Saint John the Apostle and Evangelist Parish, Saint Louis

Saint John the Apostle and Evangelist Parish is a historic Roman Catholic parish in downtown St. Louis, Missouri, with roots dating back to 1847. Established by Archbishop Peter Richard Kenrick to serve the city’s rapidly expanding westward population, the parish initially welcomed a diverse mix of St. Louis's founding families, including those of French, Irish, German, and Spanish heritage.

Over its long history, the parish has played a foundational role in the region's religious development, even serving as the Pro-Cathedral for the Archdiocese for roughly twenty years during the late 19th century. The present church building, completed and dedicated in 1860, is a recognized city landmark designed in the Lombardian Romanesque style. Instead of pointed Gothic elements, its exterior features a striking red brick facade, rounded Roman-arched windows, a semi-circular rear apse, and twin bell towers topped with hipped pyramidal roofs. Inside, visitors can experience a historic and peaceful sanctuary highlighted by a massive, stunning reproduction of Raphael's famous 1520 painting, The Transfiguration, located in the apse.

Beyond its architectural prominence, Saint John the Apostle and Evangelist Parish remains a vibrant downtown faith community. Though it underwent significant preservation and modernization during the mid-20th century Plaza Square urban renewal project, the church has remained in continuous daily use. Today, it stands as an active center for worship and a powerful, living monument to the mid-19th-century growth and enduring history of St. Louis.