I could have sworn I photographed this church back in the summer of 2014, when I passed by on Taylor Avenue. Apparently I did not, but I was impressed with the giant arches of this Romanesque Revival edifice at the corner of Gibson.
The Romanesque style features rounded arches with heavy walls and simple decoration in St. Louis, and this church is much more restrained in ornamentation compared to industrial magnates’ houses such as the Cupples House.
Wagoner Memorial Methodist Episcopal, Taylor & Gibson 1934
As white flight continued, it became one of many African-American churches.
1934, that’s interesting. A late entry in the Romanesque Revival.
Thank u for sharing. I used to drive by this church when it was viable back in the 1980s. There are other churches too, but as the city de-populates in certain areas, many churches close. The history of St. Louis churches is so rich.
Cornerstone facing Taylor states built late 1800s. Don’t remember exact date.
That makes more sense, and it was already on the Sanborn maps in the early Twentieth Century.
Constructed 1904 per cornerstone. J.H. Lynch, Architect. Also known as the Tower Grove M.E. Church.
http://www.waymarking.com/waymarks/WM4YMD_United_Methodist_Metro_Ministry_Homeless_Center_Family_Services_Former_Wagoner_Memorial_ME_Church_St_Louis_Missouri
Another reference.
https://books.google.com/books?id=A801AQAAMAAJ&pg=SL5-PA4&lpg=SL5-PA4&dq=jh+lynch+architect+saint+louis+mo&source=bl&ots=Z17f7-udS9&sig=Np3MCW6Icb3v4oaVEPdeBbGnUbs&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjUuMDAu9TeAhWGmuAKHTuRCXcQ6AEwC3oECAAQAQ#v=onepage&q=jh%20lynch%20architect%20saint%20louis%20mo&f=false