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.