Historic Missouri Church For Sale

This landmark dates back a century and was the home of a future pope for a time

If you are in the market for a large home — then how about a massive church? The property includes the Immaculate Conception Church and former rectory for $1.8-million. It’s between Compton Heights and Lafayette Square in what is called “The Gate District.”

Here are the stats from Berkshire Hathaway

• 1.26-acre property
• 15,750 sq. ft. Gothic Revival stone structure
• Designed in 1890 by the renowned firm Barnett, Haynes & Barnett, creators of the Cathedral Basilica.
• 9,324 sq. ft. rectory with seven bedrooms on the second floor and six on the third.

Church History

The Immaculate Conception parish in St. Louis City traces its formal foundation to 1854. In fact, it was one of the city’s earliest English-speaking Catholic congregations. It was founded to serve the spiritual needs of families migrating to the city for work and community life.

In 1923, the adjacent priest’s residence was completed on the Lafayette site. This allowed full parish life to be centered on the new campus. Immaculate Conception’s school was part of the rich history of Catholic education in St. Louis. This was a vital connection to the urban neighborhoods.

In 1969, financial pressures and declining enrollment led the end of the church. By 1972, priests were assigned to administer both Immaculate Conception and the neighboring St. Henry’s parish. In 1977 those two communities were formally merged into a single parish entity.

Robert Prevost, who would later become Pope Leo XIV, spent time as an Augustinian novice at Immaculate Conception between 1977–1978.

As previously stated, the church was located between Lafayette Square and Compton Heights. Here is a little bit about those areas as well.

Lafayette Square

Lafayette Square is one of St. Louis’s oldest and most architecturally significant neighborhoods, located just south of downtown. The area was centered on Lafayette Park which was established in 1836 and the city’s oldest public park. Its streets are lined with restored Victorian-era homes.

After a mid-20th-century decline, Lafayette Square became a national model for historic preservation and urban revitalization. Today, it is known for its walkability, strong neighborhood association, restaurants, and well-preserved historic character.

Compton Heights

Compton Heights is a historic, residential neighborhood in south St. Louis near I-44 and Grand Boulevard. It was laid out in 1889 as one of the nation’s earliest planned subdivisions. The area features more than 200 notable homes in a designated historic district. Compton Hill Reservoir Park and its landmark Compton Hill Water Tower are prominent local landmarks. Its location offers convenient access to downtown and nearby St. Louis attractions.