Basilica of Saint Stanislaus Kostka facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Basilica of Saint Stanislaus Kostka |
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Bazylika Świętego Stanisława Kostki
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The Basilica of Saint Stanislaus Kostka from the northwest
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 Basilica of Saint Stanislaus Kostka
Location in Minnesota
Basilica of Saint Stanislaus Kostka
Location in the United States
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| 44°2′49″N 91°37′20″W / 44.04694°N 91.62222°W | |
| Location | 625 E. 4th Street, Winona, Minnesota |
| Country | United States |
| Denomination | Catholic |
| Website | http://ssk-sjn.weconnect.com/ |
| History | |
| Status | Minor basilica |
| Dedication | Stanislaus Kostka |
| Dedicated | November 28, 1895 |
| Past bishop(s) | Jan Romuald Byzewski (1875–1890) |
| Architecture | |
| Architect(s) | Charles G. Maybury & Son |
| Style | Polish Cathedral style |
| Years built | 1894–5 |
| Administration | |
| Diocese | Roman Catholic Diocese of Winona |
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Church of St. Stanislaus--Catholic
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| Area | 1 acre (0.40 ha) |
| NRHP reference No. | 84000251 |
| Added to NRHP | November 8, 1984 |
The Basilica of Saint Stanislaus Kostka (in Polish: Bazylika Świętego Stanisława Kostki) is a very old and important Catholic church in Winona, Minnesota, United States. It's often called Saint Stan's by people in the area. This church is a big part of Winona's skyline.
It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984. Later, on November 10, 2011, Pope Benedict XVI gave it a special title: a Minor Basilica. This means it's a church with special importance, often because of its history or art.
Contents
History of Saint Stan's Parish
The story of Saint Stan's began on April 2, 1871. At that time, many Polish people from a region called Kashubia lived in Winona. They wanted a church where they could worship in their own language. Before this, they went to churches where Mass was in Irish or German.
So, in 1872, they built a small wooden church. It was located at the corner of Fourth and Carimona Streets. This new church quickly became the heart of the Kashubian Polish community in Winona. It was important for both their faith and their community life.
The first long-term pastor was Reverend Joseph Juskiewicz. He was followed by Reverend Alexander Michnowski in 1875. Later that year, Reverend Jan Romuald Byzewski became the pastor. He was also from Kashubia and served until 1890.
Winona grew a lot in the 1880s and 1890s. More Kashubian Poles moved to the city. By 1893, the small church was too crowded. The community decided to build a much bigger and grander church. This new church would hold 1,800 people. It was a big decision that showed their pride and faith.
Building the Basilica of Saint Stanislaus Kostka
The plans for the new Basilica were made in 1893–1894. It was designed by a local company, C.G. Maybury and Son. The style is known as the Polish Cathedral style.
The old wooden church was taken down in the spring of 1894. While the new church was being built, people attended services at a nearby church. The first stone for the new building was laid on October 28, 1894. This was done by the new pastor, Reverend Jakub W.J. Pacholski.
The Basilica was officially opened on Thanksgiving Day, November 28, 1895. Bishop Joseph B. Cotter led the dedication. From the start, the church's large golden dome stood out in Winona. It showed how devoted and hardworking the Kashubian Polish community was. Building it cost $86,000, which was a huge amount of money back then!
Over the years, the inside of the Basilica has changed a lot. It has beautiful stained glass windows. These windows show different saints and special devotions important to Kashubian Poles. The words on the windows are in Polish.
In 1920, a large marble altar was added. New church furniture, confessionals, and a pipe organ were also installed. Reverend Jozef Cieminski, who grew up in the parish, oversaw these changes. He also had the church grounds landscaped. Some of the original items from the Basilica are now at the nearby Polish Cultural Institute and Museum.
On June 5, 1966, lightning struck the Basilica's dome during a storm. The dome turned bright red, and flames came out of the windows. Luckily, after expensive repairs, the Basilica reopened on December 11, 1966.
The outside of the church was cleaned and fixed up again in 1971. This was for the parish's 100th anniversary. From 1991 to 1992, the main dome and towers were covered in metal. Today, after many updates, the Basilica can seat 1,085 people.
The Basilica was recognized in 1984 for its amazing architecture. It showed the strong presence of the Polish American community in Minnesota. On September 9, 2012, a special Mass was held to celebrate the church becoming a Basilica. A special bell, called a tintinnabulum, was rung then. It will only ring again if the Pope visits!
Saint Stanislaus Kostka Parish School
The first Saint Stanislaus Kostka School started in the early 1880s. It was a one-room wooden building. Dominik Hamerski, the church organist, taught the classes.
The school grew to six rooms. In 1887, the School Sisters of Notre Dame took charge of the school. A brick building for the Sisters was built next to the Basilica. By 1903, almost 700 students were in grades one through six. This meant a new, bigger school was needed.
A new school building was finished in 1905, just south of the Basilica. In 1966, this building was taken down. A modern school was built in its place. This newer building is still used by Saint Stanislaus Elementary School today.
See also
- List of Catholic basilicas
- List of Catholic churches in the United States
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Winona County, Minnesota
