This building is the largest church edifice in the Soulard area. This German Catholic parish was founded in 1849 by Rev. Simon Sigrist as a mission from St. Vincent de Paul. The original church was a one-story frame building dating from the founding of the parish. A second church, costing $18,000, was built of brick on the same site in 1854. In 1873, this structure was demolished to make way for the present edifice, which was consecrated on December 12, 1875.

Its highly decorative exterior is constructed of Grafton limestone and is notable for its size. It fronts 83 feet on Eighth Street with a depth of 204 feet. Its stone lacework spire soars well over 200 feet.

The interior is lighted by five stained glass windows and has three altars. Seating capacity is about 3,000. Its cost exceeded $200,000. Its maximum width, across the transepts, is about 90 feet.