St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church and Rectory, Catholic church and rectory in Taos, Missouri.
St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church and Rectory is a stone and brick religious complex located in Taos, Missouri, characterized by its prominent bell tower. The structure houses three bells cast at a foundry in St. Louis and serves as both a place of worship and a historic landmark.
The original wooden structure was built in 1840 to serve German immigrants in the area. The current stone and brick building was constructed beginning in 1883 under Father John Gruender's direction, marking a significant expansion and modernization of the religious complex.
The sanctuary displays stained glass windows showing scenes from Catholic tradition such as the Annunciation, Visitation, Nativity, Resurrection, Ascension, and descent of the Holy Ghost. These windows tell biblical stories and invite visitors to pause and reflect on their meanings.
The building is situated on Mission Avenue and welcomes visitors for services and tours. The structure undergoes ongoing maintenance and restoration work to preserve its historic features and architectural integrity.
The basement of the church houses a museum featuring personal belongings of Father Ferdinand Helias, a priest who founded seven parishes across central Missouri. This museum, established in 1988, preserves the legacy of an influential religious figure whose impact shaped the region's spiritual landscape.
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