Community story
From Mass in a frontier warehouse to a landmark of native stone on the Mississippi — the story of Old St. Vincent's, completed in 1853.
In 1825 Rev. John Timon, a newly ordained Vincentian priest, was assigned to work in Perry and Cape Girardeau counties. He travelled on horseback ministering to Catholics in this area. Father Timon presented to the bishop the need of a church in Cape Girardeau.
In a warehouse belonging to Don Louis Lorimier, the Spanish Commandant, Father Timon celebrated Mass in 1833. This warehouse, near Lorimier’s home, the Red House, became the first temporary church.
Both Catholics and Protestants attended Father Timon’s services. The congregation grew quickly and a permanent structure was needed.
Five years later a cornerstone was laid in the first church by Bishop Rosati of St. Louis. The vial in the cornerstone contained the names of Pope Gregory XVI, President Martin Van Buren and Governor Lilburn Boggs. This church stood until 1850 when a violent tornado leveled it to the ground.
On the original site of the Red House, using the same native stone foundation the present St. Vincent’s was completed in 1853. The building contractor was a native of Cape Girardeau, Mr. Joseph Lansmon. The church was consecrated by Bishop Kendrick of St. Louis.
What a beautiful piece of Midwest history, and a testament of what a community can do when they come together with a common goal.
📍 Old St. Vincent’s Catholic Church
Cape Girardeau, Missouri
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