While we were waiting for the full moon and fireworks, Mother and I cruised the downtown area. The green lights on St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church (always referred to as St. Vincent’s) caught my eye as the sun was going down. Click on the photos to make them larger.
Previous St. Vincent’s stories
- St. Vincent’s in silhouette
- St. Vincent’s is in an historical triangle
- Cape La Croix Creek marker moved to St. Vincent’s grounds
- A souvenir postcard shows the church in the 1920s or ’30s (but gets the color wrong)
Judy, my wife, has had a place in her heart for this church since I’ve known her. We were married here in 1969 befor it’s restoration and often attend here even though we officialy belong to the “New” St. Vincent’s Church on the other side of town. She has also been attracted to the river and likes to take the route most likely to take her past both the Mississippi and “Old” St. Vincent’s. As a young girl, she would often walk from her home on the West side of the University, before it was one, to the waterfront and church. The river and the church are two constants that are reassuring to many as the rest of town evolves or disappears.
Beautiful pictures, Ken. Your pictures always tell a story in color and composition!!
Ken, Stunning photos! I grew up in that church and the grade which is now a parking lot. I even played the wonderful old organ for our grade school choir. I have wished to find photos of the old school, but have not been successful in that venture.
These pictures brought tears to my eyes.
I,ve been gone from Cape many years. Always drawn back to the memories of St. Vincent, having been confirmed there. Remembering Father Murphy and his
dedacation to the faith making sure I understood.
Thank you Ken. What beautiful work you have done
Those are stunning photos. I used to go with my dad to St. Vincent’s Christmas Eve services (he was a member of St. Mary’s parish) because of its stunning pageantry and holiday decorations.
Ken, your photos are always interesting, but those of St. Vincent’s are very
special. Four generations of my family were baptized in that church and
I was married there in 1955. I also attended the elementary school for
8 years which meant daily Mass in that church on school days. It is such a
beautiful and stately landmark on the Cape waterfront.
Many memories from my childhood are associated with that church and
school.
I guess I’m going to have to try to shoot the interior since there’s a lot of interest in the building. It just seems like I’ve done a lot of church stories in the past few weeks.
Hi Ken,
Thanks so much for the photos of St. Vincent Church. I was married there in 1967. We live in Seattle now, but everytime my husband and I are in Cape, we visit the church and attend mass there.
Thanks,
Kay
Like Susan I attended St. Vincents from kindergarten (in the nun’s house across the street from the church.)Then at the school next to the church There were 2 grades in each room. We started our 8th grade classes at the new school out by the old Notre Dame High. Lonnie & I were married there, I was baptized as a baby there & my parents were married there (that’s another story) I too wish I could retrieve some pictures of the school. We were always told that the church was a part of the “Underground Railroad” helping slaves to freedom in the North. It’s wonderful spiral staircase going up to the choir loft. I think they have since rubbed out all of our initials we etched in the wood up there. Thanks for all of your time Ken – the pictures are awesome! Phyllis”Reitzel” Griffin
Very Beautiful, Ken. You always seem to be at the right place at the right time. St. Vincent Church is so awesome with all the peaks, turrets and stained-glass windows. So glad it’s still there for all to continue to enjoy. Glad you were able to get such nice pictures of it.
My sisters and I attended school there too. I was the last 2nd grade class. My sister Robyn the last 1st grade class. My sister Jean the last (I believe) 6th grade class. Also went to Kindergarten at the Nun’s house and have many memories of singing in the choir. I remember Father Dyer.
In July of 1974 I became pastor of St. Vincent de PaulParish. The Church was located downtown Cape Girardeau. Frs Lukefahr and Rechtin were my associates at that time. We celebrated Mass there on Saturday evenings and on Sundays. It is a beautiful Church and were sad to leave it when we moved into the new Church on Forst Street(named after Bishop Forst)on December 8th 1976. The people who formed the organization to restore the original Church did a marvelous job. The original St. Vincent de Paul Church is a genuine monument inbedded in the Catholic history of Cape Girardeau. God Bless all of you. Fr. “M”
Hi All Have GREAT Memories of the school and church.Im still afraid of a ruler.I’m trying to contact Paul Reitzels sister Phyllis (Reitzel)Griffin.Can anyone please help wolfiexox@yahoo.com Thanks JiM (red) Kuehn