On October 13, 1853, St. Mary's Seminary bought six acres of ground from Miles Gilbert for one hundred dollars.  A great deal of wisdom and foresight went into securing this most desirable site.  A small frame church was built in 1855.   On September 29, 1874, St. Mary's Seminary deeded this land, which was used for parish purposed to Archbishop Peter Richard Kenrick.

Since 1871, dioceasan priests have been assigned there, and gradually Immaculate Conception parish changed from mission status to an independent parish.  At this time, there were about one hundred seventy-five parishioners.  The parochial school was laid September 11, 1887 by Monsignor P.P. Brady.  The beautiful brick structure was erected while Rev. E.J. Wynne was pastor.  He was pastor from 1887-1893.   The parish church served the Catholics in St. Mary and the people living on surrounding farms.

Later Mr. John Tlapek, with other interested members of the parish, arranged for the beautiful terraced hillside.  Steps were made down the hill, which consist of nine sets of steps with nine steps in each group.  The cross on top of the steeple was donated in 1913 by Mr. and Mrs. Charles R. Bartels.  The pipe organ was donated in 1924 by John Tlapek and Walter L. Schaaf.

The present rectory was planned and built while Rev. O'Toole was pastor.  In 1972, under the direction of Father Hrdlicka, a very useful addition was made to the parish property.  A fully equipped, air-conditioned sixty by sixty foot hall was added.   In 1974, the parish celebrated its centennial with a celebration at the parish.   Since 1874, the parish has served well the spiritual needs of St. Mary, and takes pride and rejoices in the long history of service

Trinity Baptist Church - Saint Mary, Missouri


[History Content in Progress]


Saint Mary's United Methodist Church

This is the old Methodist School

The earliest Methodist church in Ste. Genevieve county was built in 1835 along the River Aux Vases near Staabtown.  It was called the "Stone Building Church."  At one time, there also stood the Lead Station Methodist Church, which was constructed along Highway N on the old Louis Houck Railroad line.   In addition, Methodists once met in a garden at the "old Will Roth place," located at the junction of Highways Z and N.

The only Methodist church to be built in the town of Ste. Genevieve itself was constructed during the period of 1902-1906 by "gandy dancers," railroad workers who were building the Frisco line at the time.  It stood at the Northwest corner of Fifth and Jefferson Streets, across from Memorial Cemetery.  After railroad work was completed, Max Okenfuss bought the building, tore it down, and constructed his home, which is still standing.

A house built in 1886 at the present location of the church in St. Marys served as the first meeting place for Methodists in the town.  During the time it was being torn town and a new church was being constructed, services were held over a saloon, which would close its business until services were over.  The lumber for the church was hauled from Minnith, where Mr. Dillard worked at the sawmill.  The first ministers were circuit preachers.  Early pastors were Rev. Gale and Rev Hodkins.  The building now looks much different than it once did.  In 1975, carpet was laid on the aisle and on the altar.  In 1979, paneling was put up on the walls, and new stained glass windows were installed in 1981.

The St. Mary's church was the only active United Methodist in Ste. Genevieve County The church is now closed but I don't know when yet.