) 771-3100

"St. Francis de Sales church, built at the turn of the last century, is known to locals as “the Cathedral of South St. Louis” because of its elegantly-designed exterior and 300-foot spire. St. Francis de Sales “Cathedral” is an imposing Gothic revival building. The High Altar alone is more than 50 feet high and forms a unique throne for Christ the King, present in the ornate Tabernacle under the species of the consecrated host. This church is the ideal setting for the sacred solemn liturgy, and its adjacent buildings seem to be made for the needs of our continuously growing community.

"The church is the only church in the St. Louis area of German Gothic architecture and is based on the design of a church in Germany. St. Francis de Sales has been an anchor of its neighborhood since its founding after the end of the Civil War in 1867. The campus includes the church, a rectory, former convent, and two former school buildings. The church is on the National Registry of Historic Places.

"St. Louis, the “Rome of the West,” has long been known as a focal point of genuine Catholic life in this country. Steadfast faithfulness to Holy Mother Church and the Roman Pontiff, filial devotion toward Our Lady, and a deep Eucharistic piety are the characteristics of this city.

"-St. Francis de Sales church’s buff-colored exterior features large, pointed arched windows, decorative columns and ornate trim.
-In the tradition of the European Gothic churches, St. Francis de Sales is adorned with a magnificent array of stained glass windows.
-Clock faces were added to the steeple following the 1917 anniversary celebration." St. Francis de Sales Oratory

Checked "wood" below, but doors are wood, steel, brass and gold leaf.