Catholics were the first religious group to arrive in St. Louis, coming early with the Spanish and French explorers prior to St. Louis becoming part of the United States. The Catholic church was well established in St. Louis by the time Protestant Americans and others began migrating from the east. Catholic churches usually were established and stayed at one location. If two parishes merged, the church selected a new name. Typically, the new church did not use the name of either of the two old parishes.
To use Catholic records successfully, researchers need to know where their ancestors lived; then locate the closest parish to the residence. Carefully look at the background of the parish, as many were created for and catered to particular ethnic groups. Records that are more recent are in English, but the early documents are probably in the native language of the church. Remember that church records may have referred to your ancestor by a variety of names, including Latin, first and/or middle, initials, etc.
- The Guide to St. Louis Catholic Archdiocesan Parish Records by Christy Hughes
- Census of the early Catholic graveyard, 1776
(Oldest Catholic cemetery in St. Louis; located near what today is the Old Cathedral on the Arch grounds) - Catholic Baptisms, St. Louis, Missouri: 1765–1840
(Approximately 25 MB) Contains all known Catholic baptismal records in the St. Louis area from the time of the city’s founding to 1840 from St. Louis, King of France (the Old Cathedral) close to the Mississippi River in the city, starting in 1774; St. Ferdinand de Florissant, starting in 1794, to the north, and Sts. Mary and Joseph, starting in 1826, in Carondelet, to the south. - Catholic Marriages, St. Louis, Missouri: 1774–1840
(Approximately 20 MB)
These books have been entirely re-indexed by St. Louis Genealogical Society volunteers, so you may want to start with the indexes, located on the pages of the three churches.
Last Modified: 25-Jul-2026 14:17
