The Former Faith-Salem Church
Jennings
St. Louis County
The Faith-Salem Church building at 7348 West Florissant Avenue in St. Louis County was constructed c.1954. It represents a mid-century piece of architecture that has “come of age” in respect to its eligibility for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. Designed by architect Frederick Dunn and fitted with art glass windows from the Emil Frei Studios, this is a pristine example of modern architecture with integrated art glass, much like the Lewis and Clark Branch Library (Missouri’s Most Endangered 2014) by the same two designers, that was recently demolished by the St. Louis County Library Board. Frederick Dunn’s impact on modern architecture in St. Louis is substantial, with works including the soon to be demolished 1950 Edgewood Children’s Center, the headmaster’s residence at Country Day School from 1949, and the headquarters of the National Council of State Garden Clubs from 1961. The property is in fair condition at present, but a large percentage of the exterior is deteriorated, with window frames beginning to rust and exterior detailing in need of renovation. In 2014 Family Dollar Stores met with the City of Jennings to conduct preliminary site design review to determine the feasibility of demolishing the existing building to be replaced with a new pre-engineered retail facility of their own. The City has expressed concern about the proliferation of dollar stores in the area and might consider a zoning change aimed at that concern. It is hoped that by listing here, the owner will pursue a listing on the National Register and delay rezoning efforts to encourage preservation, rather than demolition of this important part of St. Louis County’s mid-century architecture.
The enormous and dramatic stained glass wall of Faith Salem E&R Church in Jennings tells the story of the life of Christ–as sketched out by the pastor, Rev. Kurt Schmiechen, in collaboration with the artist and architect.