wooded hillsides of Missouri's wine country, the
sturdy church of St. Ignatius Loyola sits as a tribute to
the courage of its early founders and to the generous
spirit of generations of families who have called this
parish their spiritual home.
Established in 1837, St. Ignatius has been a place of
continuous growth since its inception, when a hardy
band of Jesuits purchased 40 aces in Concord Hill,
Missouri. The log church, which also served as the
parish school, was built in 1840 and replaced with a
Gothic-style building in 1872 after the original log
church was destroyed by fire. Our present Church
was build in 1930 on the original site of the previous
church. For almost 170 years, St. Ignatius has
ministered to the needs of the faithful, drawing
upon the strength and generosity of its parishioners
to build and nourish the faith.
The present school building was constructed in 1914,
replacing a one-room school that had served all levels
of elementary students. A one-room addition was
added in 1974. Formerly, students were taught by
the School Sisters of Notre Dame, but the present
faculty and administration are made up of lay people
who are dedicated to "teach as Jesus taught." In
2004, the convent previously occupied by the School
Sisters of Notre Dame was adapted for use as a pre-
school.
The church has grown from a one-room log
building that served as both church and school to its
present proportions. Along the way, it has acted as a
center of worship and education for its parishioners,
their children, and all those who came through its
doors seeking Christ.
The individuals and families who make up the parish
of St. Ignatius enjoy a rich tradition of stewardship
handed down to them by ancestors who recognized
that all they had came from God. The present
generation of parishioners continues this legacy of
stewardship, using God's gifts to further the mission
of His Church.
St. Ignatius has always had an important impact,
providing our families with faith-based services that
arise from our common religious beliefs and offering
us the guidance, comfort, and support we need
thoughout the stages of our lives. Today, we - the
community of believers who make up the parish of
St. Ignatius - are uniquely challenged to continue
the proud legacy of those who came before us.
