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Abandoned Church in Creve Coeur
Posted on April 4th, 2010 14 comments
10362 Old Olive Street Road
Creve Coeur, MOMy Easter Sunday thoughts keep going back to this seemingly vacant church building. It’s located in a part of Creve Coeur that is off the beaten path, practically back alley, though the neighbor across the street, Kohn’s Kosher Meat & Deli, has constant traffic because it’s a desirable destination.
This simple, compact brick building with modest mid-century modern flourishes was, according to the corner stone blocked by aggressive shrubbery, erected in 1960 as Immanuel Baptist Church. The St. Louis Metro Baptist Church Assoc. indicates that Pastor Benny J. King once led services at this address, but is vague about the present day situation.
The St. Louis Genealogical Society lists this congregation as having moved from 5859 Cates Avenue to Creve Coeur, and indicates that it’s still open. But there is no address or signage to identify the place from the road, no signs of life, and no regular lawn care…
…the landscaping is so overgrown one can barely see the church from the street, and it was mostly impossible to use the set of stairs from the parking lot to the entry. So, is it vacant, or just unkempt? Recently abandoned or the groundskeeper is on hiatus?
St. Louisans are now used to gigantic Catholic Churches sitting vacant across the city and inner-ring suburbs, their presence still casting a heavy vibe in its neighborhood. But this little Baptist church has been camouflaged into limbo, which is a sad way to celebrate Easter.
SPRING 2012 Update
Someone has made a huge effort by clearing out the forest that had grown around it. And now that it’s clear, I could see the cornerstone and confirm the church was erected in 1964. Click to see new photos of the church cleaned up.
mid-century modern church, st. louis county creve coeur missouri, immanuel baptist church, old olive street road14 Responses to “Abandoned Church in Creve Coeur”
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sharyn April 4th, 2010 at 11:58 AM
Wow my mom lives right around the corner and I drive that stretch of Old Olive with some frequency and I don’t rememeber seeing this building!!! Looks sad. Sorta reminds me of the Masonic lodge on Page just east of Lindbergh at the top of the hill across from the QT. It too is a lonely and forgotten MCM building, I think it does get some use, but for the most part it just sits there doing nothing.
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OMG, its just sitting there. WOW. LOVE IT!
Is it for sale? I’m forever tracking down property owners, they usually respond otherwise I’d half to stalk them. (just kidding)Did someone say Masonic Lodge???
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Juanita Andrews December 30th, 2010 at 3:04 PM
Is this for lease or sale? This is beautiful
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There’s a for sale sign up near the street, but not sure if it’s for the church or some vacant property nearby. It’s worth driving out and getting the info though, just in case.
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Pastor Chalmes Glasper III March 18th, 2011 at 6:44 AM
To Whom it may concern: We are a growing church in need of a new church building to hold services. The building are in now very old and too costly to repair. Please contact me and let me know if this church is for sale and the asking price. We would love to hear from you. Thanks and God Bless.
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Pastor Chalmes Glasper III March 18th, 2011 at 6:49 AM
To whom it may concern: We are in need of a new church to hold our services in. Please help us if this church is for sale. Our current building is to small and to old to repair and we need a new place of worship. Thanks and God Bless. (314)283-9825
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Co-Pastor Shandon Coleman May 25th, 2011 at 3:49 PM
To Whom it may concern, My husband and I are Pastors and looking for a building for use asap. We saw the bldg. and we loved it. It is what were looking for-Is it for lease? We saw a for lease sign but not sure if its for church. Also had questions about the parsonage. Please contact us asap and we would love to see the inside. The building we were in lease ended in Feb. 2011-need place of worship to move in this summer. Thanks!! Pastors Kevin and Shandon Coleman.
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T Williams June 7th, 2011 at 9:04 PM
In 1971 as a ministerial student at Missouri Baptist college I was asked to serve as assistant pastor here at Immanuel. I was a member preacher, friend and worker… side by side a struggling congregation. When I left, moving on to serve in the military, a piece of my heart stayed behind in this very building.. I hope someone will shed some light on this church’s demise.
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T Williams June 7th, 2011 at 9:11 PM
Oh, also, are one time the church office was in the parsonage. I helped paint and renovate the place for the lead pastor. Wish I could remember his name.
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Rev. Lovell Lewis January 12th, 2012 at 4:09 PM
A church building without people is like a body without a soul. This building was consecrated to have worshipers in it, thoas who’s lives have been changed and for those who want to meet Jesus. What I do have is faith in God, what i don’t have is the money to purchase this facility. But I am willing to do whatever it takes to get God’s House back operating again. Be Blessed!
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Rev Dr. Dossie Randle May 2nd, 2012 at 11:34 PM
I am following God’s vision to develop a church focused on community outreach ministry in the St Louis area. One of my challenges is to find a space for the worship. I am willing to either share a space with someone until I can build my financial resources to do more. I am very flexible, and can discuss arrangements with anyone interested in partnering together for the upbuilding of God’s kingdom. Please contact me 314-395-6770, and leave a message. I will followup with you if I am not available. Thanks and God bless
Rev Dr Dossie Randle
Salvation Seekers Ministries -
Pastor Paul June 17th, 2012 at 10:35 PM
Try reaching Pastor Benny J King at this address and phone number:
Saint Louis Metro Baptist Association
3859 Fee Fee Road
Bridgeton, MO 63044-2937 mapAbout Saint Louis Metro Baptist Association
Website: Information not found | Phone: (314) 571-7579 |
Baptist Church in Bridgeton, MO Religious OrganizationReligious Organizations
Saint Louis Metro Baptist Association in Bridgeton, MO is a private company categorized under Baptist Church. Our records show it was established in 1907 and incorporated in Missouri. Register for free to see additional information such as annual revenue and employment figures.
Products or Services: Crossroads Baptist Church, New Psalmist Baptist Church, Enon Baptist Church, Highland Park Baptist Church and Bethany Baptist Church. -
Ella Rodgers January 7th, 2013 at 10:33 PM
Does anyone know the owner of this building?
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There has been a surprising amount of interest about this church building since I originally wrote about it in April 2010.
But I do not know the owners of the building, nor am I affiliated with any former congregations of the church or a realtor for this building. I am simply an outside observer hoping that all of those who have expressed interest in the place have done their own research.
Putting this church back to use would be great!
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