Flowers at a Temple in Thailand, photo by MilliGFunk Photography

Immaculate Conception Church, photo by MilliGFunk Photography

I spotted Immaculate Conception Church this week as I headed with a friend toward Louis P. Balducci Vineyards and Winery in Augusta, Missouri. The church sits atop a hill on the south side of Highway 94 in Augusta, and its presence is notable. Built at around the same time as St. Louis was hosting the 1904 World’s Fair, the church is small but stately.

I haven’t been able find much information about the history of the church, but my Catholic friend commented that Immaculate Conception was “very German”, which makes sense, considering that Augusta, Missouri was settled by Germans. A drive through the town reveals German-language engravings on other churches.

My friend and I were lucky that when we stopped at the church to take pictures a church employee was on the property to invite us inside. I didn’t feel comfortable taking photos in the sanctuary, but here’s another St. Louis-area blogger who has posted interior photos on his site.

Immaculate Conception Church is located at 5912 S. Highway 94 in August, MO.  As far as I can tell, the church does not have a website, but you can reach the church by calling (636) 482-4455. If historic small town churches inspire you, I’d definitely recommend taking a drive down Highway 94 so that you can enjoy Immaculate Conception’s beautiful architecture and lovely hilltop setting.

Stained Glass Cross, photo by MilliGFunk Photography

Each time I drive through Coffman, Missouri to visit Crown Valley Winery, Chaumette Winery, or Charleville Winery, I pass a small white frame church that sits on a humble little Ste. Genevieve County hill. There’s not been a time that I’ve driven past this church that I haven’t noted its eerie demeanor; it’s a seemingly lonely building overlooking a really lovely landscape. The church’s grounds are kept immaculate, and it appears to be an active church, with masses held at 10 a.m. each Sunday and at 7 p.m. on holidays.

I’ve always wanted to photograph the church, but I’d never had my camera with me on a day when I had the time to stop and take pictures. A few weeks ago, I was alone with my camera in tow, batteries fully charged. As the day came to a close, I found myself parked in the church driveway snapping photos.

I hope I’ve captured this church the way that I see it; as ghostly, chaste, and disconnected. A building from another time, whose place has changed dramatically in the years since Coffman became “Crown Country”. This perspective is in no way a criticism – to the contrary, I think this old church is a beautiful symbol of simpler, purer times.

For more posts about Missouri churches or for more writing about Ste. Genevieve County, Missouri, use the search bar to the left.

St. Catherine of Alexandria Catholic Church, photo by MilliGFunk Photography

Yellow Glass, photo by MilliGFunk Photography

I made my way to the Bonne Terre library, which was completed and presented to the community in January of 1905.

Bonne Terre Library, photo by MilliGFunk

I could easily have spent my entire afternoon in the geneology and history room, reading through the dozens of reference book on local history. For all my reading, though, I still haven’t found a concrete explanation for the bell at the First Baptist Church.

Here’s one of my favorite pictures from my trip to Bonne Terre today. This is of the Bonne Terre Depot, erected in 1909.

Bonne Terre Depot, photo by MilliGFunk

Other Bonne Terre Posts:

Memorial Tree

Marvin Chapel United Methodist Church

Bonne Terre, Missouri

Mooner’s Hollow Trail (St. Francois State Park)