Old St. Ferdinand Shrine

Nestled in the heart of Florissant, Missouri, the Old St. Ferdinand Shrine offers a captivating glimpse into the rich tapestry of American religious and cultural history. This historic site, meticulously preserved by the Friends of Old St. Ferdinand, Inc., is a treasure trove of stories and artifacts that span centuries, making it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and curious travelers alike.

The Historic Significance of Old St. Ferdinand Shrine

The Old St. Ferdinand Shrine is more than just a collection of old buildings; it is a living testament to the French and Spanish colonial eras, the Jesuit missions to Native Americans, and the early days of Catholic education in the Midwest. The site includes four historic buildings: the 1819 convent, the 1821 church, the 1840 rectory, and the 1888 schoolhouse, all of which stand in their original locations.

The 1819 convent holds the distinction of being the site of the first Catholic school between the Mississippi River and the Rocky Mountains. Meanwhile, the 1821 church is the oldest surviving church building in this vast region. Both buildings were central to the life and work of Saint Rose Philippine Duchesne, the region's only canonized Catholic saint. Her legacy continues to resonate through the walls of these venerable structures.

A Journey Through Time: The History of Old St. Ferdinand Shrine

The roots of the Old St. Ferdinand Shrine stretch back to around 1767, shortly after the establishment of the fur-trading village of St. Louis. French plantation owners settled in an area they named Fleurissant, which later became known as St. Ferdinand. In 1782, August Chouteau appointed François Dunegant as the Commandant of Fleurissant, tasking him with protecting the settlement from potential Indian attacks. The Louisiana Territory, having been ceded to Spain in 1763, saw its first census in 1788, which identified the settlement as St. Ferdinand with a modest population of 40 and seven plantations.

The establishment of a church and priest's residence was a priority for Dunegant, leading to the construction of the first church in 1789 under the supervision of local carpenter Hyacenthe Deshetres. This original log church, built on the site of what is now Spanish Land Grant Park, served as the heart of both ecclesiastical and civic life in St. Ferdinand de Fleurissant. Unfortunately, a fire in 1836 destroyed this early structure.

In 1818, Bishop Louis Dubourg's arrival in St. Louis marked a new chapter for St. Ferdinand. His efforts to attract Catholic missionaries and educators to the region brought Mother Rose Philippine Duchesne to Florissant in 1819. Duchesne's contributions to Catholic education and her work with Native Americans left an indelible mark on the area, including the founding of nine schools throughout the Louisiana Territory.

The 1819 Convent: A Beacon of Education and Faith

The 1819 convent, built in the Federal Style under the guidance of Father Duran, a Trappist monk, became home to the Religious of the Sacred Heart and boarding students. The convent's chapel hosted its first Mass on Christmas Eve, 1819, celebrated by Father de la Croix. The convent served as a school for French-speaking, English-speaking, and Native American students, and many personal letters from Philippine Duchesne and her students provide a window into the daily life and struggles within its walls.

The convent's first floor includes a chapel, two parlors, and a refectory, while the second floor and attic space served as community rooms, dormitories, a novitiate, and an infirmary. The small closet beneath the staircase, where Mother Duchesne slept to be close to the chapel, is a poignant reminder of her devotion.

The 1821 Church: A Testament to Enduring Faith

The current church, built in 1821 to replace the original log church, stands as the oldest church west of the Mississippi and east of the Rocky Mountains. Mother Duchesne's personal devotions to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and St. Francis Regis influenced the church's dedication. The Jesuits, invited by Bishop DuBourg, played a significant role in the church's history, with notable figures like Pierre-Jean DeSmet, S.J., being ordained there in 1827.

The church, consecrated by Bishop Joseph Rosati in 1832, was lengthened in 1880 and continues to serve as a place of worship and reflection for visitors and parishioners alike.

The 1840 Rectory and the 1888 Schoolhouse

The 1840 rectory provided a home for the Jesuit priests who served St. Ferdinand, with its first floor used for parish meetings and the second floor as residential space. The 1888 schoolhouse, expanded in 1889, stands as a testament to the parish's commitment to education and community.

A Shrine of Historical and Religious Significance

In 1955, the Old St. Ferdinand ceased to be a parish, and the Friends of Old St. Ferdinand, Inc. was established in 1958 to preserve and maintain the historic structures. Despite challenges, including a fire in 1966 and major flooding in 2022, the shrine has been meticulously restored and preserved.

Today, the Old St. Ferdinand Shrine is a designated shrine to St. Rose Philippine Duchesne, recognized on the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors can explore the museum, view artifacts from various eras, and immerse themselves in the rich history that this remarkable site has to offer.

Whether you're a history buff, a devout pilgrim, or simply a curious traveler, the Old St. Ferdinand Shrine promises a journey through time and faith that will leave you enriched and inspired.