Unitarian Church of the Messiah

The Unitarian Church of the Messiah was a Victorian structure built with blue limestone from local quarries and tan sandstone from Warrensburg for its exterior walls. The interior incorporated buff brick from the Peerless Brick Company of Philadelphia, creating a layered architectural composition throughout the building.

The building was designed by Peabody and Stearns in 1880, roughly 45 years after the congregation established itself in 1835 as the first Unitarian church west of the Mississippi River. A severe fire in January 1982 damaged the structure extensively, leading to its demolition in 1987.

The congregation shaped St. Louis by founding major institutions like Washington University and the Saint Louis Art Museum, which remain central to the city's identity today. These organizations continue to influence how the community learns, creates, and shares knowledge.

The building formerly stood at 508 North Garrison Avenue and no longer exists today. Visitors can only reflect on the history that took place at this location where the congregation carried out its influential work in St. Louis.

The architectural firm brought buff brick from Philadelphia although such materials were produced by local factories. This deliberate choice reveals the congregation's willingness to source materials from distant suppliers to achieve the highest quality standards.

Location: St. Louis

Architects: Peabody and Stearns

Architectural style: Victorian architecture

GPS coordinates: 38.63583,-90.22139

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:24