Former Saint Louis Catholic Churches for Sale

Here are real estate listings of closed churches in the Archdiocese of Saint Louis. Thanks to an article in Catholic Church Conservation.

The same real estate agent, Linda M. Wash, is also selling numerous buildings that were once public schools in the City of Saint Louis. Some of these are quite beautiful and were designed by noted architect William B. Ittner, who designed 500 schools and numerous other large buildings.

Population loss, that started in the 1950s, and is only ending now, is the main reason for these sales. We can expect more of our architectural heritage to be lost as these buildings are demolished.

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Note: here are the deed restrictions on the church properties. Original is here.

2. Religious Artifacts and Fixtures. Seller reserves the right to remove religious artifacts and fixtures from the Property prior to closing, provided that any damage caused by such removal shall be repaired in a workmanlike manner.

[If the property is not being sold to a church, the following clause should be inserted: Seller also reserves the right to remove stained glass windows from the church building, provided that the windows are replaced in a workmanlike manner with glass windows.]

3. Deed Restrictions. Purchaser agrees and covenants that:

(a) It will not use the name ________________________________ or any derivative thereof in connection with any operations or activities on the subject Property.

(b) It will not (unless and until the church structure on the subject Property is demolished), without the prior written authorization of the Archbishop of St. Louis use, permit others to use or lease or otherwise transfer the use of the subject Property or any portion thereof to any person who uses or will use the Property or any portion thereof as a facility, place of business or other place in which:

(i) a congregation, society or other assemblage of persons meets for worship or other religious observances or activities, promoted or defined as Roman Catholic, but not possessing the express ecclesiastical approval of the Roman Catholic Church;

(ii) human abortion, sterilization, euthanasia or other acts which are contrary to the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services promulgated by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops are performed, or promoted through public advocacy or for which counseling is given which promotes and/or encourages individuals to obtain such services;

(iii) pornographic or soft pornographic books, pictures, discs or other media or materials directed to an adult rather than a general audience or clientele are displayed, sold, rented or available for viewing;

(iv) massages or tattoos are provided;

(v) a tavern, bar, night club, dance club or hall is operated, or in which is operated a restaurant in which alcoholic beverages are served, or

(vi) live performances directed to an adult audience rather than the general public are operated or conducted.

Purchaser further agrees that these covenants will run with the land and be included as restrictions in the Deed of conveyance as binding on the grantee, its successors and assigns.