Update: Thanks to a reader, we now have a photograph of the old school building; scroll to the bottom to see it.
St. Rose of Lima’s third location, consecrated in 1910, stayed open until 1992, though its roots go back to 1884. Its closure was part of the greater consolidation of Catholic parishes in the West End in the last half of the Twentieth Century.
Regardless, it is a beautiful example of “pure” Romanesque Revival architecture, with hulking, rusticated masonry that gives the church a Teutonic solidity.
The area is now largely served by “New” St. Augustine’s in the Hamilton Heights neighborhood.
Do you have any pictures of the old Saint Rose School on Goodfellow and Ethel 63112. I graduated from
Saint Rose in 1955
Unfortunately, the main St. Rose school building was torn down sometime before 1989, and only the old house on Goodfellow and the low stone retaining wall remains. There are some public housing buildings standing on the site now.
St. Rose of Lima School at 5808 Etzel did burn down sometime in the late 90’s. C.F. Vatterott built I believe Section 8 houseing on the property after it burned down.
Yes, there are apartments on that spot now that look like they were built in the 1980s.
My mother went there, as her siblings.
My mother was Alice Cecilia Rhoades Canepa.
She was a student there in the 1940’s
prior to attending and graduating from Xavier High School
Good morning Judith. I was baptized at St.Rose of Lima in 1956. I’m looking for a copy of my baptismal certificate. Would you know of an address I can use to request one? I live in Wilmington from, Delaware so I’m not able to have close communication with anyone. I so appreciate any help that you can offer me.!
My father graduated in 1946 and his brother in 1950, perhaps they knew your mom! My dad was Tom Ruoff and his youngest brother Philip Ruoff. Both have gone to the Lord.
Wonderful childhood memories of this Parish during my childhood in the 1950’s & 1960’s.
I remember Rev. Robert Ditch, our parish priest, who was so kind to us children in the upper grades. He would sometimes treat us to a trip in his 1950 something Chevy automobile to a burger to eat in his car! Such a generous priest!! Our parish had nothing social for us young teens to join.
My dad Thomas Ruoff graduated in 1950 and his brother Philip Ruoff in 1954! Maybe you knew my Uncle Phil–he was a cut up for sure. They lived on Cabanne Place. My dad loved going back to the old neighborhood, and I had a high school friend who lived on Cabanne Place–dad loved that, too! I’ve thought of going to church at what was St Rose’s (as it was called), to see the interior, as it’s a functioning protestant church, or was–not sure if it still is.
Joan, I had the years wrong in my response a few minutes ago regarding when my dad and his brother, Thomas and Philip Ruoff, respectively, graduated from St. Rose’s, as he called it. Sorry! As I noted on this thread before, they graduated in 1946 and 1950, respectively, not 1950and 1954.
Didn’t the old Saint Rose of Lima School @ Goodfellow and Etzel burn to the ground? Do you know if the convent still stands? Does the rectory next to the church belong to the Saint Louis Archdiocese?
I am not sure. What is the address of the former convent? The building just to the north of the church on Goodfellow is still owned by the Archdiocese–was that the old rectory? Apparently it is now the office of Catholic Charities. Also, it looks like the original St. Rose’s was at the corner of Etzel and Goodfellow (before the large stone church was built down at Maple and Goodfellow) on the grounds of the school, and was a wood-frame church with a stone tower. Do you remember that structure, or had it been demolished by the time you attended school there?
Actually, The first saint Rose Church was built on the grounds that is now Saint Augustine (originally Saint Barbara’s). Long ago the wooden church burned (long before my time). Secondly, the church was built on the grounds that later became Saint Rose School. The convent was on Goodfellow, next to the school. As you know, Saint Rose Church ( building now standing but not belonging to the Archdiocese) was the third Saint Rose Church building. Interesting history but lost documents and pictures. It’s a shame
Was the convent that large building that looks like a mansion that sits practically on top of the old school property?
Hi Patricia. The old St. Rose School closed in 1977. I don’t believe that it burned. As Chris states, the site now has houses built on it. What remains of the old school is the stone wall, facing Goodfellow. That wall was the base for the boys’ playground.
Although, St. Rose School is gone, we have not forgotten it. We have had 3 St. Rose All Class Reunions. The first was in 1995, then 2000 and last one was in 2018. There is a website, strosereunion.com, with photos. We were planning a Reunion for 2020 and then Covid-19 arrived. We have halted our plans but hope to pick them back up in 2021. Contact me at ltbr2012@gmail.com in you want to be added to the email list when we start planning again. We would love to have you be a part of the process.
St. Rose of Lima Catholic Grade School – gone but not forgotten.
Thanks, Linda! Please feel free to post when the next reunion gets rescheduled.
Yes, the Catholic Charities Bldg was the formerSaint Rose Rectory.
My parents were married in St. Rose, I assume this church on April 12, 1942. Is there any archives of the church documents?
The Archdiocese of St. Louis maintains files for all closed parishes.
http://www.archstl.org/archdiocesan-archives
They have always been friendly and helpful when I have contacted them.
Hi My names is Tess Murray. I am trying to get a copy of my fathers birth certificate. He was baptized at St. Rose in 1934 5808 Ethel 63112. How can I obtain ? Any information is appreciated Thank you!
Since 1910, the State of Missouri has registered births and deaths in St. Louis. You can start your search here:
https://s1.sos.mo.gov/records/archives/archivesdb/birthdeath/#searchDB
Do not use a third party site–they will only charge you extra for a service provided directly by the State of Missouri. Good luck!
Hi Tess Murray! In St. Louis, Mo., you will have to go to “City of St. Louis Vital Records” located at 1200 Market St #128, St Louis Mo. 63103
I have such wonderful memories of my years going to school there in the 1950’s .
I lived at 5592 Bartmer Ave. and attended the St. Rose if Lima School from Kindergarten to 8th Grade.
My siblings also attended:
Older Brothers: Herbert and Thomas
Younger Sisters: Janice
Joyce
I remember
Mrs. McKinney (sp?)2 – Kindergarten
Sr. Marie Eileen – 1st Gr.
Sr. Mary Patrick – 2nd Gr.
Sr. ….? Eileen – 3rd Gr.
Sr. Maria Assunta – 4th Gr.
Mrs. Hickham – 5th Gr.
Sr. Gervasia – 6th Grade
Sr. Imertrude – 7th Grade
Sr. Scholastica – 8th Grade
I have some old photos that I would be happy to share too.
Thank you for sharing all those memories!
Hello Joan,
I think I remember your name;
I went to St. Rose (from 5th to 8th grade) and lived at 6000 Bartmer . I graduated from 8th grade in 1963. My 4 younger brothers and 1 younger sister also graduated from there. It’s good sharing memories of those days…
My name then was Minnie Cook,
If any more reunions come up, I will be interested!
Take care,
Peace
Kindergarten to 8th Grade 1946-1955
Sister Roberta Marie, SL Keg
Sister Marie Assunta, SL 1st Grade
Sister Mary Patrick, SL 2nd Grade
Mrs McQueeny 3rd Grade
Sister Marie Assunta, SL 4th Grade
Mrs Hickham 5th Grade
Sister Mary Bernadette, SL 6th Grade
Sister Mary Joan, SL. 7th Grade
Sister Teresa Martin, SL 8th Grade
(Principal)
Monsignor Thomas Lloyd
(Pastor)
Kindergarten to 8th Grade 1946-1955
Sister Roberta Marie, SL Keg
Sister Marie Assunta, SL 1st Grade
Sister Mary Patrick, SL 2nd Grade
Mrs McQueeny 3rd Grade
Sister Marie Assunta, SL 4th Grade
Mrs Hickham 5th Grade
Sister Mary Bernadette, SL 6th Grade
Sister Mary Joan, SL. 7th Grade
Sister Teresa Martin, SL 8th Grade
(Principal)
Monsignor Thomas Lloyd
(Pastor)
Many good times and memories of SAint Roses’
Lots of ‘sisters’ mentioned as former teachers. That’s what kept Catholic schools affordable for families back then. Much different from today!
If any on this thread were looking for a good old photo of St. Rose’s School, I can recommend one from the Missouri Historical Society.
Follow this URL/link to the photo of the school: http://collections.mohistory.org/resource/148290
Cool, thank you!
What is the history of the house next to the church that used to be connected to it? That’s now a sober living for woman and children. I’m being told it housed the nuns. Can’t find anything online about the house itself. All I know is there are some strange things happening in this house.
I’m about 90% certain that was the rectory, but if any former parishioners want to chime in, I’d be interested in hearing what you all have to say.
I have such fond memories of my years attending the St. Rose of Lima School and Church in my youth!!
Just found out that they are gonna demo this place bro ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ðŸ˜