I looked at Holy Corners way back in January of 2009, and I figured it was long overdue for an update.
First up is the beautiful Tuscan Temple, which is an example of the Doric Order of classical architecture. But I have to chuckle, as it is Roman in form, as it only has columns in the front, and not completely surrounding the cella of the temple, as would be the case in a Greek temple.
It was designed by Albert B. Groves and opened in 1908. The Second Temple of Hera at Paestum is a good example for comparison from the ancient world.
I do not know why the front pediment was painted or whether that was the original design. The building forms a wonderful anchor for the end of McPherson Avenue at Kingshighway.
Next up, of course, is the former St. John’s United Methodist Church, which is now Link Auction House, named after the architect of the building, Theodore Link.
The church opened in 1903, and provides the anchor for the southwest corner of Washington and Kingshighway boulevards. It is an ingenious design as it actually has two front pedimented entrances for each of its two front doors, both in the Ionic Order. St. Raphael in St. Louis Hills has a similar configuration.
I believe the unique design of the church by Link was inspired by the Erechtheion on the Acropolis in Athens, which also has the double entrances and offset groundplan.
It also has an interesting Gothic Revival chapel (not pictured) on the western, Washington Place side of the building, which was a later addition.
I’ve always enjoyed the bell tower, which serves as the fulcrum between the two parts of the church.
Interestingly, it once had a different fence around the front of its property.
I looked at the beautiful former Temple Israel back in March of 2014. It is still one of my favorite Beaux-Arts buildings in St. Louis, and seems to continue to be occupied.
Update: The roof of the former Temple Israel was severely damaged in the tornado that struck the neighborhood on May 16, 2025.
The school building to the west has had different ownership for several decades.
As I’ve mentioned in the past, the original cornice was removed and replaced with brick.
For awhile, the school next door was Abraham Lincoln High School.
The ‘Holy Corners’ is one of the most uniquely beautiful streetscapes of any American city. I really hope that these important buildings will remain a part of the rich architectural heritage of the area. Thanks for the pictures!
My family owns the former Temple Isreal. its known now has United In Worship Temple of Deliverance. My grandparents bought it when my mom was three. when the owner of Temple Isreal put it up for sale. My grandmother was the first female pastor to preach there. Both her and my grandfather were pastors there. Now the mantle has been given to my parents. We are looking for help with donations in funding to help take care of the interior and exterior of the building. due to the moist of the weather, caused by rain and snow, the walls are starting to crumble and pieces of the ceiling in the sanctuary have collapsed. We need to replace the shingles on the roof, so the leakage in the sanctuary can stop. We need plumbing done, and we need a new electrical panel. We are seeking help. We want to maintain this beautiful historical building