Basilica of Saint Stanislaus Kostka facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Basilica of Saint Stanislaus Kostka |
|
|---|---|
|
Bazylika Świętego Stanisława Kostki
|
|
The Basilica of Saint Stanislaus Kostka from the northwest
|
|
 Basilica of Saint Stanislaus Kostka
Location in Minnesota
Basilica of Saint Stanislaus Kostka
Location in the United States
|
|
| 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 |
|
Church of St. Stanislaus--Catholic
|
|
| Area | 1 acre (0.40 ha) |
| NRHP reference No. | 84000251 |
| Added to NRHP | November 8, 1984 |
The Basilica of Saint Stanislaus Kostka is a beautiful and historic church located in Winona, Minnesota. It is also known as Saint Stan's by people in the area. This church is a very important part of the city's skyline.
It is a Catholic church that was recognized as a special "Minor Basilica" by Pope Benedict XVI in 2011. This means it has a special connection to the Pope. The church is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which means it's an important historical building.
Contents
A Look Back: The Story of Saint Stanislaus Kostka Parish
The story of Saint Stan's began a long time ago, on April 2, 1871. At that time, many Polish families from a region called Kashubia lived in Winona. They wanted a church where they could worship in their own language and have a pastor from their own background.
So, in 1872, they built a small wooden church. This church quickly became the heart of the Kashubian Polish community in Winona. It was not just a place for religious services, but also a center for their community life.
As Winona grew, more and more Polish families moved to the city. By 1893, the small wooden church was too small for everyone. The community decided they needed a much bigger and grander church. They wanted a building that would show their faith and pride.
Building the Grand Basilica
The design for the new church was created in 1893 and 1894 by a local architecture firm. They designed it in a style often called "Polish Cathedral Style." The old church was taken down in the spring of 1894. While the new church was being built, the church members attended services at a nearby church.
The first stone for the new Basilica was laid on October 28, 1894. Just over a year later, on November 28, 1895, the beautiful new Basilica was officially opened. It cost about $86,000 to build, which was a huge amount of money back then! From the very beginning, its large golden dome stood out in the Winona skyline. It showed how dedicated and hardworking the Kashubian Polish community was.
The inside of the Basilica is just as impressive. It has many beautiful stained glass windows. These windows show different saints and religious stories that were important to the Kashubian Polish people. The words on the windows are in Polish.
Over the years, the church has been updated and improved. In 1920, a large marble altar was added. New furniture, confessionals, and a pipe organ were also installed. Some of the original items from the Basilica, and other churches, can be seen at the nearby Polish Cultural Institute and Museum.
Something exciting happened on June 5, 1966. Lightning struck the Basilica's dome during a big storm! The dome glowed red, and flames burst out from inside. Luckily, after expensive repairs, the Basilica was reopened a few months later.
The outside of the Basilica was cleaned and fixed up again in 1971 for the church's 100th anniversary. From 1991 to 1992, the main dome and towers were covered in metal to protect them. Today, the Basilica can seat about 1085 people.
The church was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984. This was because of its amazing architecture and its importance to the large Polish American community in Minnesota. The official ceremony to recognize it as a Basilica happened on September 9, 2012. During this ceremony, a special bell called a tintinnabulum was rung. This bell is only rung when the Pope visits.
Saint Stanislaus Kostka Parish School
The Saint Stanislaus Kostka School was started in the early 1880s. The first school building was a simple one-room wooden structure. Over time, the school grew. By 1887, it had six rooms and was managed by the School Sisters of Notre Dame. A brick building for the Sisters was built next to the Basilica.
By 1903, almost 700 students were attending the school! This meant a new, bigger school building was needed. A new school was completed in 1905. This building was later taken down in 1966, and a modern school building was built in its place. This modern building is still used today as Saint Stanislaus Elementary School.
See also
In Spanish: Basílica de San Estanislao Kostka para niños
- List of Catholic basilicas
- List of Catholic churches in the United States
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Winona County, Minnesota
