The high quality of life in DeSoto was built on a solid foundation of faith over 200 years ago. When those early settlers first came to DeSoto, along with their fierce determination to survive, they brought their strong faith. A variety of denominations have always been represented in DeSoto. The first Baptist, Methodist and Catholic congregations gathered in public halls.

The oldest standing church in DeSoto was started a year or so after the Civil War by Reuben Burroughs. Trinity Episcopal Church was admitted to the Diocese of Missouri May 24, 1871. Stone was the material of choice, since the area is so rich with stone and to this day, the majestic church stands with a cornerstone of July 24, 1871.

The first Catholic Church was completed in 1864 through land gifts from Thomas Fletcher and Louis J. Rankin. Later the present stone church was built and the cornerstone of St. Rose of Lima was laid June 3, 1883.

Hope United Church of Christ with its cornerstone of November 29, 1899, was a merger of The Frieden Evangelical Church and First Congregational Church. This official agreement pre-dated the national merger of the two churches by two years and this church became the first in the state and one of the first in the nation to merge.

During this same time, the First United Methodist Church organized in 1858. Their first church was destroyed by fire in 1898. The current place of worship was built in 1916 using stained glass, brick, and the handsome bell from the Congregational Church, which still calls the people to worship.

Along with these and other stunning historical churches, DeSoto offers new churches of many faiths including Lutheran, Baptist and non-denominational churches. The churches offer all residents the opportunity to worship as they choose. A local Ministerial Alliance has been organized to unite the churches of DeSoto and to work for the common good and provide spiritual direction.

These churches welcome you to worship with them and enjoy the other programs they offer such as: daycare facilities, support groups, inter-faith fellowship programs, study groups, and community meals. The historic churches and the more modern churches of all the many denominations stand ready to renew the Spirit of the residents of DeSoto.

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