History

Founded in 1903, Sunshine Ministries is the oldest shelter in St. Louis! Although the mission started as a soup kitchen, it soon began to offer overnight housing for the homeless.

The First Sunshine Ministries Mission

Sunshine Ministries was founded in 1903
as the St. Louis City Rescue Mission
     We celebrated our 100th Anniversary in 2003 by publishing a special newsletter with stories and pictures from Sunshine’s early years.
     Click here to read the 100th Anniversary newsletter in full. You’ll learn about . . .
     ...the founder of Sunshine Ministries,
     ... the obstacles the new ministry faced in 1903,
     ...the volunteers and St. Louis businessmen who helped start the mission,
     ... the previous locations of the mission including some major landmarks,
     ...and much, much more!
Edward Daddy Card

Edward "Daddy" Card
Founder of Sunshine Ministries