The Golden Jubilee Booklet, 1898
This rare commemorative program was created for the Golden Jubilee of St. John’s Parish in St. Louis, Missouri, celebrated on November 27–28, 1898. The booklet is uniquely die-cut in the shape of the church itself, with intricate architectural detail embossed on the front cover and tied with its original cord binding.
Inside, the gilt-lettered title page marks fifty years of the parish’s foundation (1848–1898), offering a glimpse into the history of Catholic life in late 19th-century St. Louis. Surviving ephemera from church jubilees of this era is uncommon, making this piece a significant artifact for collectors of religious history, St. Louis memorabilia, and antique ephemera.