Basilica of Saint Louis, King of France

The Old Cake

The Basilica of Saint Louis, King of France, which is also known as the Old Cathedral, was the first cathedral west of the Mississippi River. In 1764, Pierre Laclede and Auguste Chouteau deed a block of land to the people of St. Louis. On this land was a one room log cabin that was the first Catholic Church of the newly founded St. Louis. It was originally named Laclede’s Village. It was later named St. Louis by Laclede to honor King Louis IX of France.

By 1833, the log church was deteriorating and could no longer accommodate the growing parish. Bishop Rosati decided to replace the church all together rather than renovate the old log church. The Bishop was able to raise $63,360.85 for the new church and it was completed in 1834.

The Old Cathedral is also unique to both St. Louis and America as it is also a museum that contains many artifacts from the early days of the Catholic Church in St. Louis and local historical information of an active parish community.

The Old Cathedral is currently under a $12 million renovation.

Guest blogger - Diane

Cake artist - Vince Sciaroni

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