Old St. Vincents Church was doomed for destruction when a new parish church was built in the west section of the city in 1976. A small courageous group of about 15 people set about to save the original parish church. They approached the bishop and the provincial of the Vincentian Fathers for permission to preserve and restore this historic structure. In 1977 Old St. Vincent’s was declared a Religious Cultural Center by Bishop Bernard Law, (now Cardinal Law.) Mass would continue to be offered every Sunday at 10 o’clock. He then requested Msgr. Joseph Gosche, pastor of St. Mary’s Parish, to act as Project Director. Msgr. guided the activities with great enthusiasm and dedication for ten years until he was transferred to another parish. Msgr. Richard Rolwing was appointed pastor and he continued as director.
This small enthusiastic group spearheaded the first successful fund drive and committed themselves to see the project to completion. They researched Vincentian archives gathering information on the original structure. The first project was waterproofing the exterior under the supervision of the structural engineer, Lenny Whitworth. Ted Wofford, liturgical architect, and Tom Sater, interior decorator, both from St. Louis were hired to supervise the restoration project. In 1985 the church was closed to expedite progress.
Ted Wofford’s research revealed that Old StVincent’s is very much like churches built in England and Ireland in the late 1840s. The architect, Thomas Waryng Walsh, born in Kilkenny, Ireland in 1827 came to this country in 1849 and wanted to incorporate in St.Vincent’s the beauty he found in these churches..
1977 through the present: work was accomplished as funds were acquired. The faith community of Old St.Vincent’s continually sponsored fund raising projects to finance restoration. One of the most successful was the St.Paddys Fest attended by members, friends and people from the surrounding communities for nine successive years.
New furnaces, air conditioners and wiring were installed. Artisans designed stained glass windows using the original design of St.Vincent de Paul in the center. The walls and ceiling were all hand painted and trimmed with gold leaf.
Old St.Vincents was placed on the National Registry of Historic Place in 1982
1990 – 95 a new copper roof replaced the old slate. Carpeting was installed throughout the church and ceramic tile in the sanctuary. Stations of the cross, statues and the baptismal font were restored. Custom designed wrought iron chandeliers were added as well as the inside vestibule doors with new etched glass.
Preserved Historical Artifacts have been placed in the small Museum in the back of church.
And now the finishing touches of landscaping will complete the restoration.
Old St.Vincent’s has hosted a variety of concerts performed by the Music Dept. of SEMO University, programs by high school choirs and visiting guest soloists. All performers marvelled at the excellent acoustics of the church.
Schedule of this seasons concerts can be found by clicking on Cultural Activities.
Our warmest thanks to all the wonderful people who gave their time and talents to save this historical and spiritual monument.
Picture taken between 1912 and 1951 exact date unknown.
the exterior brick wall.
