FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
- March 2004
For more information contact: Stephen Powell, CEO, Greater Saint Charles Convention & Visitors Bureau, 636-946-7776 or toll free 800-366-2427Carolyn Whetzel, Time Traveler Living History Resources 636-940-8099 Log
Church Attended by Lewis & Clark’s Corps of Discovery members to
be Rebuilt in historic Saint Charles, Missouri In
anticipation of the Lewis & Clark Bicentennial scheduled for May 14th
through May 23rd in historic Saint Charles, members of the St.
Charles community are authentically recreating the church that originally stood
on Main Street over 200 years ago. And they’re inviting the community to take part in this rare, historic event. Construction
on the church is scheduled to begin at the end of March. The work will be done
completely by hand with period tools and in the manner of the 18th century.
Reconstruction is historic as well - this is the first time in 200 years that a
vertical log building has been built in this area. The
church will be located at 401 South Main in Saint Charles, which was its
original location. Some of the men of the Lewis and Clark Expedition attended
mass in 1804 in this church, prior to leaving Saint Charles for parts unknown.
This
church, dedicated by Manuel Perez in 1791 as St. Charles Borromeo, was of a
vertical log poteaux en terre (post in ground) French construction unique to
this area. The reproduction of this building will showcase the distinct
architectural style of the original 18th century village of St.
Charles and will provide a focal point for the Lewis and Clark National
Bicentennial Signature Event May 14th through May 23rd.
St. Charles is the location for one of only 15 National Lewis
& Clark Bicentennial Signature Events in the country. The
reconstruction of the church will be under the direction of Jesse Francis, a
local
preservationist with 20 years experience
restoring and reconstructing 18th century French architecture in the
Mississippi Valley. Plans
for the church are based on an original 1780 vertical log church in the
Mississippi River Valley. Jack
Luer and Laura Johnson are the architects, and are donating the plans.
They represent the Charles E Peterson Institute of Philadelphia.
Mr. Peterson has devoted his life
to the preservation of historical structures. Bax Engineering has donated the
site plans. “This
is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for members of the community to relive a
part of history,” says Carolyn Whetzel, project coordinator.
“What a wonderful way to learn about how our ancestors lived by recreating a bit of their
lives. For
more information about the church or for those interested in participating in
the reconstruction, please contact Carolyn Whetzel, project coordinator, at
636-940-8099. Saint Charles is located on I-70, 10
minutes from St. Louis’ Lambert International Airport, and 25 minutes from
downtown St. Louis. Saint Charles
has an array of accommodations, from bed & breakfasts to quality hotels,
all reasonably priced. The Main
Street Historic District and Frenchtown Historic District are full of shopping
and dining establishments, while nearby wineries and wildlife refuges offer
visitors the chance to enjoy award-winning wines and outstanding vistas. For additional information, contact the Saint Charles Convention & Visitors Bureau at 636-946-7776, 1-800-366-2427, or www.historicstcharles.com . ###
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