Basilica of St. Louis, King of France

The Basilica of Saint Louis, King of France, often referred to as the Old Cathedral, stands as a testament to the rich history and architectural splendor of St. Louis, Missouri. Nestled near the historic riverfront and enveloped by the Gateway Arch National Park, this basilica is a beacon of faith and heritage, being the first cathedral west of the Mississippi River.

The Historical Significance

The origins of the Basilica of Saint Louis trace back to the establishment of St. Louis itself. When Pierre Laclède and Auguste Chouteau founded the city, they dedicated a plot of land for the Catholic Church. The earliest records indicate that a tent was used by an itinerant priest in 1766, but by 1770, a small log house was built and consecrated by Reverend Pierre Gibault. This modest structure was expanded into a log church in 1776, reflecting the growing Catholic community in the area.

In 1818, Bishop Louis William Valentine Dubourg ordered the construction of a more substantial brick church, designed by Gabriel Paul. This church was completed in 1821, marking a significant development in the religious landscape of St. Louis. The brick church also established a cemetery where many of the city's founders were interred, though most of the bodies were later moved to Bellefontaine Cemetery during the 1840s and 1850s.

The Construction of the Current Basilica

The burgeoning population of St. Louis led to the establishment of the Diocese of St. Louis in 1826. To accommodate the growing community, Bishop Joseph Rosati initiated the construction of a new cathedral. The cornerstone was laid on August 1, 1831, marking the beginning of a new era for the Catholic Church in St. Louis. The architectural firm of Laveille and Morton, one of the first firms west of the Mississippi River, was entrusted with the design and construction of the new cathedral.

Completed in 1834, the new cathedral was consecrated on October 26, 1834, in a grand ceremony attended by the local militia and parishioners. This event marked the culmination of years of effort and dedication, resulting in a magnificent structure that would serve as the heart of the Catholic community in St. Louis.

A Beacon of Charity and Community

Following the elevation of the Diocese of St. Louis to archdiocese status in 1847, the cathedral became a hub of charitable activities. An early chapter of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul was established here, dedicated to assisting immigrants and the poor. This tradition of care continued into the early 20th century under the leadership of Reverend John Tannrath, who not only refurbished the church but also reestablished a parish school and arranged care for disabled children and adults.

Modern Developments and Restoration

In 1914, a larger church was consecrated farther west in the city's Central West End neighborhood, becoming the new seat of the archbishop of St. Louis. However, the original cathedral's significance was recognized by Pope John XXIII, who designated it a basilica on January 27, 1961. This designation was followed by a major renovation in 1963 by the prominent St. Louis architectural firm Murphy and Mackey.

The most recent restoration took place in 2015, ensuring that the basilica remains a cherished landmark. The restoration included repairs to the exterior limestone and sandstone, replacement of the mullioned windows with energy-efficient yet historically accurate glass, repairs to the steeple, roofs, and gutters, restoration of the front doors, and upgrades to the parking lot, entrance pavers, and landscaping. The interior vestibule was also renovated, and the wood floors were repaired, with all carpet removed. Decorative millwork and statuary were meticulously restored, preserving the basilica's historical and architectural integrity.

Architectural Marvels and Artifacts

The Basilica of Saint Louis is a stunning example of Greek Revival architecture, featuring marble altars and a painting of Saint Louis venerating the Crown of Thorns, a gift from Louis XVIII, King of France and Navarre. An accurate copy of Diego Velázquez's painting of the Crucifixion, installed in the latter half of the 20th century, adds to the basilica's artistic treasures.

Above the main entrance, the inscription In honorem s. Ludovici. Deo uni et trino dicatum. A. MDCCCXXXIV translates to In honor of St. Louis. Dedicated to the one and triune God. A.D. 1834. Hebrew letters intended to spell out the Tetragrammaton are also inscribed above the engraving, adding a unique touch to the basilica's façade.

The church basement houses numerous artifacts associated with the history of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Saint Louis, including a bell gifted by the governor of the Louisiana Territory in the early 19th century. Bishop Joseph Rosati, who ordered the construction of the church, is interred in a vault underneath the sanctuary, further cementing the basilica's historical significance.

Today, the Basilica of Saint Louis serves as a personal parish church, catering to a loyal but small number of local parishioners, working people, and tourists. Its location along the Mississippi River and near the iconic Gateway Arch makes it a popular destination for weddings and visitors, ranking second in the archdiocese for the number of Catholic marriages.

In conclusion, the Basilica of Saint Louis, King of France, stands as a monument to faith, history, and community. Its walls echo the stories of the past, while its continued use and preservation ensure that it remains a vibrant part of St. Louis's cultural and spiritual landscape. A visit to this historic basilica offers a glimpse into the rich tapestry of St. Louis's history and the enduring legacy of its Catholic community.